Alcohol related deaths in the United Kingdom Introduction Misuse of alcohol has increased ever year within the UK. The recommended units a day designed ‘for men is 3-4 units and for women 2-3 units’. Exceeding these units can lead to serious consequences. The government sets out these guidelines in order to decrease alcohol related deaths, and within each year, the public’s understanding of the damages of excessive drinking seems to be lacking, due to increase in alcohol related deaths. Alcohol related deaths can also be defined in classification codes, these codes simply break down reason for death. Conclusion Overall, figures show the amount of alcohol associated deaths is on the rise. Statistics have proven these figures have doubled from 1990 compared to 2007 and if individuals do not take into account the damage that alcohol can cause these figures will continue to rise. Reducing the amount of alcohol or even making the public aware of figures attributing to the mortality rate caused by alcohol should hopefully have an effect on reducing the amount of these deaths. The Government should also play a part in the awareness of the effects towards alcohol in the same way as they do with smoking. Finding Figures shows between the years of 1990 to 2007 alcohol related deaths have increased rapidly. In 2007, 8,724 individuals died due to alcohol but in 1991, only 4,144 individuals died as a cause of alcohol. These figures had >than doubled over the years. Alcohol related deaths were ‘13.3% of 100,000 populations in 2007’, in comparison to ‘6.9% of 100,000 populations in 1991’. The graph also shows figures of alcohol associated deaths are higher in men than women. In 2007, ‘18.1% per 100,000 population’ of males died> than double the figures of males in comparison to only ‘8.7% per 100,000 population’. Statistic also shows, “how alcohol can be held responsible for 100,000 deaths every year. 5% of all ARD {Alcohol Related Deaths} from diseases of the circulatory system are attributed to alcohol. 15% of all ARD from diseases of the respiratory system are attributed to alcohol. 30% of all ARD from accidents caused by fire and flames are attributed to alcohol. 30% of all accidental drowning are attributed to alcohol. 30% of all suicides are an attribution to alcohol. 40% of all ARD due to accidental falls are attributed to alcohol. 45% of all ARD in automobile accidents are an attribution to alcohol. 60% of all homicides are attributed to alcohol.” Method This poster is designed to break down valid points about alcohol related deaths within the United Kingdom. The poster focuses on the number of deaths mainly during 1990 – 2007, and also breaks down the reasons behind alcohol related deaths each year. Hopefully, showing an overview of alcohol intake to prevent and lower the mortality rate caused by alcohol within the UK. Alcohol Deaths Rates stabilise in the UK Group 3 : Alcohol misuse. What is the challenge? Extra Information Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to the increase of many diseases such as : Cancer through the throat, mouth Liver diseases such as “cirrhoses” Digestive problems High blood pressure and coronary heart disease Nervous system problems Mental problems: anxiety, depression and behaviour problems Alcohol poisoning may be a result to short term drinkers and in some cases can be fatal. An article from The Independent newspaper shows that around 60 people die every day from alcohol; this study also shows that individuals underestimate the problem link with alcohol and death by excluding about 1/3 of these deaths from official statistics. The same study also shows that 5,000 cancerous deaths per year are linked to alcohol consumption. The article mentioned excessive drinking among women is higher in the UK than anywhere else worldwide, 1/3 of these women aged between are classed as heavy drinkers. A charity director known as Don Shenker stated, “Alcohol-related deaths are eminently preventable, but the Government needs to invest more if the figures are to come down.” The BBC news stated that, “the number of alcohol related problems is continuing to rise”, the article goes on to explain similar statistics to the graph below.