A NEW report states that alcohol was a major factor in more than 3,700 deaths in Scotland in one year.

The NHS Health Scotland study also emphasised that booze was a significant factor in more than 1,000 deaths from cancer in a 12 month period, while hundreds more died from conditions such as liver disease and accidental injuries.

Other fatal conditions directly linked to alcoholic drinks include heart problems, strokes and pneumonia.

Jim Bett, service manager at Fife Alcohol Support Service, was not surprised by the findings and said: “The past 50 years has seen a big increase in the amount of alcohol we are drinking.

“In the UK, alcohol consumption has more than doubled since 1950, with the rate of increase particularly noticeable since the early 1990’s.

“As a result, there have been more cases of accidents, injuries and health problems caused by alcohol.

“In Scotland, 30 per cent of men and 20 per cent of women report exceeding the weekly drinking limits.

“However, it is well known that surveys tend to underestimate alcohol consumption.

“Using alcohol sales data, it is estimated that up to 50 per cent of men and 30 per cent of women are drinking more than the recommended weekly drinking limits.”

The figures come from 2015 and in that year a total of 41,161 people were admitted to hospital due to alcohol.

Elaine Tod, of NHS Health Scotland, said: “Alcohol has contributed to over 100,000 lost years of life due to early death or living in poor health in 2015.”

She stressed that “preventative action is needed if Scotland is to make long-term reductions in alcohol-related harm.”

Jim said that alcohol misuse was blighting many Fifers lives and could ultimately cost them everything if they can’t control their drinking.

And he added: “We all know that drinking too much can affect a person’s health and also cause social problems and have a negative effect on families and communities, and if this is a problem for anybody, then they should contact us.

“We have a free and confidential counselling service which operates every week throughout Fife which can assist any individual to reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of alcohol.”

You can contact them on 01592 206200.