This is more than twice the number dependent on illicit drugs.
Young people have the highest rates of signs suggesting alcohol dependence.
Problems with alcohol are not confined to those who are dependent on it. These figures come from a major government survey into mental health problems of all kinds from sleep problems to psychosis. It included several questions designed to find out if people were dependent on alcohol or drugs. The survey was carried out in 1993 -1994 and was the first of its kind in the country. Over 10,000 adults, aged 16 to 64, living in ordinary households in England, Wales and Scotland were interviewed.