📊 Scottish Alcohol Statistics
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains a significant public health concern in Scotland. The following insights are drawn from recent studies and official reports by Public Health Scotland, Alcohol Focus Scotland, and the Scottish Government.
🔍 Key Statistics (2022–2023)
- 1,277 alcohol-specific deaths were recorded in Scotland in 2023—the highest since 2008 [Alcohol Focus Scotland].
- 31,206 hospitalisations were linked to alcohol in 2022/23 [Public Health Scotland].
- 22% of adults reported hazardous or harmful drinking levels in 2022, down from 34% in 2003 [Scottish Health Survey].
- Alcohol-related deaths are 5.6 times higher in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived.
📉 Trends & Public Health Response
- Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP): Introduced in 2018, MUP has been linked to a reduction in alcohol sales and hospital admissions.
- Alcohol Brief Interventions (ABIs): NHS Scotland uses ABIs to help individuals reflect on and reduce risky drinking.
- Public awareness campaigns: Initiatives like Dry January and Sober October have gained traction, especially among younger adults.
- Non-drinking is rising: 22% of 16–24-year-olds reported not drinking at all in 2022, up from 10% in 2016.
