Alcoholics Anonymous is today marking its 70th anniversary.

With more than two million members in 150 countries it is by far the world’s most famous sobriety group.

Carol Titley, a non-alcoholic trustee of AA, said: “Alcoholism transcends social, economic, age and gender boundaries. People from all walks of life find that drinking is costing them more than money.

“AA membership figures tell only part of the life-changing stories – behind each alcoholic who stops drinking, there are untold numbers of families, friends, neighbours and employers, as well as healthcare, psychiatric, social and probation professionals who benefit.”

The AA’s latest membership survey showed that half of new members are women and three-quarters are under 45.