ALCOHOL campaigners have warned residents a new report on Scotland's drinking habits should make everyone pause.

More than 10 litres of pure alcohol was drunk last year for every adult in the country, according to NHS Health Scotland.

It's the equivalent of 19.6 units a week, when the recommended limit is 14 units.

Mags Mackenzie, chief executive of Dumbarton Area Council on Alcohol (Daca), said residents need to look at their habits and attitudes to drink - and that there might be a problem.

She said: "This latest report should give everybody in Scotland pause.

"There are a lot of people who are drinking too much and have no awareness of this. They think that ‘problem drinking’ is something that other people do – people who fit the stereotype of a hardened drinker, propping up the bar in the local pub day after day.

"But the truth is that these figures reflect a hidden problem.

"Alcohol has become so readily and cheaply available that we’ve created a huge public health problem, which our health and support services will bear the brunt of in the future."

Ms Mackenzie said people of all ages and from all backgrounds were drinking regularly - and revelling in it on social media.

She said: "They’re the people who come home from a hard day at the office and have a couple of glasses of wine with dinner most nights. The people who update their Facebook profile, saying that it’s approaching ‘wine o’clock’ and receive dozens of ‘likes’ in response.

"Or they’re the people who enjoy a big night out at the weekend, and wake up the next day with a hangover, saying 'never again' – that is until next weekend comes around.

"They’re not the stereotype of a problem drinker, because most people who are drinking too much are those we know and respect – our colleagues, friends, neighbours and family. And most of them would scoff at the idea that they’re problem drinkers."

The Scottish Government said the minimum pricing being introduced on alcohol would make a difference, particularly in areas in deprivation which experience the most harm.

Clydebank MSP Gil Paterson said: “In Scotland we have an unhealthy cultural association with alcohol and with binge drinking.

“There are few cultures in the world who do not enjoy alcohol but the way some of us consume it in this country is damaging – and many people don’t realise the damage they’re doing to their health.

“We need to change our relationship with alcohol, particularly among young people. I believe that the Scottish Government’s world leading minimum unit pricing policy, along with other measures such as education, will go a long way to doing just that.”

Ms Mackenzie said more needed to be done to raise awareness of the dangers.

Having two glasses of wine each weeknight, or six pints of strong lager in one sitting puts you above the recommended low-risk limit. And it increases the risk of various health conditions, including seven types of cancer.

She added: "The good news is that early intervention can really make a difference and small lifestyle changes can have big benefits, particularly as we age.

"We don’t expect everyone who comes in for a chat with one of our team to cut out the booze altogether – some will want to, some won’t – that’s up to each person to decide what they feel works best for them."

Daca can be reached on 01389 731456 or 0141 9520881, with offices at at Westbridgend Lodge, Dumbarton, and 82 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank.