Rise in alcohol deaths

66 people lost their life due to alcohol in the Forth Valley last year.

New data shows the number of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland is at its highest level since 2008.

1,277 people died due to alcohol across Scotland in 2023.

That's an increase of one death from 2022. 

18 people died in Clackmannanshire, 31 lost their life in Falkirk, and 17 deaths in Stirling were recorded as alcohol-related.

Phillipa Haxton, Head of Vital Events Statistics at National Records of Scotland, said:

“The rate of alcohol-specific deaths peaked in 2006 and then fell until 2012. Since then it has generally risen.

“Those aged 45-64 and 65-74 continue to have the highest mortality rates. If we look at the average age at death, that has risen over time. The mortality rates for those aged 65 to 74, and 75 and over, were at their highest since we began recording these figures in 1994. As the same time for age 25-44 the mortality rate has been fairly stable over the last decade.”

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said:

“My sympathy goes out to all those who have lost a loved one through alcohol. The Scottish Government is determined to do all it can to reduce alcohol-related harm and we continue to treat it as an equal priority with drugs as a public health emergency.

“Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to tackling health inequalities. The forthcoming price increase to 65p per unit which takes account of inflation, was selected as we seek to continue and increase the positive effects of the policy.

“We are also taking a wide range of other measures including investing in alcohol treatment services, such as the innovative Managed Alcohol Programme pilot in Glasgow and continuing to engage with stakeholders on reducing children and young people’s exposure to alcohol marketing.

“We have provided a record £112 million to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADP) for treatment and support this year. We are also making £100 million available for investment in residential rehabilitation and have provided ADPs with £5 million a year until 2025-26 to increase access to detox facilities along with a new Additional Placement fund which targets ADPs facing the greatest demand.”