Dying for a drink in Bolton

Alcohol is the biggest killer in Bolton, overtaking heart disease as the most common cause of premature death.

Shock figures show problems with regular binge drinking have sparked a surge in the number of people dying from booze-related illnesses.

And experts predict the problem will get worse with an increasing number of young adults abusing alcohol on a regular basis.
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Deborah Harkin, deputy director of public health at Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: "Bolton's problem with alcohol is a potential timebomb.

"The conditions leading to early death are caused by people who have been drinking over the recommended limit for years, but aren't necessarily alcoholics. People are dying younger and younger.

"Women in their early 20s being admitted to hospital have been drinking huge amounts of alcohol for long periods of time. If this trend carries on, all the work we have done around heart disease will be negated by the problems with alcohol-related diseases."

Figures released by the PCT show that, for the first time, alcohol is cutting more time off the life of an average person than ever before. They show a male drinker who regularly consumes more than the recommended weekly amount of alcohol will die an average of three months early, compared to the average life expectancy. For a woman, the figure is four months.

It is recommended that women drink no more than 14 units of alcohol in a week and men no more than 21 units. Experts also say people should ensure they have at least two alcohol-free days every week.

Changing lifestyles, the pressures of the 21st century, and people spending more time than ever at the office are said to be driving an increase in drinking. Many people regularly binge drink without realising, by having a glass or two of wine at home.

Ms Harkin said: "This is a big problem for Bolton. Alcohol is one of our top priorities. Young people are drinking more than ever before and we have a real culture of alcohol abuse in this country.

"We are talking about ordinary people, who have had a stressful day at work and who pour themselves a glass of wine in the evening to help unwind. But over the years this can cause serious damage to their health."

Cllr Rosa Kay, Bolton Council's executive member for adult social care and health, added: "These figures are obviously a matter of concern. People live under a lot of pressure and perhaps don't seek the help they need to as quickly as they should, and I would seriously urge them to do that."

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