Alcohol-related deaths in England have seen a devastating rise over the past four years. According to government data, more than 8,200 people died in 2023 due to alcohol, marking a 42% increase compared to 2019.
The Alcohol Health Alliance UK has stated that it is unacceptable for alcohol-related deaths to reach record highs and that these deaths could become a priority in the National Health Service’s 10-year plan for public health.
The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed significantly to the rise in alcohol-related deaths across the UK. Heavy drinkers increased their consumption, while moderate drinkers also began drinking more. During the pandemic, when pubs were closed, many people started buying alcohol from stores and consuming it at home, a trend that has continued since.
The review also revealed that most alcohol-related deaths occurred in men, particularly those aged 75 and above, who died from liver disease related to excessive drinking.
