Key Points:
- Alcohol-specific deaths in Havering have more than tripled in five years, per (Office For National Statistics (ONS) data.
- In 2023, 34 people died in Havering due to alcohol-related causes.
- The same number was recorded in 2022, marking the highest figures since records began in 2001.
- In 2018, there were only eight such deaths, rising to 12 in 2019.
- Other East London boroughs also saw high numbers: Newham (36), Waltham Forest (33), and Redbridge (26).
- Havering ranked ninth highest in London for alcohol-specific deaths.
- Across the UK, over 10,400 alcohol-related deaths were recorded in 2023, the highest on record.
- Drinkaware CEO Karen Tyrell called the figures “depressing” and highlighted a link between deprivation and alcohol-related fatalities.
LONDON – New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed that alcohol-specific deaths in Havering have more than tripled over the past five years, reaching their highest levels on record.
In 2023, a total of 34 people in Havering lost their lives due to alcohol-specific causes, the same figure recorded in 2022. This marks a significant rise from just eight deaths in 2018 and 12 in 2019.
Havering is not alone in experiencing a rise in alcohol-related fatalities. Newham recorded 36 deaths, Waltham Forest saw 33, and Redbridge had 26. These figures suggest a broader trend across East London, where alcohol-related health concerns are becoming increasingly prominent.
Havering now ranks ninth among London boroughs for alcohol-specific deaths, reflecting a troubling increase that has outpaced many other areas.
The ONS data further revealed that across the UK, more than 10,400 people died from alcohol-related diseases in 2023, the highest figure ever recorded. This sharp rise highlights an urgent public health issue.
Karen Tyrell, Chief Executive of alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware, described the figures as “depressing” and stressed that these deaths are entirely preventable.
“All of these deaths are preventable and sadly, according to our research, you are more likely to die from an alcohol-specific illness if you live in the most deprived areas of the nation,” Tyrell stated.
Health professionals and campaigners are calling for greater awareness, support, and interventions to tackle the growing crisis.
Authorities are urging individuals struggling with alcohol dependence to seek help through NHS services and local support groups. Organisations such as Drinkaware and Alcohol Change UK provide guidance, helplines, and resources for those in need.
The rise in alcohol-specific deaths has sparked renewed calls for government action to improve alcohol-related health policies and support services.
