Drinking levels in the Highlands have been branded “extremely worrying” – with 40% of people exceeding recommended limits.
Dr Hugo van Woerden, director of public health and health policy at NHS Highland, has used his annual report to issue a stark warning about the impact of boozing in the north.
He said that while on the one hand alcohol consumption was a “normal part of a healthy society”, excessive drinking was linked to a “significant burden of harm”.
Figures in his report show that in the Highlands 9.4% of men and 7.2% of women are classed as “problem” drinkers – but an arguably more worrying 40% of the region’s population drink more than the recommended limit.
Dr van Woerden also reported a rise in alcohol intake by women aged 16-24, and he said that children as young as three can now recognise the smell associated with alcoholic drinks.
He added that it was “disappointing” that about 70% of 15-year-olds across the Highlands reported that they have had an alcoholic drink and, in about a quarter of cases, the alcohol had been purchased for them by a parent or carer.
The report highlighted that alcohol was now 60% more affordable in the UK than it was in 1980, and that it was possible in Scotland for people to exceed the minimum weekly recommended intake for under £5.
The report will be discussed by NHS Highland board members at a meeting on Tuesday.
Jennifer Curran, acting chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: “Alcohol-related harm is costing the Highlands at least £85million a year in health, social care, crime and economic costs.
“The 40% of people in the Highlands who regularly drink more than the recommended consumption limits are increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease, liver damage, cancer and mental health problems.”
Rhoda Grant, Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “I fully understand the position taken by Dr Hugo van Woerden.
“If nearly half the adult population of the Highlands exceed the recommended intake of alcohol then that is a concern and when you add that to the fact that there were on average 80 deaths per year in the NHS Highland area, this amplifies that point.
“I think a balanced, but concerted educational approach is required by all in the community.”
Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said: “Scotland is leading the way in taking strong, evidence based action to tackle alcohol misuse.
“Our Alcohol Framework contains more than 40 measures to reduce alcohol-related harm and has had a positive impact so far but, while an average of around 22 people a week still die because of alcohol across Scotland, there can be no room for complacency.”
Ends