Scottish alcohol use

When it comes to alcohol abuse in Scotland, the only way to improve the current state of those who live there is for everyone to do their part. Various issues can arise from drinking regularly, and if the problem persists, the rise in alcohol-related deaths will increase, too.

Luckily, the government has taken a special interest in getting control of the issue. It has put into place several ongoing measures in an effort to curb alcohol addiction in the years to come.

Alcohol consumption is common for people across the world, but in Scotland, the alcohol issue is causing more harm as the years go on.

When it comes to alcohol issues in Scotland, the government is doing all it can to reduce the number of deaths and other health-related issues that plague those that live there.

You may be wondering, what exactly can be done to combat the issue?

In this post, we’re going to provide you with insight into the drinking issues in Scotland. We’re also going to give you front row seats to what the government is doing to reduce the problem.

The Government Steps In

Tired of seeing the citizens of Scotland succumbing to alcohol addiction and death, the government saw it fit to step in and do what they can to take control of the situation.

They’ve taken a number of steps to ensure that the resources needed to curve and lessen alcohol addiction are possible. The first of these steps if offering continued alcohol services, even during the pandemic.

There’s been a rise in relapse and drinking once the epidemic took hold. That’s why places like Scotland and other nations who struggle with addiction must take control and do what’s necessary to provide continued care for those seeking help.

Joe FitzPatrick, the Public Health Minister, has partnered with care facilities across Scotland to ensure that services are still available to those that are seeking help.

Scottish Parliament Takes Action

Before 2020, the Scottish Parliament took the initiative to put into an effect that focused on the minimum unit pricing of alcohol. This means that the prices of cheaper lagers and ciders were raised to make them harder to purchase.

As of 2018, there was another act passed that improved the original act. For example, they’ve been working with the alcohol companies that manufacture these drinks. The goal is to provide further details and health information about alcohol on the labels.

They’ve also done what is needed to work with the companies to educate people about the harms of abusing alcohol. Legislators have also gone back to review the 50 pence price that was used as a minimum unit price. They need to determine whether it had an effect in the past few years and if it needs to be increased moving forward.

While alcohol may be to blame for some crimes and the Scotland murder rate, the government and Parliament are looking to change that.

Legal Drinking Age

Across the UK, the legal drinking age begins at 18. However, if a child is between the ages of 16-17, they may be able to drink when they are dining in a pub. That discretion solely lies with those that are operating the pub.

The reason this is an issue is that when children begin drinking earlier in life, it leaves them susceptible to alcoholism as they grow into adults. Not only does it make them more vulnerable to addiction, but it also can cause severe cognitive problems.

When it comes to purchasing alcohol across the UK, anyone that is under the age of 25 is likely to be refused. Now that you’ve got an idea of who is drinking in Scotland and in other areas of the UK, let’s examine the consequences of heavy and consistent alcohol usage with these other alcohol facts.

Cancer

Various studies have linked alcohol use to cancer, especially cancers of the mouth, liver, pancreas, colon, rectum, and more.

What about when it comes to how many people die from alcohol-related deaths? Experts estimate that in 1 in every 4 deaths where alcohol played a role, the person who passed also suffered from cancer complications.

That statistic in itself is staggering. Unfortunately, it’s not the only health-related complication that has contributed to the deaths of those who habitually indulge in alcohol.

Accidental Injury

When you’re under the influence of alcohol, your ability to make sound decisions is impaired.

Once your decision making is impaired, it leads to drinking and driving. It can also result in other injuries that may occur from lack of balance and coordination, even if you don’t get behind the wheel.

Unfortunately, injuries that occur because of accidental falls account for more than 300 alcohol-related deaths each year.

Strokes

It’s not uncommon for those that drink a high volume of alcohol to suffer from a stroke. The reason for this is because the alcohol makes it challenging for your body to clot blood appropriately, and it also raises your blood pressure.

When you consume more than two alcoholic beverages daily, it can raise your risk of stroke by 34%. That number continues to rise as you get older.

If something isn’t done now, the numbers are only going to get worse and more lives are going to be lost to this addiction.

If you’re looking for help to turn your life around, don’t hesitate to contact us at the Rehab Guide. We’ve got the resources that you need to take the step into a life of sobriety and recovery.

John

John’s has dedicated his life to finding treatment for those with addictions and supporting their families.
A business manager for 20 years in the construction industry John’s own experience of addiction led him to found his own rehab centre group in Scotland.
John qualified as a counsellor for people with substance misuse during his time working as a therapist and manager for the foundation. He also trained as an interventionist and appeared on ITV as a consultant helping families impacted by addiction.
He has helped thousands of people in recovery and his knowledge of the rehabilitations process and the addiction experience is unparalleled.

About the author

Article author

John

John’s has dedicated his life to finding treatment for those with addictions and supporting their families. A business manager for 20 years in the construction industry John’s own experience of addiction led him to found his own rehab centre group in Scotland. John qualified as a counsellor for people with substance misuse during his time working as a therapist and manager for the foundation. He also trained as an interventionist and appeared on ITV as a consultant helping families impacted by addiction. He has helped thousands of people in recovery and his knowledge of the rehabilitations process and the addiction experience is unparalleled.