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Alcohol Related Deaths in the UK

The number of alcohol related deaths in the UK increased again in 2006, according to figures released recently.

The Office for National Statistics said that there were 13.4 alcohol related deaths per 100,000 people in 2006 - up from 12.9 in 2005.

The number of alcohol related deaths has now almost doubled from 6.9 deaths per 100,000 people in 1991.

“The link between alcohol misuse and ill health is well established,” said Alcohol Concern spokesman Frank Soodeen. “It appears that for certain younger people who’ve been drinking heavily for most of their lives, the consequences are beginning to show themselves at ever earlier stages.

“It is vital that the government finally starts investing more in alcohol treatment to help problem drinkers address these issues before the situation becomes irretrievable.”

The new statistics show that alcohol is increasingly responsible for the deaths of young people. Amongst men aged 35-54, deaths have more than doubled since 1991, from 13.4 to 31.1 deaths per 100,000.

The survey also showed that men were more likely than women to suffer alcohol related deaths. The mortality rate in men (18.3/100,000) was more than twice the rate of females (8.8/100,000).

The death rate for women aged 35-­54 still doubled between 1991 and 2006 though - from 7.2 to 14.8 per 100,000.

The government is now launching a £10m campaign to increase public awareness of the dangers of alcohol. Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said it was also reviewing the price and promotion of alcohol.

“We know we’re not going to change people's attitudes to alcohol overnight – it’s going to take time,” she said. “But it’s reassuring to see that figures, published earlier this week, suggest alcohol consumption is no longer on the rise.”

However, a leading liver doctor said that alcohol was too cheap, and that more must be done to change the UK’s drinking culture.

“There is terrific pressure in society for people to drink. Those that don’t drink are considered to be freaks and abnormal,” said Dr Christopher Record.

“But the main reason why we are drinking more is alcohol is too cheap. Alcohol now is 50% less expensive that it was 25 years ago and, needless to say, consumption has gone up by 50% pro rata.”