Treating alcohol-related conditions cost the NHS approximately £2.7 billion in 2006/07. In 2007/08, there were 62,400 admissions where the primary diagnosis was wholly attributable to alcohol.

Alcohol misuse is a factor in 30% of suicides each year.

There are over 470 drink-driving deaths each year and 22% of accidental deaths are alcohol related

Around half of all violent crimes, and a third of domestic violence incidents, are linked to alcohol misuse.

Marriages with alcohol problems are twice as likely to end in divorce

In a recent survey, 14% of 15 and 16 year olds in the UK had been drunk 20 times or more during the last 12 months and 50% have been drunk at least twice.

58% of 15 year olds who had drunk alcohol recently had suffered negative consequences such as getting into an argument, been ill, missing school, been injured or in trouble with the police

It is estimated that 360,000 children aged 11-15 had been drunk in the last week.