The problem of alcohol dependency has been laid bare by latest figures showing alcohol-related hospital admissions in Merton and Sutton have risen to more than 7,000 a year.

Figures for 2011-12 show Merton and Sutton Primary Care Trust had the third highest alcohol-related medical incidents in London with 7,400 cases – after after Ealing (7,800) and Croydon (7,500).

A total of 1,800 of the admissions were found to be attributable to the effects of alcohol, while 5,600 were partly attributable.

Diagnoses attributable to the effects of alcohol included mental and behavioural disorders and alcoholic liver disease – while partly attributable admissions involved accidents and injuries, violence, digestive issues and even cancer.

The council took on a public health role as part of the NHS shake-up in April, which makes it responsible for improving people’s welfare through schemes such as anti-smoking campaigns.

Merton’s cabinet member for adult social care and health, Councillor Linda Kirby, said: “The council is committed to reducing the number of alcohol-related hospital admissions and is working with partners on an action plan to reduce alcohol dependency and encourage residents to choose a healthier lifestyle.”

Coun Kirby added the council’s public health team was working with trading standards and retailers targeting underage alcohol sales.

Emily Robinson, director of campaigns at Alcohol Concern, said: “These figures show the problems caused by alcohol misuse continues to rise, which is putting an increasing strain on our NHS.

“But the real issue is the vast numbers of people who are not getting help for their alcohol addiction.”

The data, from the Health and Social Care Information Centre, showed nationwide admissions figures are up 51 per cent from a decade ago, costing the NHS in England an estimated £3.5bn a year.

The number has risen 4 per cent in a year to more than 1.2m across the country – with 156,000 of cases in London.