Latest news with #AlcoholFocusScotland
STV News
23-06-2025
- Health
- STV News
Only one in six Scots feel comfortable talking about alcohol, survey finds
Only one in six (17%) adults in Scotland feel comfortable talking about their relationship with alcohol, according to new research. A poll carried out by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) of 2,000 UK adults shows it is one of the least talked-about topics, less than money (32%) or sex (19%). The survey to mark Cancer Prevention Action Week found many people still do not understand the health risks of drinking alcohol. Across the UK, one in four adults say alcohol has no health risks. In Scotland, this dropped to one in six. Meanwhile, only one in 14 UK adults mentioned cancer as a risk when asked about alcohol. Laura Mahon, deputy chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: 'Every day in Scotland three people are diagnosed with an alcohol-related cancer, yet the alcohol industry continues to keep the public in the dark about the health risks of their products by choosing not to provide us with the clear information we need to make informed choices. 'The Scottish Government must empower consumers in Scotland by introducing mandatory health warning labels on alcohol products. This should form part of a refreshed and robust alcohol strategy focused on strong preventative measures to reduce alcohol harm.' Since Scotland introduced Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) in 2018, alcohol deaths have dropped by 13.4%, and overall drinking fell by 3%. But the Covid pandemic caused a rise in risky drinking and more alcohol-related deaths. iStock Minimum unit pricing was introduced in Scotland in 2018 World Cancer Research Fund CEO Rachael Gormley said: 'Alcohol is pervasive in our lives, from celebrations to after-work drinks and social gatherings. But do we truly understand the risks involved? 'Our findings show that most people are unaware that any amount of alcohol elevates the risk of seven types of cancer. 'It's essential that we engage in more discussions about alcohol and cancer, empowering individuals to make informed health choices.' With Scottish elections coming up, WCRF urges politicians to build on the success of MUP. They want a new National Alcohol Strategy that focuses on prevention and includes a fresh Cancer Action Plan. World Cancer Research Fund executive director of research and policy, Dr Panagiota Mitrou, said: 'While a coordinated approach across the UK would undeniably be most effective in tackling alcohol harm across the country, we urge the next Scottish government to make full use of their devolved powers which will allow them to make progress in key areas such as mandatory health warning labels and marketing restrictions. 'We also urge the UK government to work with the devolved administrations to take bold and collective action to reduce consumption. 'Crucially, the policies set out in a revised alcohol strategy must be developed in conjunction with a new plan for cancer, given that the Scottish government's current Cancer Action Plan expires in 2026. 'Ultimately, both renewed strategies must place prevention at their core.' Breast cancer survivor Nikki Bednall said: 'I always thought drinking a few times a week was fine. I never knew it could raise my cancer risk. 'If I'd known earlier, I might have made different choices. Though hindsight is easy, my perspective has changed with the knowledge that came after my diagnosis. 'For example, I now drink very little alcohol to stack the odds in my favour as much as possible. Now, my motto is: 'Look after your body like you have nowhere else to live because the reality is you don't.' Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 'The Scottish Government is working to reduce alcohol-related harm and deaths. Our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing policy and the decision to uprate the unit price to 65 pence per unit is a key part of our approach to tackling alcohol harm. 'We want every person experiencing harm from alcohol use to be able access the support they need. That is why we have allocated £112m to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships for treatment and support services. 'The forthcoming UK Clinical Guidelines for Alcohol Treatment are anticipated to further support the improvement of alcohol treatment in Scotland. In addition, the recently published Population Health Framework sets out a 10-year plan for population health, including addressing the harms caused by alcohol.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Scots could be hit by EVEN MORE booze price increases
