KNOW the risks - that's the simple but strong message following Alcohol Awareness Week.

As reported previously in the Echo more than 8,000 people in Dorset were admitted into hospital for alcohol-related problems in just two years - putting an "inordinately amount of pressure" on already stretched services.

The aim of Alcohol Awareness Week, which ran until Sunday, (November 20)is to get people thinking about alcohol - how it affects us as individuals, families, communities and society as a whole.

Statistics released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), revealed 8,190 people in Dorset were admitted to hospital for alcohol-related problems in 2013/14. This increased from 7,910 people in 2012/13.

The number of male admissions totalled 5,440 with females totalling 2,750 in 2013/14. This increased from 5,340 males and 2,560 females in 2012/13.

The #RU2Drunk scheme launched in Weymouth in September by Dorset Police is designed to stop excessive 'pre-drinking', keep people safe and ensure there is a vibrant night-time economy in the town.

Adam Collinge, operations officer at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said: "Alcohol-related admissions are still certainly a problem as alcohol is either a primary factor in the cases of alcohol poisoning, violence and falls causing injuries or secondary where alcohol has exacerbated a mental health problem leading to self-harming.

"Youngsters are still more likely to be admitted with alcohol-related problems as they have more complicated safeguarding issues, however, alcohol is affecting more of a wider age range.

"Christmas is a time to enjoy yourselves, but it can turn out to be one of the worst times if you drink till you’re incapable, fall foul of the law or seriously injure yourself or others. Know your limits and drink within them and if you’re going out, make sure you have a plan in getting home. An ambulance or a police car is not an appropriate."

In January 2016, the guidance around recommended limits of alcohol was updated by the CMO. The new guidance states that the limits for both men and women are the same – which is to not drink more than 14 units a week, and spreading these units evenly over three or more days.

The guidance also highlighted how there is no safe level of alcohol.

Alcohol Awareness Week 2016 is focusing on alcohol and health, and knowing the risks associated with alcohol, by focusing on the relationship between particular health conditions and alcohol.

Alcohol is a causal factor in more than 60 medical conditions and is one of the three biggest lifestyle risk factors for disease and death in the UK, after smoking and obesity.

Alcohol-related harm costs England around £21billion per year, with £3.5billion to the NHS, £11billion tackling alcohol-related crime and £7.3billion from lost work days and productivity costs.