Nick Heather

Born and still officially named Brian Heather, in an interview for the Journal Addiction he explained after his birth his father remarked he looked like "old Nick" due to thick black hair.

[6] Heather had a number of books published which present evidence and theories that intend to disprove the notion that alcoholism exists as a disease.

Heather was also instrumental in establishing the New Directions in the Study of Alcohol Group (NDSAG) in the 1970s, which allowed those working in the addictions field to come together to discuss and challenge notions such as the disease model.

Although some literature credits the early development of brief intervention to the United States, its true origins go back to the Scottish Highlands through work by Heather and colleagues.

In part, brief interventions came about because of difficulties recruiting dependent drinkers for studies meant he and colleagues sought other participants out through primary care.

Heather collaborated with the Scottish Health Education Group to produce a screening and intervention pack for general practitioners called DRAMS (Drinking Responsibly and Moderately with Self-control).