Public Health England this month revealed the number of people living in the South East who lost their lives to alcohol last year.

The alcohol-related death rate per 100,000 population in 2020 is the worst on the Isle of Wight (47.2 per 100,000), with Portsmouth coming in second (44.4 per 100,000) and Reading in third (44.3 per 100,000).

The highest ever
In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, 3,132 people in the South East died from alcohol-related disorders, the highest on record.

This represents 6% more deaths directly attributable to alcohol than in 2019 (2,960 deaths) and 10% more than four years ago (2,853 deaths).

Admission to hospital
At the same time, Public Health England also revealed the most recent number of alcohol-related hospitalizations in the South East for 2019/20.

Analysis of figures by UKAT alcohol dependence treatment providers reveals that hospitals have been affected with 141,648 admission episodes for alcohol-related conditions.

Up 22% since 2016/17
UKAT analysis shows that this is an increase of 10% from 128,704 admissions in 2018/19 and 22% since 2016/17 (116,339 hospital admissions).

Southeastern regions where alcohol-related hospitalizations increased in 2019/20 from the previous year include Portsmouth (3,554 admissions vs. 3,376), Southampton (8,088 admissions vs. 6,670) and Wokingham ( 1,740 admissions compared to 1,575).

Albuquerque: a direct fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic
UK Addiction Treatment Group Controller Nuno Albuquerque comments,

“2021 has seen record admissions for alcohol dependence treatment. We believe this is a direct consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic where, sadly, more people than ever have turned to alcohol as a coping strategy, and for some it has happened. transformed into an addiction.

“This can be a difficult time of year for many people, regardless of the added stress and worry of the current Covid crisis. We urge people to try to avoid consuming alcohol to mask or manage their emotions Remember that although it is a legal substance, it is very dangerous and can have a real impact on your mental health.

“If you are having difficulty, we recommend that you talk to a loved one or a professional, or take a walk and enjoy nature which is beautiful this time of year.”

UKAT offers free confidential 24/7 alcohol help and advice on the website.

Check your own alcohol consumption through the website.

News shared by Claire on behalf of UKAT. Ed

Image: Andreas M under CC BY 2.0