The Salvation Army is calling for increased resources and targeted support for individuals facing alcohol addiction in Scotland, as recent statistics show a troubling rise in alcohol-related deaths. According to the National Records of Scotland, 1,277 people died due to alcohol-related causes in 2023, with two-thirds of these deaths affecting men.
Dr. Hannah Carver of the Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research highlighted the pressing need for accessible support services, particularly for vulnerable individuals at high risk of alcohol dependency. She emphasized the severe health implications of heavy drinking and noted that access to treatment remains a challenge. Many crucial support services are unavailable during weekends and evenings, further complicating recovery efforts for those in crisis.
Lee Ball, the Salvation Army’s Director of Addiction Services, underscored the urgency for collaborative efforts among the Scottish Government, local authorities, and healthcare providers to create a well-rounded support system. “Specialist services available outside regular hours could be lifesaving,” he stated, stressing that those struggling with mental health challenges compounded by substance use should not be left without help.
The charity’s Breaking the Cycle report reveals that around 80 percent of Scotland’s drug and alcohol support services are closed on weekends, a gap that disproportionately impacts those in Scotland’s most deprived areas, such as Inverclyde, Glasgow City, North Lanarkshire, and Dundee. Alcohol-related mortality rates continue to climb, particularly among individuals aged 45-74, a demographic particularly affected by limited treatment access.
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