Alcohol-related illness on the up

Between 1993 and 2003 there was a significant increase in chronic liver disease mortality rates in both Scottish men and women, it has been revealed.

Statistics from the Information Services Division indicate that the highest rise was seen in the 30 to 39 age group, with an almost five-fold growth since 1984.

This compares to the majority of European countries, which have reported a decrease in the number of deaths related to alcoholic liver problems.

In response to the trend report, Dr Rachel Seabrook, research manager at the Institute of Alcohol Studies, said: "This is consistent with the trends that we have seen across the UK and especially in Scotland.

"Liver disease is a problem which has been growing for years, and Scotland particularly has severe problems with alcohol even more so than other parts of the UK."

The number of alcohol-related deaths in the UK has consistently risen since the early 90s, peaking in 2008.

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