Does Britain have a drink problem?

Drinking is perceived to be at the heart of our social lives, it helps us to relax, communicate and for some just give us a substitute 'buzz.' However, is it the stereotypical view of socialising that has pressured majority of the population to drink in order to have fun, or is it the accessibility of the substance that has made it an easy option to the British population to abuse it?

Here is a website link of a recent article on the affects of alcoholism: 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1162136/Britain-drink-problem-says-countrys-doctor.html