Episode 7 - Marc Buchanan

Call our local number 01603 513 091
Request Call Back

Call our local number 01603 513 091
Request Call Back
Call our local number 01603 513 091
Request Call Back

"Small Changes, Big Impact" | Listen UP Episode 7 - Marc Buchanan

In Listen UP Episode 7, Alcohol Focus Scotland’s Marc Buchanan shares a simple, stackable approach to reducing alcohol harm in Scotland, highlighting how pricing, outlet density, and marketing limits work together, and why personal routines still matter.

Marc unveils a combined‑measures insight that transforms fragile early days into a steadier, lower‑risk rhythm:

  • Pair policies with habits: plan your shop, route, and time; remove surprises, remove urges
  • Use structure: morning check‑ins, planned meals, and a set bedtime cut evening cravings
  • Cut exposure: choose shops and times with fewer alcohol displays to reduce cue‑reactivity
  • Swap routes: avoid alcohol aisles and end‑caps; pick click‑and‑collect to stay out of trigger zones

...and shares field‑tested tactics from recovery groups across Scotland throughout.

Show Links

More Listen UP

Episode 21 – Gerry Knotts

"If You Persist, Remarkable Things Will Happen..." | Listen UP Episode [More...]

Episode 21 – Gerry Knotts
Episode 20 – Aidan Martin

"Seeing The Life In People's Eyes Come Back..." | Listen UP [More...]

Episode 20 – Aidan Martin
Episode 19 – Mark Dempster

The "Please Help..." That Started 30 Years Of Recovery  | Listen [More...]

Episode 19 – Mark Dempster
Episode 18 – James Docherty

"I Was Tortured With Loneliness..."  | Listen UP Episode 18 - [More...]

Episode 18 – James Docherty
Episode 17 – Allan Houston

"It Was Terrifying... And The Best Thing I've Ever Done..." | Listen [More...]

Episode 17 – Allan Houston
Episode 16 – Tracey McFall

Connection, Hope, And A Door That’s Open... | Listen UP Episode [More...]

Episode 16 – Tracey McFall
Episode 15 – In Cahootz

"We Are Not Defined By Addiction..." | Listen UP Episode 15 [More...]

Episode 15 – In Cahootz
Episode 14 – Kirsten Horsburgh

It's About Enabling...Hope | Listen UP Episode 14 - Kirsten Horsburgh [More...]

Episode 14 – Kirsten Horsburgh
Episode 13 – May Riddell

"It's Scary... But It's Doable..." | Listen UP Episode 13 - [More...]

Episode 13 – May Riddell
Episode 12 – Eddie Gorman

"I've Never Been So Proud Of You Son..." | Listen UP [More...]

Episode 12 – Eddie Gorman
Episode 11 – Andy McLaren

"It Was The First Time I'd Been Honest" | Listen UP [More...]

Episode 11 – Andy McLaren
Episode 10 – Clarke Carlisle

"Talk To Somebody... The Right Somebody." | Listen UP Episode 10 [More...]

Episode 10 – Clarke Carlisle
Abbeycare Pricing Bot

About the author

Eddie Clarke

In recovery personally, Eddie is the Outreach and Aftercare Manager for Abbeycare Group. Eddie also hosts our podcast, Listen UP.

Day to day, Eddie oversees our aftercare programme, and the assertive outreach and family teams in Abbeycare.

Each year, Eddie spearheads our annual Recovery Gathering, celebrating the achievements of Abbeycare graduates in person.

Last Updated: April 8, 2026