Bolton: Rise in alcohol-related deaths

The rise is being blamed on a number of factors including the Covid lockdown.

Shockingly the equivalent of nearly 3,000 years of life were lost due to alcohol-related deaths in Bolton in 2020.

Data gathered from the Office for Health and Improvement shows that premature deaths from alcohol-related conditions led to a potential 2,961 years of life being lost in the borough.

That’s an increase on 2019’s figure of 2,788 years and is the highest number since record began in 2016.

Potential years of life lost are calculated by multiplying the total number of alcohol-related deaths occurring at each age by the number of remaining years left to live, according to life expectancy estimates.

Alcohol-related deaths include those specifically caused by alcohol, such as alcoholic liver disease, and diseases made more likely by extensive alcohol consumption, including heart disease or various types of cancer.

READ MORE: Dozens of alcohol related deaths recorded in Bolton during Covid-19 pandemic

Cllr Susan Bains, Bolton Council cabinet member for wellbeing, said: “It is right, the number of deaths in Bolton due to alcohol addiction rose in 2020 from those reported in 2019. Bolton, however, is no different sadly to other areas across Greater Manchester.”

Of the total potential life lost, 2,031 - 69 per cent - were as a result of alcohol-related deaths among men, and 930 – 31 per cent - among women.

Cllr Baines added: “With more fatalities reported in men than women, the reason for the increase is multifactorial but we know, for example, that the lockdown imposed by the Covid pandemic played some part, as well as the effects of social isolation, family relationships, mental ill health, unemployment, poverty, and sometimes gambling addiction.

“Men generally find it more difficult to talk about their health and wellbeing and so do not access services and support as quickly as they need to.”

READ MORE: Bolton Community Champions become Alcohol Health Champions

Separate Office for National Statistics figures show that deaths as a direct result of alcohol consumption rose during the pandemic.

In the North West, 1,344 people died from alcohol-specific causes in 2021 – up from 1,013 in 2019 and also a record.

That means 18.9 per 100,000 people in the region died due to alcohol in 2021.

Cllr Baines said: “We in Bolton are working proactively to address the issues related to alcohol consumption and our public health service works very closely with the NHS, primary care, and the voluntary sector to join up services and help signpost people to get the help and support they need.

“Additionally, there are several groups created by volunteers who have experience themselves of alcohol dependency enabling them to focus on the issues affecting men across our borough. 

READ MORE: ‘Pandemic drinking’ could lead to thousands more deaths and hospital admissions

“I would strongly urge any men or women who need help to get in touch with their GP in the first instance.

“They can also contact their local community volunteer ‘champions’ whose details should be available at their doctors' surgeries or the local library or via the council web site for further information and support."

A  Bolton Council spokesperson added: "Like many other towns and cities across the UK, Bolton faces a number of challenges with regards to alcohol related harms.

“The council commissions specialist treatment services for people who experience alcohol dependency.

“Achieve Recovery Services, provided by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, works in partnership with community and charitable organisations to support anyone experiencing the consequences of alcohol related harms. 

“If you or someone you know requires help and support, please don't hesitate to get in touch using the details at gmmh.nhs.uk/achieve.”

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