10 September 2024
Today (Tuesday, 10 September), the National Records of Scotland published its annual report on alcohol-specific deaths. The report finds that:
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There were 1,277 alcohol-specific deaths registered in Scotland in 2023, an increase of one death from 2022.
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This is the highest number of alcohol-specific deaths registered in a year since 2008.
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Alcohol-specific deaths were 4.5 times as high in the most deprived areas of Scotland compared to the least deprived areas in 2023. This compares to a ratio of 1.8 times for all causes of death. This ratio has decreased over time.
Statement from WithYou
Louise Stewart, Director of Service Delivery at WithYou, says: “The Scottish Government must pursue alcohol-specific deaths with much greater urgency, determination and innovation.
“Minimum unit pricing is often held up as an example of forward-thinking policy-making because we were the first country in the world to introduce this measure. But it could and should work much harder.
“Currently, the funds raised go to retailers and the alcohol industry itself. This revenue could make a real difference if it was instead directed towards improving and increasing the availability of alcohol support services - because these services will ultimately help to save lives.
“To demonstrate its commitment to reducing alcohol-specific deaths, we believe that the Scottish Government should update, resource and reinforce treatment standards that ensure people receive a choice of treatment, as well as access to support and harm reduction measures, wherever they are in Scotland.
“To anyone who is worried about their drinking or that of a loved one, please get in touch. As well as delivering services in communities, WithYou offers a free and confidential webchat. This is a great first point of contact for anyone who is worried about their alcohol use or that of a loved one. Visit wearewithyou.org.uk today.”
Graeme's story
Graeme, 36, lives in Glasgow. He started drinking heavily when his ‘granda’ died 10 years ago. His family tried to help him, but at that time Graeme didn’t think he had a problem.
He says: “As soon as I had a drink in me, I didn't care about anything else. I didn't care about my family. I didn't care about my friends. I didn't care about my health. I didn’t care about anything.
“If I didn't drink, I would have the shakes. I would hallucinate, severe stomach pain, constipation, headaches, dizziness, vomiting.”
Graeme explains that his grandad, who had always been his hero, had stopped drinking after he developed pancreatitis. At the age of 34, Graeme was shocked to receive the same diagnosis.
He continues: “My mum and my granny always told me, you’ll end up with this, you’ll end up with that. I was like, ‘Cool, I don't really care’. But I did care once I got it, believe me, it was the worst pain of my life.”
Graeme approached WithYou for support in June 2024 and has been abstinent from alcohol since May.
He says: ““I’d lost myself as a person. I didn't know who I was. I had suicidal ideations every day. Sometimes I used to get annoyed when I woke up in the morning.
“It was not a nice place. The world was dark. Now I see the sun's brighter, the grass is greener, the birds cheep a wee bit louder, and things are just a lot better.
“I never ever thought that I would be able to stop because I had always had this feeling that I was leaving something behind, when in reality, I was actually going to gain something much more valuable than what I'd ever had. But the life I had, it wasn't a life, it was an existence.
“I've got more friends now than I've ever had, because when I was drinking I didn't have friends, I had acquaintances, I had drinking buddies. Whereas now I've got actual meaningful friendships with people that just want the best for you.”