Alcohol deaths down 3% as gap between richest and poorest increases
The figures showed a drop of 33 deaths from the previous year.
The total number of alcohol deaths in Scotland has dropped by 3%, new figures show, but the gap between the richest and poorest has increased.
Figures released by National Records of Scotland (NRS) on Tuesday showed 1,152 alcohol specific deaths recorded in 2025, down from 1,185 the previous year.
But the gap between the richest and poorest increased during that period, with the rate of death for those living in the least affluent areas sitting at 40.2 per 100,000, compared to just 8.3 for their more well off counterparts, a gap of 31.9.
The previous year, 40 people per 100,000 of the most deprived died, compared to 8.3 of the richest, a gap of 31.2.
The decrease was driven by a drop of 43 deaths in men, despite an increase of 10 female deaths in 2025.
Dr Maria Casserly, the chairwoman of the addictions faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, said the reduction was “positive”, but warned against complacency.
“Alcohol-related harm remains one of Scotland’s most pressing public health challenges. Scotland continues to have some of the highest rates of alcohol-specific deaths in the UK, and these figures underline the urgent need for sustained action on prevention, treatment and long-term support.
“Alcohol-specific deaths remain unacceptably high and continue to disproportionately affect people living in our most deprived communities.
“These deaths are tragic, but they’re only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the wider impact of significant alcohol-related harm in Scotland.
“This harm is felt across society, affecting individuals, families and communities, while placing increasing pressure on emergency departments and general hospitals, as well as specialist alcohol services.
“To build on the progress, made, we need specialist alcohol services to be available and accessible to people with alcohol problems in all hospitals in Scotland.
“This will ensure that the tens of thousands of alcohol-related admissions to general hospitals can be used as opportunities for intervention and change.”
Dr Alastair MacGilchrist, chairman of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, said the figures only deal with conditions directly caused by alcohol, missing out other issues caused by drinking.
He added: “The true toll on Scotland’s health is far greater and preventing alcohol harm must be treated as a priority across the whole health service.”
Carolyn Lochhead, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, accused the Government’s response of not matching the rhetoric.
She said: “The recent alcohol and drug strategy commits to improving treatment and services, which is vital.
“But to make real change, we need to give equal priority to preventing people from needing these services in the first place: and that means Government action to make alcohol less central in our society.
“We want to see that happen as part of a comprehensive prevention plan, with action to keep controlling alcohol prices, restrict advertising and reform the licensing system.”
Speaking during a visit to a hospital in Fife, alcohol and drugs minister Maree Todd expressed her condolences to those who lost a loved one and admitted the Government “must do more” as she announced plans to embed “alcohol care teams” in hospitals.
“My heartfelt condolences go to all those who have lost a loved one through alcohol.
“Despite this small decrease, the number of deaths remains far too high and we must continue to do all we can to reduce them.
“The Scottish Government and its partners are making progress in tackling alcohol harms, but we must do more.
“That’s why we are providing record levels of funding of over £160 million this year for alcohol and drugs programmes, widening access to treatment and residential services, and improving pathways through detox, crisis care and stabilisation.
“We want everyone who needs help to have access to high-quality, joined-up support and our long-term joint strategic plan puts renewed emphasis on prevention and early intervention, while expanding treatment standards to include alcohol.
“That is why we will shortly publish a new alcohol harm prevention plan.”
She added: “Today I am pleased we are delivering on our Programme for Government commitment to pilot new alcohol care teams in hospitals.
“Backed initially by £164,000 of Scottish Government funding, and £328,000 next year, the Fife pilot will provide intensive support for people beyond hospital and into the community – strengthening links between services and helping us build the evidence needed to improve alcohol care across Scotland.
“If successful, our intention is to roll this out in other communities around the country.
“In addition to treatment and support, we are building on the positive impacts of our Minimum Unit Pricing policy which Public Health Scotland estimated in the years it was evaluated has saved hundreds of lives.”