Alcohol is considered the second biggest cause of preventable death in the UK (after smoking), with alcohol misuse affecting most sectors across society; health, family breakdown, anti-social behaviour and crime (road traffic collisions, anti-social behaviour, and domestic violence). Alcohol is estimated to cost society £21 billion per year with costs to the NHS directly estimated at £3.5 billion per year; accident and emergency attendances, ambulatory service, hospital services, and treatment.

Generally, most adults in the UK consume alcohol with its use influenced by, social and cultural norms.

Drinking above the recommended 14 units per week can increase the risk of developing a range of health problems including chronic alcohol related diseases such as liver disease; high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease; depression and anxiety and some cancers (eg breast cancer, head and neck cancers); weight gain and sexual performance. There can also be psychosocial impacts on relationships, employment, and debt in problem drinkers.

Knowsley Alcohol Use

• Over a quarter of adults in Knowsley drink above the recommended guidelines each week
• 12.7% of adults do not drink alcohol at all
• The number of young people (11 to 15 years) having drank alcohol in the last week is falling
• More 14 to 17 year olds have tried alcohol in the last week compared to 11 to 15 year olds
• Over two thirds of 14 to 17 year olds think that getting drunk is fun and over half think it is normal to get drunk

Health Impact

• Knowsley’s mortality rate from alcohol has risen in the last 9 years whilst North West and England rates have fallen.
• Knowsley alcohol hospital admissions are significantly higher than the North West and England
• Male mortality rate and alcohol related hospital admissions from alcohol are over double that for females
• In the last 5 years successful completion of treatment has risen – with almost half of people in treatment completing
• The most common age for those adults in treatment was 50 to 59 years
• Over 40% of those in treatment referred themselves