Alcohol is fast shedding its image of a harmless social pastime as more studies highlight the serious consequences of binge drinking.

With 30-50% of alcohol consumption regarded as abusive and beyond safe levels, it has become the main focus of this year’s National Drug Action Week.

Some organisations say alcohol misuse is increasingly being compared to the social harms associated with illicit drugs.
Odyssey house is a leading rehabilitation service provider.
CEO James Pitts says we need to treat alcohol abuse in far more serious way.

He's speaking here with 2ser’s Caroline Savransky.