News

No room for complacency despite alcohol death decrease

Today National Records of Scotland have reported that the number of alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland fell by 7% in 2024.

There were 1,185 alcohol-specific deaths registered in 2024, 92 fewer than in 2023. This is the lowest annual figure since 2019.

Alarmingly, these numbers represent only the tip of the iceberg. Today’s figures do not include other deaths due to alcohol-related accidents, suicides, or illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease. When we include these, it is likely that more than two times as many of our fellow Scots, friends and family members have lost their lives to alcohol.

Alcohol Focus Scotland says whilst the news of the drop is welcome, there is no room for complacency as deaths still remain appallingly high and more than double the level of 30 years ago.

Alison Douglas, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said, “Despite the welcome drop in deaths from alcohol reported today there is no room for complacency, they still remain appallingly high and more than double the level of 30 years ago. Yet action taken so far hasn’t matched the scale of this crisis. The Scottish Government must do better.

“Too often, these deaths are framed solely as the result of addiction. This narrow focus overlooks a much wider reality. Not everyone who dies because of alcohol is dependent or addicted, and many don’t see their drinking as a problem. Yet, prolonged heavy drinking can cause serious harm, such as liver disease, without any obvious warning.

“The Scottish Government must show leadership and commit the investment that is desperately needed. To save lives now, we need urgent action to identify alcohol-related liver problems earlier. Alcohol Focus Scotland, alongside more than 70 other organisations, is calling for liver scans to be expanded in community settings, giving people the chance to access life-saving treatment before the damage becomes irreversible.

“But treatment alone isn’t enough. The problems we face are aggravated by constant messages that alcohol is essential to our lives. We need to challenge this narrative, and adopt well-evidenced, cost-effective prevention measures, such as reducing the easy availability of alcohol and restricting alcohol marketing, as part of a robust, long-term strategy.

“Every one of the 1,185 was a person with a life, and friends and family left behind. I and everyone at Alcohol Focus Scotland send our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of those who lost their lives too soon.”