The latest figures from National Records of Scotland (NRS) show 1,276 people died from conditions caused by alcohol in 2022. This was 31 (2%) more than in 2021, which was the highest number since 2008.
Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, said:
“The crushing news that the number of people who lost their lives to alcohol in Scotland has risen again is a grave reminder that we are in the midst of a public health crisis with alcohol. Each of one of the 1,276 deaths was entirely preventable and presents a tragic loss for the loved ones and communities left behind.
“Policy makers have the tools available to reduce the levels of alcohol harm on society, they just need the political will and leadership to match. While we have seen encouraging activity in recent years with the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing, without which the loss of life would have been greater, more needs to be done.
“Urgent action to improve access, quality and outcomes of treatment is essential. But evidence-based prevention policies such as the continuation of Minimum Unit Pricing, adequate alcohol duty and restrictions on marketing are also required if we are to protect children, families and communities from the increasingly devastating harms caused by alcohol.”
