The United Kingdom's Office for National Statistics released data revealing that deaths caused by alcohol have more than doubled in the last decade, Life Style Extra reported on July 18.

In 2004, 8,380 deaths were directly linked to alcohol in the U.K., compared to 4,144 in 1991. Most of 2004's alcohol-related deaths were caused by cirrhosis and chronic liver disease, but many also resulted from accidental alcohol poisoning or other problems

The tolls do not include deaths where alcohol is merely suspected to be involved, such as those caused by cancers of the mouth and liver, drunk-driving crashes or violent crime.

'These new figures are certainly worrying, particularly the increase in death rates for people in their 30s and 40s, which may indicate that increased drinking at an earlier age is having a serious impact on health later in life,' said Helen Symons of the nonprofit Alcohol Concern. 'Despite the severity of the issue, of those people who need treatment for an alcohol problem, 17 out of 18 do not get the support they need.'

'Ultimately, all these deaths are preventable,' said Symons.