The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released concerning data revealing a substantial rise in alcohol-related deaths in the United Kingdom. In 2022, the number of alcohol-specific deaths reached 10,048, marking a significant increase from the 7,500 deaths recorded in 2019. This surge has prompted experts and organizations to call for immediate action to tackle the issue of alcohol-related harm in the country.
The ONS data indicates that the increase in alcohol-related deaths has exacerbated regional disparities, with Scotland and the North East of England experiencing significantly higher rates compared to London and the South East. In Scotland, there were 1,276 alcohol-specific deaths in 2022, equating to 22.6 deaths per 100,000 people. The North East of England had 576 deaths, or 21.5 deaths per 100,000 people.
In contrast, London recorded 837 alcohol-specific deaths, or 9.4 deaths per 100,000 people, representing the lowest rate among UK regions. The term “alcohol-specific deaths” refers to instances where alcohol consumption directly leads to a fatal health condition, such as alcoholic liver disease. It is important to note that this data does not encompass all deaths attributable to alcohol use.
Lancaster emerged as the local authority with the highest rate of alcohol-specific deaths in England and Wales, with 43 deaths in 2022, translating to 29.8 deaths per 100,000 people. South Tyneside and Chorley followed closely behind, with rates of 29.6 and 27.8 deaths per 100,000 people, respectively.
Responding to the concerning findings, Dr. Richard Piper, Chief Executive of Alcohol Change UK, emphasized the need for the government to assume greater responsibility for alcohol safety. He stated, “Each one of those deaths is a tragedy, representing a person who has had their life cut short and has left behind people who are grieving and miss them every day. We send our deepest sympathies to all those families and friends who have lost a loved one.”
Dr. Piper further highlighted the consequences of years of inaction on alcohol harm, emphasizing that these deaths were preventable. He called for the implementation of preventative measures, including stricter regulation of alcohol marketing, clearer alcohol labeling, and a minimum price for alcohol units, as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve public health and save lives.
Lancaster MP Cat Smith also expressed concern over the issue, stating, “Alcohol harm affects individuals, families and our communities. We have seen years of inaction on addressing these harms and these statistics are sadly a consequence of that.”
The data revealed that the 20 local authority areas with the highest rates of alcohol-specific deaths in 2022 were:
1. Lancaster: 29.8 per 100,000 residents
2. South Tyneside: 29.6
3. Chorley: 27.8
4. Derby: 24.3
5. Blackpool: 24
6. Sefton: 23.8
7. Sunderland: 23.8
8. Darlington: 23.8
9. Middlesbrough: 23.6
10. Wyre Forest: 23.5
11. Bury: 23.1
12. Great Yarmouth: 23
13. Torbay: 22.9
14. Fylde: 22.9
15. North Tyneside: 22.8
16. North Warwickshire: 22.7
17. Caerphilly / Caerffili: 22.7
18. Torfaen / Tor-faen: 22.6
19. Nuneaton and Bedworth: 22.1
20. Chesterfield: 22.1
The concerning rise in alcohol-related deaths in the United Kingdom underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and effective interventions to address this public health crisis. By implementing evidence-based strategies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the government, healthcare professionals, and community organizations can work together to reduce alcohol harm and promote healthier outcomes for individuals and communities throughout the country.
