Alcohol-related deaths in the UK have reached a record high of 10,473 in 2023, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This troubling figure marks an increase over the previous year’s death toll of 10,048, which was already a significant milestone, being the first time in history that alcohol-specific deaths had surpassed 10,000 annually across the UK. These statistics highlight an ongoing public health crisis that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting changes in drinking behaviors, which have led to a surge in harmful alcohol consumption.
Health experts have expressed deep concern over the continuing rise in alcohol-related deaths, calling for immediate and robust government intervention to address the growing problem. The increase in alcohol consumption began in 2020 during the pandemic, when lockdowns and social isolation contributed to a rise in problematic drinking patterns. Many individuals turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, and the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the issue of alcohol-related harm has persisted well beyond the lockdowns, with the figures showing no sign of abating.
Prof Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, a coalition of medical groups, charities, and treatment providers, described the statistics as “heartbreaking” and “tragic.” He stressed that the persistent rise in alcohol-related deaths is unacceptable, especially given the lack of meaningful government action to address the root causes of excessive drinking. “It is unacceptable that year after year, we continue to see alcohol deaths rise while action from government remains woefully inadequate,” Gilmore stated. He emphasized the need for tougher regulations on the availability of cheap alcohol and its aggressive marketing, which he argued contributes to the normalization of excessive drinking in the UK.
The impact of alcohol on health is widespread, with various physical and mental health conditions linked to heavy drinking. Alcohol Change UK, a leading charity dedicated to tackling alcohol harm, highlighted that the number of people drinking at hazardous levels—above the UK chief medical officers’ recommendation of 14 units per week—is rising every year. Hazardous drinking is associated with a range of health issues, including headaches, sleep disturbances, high blood pressure, anxiety, and an increased risk of various types of cancer. The charity’s director of research and public affairs, Ash Singleton, pointed out that the ONS figures do not capture the full extent of alcohol’s impact on health. In addition to the recorded alcohol-specific deaths, many more fatalities occur due to conditions in which alcohol plays a significant role, such as cardiovascular diseases, mental illnesses, and cancer.
The ONS statistics reveal that the majority of alcohol-related deaths in the UK are among men, who are more than twice as likely as women to die as a result of alcohol consumption. This trend is consistent with long-established patterns. Regionally, Scotland and Northern Ireland have higher rates of alcohol-related deaths compared to England and Wales. In particular, Scotland’s alcohol death rate remains particularly high, reflecting long-standing concerns about alcohol consumption in the country. The data also showed that in England, the north-east had the highest rate of alcohol-related deaths, while the east of England had the lowest.
Despite the overall increase in alcohol-related deaths, the rate at which these deaths occur across the UK fell slightly in 2023, from 16.6 per 100,000 people in 2022 to 15.9 per 100,000 in 2023. However, the rates in both England and Wales rose, with England seeing an increase to 15 per 100,000 people, and Wales experiencing a more significant rise to 17.7 per 100,000 people. The rates in Scotland and Northern Ireland remained higher than the UK average, with 22.6 and 18.5 deaths per 100,000 people, respectively.
Experts argue that the government must prioritize tackling alcohol-related harm as a critical issue in 2025. Dr. Katherine Severi, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, emphasized that alcohol-related deaths have reached record highs every year since the pandemic, and this trend cannot be allowed to continue. She called on the government to implement proven measures to reduce alcohol harm, such as the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) for alcohol. MUP has already been shown to be effective in reducing alcohol-related deaths in Scotland, where the policy has led to a 13% reduction in alcohol-specific deaths, particularly benefiting disadvantaged communities. Severi argued that introducing MUP in England would save lives and provide the quickest and most significant benefits.
Alcohol-related harm extends beyond its impact on individuals’ health. The economic consequences are also significant, with alcohol consumption contributing to a loss of productivity due to premature deaths. In 2023 alone, it was estimated that 150,000 years of working life were lost in England due to alcohol. This loss of productivity places a strain on the economy, with long-term implications for both individuals and society as a whole.
While MUP has been shown to be an effective policy tool in reducing alcohol-related harm, experts argue that additional measures are needed to address the broader issue. In particular, greater investment in alcohol prevention and treatment services is essential to support individuals who are struggling with alcohol addiction and to reduce the overall prevalence of hazardous drinking. Public health campaigns that educate people about the risks of excessive alcohol consumption, as well as initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles, could help prevent alcohol-related harm in the long term.
The rising death toll from alcohol-related causes serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. Health experts are calling on the government to adopt a more comprehensive and proactive approach to tackling alcohol harm, starting with the introduction of MUP in England. However, this is only the beginning. To make a real and lasting impact, policymakers must also consider other evidence-based strategies that can address the root causes of excessive drinking, reduce alcohol availability, and protect vulnerable communities from the devastating effects of alcohol-related harm.
In conclusion, alcohol-related deaths in the UK have reached a record high in 2023, highlighting the ongoing public health crisis caused by excessive drinking. While the figures are alarming, they also present an opportunity for the government to take decisive action and implement policies that can reduce alcohol-related harm and save lives. By introducing Minimum Unit Pricing, investing in prevention and treatment services, and addressing the broader societal factors that contribute to hazardous drinking, the UK can begin to turn the tide on this pressing health issue. It is time for policymakers to recognize the full extent of the harm caused by alcohol and take meaningful steps to protect the health and wellbeing of the nation.
