DRINKING too much on a regular basis can have a serious impact on a person’s health and their lifestyle.

The subsequent cost to the NHS, police, councils and courts across Sussex is well documented.

But as Alcohol Awareness Week continues, the spotlight has turned to the relatives and loved ones who have to cope with living or knowing someone in the grip of alcohol addiction.

Ruining your own life is bad enough, but when you begin to damage those around you as well, then the problem becomes worse.

Living with an addict is tremendously difficult but it is good to know that help and support is out there both for the person with the drinking problem and their families.

And the end results of that support prove there is light at the end of the tunnel.

There are many in the city who have experienced the downward spiral of addiction and the effect it has on their families, but with the right help they have made it through and have managed to turn their lives around.

Some have used their experience to help others going through the same problems and provide the support needed to get themselves back on track, creating something positive out of a negative.