A sharp increase in the number of hospital admissions for alcohol-related problems is causing serious concern among health professionals.
Figures released today by The Nuffield Trust show that emergency admissions due to the effects of alcohol have increased by more than 50% in the last nine years in England.
The number of patients treated for alcohol poisoning has doubled in six years.
Rates were much higher in the North of the country compared to the South.
Alarmingly the largest increases were among young people age 15-24 and older, poorer men age 45-64.
Joint author of the report Claire Currie said: “With the Christmas party season in full swing, it’s worth considering the full burden over-indulgence in alcohol is placing on our NHS, as well as the obvious human cost.
“Our research has uncovered a picture of rising and avoidable activity in hospitals, representing a stark challenge for the Health Service at a time when it’s already great pressure.”
Alcohol misuse costs the UK economy an estimated £7.3 billion per year.
In England alone, estimates suggest that over 15,000 people die from alcohol-related illnesses each year.
