Not in the festive ‘spirit’? Deaths by alcohol across Rochdale rise

Deaths by alcohol across Rochdale rise again

Public Health England has, in the midst of the festive season, revealed that alcohol related deaths in the borough of Rochdale have risen again for 2018.

The data shows that 121 people in the Rochdale borough died last year as a direct result of alcohol abuse, 17% more than the previous year. Rochdale did have a slightly higher mortality rate back in 2014.

In the last 5 years, alcohol related deaths here have risen from 99 in 2013 to 121 in 2018, a 22% rise, and a trend that experts at addiction treatment firm UKAT say is in a ‘wrong and worrying direction’.

These figures equate to 62 deaths from alcohol related conditions per 100,000 people, a rate that is significantly higher than the 2018 average for the whole North West region- 54.9 deaths per 100,000 - and is higher than for the whole of England, which is 46.5.

UKAT’s Group Treatment Lead, Nuno Albuquerque, comments on this timely insight: “December is notoriously a month for some to over-indulge, and alcohol becomes more and more prevalent and difficult to avoid with Christmas and New Year celebrations. People tend to drink to excess at this time of year, reaching and exceeding their normal limit with alcohol. But binge-drinking is extremely dangerous because it can cause real short and long term health problems and can even cause death.”

Binge drinking is defined as men consuming five or more drinks within around two hours and for women, four or more drinks within the same time period.

Nuno continues: “Binge drinking has an immediate effect on your coordination and judgement, but it also leads to dangerous long-term problems with your heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. Binge-drinking also increases the body’s tolerance to alcohol, and so the amount consumed each time increases.

“This can lead to the person becoming alcohol dependent, and as the recent figures from Public Health England have revealed, the number of people in Rochdale dying because of alcohol related conditions rises. This is an extremely concerning trend.

“It’s important to remember that these aren’t just numbers; they’re someone’s mother, father, child or friend they won’t get to enjoy this time of year with. We encourage people to be safe with alcohol and to seek professional support if they’re struggling.”

For confidential help and support with alcohol at this time of year, or to find treatment services in Rochdale, visit:

• www.ukat.co.uk/alcohol