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Urgent measures needed from Scottish Government to prevent further deaths from alcohol say leading organisations

Figures released today by the National Records of Scotland show that in 2025 1,152 people died from alcohol-specific causes marking 13th consecutive year deaths caused by alcohol have remained above 1000. 

In response to the figures, leading alcohol organisations have joined forces to set out the urgent measures needed from the Scottish Government to prevent further deaths from alcohol, while reminding anyone affected by an alcohol problem that help is available.    

Carolyn Lochhead, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said: “It’s good news that the number of alcohol-specific deaths fell in 2025. But every one of these 1,152 deaths represents a person whose loss has devastated their loved ones. And alcohol-specific deaths are still more than double the level seen thirty years ago: even though every alcohol death is preventable.  

“The Scottish Government has rightly described the situation as a public health emergency, but we’re yet to see a response matching the scale and urgency required. The recent alcohol and drug strategy commits to improving treatment and services, which is vital. But to make real change, we need to give equal priority to preventing people from needing these services in the first place: and that means government action to make alcohol less central in our society. We want to see that happen as part of a comprehensive prevention plan, with action to keep controlling alcohol prices, restrict advertising and reform the licensing system.” 

Louise Stewart, Director for Scotland at WithYou, said: “Every one of these deaths could have been prevented with the right help at the right time. Yet most people struggling with alcohol never reach support, and many go years without it. Alcohol is such a normal part of life in Scotland that it can be hard to see when drinking has become a problem, and stigma makes it harder still to speak up. We must do everything we can so people feel able to come forward without fear of being judged. 

“That needs real urgency. The commitment to trial alcohol care teams in hospitals is welcome. But we need them now in every major hospital, alongside access to detox wherever someone lives. The earlier we reach people, the more lives we can save.” 

Linda Percy, 56, from Ayr, started drinking at 14 and didn’t stop until her early 50s. After getting support from WithYou, she now works as a peer recovery worker for RecoveryAyr, based in the same WithYou office where she was once a client, supporting others through their own recovery.

She said her story shows change is possible, however long you’ve been drinking.

“Throughout my life, my alcohol levels increased. I would always drink myself to oblivion, to blackouts, but I didn’t really know I had a problem. I was always looking for an excuse to drink more. 

When I was referred to WithYou, the key worker I was given had lived experience, and he spoke to me in a way I could connect with. He didn’t hide the fact he’d lived it too, and that really helped me trust him. 

“Life’s good now. I’m so lucky that people could see in me what I couldn’t see in myself. I’d been that wee broken lassie all my life. Now I’ve found hope, and it’s never too late to ask for help.” 

Dr Alastair MacGilchrist OBE, SHAAP Chair said: “These figures are only part of the picture. They count only deaths caused wholly by alcohol. They leave out the many cancers, strokes and heart conditions that alcohol also contributes to. The true toll on Scotland’s health is far greater, and preventing alcohol harm must be treated as a priority across the whole health service.” 

Laura Mahon, CEO of Scottish Families, said:“Today’s figures are a reminder of the heavy price that Scotland continues to pay for alcohol harm. Every one of these deaths is a person who should still be here, and a family left to cope with an unimaginable loss. 

“For too many families, the years leading up to an alcohol-related death are marked by fear, stress, and repeated attempts to get help. Families carry enormous responsibility, trying to keep loved ones safe and alive while navigating systems that are often brittle, inconsistent, and difficult to access. When the worst happens, many are then left facing grief and trauma with little or no support. Specialist bereavement support must be recognised as an essential part of Scotland’s response to alcohol harm. 

“Every family deserves access to compassionate, specialist support for as long as they need it. If we are serious about reducing alcohol harm, we must also recognise that its impact extends far beyond the individual and affects families long before, and long after, a death occurs.”