Alcohol-Related Morbidity and Mortality: Costs

HL Deb 12 January 1998 vol 584 cc116-7WA

The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the annual cost to the NHS of alcohol abuse and misuse among the following age groups: (a) under 17 years old; (b) 17 to 25 years old; and (c) over 25 years old.

Baroness Jay of Paddington

Estimates of the cost to the National Health Service of alcohol-related morbidity and mortality vary widely; the most recent academic estimate of which we are aware is reproduced in the table. It is not broken down by age group.

	£,million
	Cost to NHS
Inpatient costs—direct alcohol diagnosis	40.80
Inpatient costs—other alcohol related diagnosis	120.17
General practice costs	3.06
Total	164.03

Source:

Health Education Authority. Health Update: Alcohol (1997)—after Godfrey, C. and Hardman, G. (1994).