Alcohol-related deaths soared 27% since Covid

DEATHS from alcohol-related disease soared by 27 per cent after the pandemic struck, analysis reveals.

-  Lucy Johnston

The research, based on Office for National Statistics data, shows the number of people who died directly due to the effects of alcohol, including liver dis ease, hit 9,641 in 2021.

In 2019 the number was 7,565.

Oxford University scientists Professor Carl Heneghan and Dr Tom Jefferson believe cuts to health services played a part in the rise.

Professor Heneghan said: “Mental disorders and accidental poisoning events were present but played a small part in adding to the tally. Most of the deaths will have been habitual heavy drinkers who found refuge by increasing their daily intake.”