People drinking at harmful levels
About this Indicator
This indicator is a measure of potential “problem drinkers” – people who are classified as using alcohol in a way that can negatively impact their health and their life, but the body is not physically dependent on the substance.
| Indicator | 2018 Baseline | 2021 Target | 2028 Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| People drinking at harmful levels | 20% of people are drinking at harmful levels | No more than 18% of people are drinking at harmful levels | No more than 15% of people are drinking at harmful levels (or in line with the National Average, whichever is lower) |
Source
When the Plan was issued, the data came from Public Health Information for Scotland. The information was based on the Scottish Health Survey. NHS Shetland health board was selected alongside the indicator “individuals problem drinking”. “Individuals problem drinking” has not been updated since the 2014-2017 aggregate. Therefore, the Scottish Health Survey is now used as the source as this includes more recent data.
The Scottish Health Survey indicator is on alcohol consumption at hazardous/harmful levels. The definition is “medium level of alcohol problems, with increased risk of developing alcohol-related health or social problems (sometimes described as hazardous drinking behaviour).
Most recent data
19% of people in Shetland were drinking at harmful levels between 2018-2022 (Scottish Health Survey). This is a 1% decrease from 2017-2021 and is lower than the Scottish rate of 23%.
Why do we monitor this indicator?
Alcohol Focus Scotland states that people in Scotland drink more than people in England and Wales and many more than many other European countries. Scotland also suffers more alcohol-related harm than these countries.
In Scotland, many deaths, hospital stays, inequalities, contributions to ill health, GP consultations, traumas, crimes and harm consequences can be attributed to alcohol. Facts and figures on these can be found on the Alcohol Focus Scotland website.
Alcohol Focus Scotland also highlights that drinking too much can damage physical and mental health in the short and long term. It can affect weight, looks, sleep and can lead to medical conditions such as high blood pressure, liver disease, stroke, cancer and brain damage.
This indicator contributes to monitoring the desired outcomes outlined in the People priority of the Partnership Plan.
“The number of disadvantaged people and households in Shetland will be considerably reduced as a result of people being enabled and empowered to address the issues they face and helping others to thrive in the same way.”