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

A leading alcohol‑reduction specialist credits advances in moderation therapies for a decline in the number of UK alcohol‑specific deaths

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.’

Regional and demographic disparities remain

‘While the overall decline in alcohol‑specific deaths represents significant progress, the ONS data reveals persistent disparities that highlight ongoing challenges in addressing alcohol dependency across different populations. Scotland and Northern Ireland continue to experience disproportionately high rates of alcohol‑specific mortality compared with other UK nations (Scotland 20.9 deaths per 100,000; Northern Ireland 21.4 deaths per 100,000), despite recent improvements.

‘These geographic variations underscore the need for targeted interventions that address specific regional challenges while maintaining access to evidence‑based treatments such as The Sinclair Method across the UK.’

‘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.

‘The fact that some moderation treatments can be accessed discreetly through online consultations may be particularly important for reaching men who have historically avoided conventional rehabilitation programmes. Our data suggests that medication‑assisted treatments are helping to provide accessible options for people who prefer not to make a public admission of a “drinking problem”.

The Moderation Revolution

‘The Sinclair Method, which uses the NHS-approved medication naltrexone combined with targeted behavioural coaching, has demonstrated an 80% success rate across over 90 clinical trials worldwide. Unlike traditional addiction treatments that require immediate and complete abstinence, this approach allows individuals to gradually reduce their alcohol consumption while addressing addictive patterns through medical intervention and coaching.

‘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.

‘Sinclair Method UK Ltd was founded with direct input from Dr. Roy Eskapa, a colleague of Dr. David Sinclair whose research led to this treatment. Dr. Eskapa trained and advised the team, making Sinclair Method UK Ltd the only organisation permitted to use The Sinclair Method trademark in the UK. For more information about The Sinclair Method, visit: https://www.sinclairmethoduk.com