A LEADING local drugs worker says the news that Inverclyde has the country’s highest alcohol death rate came as no surprise.

Figures published on Tuesday by National Records of Scotland revealed that 33 people died in the area due alcohol-related issues last year, the highest total recorded in Inverclyde since 2010.

The shock statistics came less than a month after it was revealed that the area had one of Scotland’s highest drug death rates.

William Carter, an outreach worker and team leader at Teen Challenge Strathclyde, told the Telegraph that it was becoming common for people to abuse both drugs and alcohol.

(Image: Duncan Bryceland)

He said: “It wasn’t a surprise to us at all. I think alcohol abuse is one of the biggest killers, as well as drugs, and people don’t realise it.

“I think Covid has played a part in that too. With people being isolated in their houses, more people are drinking than they would have been.

“In terms of having alcohol alongside drugs, it’s becoming very common now, alcohol is going hand in hand.

“A lot of people are on high doses of methadone, so they don’t need to be chasing opiates any more. They’re replacing that with crack cocaine, street Valium and alcohol.

“That’s what I see in the Inverclyde area. A lot of people are just replacing one thing with another, and alcohol plays a part in that.

“I know loads of people who get up in the morning and get a couple of cans just to get them through the day. They’re functioning alcoholics.”

William says it is important to let local people who are dealing with addiction know that help is always available,

He said: “I think it’s the culture and the environment people have grown up with in the Inverclyde area, taking a drink was just what people did to block out the pain, the misery or whatever it is.

“But the long-term effect is really bad.

“There needs to be a lot more early intervention done around alcohol.

“It’s about letting people know that it’s not just drugs they need to get help and rehabilitation for, it’s alcohol as well that can control your life.”