Scotland’s alcohol consumption dangerously excessive

Scotland’s alcohol consumption continues to be dangerously excessive with people drinking 50% above safe limits, statistics show.

The latest data, published by Public Health Scotland on Tuesday, showed that Scots are buying and drinking more alcohol than people in England and Wales.

The data from 2023/24 shows:

Scots drink more than 50% above the Chief Medical Officers’ safe drinking guidelines (14 units a week)
Adults who drink consume an average of 21.6 units of alcohol per week in Scotland
Experts at PHS estimate that if current drinking patterns continue, there will be a 21% increase in alcohol-related diseases by 2043 compared to 2019 levels.
People living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are six times more likely to be hospitalised or die from causes wholly related to alcohol

“Today’s updates add to the evidence base that as a population, Scotland is consuming too much alcohol,” Dr Tara Shivaji, a consultant in public health medicine at Public Health Scotland, said.

“This means thousands more individuals and families facing the devastating impacts of alcohol related ill-health such as liver disease, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.”

Dr Shivaji said people across Scotland are drinking “well above” the recommended 14-unit limit every week, “significantly increasing their risk of these serious health conditions”.

If these drinking patterns continue, Dr Shivaji projects that there will be a 21% increase in alcohol-related diseases by 2043 compared to 2019 levels.

“Today’s updates add to the evidence base that as a population, Scotland is consuming too much alcohol,” she said.

“This means thousands more individuals and families facing the devastating impacts of alcohol related ill-health such as liver disease, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.”

People in the most deprived communities are hit hardest by alcohol consumption, according to the figures.

PHS said that people living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are six times more likely to be hospitalised or die from causes wholly related to alcohol, compared to those in the least deprived communities.

It also shows that while the volume of alcohol sold in Scotland is decreasing, it remains higher than the amount sold per adult in England and Wales.

“The newly released data provides compelling evidence that despite progress, Scotland’s relationship with alcohol remains deeply problematic and requires immediate attention,” Dr Shivaji said.

“This isn’t inevitable. With urgent, collective and evidence-based action to tackle harmful alcohol use, we can change Scotland’s path.”

She said Scotland needs to take steps toward implementing preventive measures.

“This means addressing the availability, affordability, and attractiveness of alcohol, as well as providing early intervention and support for people experiencing problems. But that work must start now,” she said.