MORE than 30 people from Inverclyde lost their lives to alcohol last year, according to shocking statistics which have revealed the area’s booze death rate is the worst in Scotland.

Figures published today by National Records of Scotland showed that there were 33 alcohol-related deaths in the area in 2023, up by five on the previous 12 months.

It marks the third year in a row that the area’s alcohol-related death total has risen, while the tally for last year is the highest recorded in Inverclyde since 2010.

The figure means that on average more than two people died due to alcohol-related issues every month in Inverclyde last year.

(Image: PA)

The area’s 'age-standardised mortality rate', of 33.9 per 100,000 people over the last five years – a key metric used to determine the scale of the issue - was the highest in Scotland.

The next highest was Glasgow City at 32.8, and third was North Lanarkshire with 29.5.

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan said: “These figures show that alcohol-related harm is still a major local issue, and my thoughts are with all those who’ve lost a loved one to alcohol misuse.

“Last year saw the number of alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland reach its highest level since 2008, and this year there has been an increase of one death in 2023 [in Scotland] compared to 2022.

"I am extremely concerned that this rate remains stubbornly high both across the board but also in Inverclyde.

“Like drug-related deaths, there will be many reasons why these figures have not improved in the last year – but I am convinced that the cost of living has played a key part.

“The cost-of-living crisis has intensified the hardship that many households are facing and is leading to widening health inequalities, which we know plays a significant role in whether someone is likely to die from substance misuse.

“The fact that the rate of alcohol-specific deaths in deprived areas is much higher proves that point, which is why we must do all we can to tackle poverty and ensure that people can access support for alcohol dependency that suits them."

The figures also show that the average age of deaths from alcohol-related harm has risen over time.

Mr McMillan added: “The mortality rates for those aged 65 to 74, and 75 and over, were at their highest since these figures began to be recorded in 1994.

“Given Inverclyde’s deprivation rate and our growing older population, which is only projected to increase, we will continue to have some of the highest levels of alcohol-specific deaths until we work to improve people’s health at all stages of life and deal with the root causes of poverty.

“I’m therefore urging all levels of government to work with the third sector in Inverclyde to ensure that greater focus is given to tackling alcohol-related harm locally.

“We are fortunate to have a whole range of organisations locally who’re hard at work to alleviate alcohol-related harm, which both local and national governments can learn from. Partnership working is already the norm in Inverclyde and this approach is saving lives, but there is much more to be done.”

Francesca Brennan, who is the convener of Inverclyde Council's social work and social care scrutiny panel, said: "I'm really saddened to hear that 33 people lost their lives in Inverclyde last year due to alcohol-specific causes.

"Their tragedies will be shared by family and friends and across the community.

"People like me, who served in elected office, remember this loss keenly in the actions we take.  

"Once again, the statistics that front up the combined stories of the individuals affected show that people are more likely to die from alcohol-related causes in areas like Inverclyde, where people are more likely to experience multiple deprivation.

"That means that people have to struggle against a range of adverse experiences that the council, the health and social care partnership, the third sector and communities all try to mitigate, but sadly we can still end up with figures like these. 

"That's why I take my role on the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership and my role as chair of the council's social work and social care scrutiny panel so seriously.

"We need Scottish Government to do the same and to produce a response that is proportionate to the scale of the problem, tackling the distinct issues that come with alcohol."

Earlier this year, independent analysis carried out by Colin Angus, a senior research fellow at Sheffield University and an expert on addiction, placed Inverclyde top of the UK for drink related deaths.

The analysis showed that Inverclyde’s rate was seven times higher than the number for South Hams, the UK local authority with the lowest booze death toll.