The Institute of Alcohol Studies has released a new video explaining the difference between alcohol-specific and alcohol-related deaths—two key measures used to assess the true scale of alcohol harm. While alcohol-specific deaths refer to fatalities from conditions entirely caused by alcohol, such as alcohol-related liver disease and alcohol poisoning, alcohol-related deaths also include cases where alcohol is a contributing factor, such as certain cancers and heart disease. These definitions help provide a clearer picture of how alcohol affects public health.

Alcohol-specific deaths are often used for tracking trends over time and comparing geographical areas, as they offer a consistent measure of mortality. However, this definition significantly underestimates the full impact of alcohol, as it excludes conditions influenced by alcohol but also linked to other risk factors. In England in 2023, there were 8,274 alcohol-specific deaths, yet when considering alcohol-related deaths—covering a broader range of conditions—the figure rises to an estimated 22,644. This difference highlights the widespread and often underestimated harm caused by alcohol consumption.

Understanding these measures is essential for developing effective alcohol policies that address the full extent of harm. With alcohol being a leading cause of premature and preventable deaths, recognizing its role in diseases beyond just liver disease or poisoning is critical.

For more details, read the IAS briefing here: https://www.ias.org.uk/report/alcohol-specific-and-alcohol-related-deaths-what-does-it-all-mean/ (UK, February 2025)