Drinking themselves to death

Lockdown has led to an increase in problem drinking

DEATHS caused by alcohol have risen to a record high during the pandemic. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that there were 5,460 deaths related to alcohol-specific causes between January and September 2020. That’s an increase of 16.4% compared to the same period of 2019, and is the highest figure seen since the data was first published in 2001. When comparing January to March alone, the increase in the rate of deaths was statistically similar to those seen in previous years. However, rates in April to June and July to September were significantly higher than those seen in any other year. The ONS has said that the reasons behind the increase are complex, and it will take time before the impact the pandemic has had on deaths caused by alcohol is fully understood. Julie Breslin, head of the Drink Wise, Age Well programme at drug, alcohol and mental health charity With You (We Are With You) said: “We know that around four out of five dependent drinkers aren’t accessing any kind of support. “Sadly, these statistics show the impact of what happens when the majority of people with an issue with alcohol aren’t accessing treatment or support, especially in a country with such a heavy drinking culture as the UK. “Our thoughts are with all those affected. “While it’s hard to pin-point the exact reasons behind the rise, frontline services have seen how the social isolation and anxiety of living through a pandemic has led to an increase in potentially harmful drinking. “At the same time people are understandably concerned about placing extra strain on health services at the current time, with many struggling alone.” Alcohol-specific deaths include those from health conditions that are a direct consequence of alcohol misuse, most of which are chronic (longer-term) conditions such as alcoholic liver disease. It is therefore likely that the increase in the number of these deaths is linked to people with a previous history of alcohol misuse or dependency. Men are more than twice as likely to die from alcohol-specific causes as women, although the rate has increased for both. Meanwhile, rates of death caused by alcohol have always been highest for people aged 50 to 69, and the group also saw a significant increase in deaths between July and September. With You say that many over 50s are unable to see their loved ones or friends, and are drinking more as a way to cope with increased loneliness, isolation and anxiety. Their research showed that at the end of last year more than one in two over 50s were drinking at a level that could cause health problems now or in the future, with nearly one in four classed as high risk or possibly dependent.

To help tackle this, the charity has recently launched a dedicated helpline to provide alcoholrelated advice and support to this group. Anyone 50 or over who’s concerned about their drinking can call them for free on 0808 8010750 to speak confidentially to someone who understands what you’re going through.