But there is a wider and more complex issue to address than counting units, says former GP Ian Banks, now a doctor in accident and emergency in Belfast.

BBC: Couple drinking

Dr Ian Banks, of the Doctor Patient Partnership, said the main problem was that GPs simply did not have enough time to spend with their patients because of pressure of work.

BBC: Patients 'don't reveal the full story'

Fellow Scottish author, Ian Rankin, said the news of Banks' terminal cancer was "just awful".

BBC: Author Iain Banks has terminal cancer