MORE than 200 people died in Wiltshire from alcohol misuse last year, according to figures released by Public Health England (PHE).

The figures have been released to coincide with Alcohol Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday (November 25). In 2016, 3,892 adults were dealing with alcohol dependency in Wiltshire and 205 died from alcohol misuse. And in 2017, more than 10 million people in England drank at a hazardous level, including 55,705 in the South West.

Ian Kersey, the drugs and alcohol lead for PHE South West, said: “We know how easy it can be for people to underestimate the amount they are drinking.

“It can start with a glass of wine with dinner, then progresses to one while you cook and then one after your meal and suddenly before you know it, you could be exceeding the recommended weekly intake.”

Alcohol is still the leading risk factor for ill-health, early mortality and disability among people aged 15-49.

Alcohol-related accidents cost the NHS about £3.5 billion each year. Figures also show 36,117 people in the South West were admitted to hospital for alcohol-related illnesses and injuries in 2016-2017, with 1, 443 young people under 18 treated for similar issues.

Mr Kersey said: “If you are concerned about how much you are drinking or want to speak to someone about a family member suffering from the effects or alcohol harm, you can contact alcohol support helplines who can help.”

For more information visit alcoholchange.org.uk