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Alcohol-related deaths 'rising' Alcohol-related deaths 'rising'
(30 minutes later)
The number of people in the UK dying from alcohol-related problems is continuing to rise.The number of people in the UK dying from alcohol-related problems is continuing to rise.
Office for National Statistics figures show there were 13.4 alcohol-related deaths per 100,000 population in 2006 - up from 12.9 in 2005.Office for National Statistics figures show there were 13.4 alcohol-related deaths per 100,000 population in 2006 - up from 12.9 in 2005.
The mortality rate in men (18.3/100,000) was more than twice the rate for females (8.8/100,000).The mortality rate in men (18.3/100,000) was more than twice the rate for females (8.8/100,000).
The overall death rate has almost doubled from 6.9 deaths per 100,000 people in 1991.The overall death rate has almost doubled from 6.9 deaths per 100,000 people in 1991.
It appears that for certain younger people who've been drinking heavily for most of their lives, the consequences are beginning to show themselves at ever earlier stages Frank SoodeenAlcohol ConcernIt appears that for certain younger people who've been drinking heavily for most of their lives, the consequences are beginning to show themselves at ever earlier stages Frank SoodeenAlcohol Concern
In total 8,758 deaths were linked to alcohol in 2006, compared to 4,144 deaths in 1991.In total 8,758 deaths were linked to alcohol in 2006, compared to 4,144 deaths in 1991.
For men, the death rates in all age groups increased between 1991 and 2006.For men, the death rates in all age groups increased between 1991 and 2006.
The biggest increase was for men aged 35-54. Rates in this age group more than doubled over the period, from 13.4 to 31.1 deaths per 100,000.The biggest increase was for men aged 35-54. Rates in this age group more than doubled over the period, from 13.4 to 31.1 deaths per 100,000.
However, the highest rates in each year were for men aged 55-74.However, the highest rates in each year were for men aged 55-74.
Similar pattern in womenSimilar pattern in women
Death rates by age group for females were consistently lower than rates for males.Death rates by age group for females were consistently lower than rates for males.
However, the death rate for women aged 35­54 doubled between 1991 and 2006, from 7.2 to 14.8 per 100,000 population.However, the death rate for women aged 35­54 doubled between 1991 and 2006, from 7.2 to 14.8 per 100,000 population.
Again, the highest rates in each year were for the 55-74 age group.Again, the highest rates in each year were for the 55-74 age group.
Frank Soodeen, of the charity Alcohol Concern, said: "The link between alcohol misuse and ill health is well established.Frank Soodeen, of the charity Alcohol Concern, said: "The link between alcohol misuse and ill health is well established.
"However these figures reveal some disturbing trends. For the second year in a row, the biggest rise in deaths has been among men aged 35-54."However these figures reveal some disturbing trends. For the second year in a row, the biggest rise in deaths has been among men aged 35-54.
"It appears that for certain younger people who've been drinking heavily for most of their lives, the consequences are beginning to show themselves at ever earlier stages."It appears that for certain younger people who've been drinking heavily for most of their lives, the consequences are beginning to show themselves at ever earlier stages.
"It is vital that the government finally starts investing more in alcohol treatment to help problem drinkers address these issues before the situation becomes irretrievable.""It is vital that the government finally starts investing more in alcohol treatment to help problem drinkers address these issues before the situation becomes irretrievable."
Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said the government was launching a £10m education campaign to raise awareness of alcohol, and reviewing alcohol pricing and promotion.
It had also toughened enforcement of underage sales by retailers, and planned more help for people who wanted to drink less.
She said: "We know we're not going to change people's attitudes to alcohol overnight - it's going to take time, but it's reassuring to see that figures, published earlier this week, suggest alcohol consumption is no longer on the rise."