Deaths from alcohol in England at record high

The data suggests a significant increase in deaths due to alcohol in England over the last four years.

In 2023, more than 8,200 individuals lost their lives as a direct result of alcohol, marking a 42% surge compared to 2019, with the North East bearing the highest death rates.

According to the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol, as done in Scotland, could potentially reduce alcohol consumption.

The government deems it unacceptable that alcohol-related deaths have reached record levels and vows to prioritize public health in the forthcoming 10-year NHS plan for England.

During the pandemic, alcohol-related deaths surged across the UK. While heavier drinkers increased their alcohol intake, some, including moderate drinkers, reduced or stopped altogether.

The closure of pubs led many people to purchase alcohol from stores and consume it at home.

Subsequently, alcohol-related deaths have continued to rise in England, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years. The majority of these deaths are among men dying prematurely, before the age of 75, from alcohol-induced liver diseases.

Research by the Institute of Alcohol Studies indicates that individuals aged 55-74 are now the heaviest drinkers, potentially contributing to current trends.

Another factor could be the current cost-of-living crisis, prompting increased alcohol consumption among those facing rising expenses.

According to Colin Angus, an addictions expert from the University of Sheffield, economic hardships can lead to both decreased and increased alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism for stress.

The Alcohol Health Alliance, representing 60 organizations aimed at mitigating harm caused by alcohol, notes that alcohol-related deaths have far-reaching impacts on society, placing strain on the economy and health services.

Heavy drinking not only shortens lives but also disrupts families, leaving children to grapple with grief and trauma.

The alliance anticipates further increases in alcohol-related deaths, imposing a greater burden on healthcare systems and society.

Prof Sir Ian Gilmore, the alliance’s chairman, emphasizes the necessity of decisive action to curb preventable deaths due to alcohol. He calls for concerted efforts across government agencies to address this public health crisis effectively.

In Scotland, where rates of alcohol-specific deaths have historically been higher, there were 1,277 alcohol-related deaths in 2023, the same as the previous year.

The alliance credits the success of minimum unit pricing on alcohol in Scotland, implemented in 2018, in reducing alcohol-related harm.

Recent months have seen a rise in the minimum unit cost of alcohol in Scotland from 50p to 65p, ensuring that no alcoholic beverage can be sold below this price.

Critics of minimum pricing argue that serious drinkers may continue their alcohol consumption while cutting back on other expenses. They contend that it unfairly impacts responsible drinkers, particularly those with low incomes.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges a historic reluctance to address issues like alcohol harm, smoking, and obesity.

The government pledges to shift the NHS’s focus from treating sickness to preventing it in its upcoming 10-year health plan, emphasizing the need for public health measures to promote longevity and well-being.

Amy Dickson, 46, from Reigate in Surrey, lost her dad Steve in September 2020.

She described him as an alcoholic throughout her life, but his addiction worsened, leading to a rapid deterioration in his health.

Ms. Dickson, a trustee for Nacoa, a charity for children of alcoholics, noted the impact of lockdown on her father’s struggle with addiction.

She highlighted the challenges faced by many individuals during that time with limited distractions.

Despite surviving until the age of 68, his death was attributed to various alcohol-related conditions, mirroring the difficulties he faced.

Ms. Dickson advocated for acknowledging alcoholism as a contributing factor to prevent future deaths.

She believed that increasing awareness of addiction and mental health issues could lead to more accurate reporting of alcoholism-related deaths.

Ms. Dickson emphasized the urgent need for improved access to support services for individuals battling alcoholism to avert tragic outcomes.

“Obtaining help is extremely challenging,” she remarked. “Rehabilitation services are diminishing, and mental health services are struggling.”