Levels of booze deaths in Scotland are still far worse than the rest of the UK BOOZE BLUES Scots could be hit by EVEN MORE booze price increases Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS could be hit with another rise in the cost of alcohol if new changes are introduced. Minimum unit pricing increased from 50p per unit to 65p per unit from September 30 last year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Scots could be hit with another rise in the cost of alcohol Credit: Getty Anyone with a licence to sell alcohol cannot sell it cheaper than this to the public. The levy came into effect in 2018 and was part of efforts to cut the harm caused by booze. Overall, in 2023, there were 10,473 deaths from alcohol-specific causes. In Scotland, there were 1,277 alcohol-specific deaths, up by one on 2022, and a 15-year high. Now calls have been made for automatic increases to minimum unit pricing, which would apply without Government approval, reports the Daily Mail. A new report signed by Alcohol Focus Scotland, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, the Royal College of General Practitioners, and the Royal College of Nursing is backing the introduction of "automatic uprating of the minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol to optimise the effectiveness of the policy in saving and improving lives". It comes as First Minister John Swinney is set to announce his programme for government next Tuesday, May 6. Last year, a 13 per cent bottle of wine increased from £4.88 to £6.34. A 700ml bottle of 40 per cent spirits like whisky was hiked by more than £4 - from £14 to £18.20. And a four-pack of five per cent ABV beer costs at least £5.72, compared to £4.40 previously. Symptoms, causes and treatment for liver cancer Laura Mahon, acting chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said: "For too long, we have seen deaths from alcohol continue to rise. "We need concrete measures to prevent this - time is running out for this Government to demonstrate genuine results, so together with partners, we've provided a roadmap for delivery. "Now we need to see clear leadership and investment. "Earlier detection of liver damage is essential because of its life-saving potential. "A number of these initiatives are already happening at a local level and could be scaled up and enable people with serious or potentially life-threatening alcohol problems to be identified sooner and supported more effectively, reducing their risk of experiencing further harm." Health Secretary Neil Gray said: "We remain focused on reducing alcohol-related harm and deaths. "Early detection of liver disease is a priority which is being delivered by the national Centre for Sustainable Delivery. "Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading minimum unit pricing policy has saved hundreds of lives and likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions."
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Outrage over 'automatic' price rises plan to punish Scots drinkers even more
Drinkers face another hike in the cost of alcohol under plans for a ramping-up of the SNP 's controversial minimum pricing policy. Experts are calling for regular automatic increases to the levy - which would kick in without the need for government approval each time it was raised. More than 70 organisations are also demanding that the Scottish Government use the year before the Scottish election in May 2026 to 'prioritise increasing early detection and treatment of liver disease'. Shocking figures last year showed Scotland's alcohol death toll had hit a 15-year high, with fatalities rising for the fourth year in a row - despite the SNP's existing minimum pricing policy, which came into effect in 2018. Last night Scottish Tory alcohol spokesman Annie Wells said: 'The SNP's minimum unit pricing policy is a blunt instrument to tackle the complex and deeply concerning problem of rising alcohol deaths. 'This call for ministers to automatically hike alcohol prices further without proper scrutiny would only punish responsible drinkers even more amid a global cost-of-living crisis. 'Minimum unit pricing has failed to deliver the promised reductions in alcohol deaths or addiction, yet the SNP appear wedded to it.' Figures from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) showed 1,277 'alcohol-specific' deaths were recorded in 2023 - an average of more than three per day. The organisations backing radical measures to crack down on alcohol misuse include Alcohol Focus Scotland, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, the Royal College of General Practitioners, and the Royal College of Nursing. The experts warn that alcohol is linked to over 100 illnesses including cancer, heart disease and liver disease. A new report signed by the charities and professional bodies involved, ahead of John Swinney's programme for government next Thursday (MAY 6), calls for the introduction of 'automatic uprating of the minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol to optimise the effectiveness of the policy in saving and improving lives'. This would involve automatically raising the price within agreed limits, and Alcohol Focus Scotland said it was 'considering different proposals available based on evidence of what worked best'. Under the current policy, the initial price was 50p per unit of alcohol - but last year this was hiked to 65p. The proposed changes could mean the minimum price being adjusted annually - and once in place it would rise automatically without the need for any further approval by parliament or ministers. Scots are already paying up to 67 per cent more for alcohol than drinkers south of the Border, as well as paying the highest income taxes in the UK. Prior to the hike in the minimum price to 65p, a 12.5 per cent volume bottle of wine could not be sold for less than £4.69 but this rose last year by £1.40 to £6.09, while the lowest price of a standard bottle of blended whisky soared from £14 to £18.20. The new report is also calling for reform the system for licensing off-trade and online sales to 'firstly cap and then reduce off-trade availability of alcohol'. It also demands a restriction of alcohol marketing, including advertising outdoors, in public spaces and sport and event sponsorships, as well as displays in shops. And experts want to 'mandate the provision of health-related information, including health warnings, on alcohol products'. Last night Laura Mahon, acting chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said: 'For too long, we have seen deaths from alcohol continue to rise. 