North East among England’s highest for alcohol-related deaths
Figures published today (Wednesday, Feb 11) by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the North East has the second highest rate of alcohol-related deaths in England for both men and women.
And while death rates in recent years have stabilised, twice as many North Easterners are suffering an alcohol-related death than 20 years ago.
Tragically, many of those deaths occur in young, working age people. Nationally, 43% of males and 41% of females who die from alcohol-related causes are below the age of 55.
Colin Shevills, Director of Balance, the North East Alcohol Office, said: “It’s especially saddening that so many people in England die from alcohol-related causes before they have reached the age of 55. Not only does this bring untold heartbreak for families, it has knock-on implications for the economy.
“While this latest data is shocking enough, these statistics are also a relatively conservative estimate, with the true figure likely to be higher. Recent figures from Public Health England indicate that nationally around 21,000 people die annually from alcohol-related causes, significantly higher than these ONS estimates.
“It’s no coincidence that as death rates rise, cheap alcohol has continued to be more accessible. Alcohol in the UK is now 61% more affordable than it was in 1980, but the costs to our health and the wider economy are rising.
“To save lives, we must make alcohol less affordable. People are dying because alcohol is far too cheap, it’s available at all hours of the day and night and it’s far too heavily promoted. Today’s ONS statistics are further evidence that a minimum unit price for alcohol is necessary.
“A minimum unit price of at least 50p will make cheap, strong alcohol less affordable to the vulnerable, younger and heavier drinkers who are more likely to drink it and suffer the consequences. At the same time, it would not impact on moderate drinkers.”
The latest figures from the ONS show that:
- The North East has the second highest rate of alcohol related deaths in men in England at 22.3 deaths per 100,000, compared to an England average rate of 17.8 per 100,000.
- This means that the North East rate is 25% higher than the national male rate.
- The number of male deaths in the North East increased from 255 in 2012 to 277 in 2013. England has also seen an increase in numbers of male deaths from 4,232 in 2012 to 4,332 in 2014.
- The number of alcohol related male deaths has increased 110% in the North East and 104% in England since 1994.
- The North East also has the second highest rate of alcohol related deaths in women in England at 11.6 deaths per 100,000 compared to an England average of 8.7 deaths.
- This means the North East rate is 33% higher than the national female rate.
- The number of female deaths in the North East increased marginally from 150 in 2012 to 153 in 2013. England has seen a small decrease in numbers of female deaths from 2,263 in 2012 to 2,260 in 2013.
- The number of alcohol related female deaths has increased 139% in the North East and 77% in England since 1994.
- 43% of males and 41% of females who die from alcohol-related causes in England are below the age of 55.