LEADING public health experts have raised the alarm after “catastrophic” rise in deaths caused by drinking – and are now calling for urgent action for the government to address the “alarming trend”.
Deaths caused “solely by alcohol have increased by a catastrophic 42 per cent since 2019”, the Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) wrote in a open letter.
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“Such a devastating rise in death rate has never been seen before,” it added.
Members of the Alliance – which is made up of medical royal colleges, charities, treatment providers and academics – penned a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting to highlight the devastating toll of alcohol on Brits and England’s healthcare system.
Some 8,274 people in England lost their lives to alcohol in 2023, the AHA said – but this is just the “tip of the iceberg” as there will have been many more deaths where alcohol was a contributing factor.
The true toll is likely three times higher, it stated.
The letter also underlined how “health inequalities” affect death rates across the country, as alcohol mortality rates in the North East were more than twice as high than those in London.
Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Chair of the AHA, said: “These new statistics are a stark reminder of the devastating impact alcohol takes on our society, not just in lives lost but in the shattered families and communities left behind.
“Each of the 8,274 deaths in 2023 represents a life cut tragically short – a loved one whose absence leaves a void that can never be filled.
“Alcohol-related harm does not occur in isolation. It ripples through families, often leaving children to bear the brunt of grief and trauma.
“The devastating rise in alcohol deaths should serve as an alarm for the new government to act with urgency.”
The letter also noted that there are almost 950,000 hospital admissions in England each year are related to alcohol – accounting for 6 per cent of all hospitalisations.
“Not only is alcohol linked to seven types of cancer and cardiovascular disease, it also plays a significant role in poor mental health,” authors said.
The medical experts demanded England have a minimum unit pricing (MUP) scheme similar to Scotland’s, which saw the minimum price per unit of alcohol increase to 65p.
They said: “Evidence from Scotland has clearly demonstrated how policies such MUP have saved lives, while inaction across the border has led English deaths to spiral.”
The authors conclude: “Left unchecked, the alcohol harm crisis will only escalate further, placing an ever-greater burden on our healthcare system, economy and society.
“We know what works, and now is the time to act.”
Signs you have a problem with alcohol
The AHA’s stark warning comes as many Brits flock to holiday festivities – many of which involve alcohol.
While Christmas parties and boozy dinners might give you license to indulge in drink, it’s worth paying attention to a few key signs that may indicate you have a problem with alcohol.
1. Your loved ones are concerned
The first people to notice changes in your behaviour will often be your loved ones or people you’re close to.
Do you find people are commenting on how much alcohol you’re downing?
If family, friends and other people close to you are expressing concerns about your intake, it could be a warning sign you’re developing a drinking problem, according to addiction specialists at the Priory Group.
2. You’re self-medicating with booze
Do you turn to booze to cheer yourself up or dampen feelings of stress?
It might seem like a good idea in the moment, but in the long term alcohol can make you feel worse.
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it can make your mood fouler when its initial effects wear off.
If you find yourself reaching for alcohol whenever you feel low, this is another potential warning sign of problem drinking.
3. You’re secretive about your drinking
If you’ve ever found yourself lying or covering up your alcohol intake when you’re around friends and family, you probably know yourself that you’ve been drinking too much, the Priory Group warns.
Secrecy can manifest in the form of words as well as actions.
Making sure to hide cans and bottles from loved ones is another red flag.
4. It’s taking a toll on work or home life
If your drinking is leaching into your professional life or damaging relationships with friends and family, this is a major red flag that you might need to seek help for your habit.
This could mean you’re getting increasingly later for work or it your drinking is causing you to row with your partner.
If you continue to feel the need to drink despite these issues, this is a key sign of alcohol problems.
5. You can’t cut down
Feeling unable to cut down on your drinking – even if you think you’re doing it too much – this might be another indicator of a drinking problem.
6. You’re drinking alone
Have you heard the adage ‘never drink alone’?
A sip of booze can be a great way to ease yourself into a social event and a small amount can even help you relax on a night at home alone.
But it potentially becomes an issue when you find yourself drinking heavily alone or not as part of a social event.
7. Drink is the centre of your world
Do you find yourself always suggesting social activities that involve booze?
Do you crave a drink as soon as you wake up?
If you find it difficult to function in the morning, or socialise with friends without drinking, it can be a sign that you have a drinking problem.
How to cut back on drinking
If you’re concerned about your drinking, a good first step is to see a GP
They’ll be able to give advice and support on how to manage your drinking habits and cut back safely.
This might involve counselling, medicines or detox services.
Being dependent on alcohol means you feel you’re not able to function without it and means stopping drinking can causes physical withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating or nausea.
If you have these symptoms when you don’t drink, it could be dangerous to stop drinking too quickly without proper support.
There are many charities and support groups you can join or speak to, as well as helplines:
Tips to quit
When you’re ready to stop, the following tips and techniques can make it that little bit easier.
- Tell family and friends that you’re aiming to stop drinking alcohol and explain why – reminding yourself and the people close to you why you want to stop drinking can help keep you on track, and may even encourage someone else to give up or cut down with you.
- Identify triggers avoid avoid situations where you may be tempted to drink, at least in the early stages – from after work pub quizzes to boozy dinners.
- Keep busy in the times you’d usually drink by trying something new – get active or meet a friend at the cinema.
- Reward yourself as you make progress and don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up every once in a while – it can be helpful to give yourself short-term goals.
- Notice how your body feels without booze – you might find that you have more energy, are sleeping better or have lost weight.
Source: Drinkaware
