Substance Use

The Substance Use research group aims to understand the social context of substance use and develop interventions to reduce harm.

In line with Glasgow Caledonian University’s mission to serve the Common Good and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we seek to improve good health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities and contribute to gender equality. Our research aims to improve the health of disadvantaged groups (for example, heavy drinkers living in deprived areas, older drinkers, people who inject drugs, and families affected by substance use).

Another major focus is understanding men's and women’s relationships with alcohol across the life course, highlighting the increase in alcohol marketing aimed at women (via the #dontpinkmydrink social media campaign) and exploring how we can improve alcohol services for LGBTQ+ people. We have received funding from ESRC, NIHR, CSO, SHAAP, Alcohol Research UK and the Big Lottery.

The Substance Use group works closely with the third sector (for example, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, Alcohol Focus Scotland, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, Institute for Alcohol Studies) engages with practitioners, policymakers, and the public through blogs and social media (@SubMisuseGcu has over 3,900 followers), media coverage, invitations to contribute to expert groups, and presenting at public events and the Scottish Parliament.

Read about our #dontpinkmydrink social media campaign which highlights stereotypical and cynical marketing of alcohol to women.