Alcohol deaths

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 15th May 2009

Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown has expressed concern following the release of the latest figures on alcohol-related deaths in South Lanarkshire.

The figures, released from the General Register Office for Scotland, show that in 2007, 71 people in South Lanarkshire died of Alcohol related deaths. Liver disease, hepatitis and alcohol poisoning are common causes of alcohol related death.

The figures do not take into account alcohol associated deaths as a result of road accidents, falls, fires, suicide or violence involving people who had been drinking or even some medical conditions which are considered partly attributable to alcohol, such as certain forms of cancer.

A recent study by the Medical Research council revealed that in 2007, more than twice as many men died from alcohol related deaths in Scotland than women.

The latest set of figures compare the last twenty years. In 1979, 31 people in South Lanarkshire died of alcohol related deaths - less than half the current figure.

Robert Brown, who is the Liberal Democrat Justice spokesman, said:

"These figures are very worrying and show that the Government is failing to tackle Scotland's alcohol problem.

"It's a complicated issue, which needs to be addressed on many levels. Poverty, the easy availability of alcohol and an excessive drinking culture in society all contribute to the difficulty we face in dealing with this crisis.

"I am also increasingly worried about a ticking time bomb for today's young people and their increasing alcohol consumption. Many young people are totally unaware of the health catastrophes they are stacking up for the future.

"It's very sad that 71 people died in South Lanarkshire in 2007 from alcohol related deaths. But if we don't focus on changing the culture I fear this number could only rise in years to come.

"A big part of the solution to tackling the problem could come if the Government vigorously enforced existing laws, particularly with regard to selling to underage drinkers and those who are already drunk.

"More support could also be found for agencies who tackle alcohol addiction, many of which operate through the work of volunteers and who rely on fundraising and donations.

"Overall, the picture is a troubling one, but can be tackled if the Scottish Government are willing to get tougher on the causes and reasons for alcohol addiction"

ends

Notes for editor:

General Register Office for Scotland statistics on alcohol related deaths:

http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/deaths/alcohol-related-deaths/index.html

Medical Research Council alcohol deaths gender study:

http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Newspublications/News/MRC005618