Britain's drinking culture taking its toll on long-term health

The rate of hospital admissions for alcohol related medical problems has increased substantially over the last five years, new figures from the Department of Health show.

Despite national drink awareness campaigns, alcohol related inpatient treatment and death continues to increase in the UK.

Dr Rachel Seabrook, research manager at the Institute of Alcohol Studies, said: "Drinking behaviour is very complex. We do have a very different culture for alcohol compared to our approach to tobacco.

"We are aware that it would be healthy not to smoke at all. But there is difficulty accepting that with alcohol. It may not even be true that complete abstinence is the best option for health."

Earlier this year, the government launched a new initiative specifically aimed at men and women between the ages of 25 and 55 who regularly drink what they consider to be low levels of alcohol.

The campaign highlights the increased risks of developing serious conditions including cancers, heart disease and strokes.

Statistics from Alcohol Concern found that drink-related deaths in males have risen in all age groups in 2008 compared with those recorded in 2007.

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