Alcohol deaths have begun to stabilise according to statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The most recent ONS data shows that up to 2007, death rates, particularly for males, are no longer increasing. This follows a sustained period of increase with death rates more than doubling since the early 1990's.
A BBC report claims that death rates are 'falling', athough based this on the 0.1 percentage point decrease in 2007 overall rates. However death rates and recent increases are mostly determined by the 55-74 age group, which may be more influenced by drinking patterns several years ago. Current levels of alcohol consumption are more likely to affect mortality rates in the years to come. It was recently reported that hospital admissions for alcoholic liver disease among the 18-40 age group rose from 2,967 in 1997-98 to 6,495 in 2006-07. See here for more.
Drivers to reduce hospital admission rates have been introduced by the government over recent years, including a National Indicator target for local authorities on alcohol-related hospital admissions. A range of supporting guidance has been released and National Support Teams will be working with Primary Care Trusts with the highest rates.
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