There are stark geographical divisions in the toll alcohol takes on health in England, with men in the North West more likely to die prematurely than those in the South East, figures show. Data collected by the North West Public Health Observatory shows almost 16,000 people died in England last year as a result of alcohol-related harm. Two-thirds of the areas with the highest harm levels were in the North. But alcohol-attributable crime was at its peak in London.
The Local Alcohol Profiles in England report recorded an 8% annual increase in the number of people hospitalised for conditions relating to alcohol use, with 606,799 people seeking treatment last year.
The number is an extrapolation based on a list of 40 conditions, and includes those known to be directly caused by alcohol, like liver cirrhosis, to those which may be caused by drinking too much - such as high blood pressure or assault.
Although there is no medical confirmation that patients have these conditions through alcohol consumption, the researchers assume on the basis of a previous studies that a certain proportion will have been caused by misuse.
The number is an extrapolation based on a list of 40 conditions, and includes those known to be directly caused by alcohol, like liver cirrhosis, to those which may be caused by drinking too much - such as high blood pressure or assault.
Although there is no medical confirmation that patients have these conditions through alcohol consumption, the researchers assume on the basis of a previous studies that a certain proportion will have been caused by misuse.
"We need to see the real cost of alcohol reflected in the price it is sold at, and the warnings about the dangers that alcohol represents not relegated to a tiny corner in alcohol adverts, but written large enough for people to recognise the seriousness of the risks."
Health minister Lord Howe said the government was already taking action to stop the sale of alcohol below cost and to review alcohol taxation and price.
"Supply and price are not the only factors fuelling misuse though, attitudes are crucial. We need to understand better the psychology behind why different groups of people drink too much. Legislation or initiatives will not work unless we have a better understanding of what drives people's decisions.
Lord Howe Health Minister Legislation or initiatives will not work unless we have a better understanding of what drives people's decisions
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