Alcohol kills 989 people in just one year

ALCOHOL led to more than 10,000 deaths across the UK in the space of just a year, startling new statistics have today revealed.

The annual death toll is now at a record high following a significant rise in the tragedies since the pandemic, according to latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data from 2022.

Locally, 989 ‘alcohol-specific deaths’ – where their fatal health condition was a direct consequence of drinking – were recorded in the West Midlands for the 12 month period; a mortality rate of 17.3 per 100,000.

A total of 651 males and 338 females died as a result of conditions ranging from alcoholic gastritis and alcoholic liver disease, to accidental poisoning and intentional self-poisoning.

Five years ago significantly less people were dying as a result of alcohol, with the ONS recording a 671 alcoholspecific deaths; almost a third less than in 2022.

Such deaths began rising across the UK in 2020 – the year the pandemic began, with people forced into lockdowns and isolation. In that year, alcohol was behind the deaths of 895 West Midlands people, including 606 males and 289 females. In 2021, as the lockdowns continued, the region registered a similar number, with 897 alcohol tragedies; 596 men and 301 women.

The ONS urged anyone suffering with alcohol misuse to seek help. A spokesman said: “If you are struggling with alcohol, please consider visiting Get Help Now on the Alcohol Change UK website or contact other sources of support, such as those listed on the NHS alcohol support web page. “Help is available if you are concerned for yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend.”

Help is available if you are concerned for yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend. ONS spokesman