Dumfries and Galloway alcohol deaths reach record levels
dailyrecord.co.ukThe number of people in Dumfries and Galloway losing their life to alcohol has reached record levels. New figures show that 36 people across the region died from conditions caused by alcohol in 2022.
That’s 11 more than the previous year and the highest figure since records began in 1979. There was also an increase nationwide, with the number of deaths across Scotland hitting 1,276.
Galloway and West Dumfries Tory MSP, Finlay Carson, said: “Every one of these lives lost represents a family whose time with their loved one has been cut short by the impact of alcohol misuse and must surely make us stop and give thought as to how we can work better and harder to help those who are struggling with alcohol abuse and addiction. “We know from recent work by Public Health Scotland that the Scottish Government’s minimum unit pricing hasn’t had the impact that many believed it would on reducing alcohol consumption amongst those with alcohol dependence. “The Scottish Government must step up to ensure that rural areas like Dumfries and Galloway are given the resources that we need to provide support and recovery services for those who are misusing alcohol and alcohol dependent.” South Scotland SNP MSP, Emma Harper, responded: “The Scottish Government continues to work closely with alcohol and drug partnerships (ADPs) and the third sector to address this public health priority, backed by substantial investment and world leading policies – like minimum unit pricing – which independent analysis shows is reducing alcohol harm here in Scotland. “This year alone, £113 million is being made available to ADPs, including here in Dumfries and Galloway, to continue to reduce alcohol harm and to support those struggling with alcohol
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