By Ryan Niven

Scottish deaths related to alcohol consumption has risen to the highest number since 2008.

Drinking has always been a staple in the Scottish traditions however the latest figures released by the National records of Scotland make for some alarming reading. Over 1200 people have passed away in Scotland due to alcohol related reasons in the last year alone.

In an interview with Stuart Kerr, mental health lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland he gave some insight into the drinking culture within students as well as Scotland itself.

“It’s ingrained in the culture and that’s why Scottish people have a poor relationship with alcohol,” Stuart added. “The patterns of drinking have changed more people drink at home or before going out there is pre drinks.”

The statistics revealed that some council areas were more likely to suffer deaths compared to others, with Glasgow and Dundee among the highest rate. The figures also revealed that more deprived areas are 4.5 times more likely to suffer drink related deaths than the lesser deprived areas.

With next week being freshers week for university students across the country, these figures come as an alarming reminder of the danger of drinking. Whilst deaths are low in the 25-44 age category there are no statistics on people 18-25. Freshers week students Keir and Jake revealed they had their first drink at 13 and 15 respectively. This is an alarming revelation about the culture of drinking in Scotland especially among younger people. Keir added: “I was quite late compared to my friends.”

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s alcohol or drug use, there are local and national services and resources that can help.

Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, you can contact our local Alcohol and Drug Services for advice and information:

• East Ayrshire: 01563 574237 (Rapid Access to Drug and Alcohol Recovery – RADAR)
• North Ayrshire: 01294 476000 (North Ayrshire Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service – NADARS)
• South Ayrshire: 01292 559800 (South Ayrshire Treatment and Recovery Team – START