Perhaps anyone who takes a drink might like to consider the effects of heavy drinking upon the body. Indeed a recent Panorama programme was a "no holds barred" view of life in a regional hospital as it battled with patients, many in their twenties, with serious problems brought on by drinking to excess.

Panorama uncovers the impact alcohol is having on a younger generation of problem drinkers, and asks whether the government is doing enough to stop us drinking ourselves to death.

The programme can be viewed on the BBC iPlayer here. Remember the programmes are only available for a short time, seven days I think, from the transmission date of the first August 2011.

Shocking footage showed a 35 year old woman, who drank a bottle of brandy a day; a 45 year old man with years of consumption of 20+ pints of beer a day; and a tragic 32 year old man addicted to cheap cider... who lived in a cave... as a result of his habit.

Update: 6th August 2011

The shocking footage of the 35 year old woman lying in a hospital bed, her complexion a pallid yellow, and the same yellowing of the eyes, a clear sign of jaundice, a symptom of liver disease, was a stark message to drinkers. However there was a follow-up item on the BBC News in an interview with Charlie Stayt, Vicky and her mother explained how with the nursing care she had received she was beginning to put her life back together. The picture below is testimony to the fact, as she looked much improved from her earlier condition. One message was clear from the interview, people with alcohol problems need lots of help and support. That is why we at Linwood feel compelled to do our utmost to assist people in this predicament. If you or someone close to you needs help, please complete our contact form.