In this episode we talk to Prof Katie Witkiewitz about non-abstinent recovery and the role of drinking reductions in reducing alcohol-related harm. We discuss this from both a public health perspective, and the role of abstinence or drinking reduction goals in the context of treatment and recovery.

Professor Katie Witkiewitz is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology and the Director of the Center on Alcohol, Substance use, And Addictions at the University of New Mexico. Professor Witkiewitz is also a licensed clinical psychologist and has worked extensively on the development, evaluation, and implementation of mindfulness-based treatments for substance use disorder. She serves on the United States National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and on the Board of Scientific Counselors for the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Professor Witkiewitz is Editor of Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, and serves on the editorial boards of Substance Use and Misuse, Alcohol and Alcoholism, Annual Reviews: Clinical Psychology, and Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science. Her research has been supported by multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health, totaling over $90 million in research funding since 2004. She has authored 6 books and over 300 peer-reviewed publications, and has given over 100 presentations and invited talks.

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In this episode Jem Roberts, Communications Manager at the Institute of Alcohol Studies, interviews our host Dr James Morris. The episode was originally produced by the Institute of Alcohol Studies.

They discuss how the model of alcoholism evolved and led to beliefs about alcohol problems being heavily focused on the severe end of the spectrum. Dr Morris discusses how despite helping many people in their recovery, an alcoholism model carries some costs for public health objectives, particularly in terms of broader groups of people with alcohol use disorder.

This issue is addressed in further detail in an open access journal article available here:

(Mis)understanding alcohol use disorder: Making the case for a public health first approach

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In this episode we discuss alcohol treatment with two highly experienced practitioners, Dr Luke Mitcheson and Dr Mike Kelleher. We cover key components of effective treatment, mental health and other important issues, and other important issues such as the importance of the individual in leading their recovery.

Dr Luke Mitcheson is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust and Clinical Advisor to the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. He has worked in mental health and drug and alcohol treatment services since 1993 and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust since 1998. He is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Accredited Therapist with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists.

Dr Michael Kelleher is a consultant addictions psychiatrist at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. He trained in addiction psychiatry at the Maudsley hospital and Institute of Psychiatry in London and is a Clinical Advisor to the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.

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