John Swinney urged to act in bid to reverse near-record alcohol deaths in Scotland

More than 70 organisations have joined forces to call on the Scottish Government to take urgent action to tackle the near-record high number of alcohol deaths.

The group, which includes charities, doctors’ organisations and others, made the demand after figures showed Scotland has seen the highest number of drink-related deaths since 2008.

The 72 group signatories said the Government must use the year before the next Holyrood election to prioritise early detection and treatment of liver disease, alongside other targeted measures.

They have called for an increase in funding for recovery, treatment and support services generated through a levy on alcohol retailers.

The letter has been signed by a host of groups, including Alcohol Focus Scotland, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, The Salvation Army, the British Heart Foundation and the Scottish Drugs Forum.

They have made a number of calls ahead of the 2025 Programme for Government announcement – which will be the last time First Minister John Swinney will set out his Government’s policy priorities before next year’s election.

As well as expanding early liver disease tests, they have called for nurse-led alcohol care teams to be established in hospitals to provide specialised care to those with alcohol problems.

Alcohol detoxification services should also be improved, they said, with a bigger and better range of detox and rehab centres.

Alcohol deaths have risen across the UK in recent years, although Scotland continues to have the highest rate.

In 2023, 1,277 deaths from conditions wholly caused by alcohol were recorded in Scotland.

Swinney has been told by the 72-strong group that agreeing to its demands is “essential” to fulfilling his Government’s key priorities of eradicating child poverty, boosting the Scottish economy and improving public services.

The SNP leader was told alcohol acts as a “drag” on the Scottish economy, costing an estimated £10bn per year, including an annual £700m bill for the NHS, £1.2bn in lost productivity costs, and a further £1bn through alcohol-related crime.

But the group says these costs are not felt evenly, with the “heaviest burden of harm” being placed on the country’s most deprived communities.

As well as specific measures to help those already affected by alcohol, the group is advocating for a comprehensive alcohol strategy to prevent deaths from continuing to rise.

They said any strategy must deliver “clear leadership” and include plans for population-level prevention, as well as recovery treatment and care services.

Laura Mahon, acting chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: “For too long we have seen deaths from alcohol continue to rise. We need concrete measures to prevent this.

“Time is running out for this Government to demonstrate genuine results, so together with partners we’ve provided a roadmap for delivery.”

Ms Mahon said now is the time for “clear” leadership and investment, particularly into the early detection of liver disease, which she described as an “essential” and “life-saving” intervention for patients.

She said: “A number of these initiatives are already happening at a local level and could be scaled up and enable people with serious or potentially life-threatening alcohol problems to be identified sooner and supported more effectively, reducing their risk of experiencing further harm.

“It is also crucial that we consider the bigger picture. People don’t just become unwell overnight.

“We are continually being fed the message that alcohol has an essential role in our lives, normalising drinking and influencing our consumption habits.

“We need to challenge this with well-evidenced and cost-effective prevention measures adopted as part of a robust strategy for now and into the future.”

Dr Alastair MacGilchrist, chairman of signatory Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, said while the Scottish Government declared alcohol harms to be a public health emergency in 2021, there has not been an emergency response.

“Deaths and illness from alcohol continue to rise but this is not inevitable,” he added. “If politicians take bold action now we can prevent future harm.

“Alcohol is linked to over 100 illnesses including cancer, heart disease and liver disease. Investment in treatment saves lives – for every £1 spent on treatment there is a £3 return. Alcohol care teams, for example, can lower the number of acute hospital admissions, readmissions, and deaths, along with improving the quality of care for people with alcohol-related health problems.

“However, inconsistencies in approach mean not everyone has access to these life-saving services.

“We need an overall alcohol strategy which sets out what steps the Government will take in terms of prevention – including action on the price, availability and marketing of alcohol – but also how it will improve treatment services so that everyone can access help when and where they need it.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.