Male alcohol death rate 'shock'

Alcohol-related deaths among men have more than doubled

The number of alcohol-related deaths among men in Dumfries and Galloway has more than doubled in five years.

According to the latest NHS figures, 15 lives were lost in the year 2000 and this rose to 33 in 2005.

The number of local women dying from alcohol-related causes has fallen slightly but the rise in male deaths is one of the most marked in the country.

Mike McLurg, Alcohol and Drug Support South West Scotland chairman, admitted the statistics were a "shock".

He said that his group would be looking to act quickly in response to the situation.

"The figures are really quite a shock and it is a shock I think the health board should be addressing," said Mr McLurg.

"Obviously we are trying to get as early intervention as possible but early intervention is only as early as the client is willing to have you intervene.

"We will be speaking to NHS Dumfries and Galloway as urgently as possible to address this particular issue."