Reach out for help if you need support
Responding to the figures that most alcohol-specific deaths were of people in their 50s and 60s – with the average age being 59.9 for men and 57.4 for women – was Andrew Horne, the executive director of services in Scotland at drug, alcohol and mental health charity With You.
He said:“With You remains concerned and saddened by the drastic increase in the numbers of lives lost due to problems with alcohol.
“Our thoughts are with the thousands of people who have lost a loved one in the past year.
“We know too many people who are dependent on alcohol aren’t accessing any kind of support and these statistics show the impact this can have, especially in a country with such a heavy drinking culture as Scotland.
“While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact reasons behind the rise, our frontline services have seen how the social isolation and anxiety of living through a pandemic has led to an increase in potentially harmful drinking.
“We also know that people also drink as a reaction to things going on in their lives, and is often a way of dealing with mental health issues such as coping with past trauma.
“This picture is particularly acute for older adults, with people aged between 55 and 64 years old most likely to die of alcohol-related causes.
“We know that people aged over 50 are most likely to reach out to a service that’s specifically aimed at them. That’s why we recently launched a dedicated helpline to provide alcohol-related advice and support to this group.
“To anyone 50 or over who’s concerned about their drinking, give us a call for free on 0808 8010750.
“You’ll speak confidentially to someone who understands what you’re going through and can support you to make healthier choices that will benefit all parts of your life.
“Seeking support with your drinking can take different forms, either as part of a support group or individually. Our services are warm, non-judgemental spaces and focus on people’s full wellbeing, not just their drinking.
“Anyone concerned about their drinking can benefit from support, you don’t have to have hit rock bottom.”