One in four 'worry a loved one drinks too much'

One in four people in the UK fear a partner, relative or friend drinks too much, while one in six worry a loved one is taking too many drugs.

- Denis Campbell Health policy editor

The findings, from a representative survey of 2,000 adults, appear to underline what experts say is a growing “epidemic” of addiction to alcohol and drugs such as cocaine and cannabis.

Official figures show the NHS in England is treating more than 310,000 people a year for drug or alcohol problems - the highest figure since 2009-10. Alcohol-related deaths are at an all-time high.