LIFE expectancies in Weymouth and Portland are being dramatically cut by alcohol.

Figures from Public Health England show that if alcohol-related deaths among men in Weymouth and Portland had been prevented between 2012 and 2014, life expectancy would have risen by 19 months in the borough.

The figures are calculated by removing alcohol-related deaths from life expectancy figures.

The national average stands at just 12 months, making Weymouth and Portland one of the worst areas in the country The life expectancy for women in Weymouth and Portland dropped by nine and a half months due to alcohol, also far above the national average for women, which stands at 5.6 months.

Well above the national average for England, the figures put Weymouth and Portland the eighth highest for months lost by men and joint fifth for the number of months lost by women.

The figures also compare poorly in a local setting, with men in neighbouring West Dorset losing just over 10 months due to alcohol and women just over 3 months.

In Dorset as a whole, men are losing 10 months of their life expectancy and women five months.

In Weymouth and Portland, Dorset Healthcare University Foundation Trust (Dorset Healthcare) provides a Community Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service (CADAS West).

CADAS West provides treatment for people living in Weymouth and Portland whose lives are affected by drug and alcohol use.

The team offers a range of specialist prescribed and psychosocial interventions, as well as offering help and information to other professionals, and it also provides a confidential assessment and treatment service.

The worst place in the country for men was Blackpool, where 26 and a half months is cut off life expectancy due to alcohol. Corby comes out worst for women, with just over a year being cut off the life expectancy figure.

Last year, Public Health Dorset announced that it would be reviewing its drug and alcohol support services in the county to allow it to deliver the most effective service it can to tackle problems with alcohol, including binge drinking as well as also tackling alcohol harm.

Dr Nicky Cleave, assistant director of Public Health Dorset, said: “The relationship people have with alcohol is complex. There are many people who choose not to drink, and, for the majority of people who drink in Dorset, alcohol is an accepted and pleasurable part of life.

“Most people in Dorset drink within the government’s low risk guidelines for alcohol, but the use of alcohol carries a significant risk.

“Alcohol can cause many harmful effects, including liver problems, reduced fertility, high blood pressure, increased risk of various cancers and heart attack.

These harms do not just affect people who are dependent on alcohol, or who drink to get drunk, and often only emerge after a number of years. The risk is increased much more if people also smoke, are not physically active, or have a poor diet.

“There is a range of support options available in Dorset. LiveWell Dorset can help people to make changes to their lifestyle, be it to stop smoking, lose weight, drink less and move more. They can be contacted on 01305 233105. Or if you or a loved one need support for more serious problems with alcohol, contact EDP on 01305 760 799.”

Alcohol Concern is trying to raise awareness of alcohol guidelines.

Jackie Ballard, chief executive of Alcohol Concern, said: “Alcohol continues to be the leading risk factor for deaths among both men and women aged 15 to 49 and the latest guidelines have shown that there is no ‘safe’ level of alcohol consumption. Drinking too much, too often causes both physical and mental problems.

“The public have a right to know what they’re consuming and to ensure people to are able to make an informed choice about how much they drink”