The UK's appalling reputation when it comes to alcohol abuse is hardly a secret, but new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have brought home the true extent of the problem.

Alcohol-related deaths in the UK doubled in the 14 years from 1991 to 2005, from 6.9 per 100,000 to 12.9, according to the new report.

And while deaths blamed on alcohol have been rising fairly steadily in women, it is men that are facing the most serious crisis. The male death rate as a result of alcohol in 2005 was 17.9 per 100,000, which compares to just 8.3 per 100,000 for women. Men also accounted for two-thirds of all alcohol-related deaths.

The situation is deteriorating most rapidly for men between the ages of 35 and 54, according to the new report, and it also remains extremely grave for the elderly.

Alcohol-related death rates in the 35 to 54 age group climbed from 13.4 in 1991 to 29.9 per 100,000 last year, as excessive alcohol consumption continues to have a devastating impact on the lives of millions of middle-aged individuals. For those between the ages of 55 and 74, alcohol plays a part in the deaths of 43.4 per 100,000.

Frank Soodeen, a spokesman for Alcohol Concern, has said that he is not surprised by these "tragic" statistics.

"Binge drinkers should take especial note of the rise in the number of people aged between 35 and 54 who are now dying," he said.

The Department of Health has admitted to being "concerned" about the rise in the number of alcohol-related deaths and has stressed that the government is committed to reversing the trend. Many argue, however, that this objective is more reliant on personal lifestyle choices and a fundamental culture change than on government policy.

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