While urban areas report high death rates, rural areas are far from unaffected. Addiction rehabilitation experts at Rehabs UK matched recent UK government figures against population density metrics to explore addiction trends in rural and non-urban areas:
- Rochdale is the area with the third highest alcohol-specific death rate of all non-urban areas in England, with 22.4 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, ranking far above the national average of 14.4.
- Recent UK government figures revealed that alcohol-specific death rates are not just rising in the UK, they are reaching record highs - with 10,473 deaths related to alcohol recorded in 2023.
- The actual alcohol-specific deaths in the Greater Manchester (Met County) area increased by 35% in the last decade, from 377 in 2013 to 509 in 2023.
While urban areas report high death rates, non-urban areas are far from unaffected. A key reason for high rates of alcohol-related death rates in non-urban settings is the lack of access to addiction treatment and support services, as well as a decrease in funding, Rehabs UK Director Lester Morse explains:
“Non-urban areas face unique challenges in tackling alcoholism, like social isolation, limited access to care and economic hardship, which contribute to higher death rates.
“Addressing these disparities would require targeted government investment in healthcare infrastructure, as well as initiatives to reduce stigma and increase awareness. It's crucial for policies to reflect the specific needs of these communities, ensuring that people have equal access to treatment and support. If the barriers to treatment are addressed, recovery outcomes could improve significantly.”
The Health Foundation estimates a real-terms per person cut of £27 in public health grant allocations for Rochdale between 2015/16 and 2025/26. Nationally, drug and alcohol services for adults have seen an estimated cut of 25% in this period.
Non-urban areas with the highest alcohol-specific death rates in England
| Area | Alcohol-specific death rate (per 100,000 people) |
| Bolsover | 23.8 |
| Gateshead | 23.0 |
| Rochdale | 22.4 |
| Lancaster | 22.3 |
| Blackburn with Darwen | 22.1 |
| County Durham | 22.0 |
| Darlington | 21.5 |
| Calderdale | 21.5 |
| Doncaster | 21.4 |
| Redcar and Cleveland | 21.0 |
Source: ONS “ Alcohol-specific deaths in the UK: registered in 2023”
Looking at the data at a regional level, the clear divergence between the North and South is immediately apparent as the death rate generally reduces the further south the region is situated. The North East has the highest alcohol-related death rate of any region in England (22.6). The North accounts for almost a quarter of all alcohol-related deaths nationally (24.5%).
Source: ONS “ Alcohol-specific deaths in England and Wales by local authority”
Investment in accessible and affordable rehab services could play a critical role in narrowing the gap between regions and reducing alcohol-related deaths nationwide, as Morse explains;
“The trend toward defunding long-term rehab placements and focusing less on abstinence recovery could indeed lead to worse outcomes over time. Without investment in quality rehab programs and long-term recovery strategies, the overall national death rate could rise, mirroring the crisis seen in the North. For effective long-term solutions, a balanced approach – incorporating both harm reduction and strong rehab facilities for abstinence recovery – is needed, along with sustained funding to support all aspects of addiction treatment.”
A call to improve access to alcohol addiction support in non-urban areas
If we are to reduce alcohol-related harm across the country, a multifaceted approach is required. Increased investment in abstinence-based addiction treatment, awareness and personalised recovery programs are all key components for narrowing the gap between regions and reducing alcohol-related deaths nationwide.
“The main reason we set up Rehabs UK, alongside East-Coast Recovery, was to address the significant challenges people face with travel and the cost of residential rehab, especially in rural areas.” Says Morse.
“Our approach focuses on accessibility, flexibility, and personalised care - ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to heal and thrive. By offering thorough assessments, we ensure individuals understand their options and can make informed decisions about their treatment. This personalised approach helps overcome barriers and ensures people receive the right care for their unique needs.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, find your local support services on the Rochdale Borough Council. Visit the Rehabs UK site for more information about alcoholism, drug addictions and behavioural addictions.