An alcohol support service says Ayrshire’s Covid pandemic drinking death figures are ‘extremely concerning’.
Ayrshire Council on Alcohol (ACA) fears coronavirus restrictions led to worrying trends with lockdown boozing now taking its toll on the region’s health.
It believes the closure of pubs led to more at-home drinking which changed behaviours and increased the amount of alcohol consumed to dangerous levels.
The latest grim data on alcohol-specific deaths shows 91 people died in 2021 in Ayrshire – an increase of four on the previous set of statistics.
ACA, which is based in Ayr, helps people concerned about their alcohol consumption by providing counselling and support to them and their families.
Service manager Kerry McGee told Ayrshire Live: “I’m not surprised with the figures and I would attribute that to a change in drinking patterns during lockdown.
“We’ve noticed people who wouldn’t normally develop a drink problem now have.
“People became a lot more socially isolated during the pandemic for numerous reasons. People were put on furlough or lost their jobs.
“That had a huge impact on people’s mental and emotional health, their stress and anxiety levels.
“To sometimes deal with the symptoms of isolation, loneliness and depression, people will self-medicate.
“Then you have things like people working from home and not having to get up as early to drive to work. It is insidious in its nature, it creeps up on people.
“People will also tend to drink more at home because it is easier at home, it is hidden out of the way, you don’t need to worry about taxis back, your bed is right next to you."
Kerry is worried the death figures are now going to continue to climb with the impact of the pandemic becoming clear.
East Ayrshire has the highest increase of deaths from 2020 to 2021 with the latest figures showing that 30 people died, a rise of seven.
Referrals to ACA in East Ayrshire have also rocketed by 111 per cent.
South Ayrshire has shown an increase of four, with 24 alcohol-specific deaths recorded.
However, despite the increase, referrals to the service have dipped by five per cent.
Earlier this year, Ayrshire Live told how two South Ayrshire families lost a loved one just days apart at the start of 2022.
Dad Frederick George Jenkins, known as George, died at 31 after falling into a coma caused by liver failure on January 5.
And mum Lorna Fisher died on New Year's Eve, aged 41.
Kerry said: “It is a hugely sad situation that these deaths keep happening, every one of them is a tragedy and a huge loss.
“In terms of our service we need to raise our profile.
“We need to reach out to those who need help.
“When they come here they can access free confidential support, advice and counselling, daytime and evening.
“We can do Zoom calls, telephone calls or offer support online.
“We also offer support to family and loved ones that are affected by someone’s drinking.”
Despite death figures increasing, ACA says its own data shows signs of encouragement.
In South Ayrshire, 78 per cent of people who attend have reported an improvement in their drinking and situation.
And in East Ayrshire, 96 per cent of people who attended the service reported an improvement of their drinking and their situation.
Kerry added: “There figures show recovery is possible and you can make positive changes.
“We have to keep encouraging people to take a step back and think about their choices and we can prevent more deaths.”
If you or anyone you know is concerned about alcohol, you can contact ACA on (01292) 281238.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
