ONS figures show fall in alcohol deaths as improved treatments take effect

May 28, 2026 - PRLog -- The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) report on alcohol‑specific deaths in the UK reveals a decline for the first time since 2018. The alcohol reduction specialists Sinclair Method UK attribute part of the decrease to the growing use and effectiveness of evidence‑based moderation treatments, as opposed to abstinence‑only methods.

The annual ONS report shows there were 9,809 alcohol‑specific deaths registered in 2024, the lowest number since 2021. This represented a year‑on‑year decrease for the first time since 2018. In 2023 there were 10,473 alcohol‑specific deaths.

This decline marks a significant shift in a trend that has concerned public‑health officials for some years. Harvey Bhandal, MD at Sinclair Method UK, attributes part of this encouraging development to the increased availability and acceptance of evidence‑based treatments that allow individuals to maintain greater control over their alcohol consumption rather than requiring complete sobriety.

Says Harvey: 'These ONS statistics represent real lives saved and families kept together. What we're seeing, in our view, is a shift in how some people approach alcohol dependency treatment. Rather than the traditional "all or nothing" mentality, medical interventions and behavioural support are helping some people regain control over their drinking patterns while remaining able to participate in social situations.'

'The gender breakdown in the 2024 figures also shows stark disparities, with men accounting for approximately two‑thirds of all alcohol‑specific deaths - a pattern that has remained consistent over recent years (males 20.2 per 100,000, 6,480 deaths; females 9.7 per 100,000, 3,329 deaths). This male predominance reflects broader issues around help‑seeking behaviour, with research indicating that men are significantly less likely to access traditional alcohol‑treatment services due to stigma and cultural barriers.

'These latest ONS statistics give us hope, but they also remind us of the work still to be done. Every life represented in these figures matters, and our goal is to ensure that anyone struggling with alcohol dependency has access to effective, evidence‑based treatment options. For more information about The Sinclair Method, visit: https://www.sinclairmethoduk.com