Alcohol Statistics ‘Show Scale Of Challenge’

A compendium of statistics has been published together with new data on hospital alcohol-related discharges and alcohol-related deaths. Latest statistics demonstrate the massive health and social cost of alcohol misuse in Scotland and illustrate why doing nothing is not an option, Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald said.

• Between 2001/02 and 2005/06, the number of people discharged from hospital with alcohol-related injuries or illnesses rose from 35,445 to 39,061, an increase of 10 per cent
• There were 2,372 deaths in Scotland in 2005 where alcohol was either the cause or a contributing factor, an increase of 15 per cent since 2001

Mr Macdonald said: “Although most of these statistics have been previously published, they underline once more the extent of Scotland’s alcohol problem. That is why we are taking action to change harmful drinking attitudes and behaviours and improve health. But the solution does not lie solely with Government. We must all take personal responsibility for our own drinking habits.

“We are continuing to run national campaigns to start to change harmful drinking cultures and we have allocated an additional £10 million this year for alcohol services to ensure that more people get access to appropriate help.

“We have introduced a Licensing Act that includes tough action to deal with irresponsible drinks promotions and underage drinking and are piloting a test-purchasing scheme to clamp down on those establishments which sell alcohol to under-age children. And new powers in our antisocial behaviour legislation are helping the police and other agencies deal with alcohol-related crime and disorder.

“We will shortly publish an updated Plan for Action on alcohol problems which will set out a wide range of further action to build a Scotland where alcohol is treated more appropriately. We are pleased that the alcohol industry is also working with us to develop a partnership approach to reducing alcohol harm.”