Recent statistics have highlighted a concerning rise in alcohol-related deaths in Scotland, with 2023 witnessing 1,277 fatalities, as reported by the National Records of Scotland. This represents a slight increase, with two-thirds of the deceased being men, underscoring significant gender disparities. The Salvation Army has responded by urging for more targeted support to tackle alcohol addiction, stressing the critical need for accessible services for those struggling with dependency.

Dr Hannah Carver, from the Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research, emphasised the serious health risks linked to heavy drinking and the urgent need for support services that are available when most needed.

Many current services are limited, often closing during weekends and evenings, as revealed in the charity’s “Breaking the Cycle” report, which found that 80% of Scottish drug and alcohol support services are unavailable on weekends. This limitation creates a gap in care, particularly affecting those with mental health needs who may face additional barriers to accessing treatment.

Lee Ball, the Salvation Army’s director of addiction services, highlighted that these figures mirror recent data on drug-related deaths and pointed to the necessity for collaboration among the Scottish Government, local authorities, and health providers to establish a comprehensive support network. He stressed that “specialist services available outside regular hours could be lifesaving,” advocating that no one should be denied help due to mental health conditions exacerbated by alcohol use.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto stated, “The Scottish government is determined to do all it can to reduce alcohol-related harm and we continue to treat it as an equal priority with drugs as a public health emergency”. See more

Lee Ball further emphasised, “Substance use as a way of coping is not a lifestyle choice, it’s a last resort for many people trying to escape the reality of unbearable pain and trauma”. See more

The data also exposed stark regional disparities, with Scotland’s most deprived areas, including Inverclyde, Glasgow City, North Lanarkshire, and Dundee, experiencing death rates 4.5 times higher than elsewhere. Phillipa Haxton, Head of Vital Events Statistics, noted a steady increase in mortality rates since 2012, particularly among those aged 45-74, while deaths among younger populations have remained more stable. As Scotland continues to hold the highest alcohol-specific death rate in the UK, the call for enhanced, accessible support services becomes ever more pressing.

The increase in alcohol-related deaths in Scotland shows how important it is to do more to support people with addiction. We need better services that reach everyone and help prevent these deaths from happening.

Source: Premier Christian