As NI Alcohol Awareness Week gets underway across the region, Northern Ireland’s leading alcohol, drug-related and mental health charity, is asking everyone to take a closer look at their drinking habits.
The call comes as latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) show alcohol-specific deaths remain at persistently high levels, with long-term increases highlighting the continuing impact of alcohol harm across local communities.
The latest figures show that there were 341 alcohol-specific deaths registered in Northern Ireland. The overall trend remains deeply concerning, with deaths rising by 65.5% over the past decade.
The data also shows:
- The highest rates of alcohol-specific deaths are among people aged 45-64, accounting for nearly 64% of all deaths
- Alcoholic liver disease remains the leading cause, responsible for almost three-quarters of deaths
- People living in the most deprived areas experience almost four times as many deaths as those in the least deprived areas (2019–2023)
ASCERT Chief Executive Gary McMichael said:
“These figures are a stark reminder that alcohol continues to cause significant and avoidable harm across Northern Ireland. Behind every statistic is a family and a community impacted by loss, illness and distress. NI Alcohol Awareness Week is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our relationship with alcohol and consider whether a small change, such as cutting down, having alcohol-free days, or seeking support, could make a real difference to our health and wellbeing.”
He continued:
“We are proud to support the Public Health Agency’s Alcohol Awareness Week campaign. Reducing alcohol consumption, even slightly, can significantly improve both physical and mental health, and there is support available for anyone who wants help to make a change.”
Some Questions to Consider Are:
- How many alcohol free days do you have each week?
- Do you know how many units of alcohol you are consuming or what the guideline limits are?
- Is that one bottle of wine shared in the evening becoming two?
- Has a friend or family member expressed concern at your drinking?
- Are you concerned about a friend or family member’s drinking?
ASCERT are able to deliver FREE hour long alcohol awareness sessions to businesses across Northern Ireland and are taking bookings from August onwards. To find out more and to book, please email marketing@ascert.biz
ASCERT Support Services
ASCERT delivers free and confidential support services for young people, adults and families across Northern Ireland experiencing issues linked to alcohol, drugs, wellbeing and mental health.
Support available includes:
- One-to-one support and counselling
- Family support services
- School-based prevention, education and counselling programmes
- Online resources and self-help information
- Workplace training
Anyone needing support can visit www.ascert.biz or call 0800 2545 123.