There has been a small rise in deaths caused by alcohol, new official statistics reveal.
The figures, published by National Records of Scotland, found that there were 1,276 alcohol-specific deaths registered in Scotland in 2022 – an increase of 2% on 2021. Female deaths rose by 31 to 440, with male deaths unchanged at 836, the data shows.
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham said: “We will address the unique challenges women face when accessing treatment, support and recovery, including stigma, while recognising that men still remain at the highest risk of death. We are also working to ensure that people continue to receive the same quality of care as those with problematic drug use. We are supporting a review and update to clinical guidelines for alcohol treatment which will introduce new approaches in a broad range of settings including hospitals. This will help ensure anyone with problematic alcohol use receives the right treatment at the right time.
“This is in addition to wider activity – including our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) policy. Recent research estimated it has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions each year – and also contributed to reducing health inequalities. The research found the largest reductions in deaths and hospital admissions wholly attributable to alcohol consumption were seen in men and those living in the 40% most deprived areas.”
