The study found "worrying trends" among women and young people.

Research by the South East Public Health Observatory (Sepho) also said Thanet was the worst area in Kent for drink-related deaths among women.

Across Surrey and Sussex, women's weekly consumption is the highest in the South East at more than nine units.

Sepho director Dr Alison Hill said it showed "worrying trends", especially among women and young people.

She said: "Occasional drinking now appears to be the norm for 15 and 16-year-olds and binge-drinking in this age group is not uncommon.

"This casts a shadow over the future."

Alcohol misuse is a significant problem David Sheehan

She said it was more likely young people would develop alcohol-related health problems, and at a younger age, than their parents' generation.

And she said it was more likely that more women would be affected by drink-related health and social problems.

Report author David Sheehan said: "Alcohol misuse is a significant problem in the region."

He called on commissioners of services, local partnerships, public health professionals, employers, parents and individuals to help tackle the issues.

Recommendations were to tackle young people's binge-drinking, implement workplace alcohol policies, target services at vulnerable groups, commission additional treatment services, and address drink-related crime and disorder.

The report said the high rate of East Sussex teenagers entering treatment could reflect high levels of drinking among young people - or better provision of services.