Poorest six times more likely to die from alcohol, figures show

People in Scotland’s most deprived areas are six times more likely to die from alcohol than the most well-off, new figures show.

Statistics released by Public Health Scotland (PHS) on Tuesday standardised the rate of alcohol deaths which can be wholly attributed to alcohol in Scotland, finding the figure for the entirety of the country was 22.6 per 100,000 of the population in 2023.

However, when the level of deprivation was studied, it showed a wide difference between the two.

In Scotland’s most deprived 10% of areas, the rate was 54.4 per 100,000 of the population, compared to just nine in the most well-off areas.

The PHS report found the inequalities to be stark.

The agency also found Scots adults who report themselves to be drinkers continue to consume more than the safe level of alcohol every week.

According to the figures, those who drink consume 21.6 units of alcohol per week, 50% higher than the recommended 14 units.

In total, the amount of alcohol sold across Scotland was the equivalent of nine litres per adult per year.

While it was the lowest on record, the figure was still one whole litre above that seen in England and Wales.

Dr Tara Shivaji, a consultant in public health medicine at PHS, raised the alarm following the statistics, warning the amount of alcohol harm could rise by one fifth in the next two decades.

“Today’s updates add to the evidence base that as a population, Scotland is consuming too much alcohol,” she said.

“If current drinking patterns continue, we project a 21% increase in alcohol-related disease burden by 2043 compared to 2019 levels.

“This means thousands more individuals and families facing the devastating impacts of alcohol-related ill-health such as liver disease, heart disease, stroke and cancer.”

She added: “This isn’t inevitable.

“With urgent, collective and evidence-based action to tackle harmful alcohol use, we can change Scotland’s path.

“We need to take steps to implement the preventative measures outlined in the Population Health Framework.

“This means addressing the availability, affordability, and attractiveness of alcohol, as well as providing early intervention and support for people experiencing problems. But that work must start now.”

Scottish Tory drug and alcohol spokeswoman Annie Wells hit out at the Government’s minimum unit pricing (MUP) policy.

“Despite the SNP’s flagship minimum unit pricing policy, far too many Scots are drinking above safe limits and people in the most deprived areas are suffering the most,” she said.

“We repeatedly said that MUP was a blunt instrument to tackle a complex problem.

“Rather than accepting this, the nationalists hit responsible drinkers even harder and some suffering from alcohol addiction are skipping meals to buy more drink.”

Alison Douglas, the chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said the figures were “deeply concerning”, describing the need for a new alcohol strategy as “vital”.

“While minimum unit pricing has helped lower consumption, alcohol-related deaths in 2023 hit a 15-year high, underscoring the urgent need for bold action,” she said.

“As always, it’s people in our poorest communities who suffer the most, being six times more likely to die than those in our most affluent communities.

“The Scottish Government must prioritise earlier detection and treatment of liver disease alongside improved access to treatment, to help those already experiencing alcohol harm.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Scottish Government is working to reduce alcohol-related harm and deaths.

“Our world-leading MUP policy and the decision to uprate the unit price to 65 pence per unit is a key part of our approach to tackling alcohol harm.

“We want every person experiencing harm from alcohol use to be able access the support they need. That is why we have allocated £112 million to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships for treatment and support services.

“The forthcoming UK Clinical Guidelines for Alcohol Treatment are anticipated to further support the improvement of alcohol treatment in Scotland.

“In addition, the recently published Population Health Framework sets out a 10-year plan for population health, including addressing the harms caused by alcohol.”