Anna posted on February 21, 2012 12:28
Binge-drinking and alcohol problems aren't just teenage territory, as Alastair Campbell points out in Monday's (20th February) edition of Panorama.
Despite media reports to the contrary, there are many hidden alcoholics within the middles classes - and their habits are wreaking havoc with their health.
The 'professional classes' are now the most frequent drinkers in the UK. 41% of professional men exceed the daily limit at least once a week. Women are also drinking more; alcoholic liver disease now affects women and men in equal numbers.
While deaths from smoking are falling year on year, deaths from liver disease continue to rise. 100 people die from liver disease each week.
Mr Campbell talks about his own history with alcohol - including his time in the media in the 1980s, when his alcoholism reached its peak within the drinking culture of Fleet Street. He believes this contributed to his later nervous breakdown.
Britain never achieved the European 'cafe culture' that 24 hour drinking was supposed to introduce. In fact, it may have led to this latest need for reform. The gin craze in the 18th century and drinking levels pre-World War One are two historical occasions where the government had to introduce alcohol-related reform. As politicians debate the introduction of minimum pricing, Mr Campbell hopes that the programme leads some drinkers to look at their personal relationship with alcohol.
Find out more:
Read the BBC News editorial, 'Alastair Campbell on drink: "I paid a heavy price."'.
BBC Panorama: Britain's Hidden Alcoholics is available to watch on the BBC iPlayer until February 2013.