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Alcohol-related deaths in Scotland have historically been higher compared to other parts of the United Kingdom and many other countries, and Scotland has faced significant challenges related to alcohol misuse and its associated health consequences.
Factors such as cultural attitudes toward alcohol, accessibility, and economic issues have all contributed to this problem.
Find out how high alcohol deaths are in Scotland and what is being done to tackle the issue here.
How Many Alcohol-Related Deaths Were Recorded in Scotland?
Scotland currently has a problem with alcohol and drug abuse which is resulting in a large number of alcohol-related deaths, particularly in the 45 and over age range. The rate of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland has been steadily increasing over the past 20 years and is a public health crisis that is proving to be difficult to solve.
There were 1,276 alcohol-specific deaths registered in Scotland in 2022, an increase of 2% (31 deaths) in 2021. This includes health problems such as heart attacks and strokes, alcohol-related dementia, liver disease and more.
The rate of mortality for alcohol-specific deaths was 22.9 deaths per 100,000 people in 2022, highlighting the scale of the problem in Scotland. Male deaths account for more than two thirds of alcohol deaths in Scotland.
Alcohol-related deaths account for more deaths than drugs, which is a common misconception. Although drugs can cause overdoses and health issues, alcohol is not considered to be as much of a threat to health as it is socially acceptable to consume, even in large quantities.
Why Are Alcohol Deaths in Scotland High?
The high number of alcohol-related health problems in Scotland is a key reason why the death rate is so high.
Several factors that contribute to the high alcohol-related death rate in Scotland include:
Cultural Attitudes: Scotland has a long-standing culture of alcohol consumption, with drinking often playing a significant role in social gatherings, celebrations and sports events. High levels of alcohol consumption or binge drinking can lead to health problems such as kidney and liver failure which can be detrimental to your health.
Socioeconomic Factors: Socioeconomic inequalities play a role, as individuals in lower-income areas may be more susceptible to alcohol misuse. These individuals may have fewer resources and face more stressors, which can lead to increased alcohol consumption.
Areas in Scotland with the greatest average of alcohol deaths were reported in the Western Isles, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and Lanarkshire regions.
Health Consequences: Prolonged heavy drinking can result in various health issues, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, cancer, alcohol-related dementia, and mental health disorders. These health consequences can ultimately lead to alcohol-related deaths which is why the high rate of alcohol addiction in Scotland correlates with the high number of alcohol deaths.
Binge Drinking: Scotland has a higher prevalence of binge drinking, which is associated with a greater risk of accidents, injuries, and long-term health problems than other areas of the UK. Binge drinking and alcohol misuse can cause deaths, which is why it is so risky to drink in high volumes.
Lack of Awareness: Some individuals may not be fully aware of the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption or may underestimate their own alcohol intake. Drinking weekly may not seem dangerous, but over time it can damage your body and health.
Are Alcohol Deaths in Scotland Being Tackled?
Reducing alcohol deaths in Scotland is difficult as alcohol use is so prevalent in the area. Efforts have been made to address this issue through various policies, including stricter alcohol pricing (minimum unit pricing) and public health campaigns aimed at reducing excessive alcohol consumption.
The MUP scheme requires a minimum charge of 50p to be added to every unit of alcohol in an attempt to curb the number of alcohol deaths.
Steps have been taken to try to reduce alcohol-related harm as well as treatment in an attempt to tackle alcohol deaths in Scotland. The Managed Alcohol Programme (MAP) pilot in Glasgow provides people experiencing homelessness and long-standing alcohol dependency with a regular dose of alcohol in an accommodation-based project.
Despite attempts to improve the alcohol death rate, alcohol abuse remains an ongoing public health concern in Scotland, particularly in areas such as Glasgow, and continued efforts are needed to reduce alcohol-related deaths and improve overall public health outcomes.
Addiction Treatment Options in Scotland
Alcohol addiction is a leading cause of alcohol-related deaths, as the disease can cause a number of long-term health problems such as cancers, alcohol-related dementia, heart and liver disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure and more.
The best way to avoid alcohol deaths is by reducing alcohol consumption, especially for people who struggle with binge drinking or alcohol abuse. In Scotland, there are a number of treatment options for people who require it.
The first option is outpatient treatment services such as Alcoholics Anonymous which operates throughout Scotland. By stopping alcohol consumption early and seeking help, long-term health problems that cause alcohol-related deaths are less likely to develop.
Another common form of alcohol addiction treatment is private rehab, such as our centre at Nova Recovery. Alcohol detox and therapies are provided to treat alcohol addiction, and medical supervision is provided throughout to avoid physical dangers.
For alcohol rehab and to learn more about our services, phone today on 01475 303998 or fill out our contact form.
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John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: January 19, 2024
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.