The Complexity of Grief After an Alcohol-Related Death

August 2021 brought some stark Scottish headlines to the national press:

“Deaths caused by alcohol at highest level since 2008 in Scotland” - The Guardian

“Alcohol-related deaths reach 'devastating' 12-year high in Scotland” - The Scotsman

“‘Covid lockdowns’ push alcohol deaths in Scotland to highest level in a decade” - Independent

These headlines were off the back of a report by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) highlighting that, in Scotland, there had been 1,190 alcohol-specific deaths during 2020 - an increase of 17% from 2019 and the highest number recorded since 2008. That is the equivalent 3 people, in Scotland, per day.

Those numbers communicate one part of what is a much a wider story.

Beyond the alcohol-specific deaths, there are also many, many alcohol related deaths in Scotland – deaths where alcohol has played a part, but isn’t the immediate cause of death. These might include death through accident, suicide, violence or underlying health conditions. Deaths may have happened suddenly, or may have been the result of a long-term illness impacted by alcohol use.  

Further, alcohol is reported as the biggest risk factor for all early deaths among 15-49 year olds.

It’s not just the headlines that are stark – the extent and impact is also stark.

The grief behind the numbers

Regardless of whether it was an alcohol-specific death, or an alcohol-related death... whether it was a sudden death or one over a long period of time... whether it was a younger or older person... what doesn’t change is that there was a death which left behind bereaved people who are affected by it in multiple ways.

Bereavement, as a result of an alcohol related death, may be very complicated:

There may be stigma around the death – friends and family may want to talk about a death caused by an accident, rather than acknowledge that the accident happened because of alcohol use.

There may be great feelings of helplessness – help that was offered but never taken - or help that was received but “falling off the wagon” brought a catastrophic ending.

Some bereaved people may be relieved – they may have watched a long and slow deterioration of their loved one that was difficult to live with and may also have had impact on the family’s financial wellbeing.

Anger may not be far from the surface – there may be thoughts that the person played a significant part in their own death and it may therefore have, in some respects, felt like a preventable death.

Getting support after an alcohol-related death

The feelings and emotions can be strong, conflicting and confusing. It can be difficult to be honest and it can be difficult to reach out for support. That is where contacting an organisation like Cruse Scotland can be useful. You'll have the opportunity to talk with someone, who is that bit distanced from the situation and who can offer a confidential, non-judgemental and compassionate space where you are able to safely talk through some of those conflicting, painful thoughts and emotions.

Alcohol Awareness Week

Alcohol Awareness Week is coordinated by Alcohol Change UK – they have produced a very helpful fact sheet about alcohol-related bereavement which is available from their website.

If you are affected by an alcohol-related death, please do use this Alcohol Awareness Week to reach out and get the support that would be helpful for you. Call our free helpline: 0808 802 6161, or start a webchat.