Recent UK government figures have revealed that alcohol-specific death rates are not just rising in the UK, they are reaching record highs - with 10,473 deaths related to alcohol recorded in 2023.

While alcohol addiction is a nationwide issue, the impact is not felt equally - Scotland and Northern Ireland continue to have the highest rate of alcohol-specific deaths in the UK (22.6 and 18.5 deaths per 100,000 people, respectively), compared to England’s rate of 14.4 deaths. Worse still, Scotland's rate is the highest in Europe.

Similar disparity can be seen within England itself as the findings identify the North East as having the highest rates, while the lowest rate is found in the East of England.

This divide is not accidental. Factors such as economic hardship, access to healthcare, and social deprivation all play a role in shaping alcohol-related harm.

In this article, Rehabs UK will explore both the figures and the underlying causes driving these regional disparities.

Table of Contents

• The top ten areas of the UK with the highest alcohol-related death rates
• Addiction in small towns: Alcohol-related deaths in rural and non-urban areas
• Regional alcohol-related deaths: Is there a North/South divide?
• A call to improve access to alcohol addiction support in non-urban areas

Areas of the UK with the highest alcohol-related death rates

Taking a closer look at the alcohol-related death rates of individual areas across England reveals that alcohol-related harm is disproportionately concentrated in northern regions - just one area in the top ten, Southampton, is in the South of England.

Another common trend is that nine of the top ten are classified as urban areas (Bolsover being the exception). However, concluding that alcohol-related deaths are only an issue in cities does not tell the whole story.

The highest rates in the country can be found in Sunderland (29.3) and Blackpool (28.4) - both far above the national average of 14.1.

Highest alcohol-specific death rates (England)

Source: ONS “Alcohol-specific deaths in England and Wales by local authority”

Addiction in small towns: Alcohol-related deaths in rural and non-urban areas

While urban areas report high death rates, rural areas are far from unaffected. Looking at addiction trends in rural and non-urban areas reveals another dimension to this crisis;

• Over half (54%) of all alcohol-related deaths occur in rural areas and towns.
• The North East continues to bear the highest burden, with 25.7 deaths per 100,000 people.
• All of the top ten rural locations with the highest alcohol-related death rates are in the North.

A key reason for high rates of alcohol-related death rates in non-urban settings is the lack of access to addiction treatment and support services. Rehabs UK Director Lester Morse explains:

“Rural areas face unique challenges in tackling alcoholism, like social isolation, limited access to care and economic hardship, which contribute to higher death rates.

“Addressing these disparities would require targeted government investment in healthcare infrastructure, as well as initiatives to reduce stigma and increase awareness. It's crucial for policies to reflect the specific needs of rural communities, ensuring that people have equal access to treatment and support. If the barriers to treatment are addressed, recovery outcomes could improve significantly.”

Non-urban highest alcohol-specific death rates (England)

Source: ONS “Alcohol-specific deaths in the UK: registered in 2023”

Regional alcohol-related deaths: A North/South divide

Source: ONS “Alcohol-specific deaths in England and Wales by local authority”

Looking at the data, the clear divergence between North and South is immediately apparent as the death rate generally reduces the further south the region is situated. It is interesting to note that the main exception to this is in the East, where the lowest death rate can be found, before increasing slightly in the southern coastal regions, albeit still under the national average.

The North East has the highest alcohol-related death rate of any region in England (22.6). The North accounts for almost a quarter of all alcohol-related deaths nationally (24.5%).

Regardless of the region, investment in accessible and affordable rehab services could play a critical role in narrowing the gap between regions and reducing alcohol-related deaths nationwide, as Rehabs UK Director Lester Morse explains;

“The contrast between the North and South in the UK, especially when it comes to addiction treatment, is significant. Scotland, with its high drug and alcohol-related death rates, has indeed relied more on harm reduction strategies rather than abstinence-focused recovery. While harm reduction has its benefits, the lack of sufficient rehab facilities and support for long-term abstinence can contribute to ongoing struggles with addiction in the North.

“In the South, the trend toward defunding long-term rehab placements and focusing less on abstinence recovery could indeed lead to worse outcomes over time. Without investment in quality rehab programs and long-term recovery strategies, the overall national death rate could rise, mirroring the crisis seen in the North. For effective long-term solutions, a balanced approach—incorporating both harm reduction and strong rehab facilities for abstinence recovery—is needed, along with sustained funding to support all aspects of addiction treatment.”

Alcohol-related death rates by region

Source: ONS “Alcohol-specific deaths in England and Wales by local authority”

A call to improve access to alcohol addiction support in non-urban areas

Director of Rehabs UK. Lester Morse

If we are to reduce alcohol-related harm across the country, a multifaceted approach is required. Increased investment in abstinence-based addiction treatment, awareness and personalised recovery programs are all key components for narrowing the gap between regions and reducing alcohol-related deaths nationwide.

“The main reason we set up Rehabs UK, alongside East-Coast Recovery, was to address the significant challenges people face with travel and the cost of residential rehab, especially in rural areas.” Says Lester Morse.

“Our approach focuses on accessibility, flexibility, and personalised care—ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to heal and thrive. By offering thorough assessments, we ensure individuals understand their options and can make informed decisions about their treatment. This personalised approach helps overcome barriers and ensures people receive the right care for their unique needs.

“We also explore a range of treatment options—whether it’s online therapy, community-based support, or residential rehab—and even combine these methods for a more flexible, tailored approach. Providing both free and paid options ensures that recovery is accessible to everyone. By equipping people with the right information and support, they are empowered to take the necessary steps towards lasting recovery.”

If you or someone you know needs help with alcohol addiction, Rehabs UK can help. Contact our team of experts to discuss the best path towards recovery.