Jackie Ballard, of Alcohol Concern, said middle-aged and older people drinking above recommended limits, often in their own homes, were of particular concern.

“These are the people who tend to require the most complex and expensive health care due to the mental and physical problems caused by drinking too much and alcohol’s impact on the ageing body.

“Alcohol is linked to over 60 medical conditions and unless society and the government starts to take this seriously and acknowledges the health problems too much alcohol can cause, the situation will only get worse and the NHS will continue to strain under the burden of alcohol harm.”