On the 5th February 2025, the Office for National Statistics released information about the Alcohol-specific deaths in the UK: registered in 2023.
In 2023, the UK recorded a record high of 10,473 alcohol-specific deaths, although the rate of these deaths slightly decreased to 15.9 per 100,000 people, down from 16.6 in 2022. Notably, age-specific rates for people aged 25-59 dropped for the first time since 2020, while rates for those aged 20-24 and 60+ remained steady. The death rate for men continued to be roughly double that for women. Geographically, Scotland and Northern Ireland had the highest alcohol-specific death rates, with the North East of England having the highest rate among English regions.
These statistics highlight the importance of supporting those who are experiencing addiction and alcohol-related harms more widely. The government must review the impact of alcohol harms on the nation’s health, recognise the current lack of national direction on alcohol treatment and prevention, and strengthen our NHS and other services in order to protect the population from alcohol harms and support people to live healthier and more economically productive lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling, visit the Alcohol Change UK website or reach out to NHS alcohol support services.
Addiction to alcohol can affect anyone—patients, loved ones, and even colleagues. It isn’t always obvious, and stigma often prevents people from seeking help when they need it most. By showing understanding, we can create a more supportive environment where individuals feel respected, listened to, and able to access support without fear of judgement. Learn more about our Alcohol Harms campaign and access resources aimed at reducing stigma: stigmakills.org.uk/alcohol-harms