North Tyneside has been identified as the UK area with the highest risk of alcohol misuse, according to new research by addiction treatment provider Rehab Today. The study, which analysed six alcohol-related factors across 110 locations, highlights significant regional disparities. The North East dominated the highest-risk areas, with five entries in the top 10, while London boroughs accounted for six of the lowest-risk areas.
The index considered alcohol-related mortality, hospital admission episodes, and potential years of life lost. North Tyneside received the highest score at 92.60, linked to 60.30 deaths per 100,000 and 890 admissions per 100,000. Sunderland followed with a score of 92.24, recording the highest alcohol-related mortality rate at 63.40 per 100,000. Gateshead placed third with a score of 89.58 and the highest female potential years of life lost at 1,034 per 100,000. Southampton ranked fourth at 85.59 with the highest under-18 admission rate of 61.50 per 100,000, while Northumberland came fifth at 80.57. Other areas in the top 10 included St Helens, Newcastle upon Tyne, Stoke-on-Trent, County Durham, and Liverpool.
At the other end of the scale, Bromley recorded the lowest risk score of 7.71, with 29.00 deaths and 277 admissions per 100,000. Barnet followed at 10.93, registering the lowest mortality rate at 24.60 per 100,000. Sutton, Richmond upon Thames, Croydon, Buckinghamshire, Redbridge, Wandsworth, Harrow, and Enfield also featured among the 10 lowest-risk areas. Buckinghamshire was notable for recording zero under-18 admissions for alcohol-specific conditions.
Perry Clayman, managing director and founder of Rehab Today, said: “These findings show the disparities in alcohol-related harm across the UK. The concentration of high-risk areas in the North East may be due to social and economic factors that may contribute to increased alcohol consumption and related health issues. Early intervention and accessible treatment options are essential for addressing these disparities. Communities with higher risk factors need targeted support and resources to combat alcohol misuse and reduce its impact on public health.”
The study’s methodology involved standardising six factors from the Local Alcohol Profiles for England on a 0–10 scale, with weightings applied to reflect their importance. Alcohol-related mortality and admission episodes each contributed 25% of the total score, while under-18 admissions accounted for 15%. The North East’s position as the highest-risk region reflects earlier data showing its alcohol-specific mortality rate in 2021 was 20.4 per 100,000, compared with England’s overall rate of 13.9.
