Sky News reports that deaths from alcoholic liver disease rose by a staggering 21 per cent during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This sharp increase came in stark contrast to the 2.9 per cent increase in such deaths between 2018 and 2019.
The figures, supplied by Public Health England, seem to confirm fears that the pandemic and ensuing social restrictions came as a perfect storm for increases in alcohol dependency. Indeed, the number of alcohol related deaths also rose by 20 per cent in the year 2020.
PHE’s director of drugs,, alcohol, tobacco and justice Rosanna O’Connor, commented: "Our research suggests that lockdown has affected heavy drinkers the most, and that they are drinking more.
"Tackling harmful drinking must be an essential part of the Covid-19 recovery plan."
While there was a concerning growth in alcohol related fatalities in England, reports also emerged from the Bailiwick of Guernsey that more people have been drinking at home during the pandemic and demand for alcohol support services has gone up.
Guernsey’s health services have encouraged residents to reduce their alcohol intake to improve their mental health, adding that accidents caused by inebriated people will only increase the burden on local hospitals.
The States of Guernsey Health Improvement Commission’s substance use lead, Andrea Nightingale, has said that the guidelines for low risk drinking for both men and women spread over three days or more with at least two or three alcohol free days per week.
As well as limiting intake and having alcohol-free days during the week, Andrea advised residents to use smaller glasses to reduce the amount of overall consumption and to put bottles of wines and spirits away once the first drink has been poured to help break the temptation to pour another.
The Health Improvement Commission also recommends that consumers opt for lower strength drinks or simply lengthen spirit drinks with mixers and/or tonics to reduce the strength and make single drinks last longer, reducing the need for more. Drinking alcohol only with meals has also been recommended.
The Guernsey Alcohol Advisory Service is an organisation that provides counselling and support to anyone whose life is negatively affected by alcohol in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. It has seen demand for its support services increasing during the pandemic and been helping address the challenge.
Those in need of support and information from the service can find help online or call directly on 01481 723255.
