More than 1,000 people have died due to alcohol in Scotland in every single year but one over the past two decades, leading to calls for alcohol harm to be given the same focus as drugs deaths.

Figures released this week show that 1,245 people died from alcohol related conditions in Scotland in 2021, a 5% increase from 2020 and the highest recorded level since 2008.

The CEO of Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs is calling for investment and service improvement to match that given to drugs deaths.

Justina Murray said:

“With today’s announcement of another devastating death toll through alcohol, it is time to recognise that alcohol is harming our families and communities just as much as drugs in Scotland.

“Alcohol harm is just as life-threatening. Families are living every day with the fear and trauma that their loved one may die through alcohol. Yet we are not seeing anything like the level of investment and service improvement that we need to reduce the risk of harm and death.”

A national mission to tackle rising drug deaths was announced in January last year, supported by £250m over the course of this parliament.

A series of initiatives have been set up as part of this, including the introduction of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards, naloxone training for public sector workers and an increase in residential treatment beds.

Scottish Families says the pandemic has led to an increase in alcohol consumption but reduced access to treatment, support and care.

The charity run a project, ‘Holding On’, which offer intensive support to families concerned about their loved one’s substance use, with a particular focus around drugs.

Death due to alcohol is more likely to occur in the most deprived areas of Scotland compared to the least deprived areas, according to statistics released this week.

The average age for deaths due to alcohol is 58 years old for females and 59 years old for males, and two thirds of those who died were male according to the statistics.

The Scottish government says it is working alongside the UK government and other devolved administrations to revise clinical guidelines for alcohol treatment, which are expected to be published for consultation later this year.

A report by 10 leading Scottish charities published last year shows the 2018 introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) led to 10% fewer alcohol-specific deaths the following year. The group recommend the government uprateMUP to at least 65p per unit to increase its impact.

Dr Rebecca Lawrence, co-chair of the Addictions Faculty, Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, said:

“These latest statistics are truly alarming and may only be the tip of the iceberg.

“Working on the frontline, we know alcohol-related hospital admissions remain high and the pandemic has only exacerbated the problem.

“Minimum Unit Pricing has a good evidence base but should be part of a range of measures. It’s positive that pricing is currently being looked at again as those who are dependent, continue to drink.

“What we need now is more hospital and community addiction services, to fully support people to move forward with their recovery.

“It’s key that we give this issue the same focus and importance as the drug deaths crisis and address Scotland’s cultural relationship with alcohol.”

 

Read more: Stigma hampers rural alcohol support; Alcohol & drug engagement too often tick-box exercise; Alcohol brain damage care a human rights concern;

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