Ms Smith said she was alcohol dependent, but did not drink every day.

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While most binge drinkers are not alcohol-dependent, it can also lead to dependence.

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It is estimated that 4.9% of the Scottish population aged 16 and over are dependent on alcohol.

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The students were classed as being at high or low risk of becoming dependent on alcohol in the future.

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Mr Edwards said Staffordshire Police had targeted those who are dependent on alcohol by visiting them at home or sending them details about how to get advice to control their addictions.

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"Since there are so many more people who drink in hazardous or harmful amounts, about 60% of the costs of alcohol to society are from people who are not dependent, " says Eric Goplerud, who heads an alcohol abuse program at GWU called Ensuring Solutions.

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