'We need concrete measures to prevent this - time is running out for this Government to demonstrate genuine results, so together with partners, we've provided a roadmap for delivery. 'Now we need to see clear leadership and investment. 'Earlier detection of liver damage is essential because of its life-saving potential. 'A number of these initiatives are already happening at a local level and could be scaled up and enable people with serious or potentially life-threatening alcohol problems to be identified sooner and supported more effectively, reducing their risk of experiencing further harm. 'It is also crucial that we consider the bigger picture. People don't just become unwell overnight. 'We are continually being fed the message that alcohol has an essential role in our lives, normalising drinking and influencing our consumption habits. 'We need to challenge this with well evidenced and cost-effective prevention measures adopted as part of a robust strategy for now and into the future.' The experts warned that alcohol acts as a 'drag' on the Scottish economy, costing an estimated £10billion per year, including an annual £700million bill for our NHS, £1.2billion in lost productivity costs, and a further £1billion through alcohol-related crime. The Scottish Government is developing a 'refreshed strategic approach that responds to the alcohol and drugs crisis'. Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 'We remain focused on reducing alcohol-related harm and deaths. 'Early detection of liver disease is a priority which is being delivered by the national Centre for Sustainable Delivery. 'Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing policy has saved hundreds of lives and likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions.'
Daily Record
01-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots drinkers face 'automatic' alcohol price increases under plan pushed by health experts
Scots face "automatic" increases in the cost of alcohol under a plan being pushed by health experts. A coalition of 70 organisations have called on the SNP Government to do more to bring down the number of deaths from drinking in Scotland each year, which have rocketed in the years since lockdown . The group - which includes charities and doctors' organisations - made the demand after figures showed Scotland has seen the highest number of drink-related deaths since 2008. The signatories said the Government must use the year before the next Holyrood election to prioritise early detection and treatment of liver disease, alongside other targeted measures. Among the plans being pushed is an automatic increase in minimum unit pricing (MUP) which would kick-in without MSPs' approval. The flagship SNP policy has so fair failed to bring down deaths from alcohol despite being raised again last year. The initial price was 50p per unit of alcohol - but last year this was hiked to 65p. Campaigners want to "mandate the provision of health-related information, including health warnings, on alcohol products". The letter has been signed by a host of groups, including Alcohol Focus Scotland, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, The Salvation Army, the British Heart Foundation and the Scottish Drugs Forum. They have made a number of calls ahead of the 2025 Programme for Government announcement – which will be the last time First Minister John Swinney will set out his Government's policy priorities before next year's election. As well as expanding early liver disease tests, they have called for nurse-led alcohol care teams to be established in hospitals to provide specialised care to those with alcohol problems. Alcohol detoxification services should also be improved, they said, with a bigger and better range of detox and rehab centres. Alcohol deaths have risen across the UK in recent years, although Scotland continues to have the highest rate. In 2023, 1,277 deaths from conditions wholly caused by alcohol were recorded in Scotland. Dr Alastair MacGilchrist, chairman of signatory Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, said while the Scottish Government declared alcohol harms to be a public health emergency in 2021, there has not been an emergency response. 'Deaths and illness from alcohol continue to rise but this is not inevitable,' he added. 'If politicians take bold action now we can prevent future harm. 'Alcohol is linked to over 100 illnesses including cancer, heart disease and liver disease. Investment in treatment saves lives – for every £1 spent on treatment there is a £3 return. Alcohol care teams, for example, can lower the number of acute hospital admissions, readmissions, and deaths, along with improving the quality of care for people with alcohol-related health problems." Laura Mahon, of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: "For too long, we have seen deaths from alcohol continue to rise. "We are continually fed the message that alcohol has an essential role in our lives, normalising drinking. We must challenge this with cost-effective prevention measures as part of a robust strategy.' Health Secretary Neil Gray said: "Research estimated that our world-leading minimum unit pricing policy has saved hundreds of lives and likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions." To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here
