I have been invited to speak at the New Directions in the Study of Alcohol conference being held in Weston-super-Mare, UK. The New Directions in the Study of Alcohol Group is concerned with the use and abuse of alcohol in society, and the treatment of people with alcohol-related problems. Its aim is to promote a better understanding of these topics. The Group is mainly a forum for debate; where anybody concerned with helping people with drinking problems is encouraged to exchange ideas, share results and learn about new developments in the field. It comprises of the leading researchers in alcohol studies in the UK. The four day event is planned for May 2017.