The number of alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland has reached a 15-year high, the latest official figures show. There were 1,277 deaths from conditions wholly caused by alcohol recorded in 2023, compared to 1,276 the year before, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data reveals. There were 10,473 alcohol-specific deaths in the UK overall in 2023, a rate of 15.9 per 100,000 – another record high for the country.

Scotland continues to have one of the highest rates of alcohol deaths in the UK along with Northern Ireland – 22.6 per 100,000 people and 18.5 per 100,000 respectively. David Mais, of the social care and health division of the ONS, said: “Today’s results show 10,473 alcohol-specific deaths were registered in the UK in 2023. “This is an increase of 4.2% compared to 2022 and continues the upward trend we have seen since 2018.

“However, rates decreased for the first time since 2020 for people aged between 25 and 59 years.”. Laura Mahon, deputy chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: “These latest alcohol death figures add to an appalling series of announcements over the past few years, which have been worsening since the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrating that Scotland and the rest of the UK is firmly in the grip of an alcohol health emergency.

“The truth is that a majority of these deaths, mostly caused by liver disease, come as a result of people drinking heavily over the course of many years – with one in five Scots drinking at a level which could be harmful to their health, including increasing their risk of liver disease and cancer. “Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic exacerbated drinking patterns and we saw those who were already drinking heavily increase their consumption.

“Alcohol remains at the centre of cultural and social life in Scotland, a position which the alcohol industry works hard to maintain by spending huge amounts of money on advertising and sponsorship to normalise drinking and influence our consumption habits. “The industry seeks to keep people in the dark about the health harms of alcohol by failing to provide us with the clear information we need to be able to make informed choices about our health.

“But we don’t have to go on accepting the status quo. The Scottish and UK governments have the power to legislate to shield the public, especially children, young people and other vulnerable groups from corporate influence by restricting advertising; empower people to make informed decisions on their health by forcing the industry to provide us with clear health information on alcohol products; and challenge the central position of alcohol in our lives by reducing its availability.

“For those experiencing the most serious alcohol problems, we need to see greater and faster access to the treatment and support they need. “That’s why we’ve been joining partners again recently in calling for the Scottish Government to bring forward a comprehensive and credible plan that will genuinely tackle Scotland’s ongoing alcohol emergency.”. The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.