The amount of alcohol-dependant adults in Dorset has risen steadily over the last few years.

Figures from Public Health England reveal those reliant on alcohol in the county rose from 3,461 in 2010 to 3,492 in 2014.

Public Health is supporting Alcohol Awareness Week, which started on Monday (Nov13), and aims to break stigma around impact of harmful drinking on families.

Harmful drinking is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages.

This year, the week focuses on encouraging individuals and their families to start a conversation about problematic alcohol misuse. The campaign aims to break the cycle of silence and stigma that is often experienced by families of individuals who regularly drink to excess.

There are currently over 10 million people in England drinking at levels which increase their risk of health harm. Alcohol related harm is estimated to cost the NHS £.5 billion annually and the latest data from the South West shows that 568 per 1000,000 individuals were treated in hospital for illness or injury resulting from alcohol related harm in 2015/16. In that same year, 46.8 per 100,000 under 18s were admitted to hospital episodes for alcohol specific conditions across the South West, compared to the England average of 37.4 per 100,000.

Ian Keasy, alcohol lead for Public Health England South West health and wellbeing team, said: “Far too many people drink at harmful levels without realising the damage they may be doing. Public Health England fully supports Alcohol Concern’s aim to support families who are struggling to cope with the effect of harmful drinking on their loved ones.

“The harm alcohol causes is much wider than just on the individual drinker. Excessive alcohol consumption can harm children, wreck families, impact on workplace colleagues and can be a burden and drain on the NHS and economy. It often hits poor communities the hardest."

If you are concerned about how much you are drinking, or want to speak to someone about a family member suffering from the effects or alcohol harm, you can contact Drinkline for a free, confidential conversation on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am – 8pm, weekends 11am – 4pm) or visit the Alcohol Concern website for further resources alcoholconcern.org.uk