Enforced alcohol abstinence: does it reduce reoffending?

About the talk

This talk explores the effectiveness of court-enforced alcohol interventions in reducing reoffending among individuals whose crimes were linked to alcohol use. Drawing on over 1 million records from probation and magistrates’ court datasets, the study evaluates the impact of Alcohol Abstinence Monitoring Requirements (AAMR) and Alcohol Treatment Requirements (ATR). Findings suggest that enforced abstinence may lower the likelihood of reoffending, while treatment requirements show no significant effect. The session will reflect on the implications for justice policy, rehabilitation, and the future of alcohol-related sentencing.

Meet the presenter

Dr Carly Lightowlers

Dr Carly Lightowlers is a Reader in Criminology with expertise in alcohol-related offending, violence, and the criminal justice system’s response to intoxication—particularly in sentencing. Her research spans quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches, with a focus on analysing secondary and criminal justice data.

She recently completed an ADRUK fellowship using court and probation data and is currently undertaking a British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship exploring the cultural politics of intoxication and sentencing, using court observation methods.

Prior to joining the University of Liverpool in 2017, Dr Lightowlers held roles as an Alcohol Researcher and Senior Lecturer in Criminal Justice at Liverpool John Moores University, and as a Fellow in Policing Data Analytics at the University of Leeds. She has also worked with the Home Office and Ministry of Justice, most recently through her ADRUK Data First Fellowship.

Dr Lightowlers serves on the Editorial Board of Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy and is an Associate Editor for Criminology.

Learn more about the series

Each year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) organises a collection of online research events called the Research Excellence Series. The series showcases exceptional research projects that use a diverse wealth of invaluable research data. These data are used by researchers to produce new insights, inform change and make a difference in people’s lives.

Research Excellence Series 2025 will delve into the story of a unique research project. From inception to methodology, dissemination and impact. These sessions will be hosted by an eclectic range of speakers from across the research community.

This year’s series will include the winners from the ONS Research Excellence Awards 2024.

The events will take place through Microsoft Teams. They will also be recorded and available to watch later.

Getting in touch

For more information about this event, please visit the ONS SRS website, or email srs.engagement.team@ons.gov.uk.

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