Alcohol-related deaths in NI highest on record

The number of alcohol deaths NI reached a record high in 2019, according to official figures.

Data released on Tuesday by Statistics agency Nisra showed there were 336 alcohol-related deaths in 2019, the most recent year statistics are available for.

The figure is more than a third higher than a decade ago and an 18% increase on 2018.

The death rate is more than three times higher in NI's most deprived areas.

Alcohol-related deaths are classified as deaths resulting from health conditions that are a direct result of alcohol misuse.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said NI must challenge its drinking behaviour.

"We are also mindful of the impact of Covid-19 and reports that people may be drinking more at home during periods of lockdown," he added.

"Now is a good time to reflect on how much alcohol you are consuming and, if appropriate, to reduce drinking to improve your physical and mental wellbeing."

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Of the 336 deaths recorded in 2019 - out of a total of 15,758 registered deaths - the majority (210) were men.

The number of women whose deaths were alcohol-related (126) was the highest recorded.

In the five years from 2015 to 2019, the number of alcohol-related deaths was "notably higher" in deprived areas, Nisra said.

The death rate in the most deprived areas of NI was 30.3 per 100,000 - more than three times higher than that of the least deprived areas, where the rate was 8.3 deaths per 100,000.

Since 2009, the majority of those who died with alcohol-specific underlying causes have been aged between 45 and 64.

In 2019 62% of the deaths fell into this age group.