Alcohol deaths across Ayrshire show only part of the harm alcohol causes locally, according to the managers of two of the area's recovery services.
National Records of Scotland figures published today show there were 99 alcohol-specific deaths across East, South and North Ayrshire in 2025, up from 80 in 2024.
That includes 25 in East Ayrshire (2024: 30), 32 in South Ayrshire (2024: 18) and 42 in North Ayrshire (2024: 32).
South Ayrshire's figure went up the most, although its rate over the last five years has been close to, and slightly below, the Scotland average.
Across Scotland, 1,152 people died, 3% fewer than the year before.
But these figures only count deaths from conditions that are wholly down to alcohol. Many more people die or end up in hospital because of conditions alcohol contributes to.
Chris Bermingham, service manager of drug and alcohol charity WithYou in East Ayrshire, said:
"These figures are heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with every family in Ayrshire who has lost someone. But they're only part of the picture. Many more people are drinking in a way that's harming their health, and many don't know where to turn or how to ask for help.
"We also see the impact on the people around them. Partners, parents and children can carry a huge weight when someone they love is struggling with alcohol. They deserve support in their own right, and we're here for them too."
Roberta McClung, service manager of WithYou in South Ayrshire, added:
"Every one of these deaths is a family losing someone, and the rise in South Ayrshire this year is hard to see. Local numbers can swing from year to year, and last year's figure was lower than usual. But over time, the pattern is the same. Too many people here are being harmed by alcohol, and many never reach support.
"Stigma stops so many people reaching out. Some of the people in our team have been through it themselves, and when someone hears that, it changes everything. They know they won't be judged, and they can see that recovery is possible.
"It's never too early or too late to reach out. If you're worried about your own drinking or someone else's, please get in touch."
Louise Stewart, Director for Scotland at WithYou, said every one of these deaths could have been prevented with the right help at the right time.
She added: "More than 1,000 people losing their lives to alcohol in a single year is far too many, and much more needs to be done. We need joined-up thinking and proper investment to stop this tragedy from wrecking families and communities across Scotland.
"Most people struggling with alcohol never reach support. Alcohol is such a normal part of life in Scotland that it can be hard to see when drinking has become a problem, and stigma makes it harder still to ask for help.
"We need real urgency in how we respond, so we reach people much earlier. That means Alcohol Care Teams in every major hospital and access to detox wherever someone lives."
WithYou offers free, confidential support in East and South Ayrshire for anyone worried about their own drinking or someone else's. Visit www.wearewithyou.org.uk/scotland.