23/09/2025
Today the National Records of Scotland published its annual report on alcohol-related deaths in Scotland.
During 2024, there were 1,185 alcohol-specific deaths registered in Scotland, a decrease of 7% compared with 2023.
Behind every statistic is a person — a daughter, brother, partner, neighbour, or friend. Each with their own story and connections, each leaving a space in the lives of those who loved them. We hold in our thoughts all who experienced loss due to alcohol-related causes in 2024.
Louise Stewart, Director for Scotland, speaks on behalf of WithYou:
“While today’s report shows our treatment and harm reduction approaches are beginning to make a difference, the loss of 1,185 lives in 2024 makes it clear that much more must be done.
“To demonstrate a real commitment to reducing alcohol-specific deaths, we are calling for alcohol care and treatment standards that ensure that people who need support now have a choice of treatment, as well as access to support and harm reduction measures, wherever they are in Scotland.
“We urge the Scottish Government to implement a comprehensive alcohol strategy that properly invests in prevention and to take urgent, ambitious, and far-reaching action to prevent today’s children and young people from becoming figures in a report published 10, 20, or even 30 years from now.
“For me, that means taking a whole-population approach to addressing health inequalities and improving quality of life in our most deprived communities, where you are 4.5 times more likely to die from an alcohol related death. Only by tackling root causes and our attitudes towards alcohol can we really turn the tide to stop Scotland’s harmful relationship with alcohol.
“Today, my thoughts are with all those who we lost to an alcohol-related death, and with their families and friends.
“To anyone who is worried about their drinking or that of a loved one, please get in touch. As well as delivering services in communities, WithYou offers a free and confidential webchat. This is a great first point of contact for anyone who is worried about their alcohol use or that of a loved one. Visit wearewithyou.org.uk today.”