ALCOHOL deaths in Scotland have reached a 15-year high, according to the latest annual figures.
A total of 1277 deaths were attributed to alcohol-specific causes in 2023, an increase of one death from 2022 and the highest number since 2008, according to the latest figures from the National Records of Scotland (NRS).
Figures show alcohol-specific deaths were four and a half times as high in the most deprived areas of Scotland compared to the least deprived areas in 2023.
Areas such as Inverclyde, Glasgow City, North Lanarkshire, and Dundee City saw deaths above the Scottish average.
Men accounted for around two thirds of the deaths, an increase of 25 to 861 , while deaths of women decreased by 24 to to 416.
The mortality rate for those aged 65 and over has reached the highest level since the National Records of Scotland began recording the data in 1994.
The youngest age group to record any deaths related to alcohol was 20-24. This age group had two deaths in 2023.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto has commented on the latest annual figures stating that the Scottish Government has invested in a “wide range” of alcohol treatments and preventative measures.
She said: “My sympathy goes out to all those who have lost a loved one through alcohol. The Scottish Government is determined to do all it can to reduce alcohol-related harm and we continue to treat it as an equal priority with drugs as a public health emergency.
“Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to tackling health inequalities. The forthcoming price increase to 65p per unit which takes account of inflation, was selected as we seek to continue and increase the positive effects of the policy.
“We are also taking a wide range of other measures including investing in alcohol treatment services, such as the innovative Managed Alcohol Programme pilot in Glasgow and continuing to engage with stakeholders on reducing children and young people’s exposure to alcohol marketing.
“We have provided a record £112 million to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADP) for treatment and support this year. We are also making £100 million available for investment in residential rehabilitation and have provided ADPs with £5 million a year until 2025-26 to increase access to detox facilities along with a new Additional Placement fund which targets ADPs facing the greatest demand.”
Alcohol deaths have risen across Britain with post-Covid figures showing the entire UK recorded its highest number on record in 2022.
Scotland had a slower rise than the rest of the UK but remains the worst-affected country for alcohol-specific deaths.