Glasgow Times
01-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Swinney urged to act in bid to reverse near-record alcohol deaths
The group, which includes charities, doctors' organisations and others, made the demand after figures showed Scotland has seen the highest number of drink-related deaths since 2008. The 72 group signatories said the Government must use the year before the next Holyrood election to prioritise early detection and treatment of liver disease, alongside other targeted measures. They have called for an increase in funding for recovery, treatment and support services generated through a levy on alcohol retailers. The letter has been signed by a host of groups, including Alcohol Focus Scotland, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, The Salvation Army, the British Heart Foundation and the Scottish Drugs Forum. They have made a number of calls ahead of the 2025 Programme for Government announcement – which will be the last time First Minister John Swinney will set out his Government's policy priorities before next year's election. As well as expanding early liver disease tests, they have called for nurse-led alcohol care teams to be established in hospitals to provide specialised care to those with alcohol problems. Alcohol detoxification services should also be improved, they said, with a bigger and better range of detox and rehab centres. Alcohol deaths have risen across the UK in recent years, although Scotland continues to have the highest rate. In 2023, 1,277 deaths from conditions wholly caused by alcohol were recorded in Scotland. Mr Swinney has been told by the 72-strong group that agreeing to its demands is 'essential' to fulfilling his Government's key priorities of eradicating child poverty, boosting the Scottish economy and improving public services. The SNP leader was told alcohol acts as a 'drag' on the Scottish economy, costing an estimated £10 billion per year, including an annual £700 million bill for the NHS, £1.2 billion in lost productivity costs, and a further £1 billion through alcohol-related crime. But the group says these costs are not felt evenly, with the 'heaviest burden of harm' being placed on the country's most deprived communities. As well as specific measures to help those already affected by alcohol, the group is advocating for a comprehensive alcohol strategy to prevent deaths from continuing to rise. They said any strategy must deliver 'clear leadership' and include plans for population-level prevention, as well as recovery treatment and care services. Laura Mahon, acting chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: 'For too long we have seen deaths from alcohol continue to rise. We need concrete measures to prevent this. 'Time is running out for this Government to demonstrate genuine results, so together with partners we've provided a roadmap for delivery.' Ms Mahon said now is the time for 'clear' leadership and investment, particularly into the early detection of liver disease, which she described as an 'essential' and 'life-saving' intervention for patients. She said: 'A number of these initiatives are already happening at a local level and could be scaled up and enable people with serious or potentially life-threatening alcohol problems to be identified sooner and supported more effectively, reducing their risk of experiencing further harm. 'It is also crucial that we consider the bigger picture. People don't just become unwell overnight. 'We are continually being fed the message that alcohol has an essential role in our lives, normalising drinking and influencing our consumption habits. 'We need to challenge this with well-evidenced and cost-effective prevention measures adopted as part of a robust strategy for now and into the future.' Dr Alastair MacGilchrist, chairman of signatory Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, said while the Scottish Government declared alcohol harms to be a public health emergency in 2021, there has not been an emergency response. 'Deaths and illness from alcohol continue to rise but this is not inevitable,' he added. 'If politicians take bold action now we can prevent future harm. 'Alcohol is linked to over 100 illnesses including cancer, heart disease and liver disease. Investment in treatment saves lives – for every £1 spent on treatment there is a £3 return. Alcohol care teams, for example, can lower the number of acute hospital admissions, readmissions, and deaths, along with improving the quality of care for people with alcohol-related health problems. 'However, inconsistencies in approach mean not everyone has access to these life-saving services. 'We need an overall alcohol strategy which sets out what steps the Government will take in terms of prevention – including action on the price, availability and marketing of alcohol – but also how it will improve treatment services so that everyone can access help when and where they need it.' The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.
