THE cruel truth about the cost of poverty is laid bare in a new NHS Health Scotland report.

People in the poorest areas are twice as likely to die young or live in ill-health than those in the richest.

This rises to 17 times higher for early death and illness related to drugs and eight times higher for those linked to alcohol dependence.

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The worst effects of chronic liver disease are seven times more likely to strike those in the worst-off areas. And almost one-third of early deaths and cases of ill health could be avoided if the whole population had the same life circumstances as residents of wealthiest postcodes.

Published today, the statistics are linked to years of research and the NHS body said: “We’ve known for some time that health inequalities exist, but our new report out today shows the scale of the problem.”

Neck and lower back pain was found to be the most prevalent health problem for the richest Scots.

In contrast, drug use disorders topped the list for those in the most deprived communities.

Overall, many of the conditions plaguing the nation’s health were linked to behaviours.

However, Dr Diane Stockton, the study lead at NHS Health Scotland, said simple changes would not solve the inequality problems shown in the report.

She said: “The stark inequalities highlighted in our report represent thousands of deaths that didn’t need to happen.

“Illnesses that people didn’t have to endure, and tragedy for thousands of families in Scotland.

“It does not have to be this way,” she added.

“The fact that people in our wealthiest areas are in better health and that conditions that cause most of the ill health and early death result from things we can change – like illnesses associated with mental wellbeing, diet, drug use and alcohol dependency – shows that it is possible to create a fairer healthier Scotland.

“Our report highlights that to do this, we have to improve the life circumstances of people in our poorest areas and prevent their early death or avoidable ill health.

She continued: “This is about more than encouraging healthy choices.

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“It’s easier to access the things that harm our health in these areas, and so no one type of behaviour change is going to solve this problem on its own.

“It’s about addressing the environment we live, rest, play, work and learn in so that it supports us to be mentally and physically well. And it’s complex.

“There is no silver bullet, but, with collective effort for a fairer healthier Scotland, we can help to ensure that everyone in Scotland can enjoy their right to the highest attainable standard of health.”