Alcohol is also a feature of many people's lives.
There is a huge industry with many people employed in the production, sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks. However, social and health problems arise when consumption of alcohol is excessive, with large costs being incurred by society. For the individual there are risks of prosecution, damage to health, loss of income, problems in relationships and unemployment and in some cases even death. For the wider community alcohol misuse imposes demands on services and is a major factor in criminal offences. In the United Kingdom over the past 10 years there has been a significant increase in the numbers of women and young adult men drinking above sensible limits, and a rise in the use of alcohol by children and young people under 16, often involving high risk activity including the use of illicit drugs.