Understanding barriers and enablers to the use of alcohol-free and low-alcohol products

Interest in promoting alcohol‑free and low‑alcohol (NoLo) products as harm‑reduction tools has grown and is reflected in recent policy such as the NHS 10‑Year Health Plan. Evidence shows NoLos can help some people moderate their drinking, yet uptake appears higher among those with greater socio‑economic advantage in the general population. As NoLo products become more widely available, mapping attitudes and contextual acceptability among different groups can guide more targeted messaging and support strategies. 

In our research we have explored the following topics in relation to NoLo:

• Drinking motives and socioeconomic factors and harm reduction potential of NoLos for mid-life women

• Barriers to the use of NoLo products in high-risk drinkers

• Effects of brand-matched alcoholic and alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks adverts on drink selection

• Contextual use of NoLo products

• Impact of alcohol strength on attitudes and decisions concerning special occasion drinking during pregnancy