30.05.13
Alcohol dependency prescriptions increase
The number of prescriptions to treat alcohol dependency has increased by almost 75% in nine years, new data from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) shows.
Almost 180,000 prescription items were dispensed in 2012, a 6% increase on the previous year and 73% on 2003, when the HSCIC annual report on alcohol began.
In 2012, drugs to treat alcohol dependency cost £2.93m, a rise of 70% on the first year. The report compiles statistics about drinking behaviours, costs, ill-health and mortality.
Hospital admissions where the primary diagnosis was an alcohol-related condition rose by 41% on 2002-03. Almost two-thirds of the patients were male, with the highest rates in the north west.
HSCIC chief executive Alan Perkins said: “Today’s report shows a substantial increase in the number of drugs prescribed for alcohol dependency compared to almost a decade ago. Today’s report illustrates the impact of alcohol misuse on hospitals in England, which will be of interest to health professionals, policy makers and the general public.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]