Could no and low-alcohol products help risky drinkers cut down?

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-02-10 03:00

Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD

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No and low-alcohol products could play a role in helping people reduce their alcohol consumption, but they're unlikely to be used by risky drinkers who are drinking specifically to get drunk, according to Australian and international research. The team surveyed over 30,000 people about their use of 'NoLo' products -  drinks including beer, wine and spirits that are either essentially alcohol free or lower than 1.2% ABV - as part of a wider global drug survey. The researchers say over half the survey participants had tried a NoLo product in the past year, with older, wealthier people who also drink alcohol products more likely to have tried a NoLo beverage. The researchers say some high risk drinkers believed NoLo drinks could help them to drink less and avoid embarrassing themselves, however some higher risk drinkers who had never tried a NoLo product said they drank specifically to get drunk, and saw no benefit to a NoLo product.