In discussing alcohol, it is first necessary to state that taken sensibly and in moderation, it is not a problem – which probably encompasses the behaviour of most people who enjoy a drink.

And where that is the case, no-one should be made to feel uncomfortable by the health police. After all, a life without pleasure would be very dull indeed.

But there are some people whose drinking causes huge problems, to themselves and others, and that is cause for concern – and why Alcohol Awareness Week is so important.

We are talking about binge-drinkers, heavy drinkers, under-age drinkers, drink-drivers and alcoholics.

We are talking about a dreadful toll on health, relationships and jobs.

And we are talking about the misery on Friday and Saturday nights, the fights, the injuries and worse. In short: wrecked lives.

There is no doubt that there are two sides to alcohol, and one is very definitely dark and dangerous.

Anything that persuades people who know they are damaging themselves through drink to take positive steps to change must be worthwhile.

But Alcohol Awareness Week has also been a great opportunity for the rest of us to take a look at our own behaviour, if only to reassure ourselves we are not heading for trouble in the future.