The number of people in Scotland whose death was caused by alcohol remains at a high level, with the largest number of deaths in 15 years.
The latest figures from National Records of Scotland, (NRS) show 1,277 people died from conditions caused by alcohol in 2023.
This was one death more than the previous year, which was the highest number since 2008.
Male deaths increased to 861 and again accounted for about two thirds of alcohol-specific deaths. Female deaths decreased by 24 deaths to 416.
Those aged 45-64 and 65-74 continue to have the highest mortality rates.
Alcohol-related issues were listed as the cause of death for 140 people between the ages of 60-64, while 128 people between 65-69 died.
The youngest age group to record any deaths related to alcohol was 20-24 – this age group had two deaths in 2023.
Areas such as Inverclyde, Glasgow City, North Lanarkshire, and Dundee City saw deaths above the Scottish average.
Glasgow City continues to have the highest mortality rate by some margin recording 184, although this was down from 202 on the previous year. North Lanarkshire saw 115 deaths, up from 107.
Phillipa Haxton, head of vital events statistics, said the rates of deaths had “generally risen” since 2012.
She said: “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.
“At the same time, for age 25-44 the mortality rate has been fairly stable over the last decade.”
Source Agencies
