There were a record-breaking 5,460 deaths related to ‘alcohol-specific causes’ between January and September – but an addiction charity grimly predicted that further rises could be on the horizon.

New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) there was an 16.4% increase in the period, compared with the same nine-months in 2019. The ONS said the alcohol-specific death rate in England and Wales reached its highest peak since 2001 in the first three months of the year.

The rate reached 12.8 deaths per 100,000 people between January and March and remained at the level between April and September amid the coronavirus crisis.

Death rates in the second and third quarters of the year – April to June and July to September respectively – were statistically significantly higher than in any other year back to 2001, the ONS added.

Across the whole of the UK, the ONS also published annual death figures for 2019, which show that 7,565 deaths were registered – the second highest since the data time series began in 2001, suggesting factors other than the pandemic are at play.

Alcohol-specific death rates were highest among those aged 55 to 64 years for both men and women in 2019.

Deaths in England and Wales by date

Deaths by age group

Julie Breslin, from the drug, alcohol and mental health charity We Are With You, said: ‘The number of people in treatment for an alcohol issue has fallen by nearly one fifth since 2013/14.

‘At the same time we know that around four out of five dependent drinkers aren’t accessing any kind of support.

‘Sadly, these statistics show the impact of what happens when the majority of people with an issue with alcohol aren’t accessing treatment or support, especially in a country with such a heavy drinking culture as the UK.’

She added: ‘While the (UK-wide) statistics don’t include the impact of the pandemic, we’ve seen this picture become exacerbated in the past year.

‘Many older adults are unable to see their loved ones or friends, and are drinking more as a way to cope with increased loneliness, isolation and anxiety.

Deaths by gender

There is a steadily increasing trend in deaths over time

Addiction charities fear alcohol consumption has grown during lockdowns

‘Our research showed that at the end of last year more than one in two over-50s were drinking at a level that could cause health problems now or in the future, with nearly one in four classed as high risk or possibly dependent.’

There are widespread concerns that people are drinking more at home during lockdown, even with pubs and other hospitality venues are closed.

Nuno Albuquerque, head of treatment at the UK Addiction Treatment Group, added: ‘We must remember that what we’re talking about here aren’t just figures; they’re people.

‘They’re mums, dads, brothers, sisters, friends, colleagues and neighbours who have lost their lives to alcohol; a substance so widely accepted and almost encouraged in this country but one so controlling, addictive and, ultimately, life-threatening.’

He added: ‘Unfortunately, we expect these figures to rise even further after the difficulties we all faced in 2020.

‘We know first-hand how many people have struggled with their relationship with alcohol since the Covid-19 crisis. Our treatment facilities across the country admit more clients for alcohol addiction than any other substance and all our beds are almost full.’