HEALTH chiefs have been handed £9.6 million to tackle Glasgow's booze problem.

The cash boost, which is part of a Scotland-wide funding package totalling £36m, is aimed at helping Greater Glasgow & Clyde health board identify and treat people suffering from alcohol problems.

And part of the cash will be given to alcohol counselling services where recovering youngsters with drink problems have become mentors and are now helping others in their own peer groups.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison yesterday visited alcohol counselling service Liber8 in Blantyre, Lanarkshire, where adults are given advice about alcohol.

It offers counselling, advice and information for adults but is also behind StreetBase, a programme for young people which promotes alternatives to alcohol.

Eddie Menzies, 19, from Hamilton, now helps friends after getting involved with the projec. He said: "I used to go out during the week, as well as the weekend, and get drunk because there was nothing to do. Throughout the week I was drinking about 2.5 litres of vodka.

"I couldn't walk, was abusive to the police and used to get into fights with everybody. I met the street workers and began volunteering. I've now been doing it for two years."

Tony Brown, a 15-year-old teenager from Blantyre, said: "Some of my pals drink heavily but not me. I'm really the one that's looking after them. When they are steaming, I make sure they don't do anything stupid."

Nicole Wilson, 18, also of Blantyre, said: "I've been in some states and I've seen a lot of young people still getting drunk just because their pals are doing it. But I know I can help because I've been there myself."

Nicole Paterson, 18 from Hamilton, has been involved with StreetBase for two years.

She said: "I was out drinking every night and was getting into trouble.

"When I got involved in the scheme they explained the dangers of what I was doing.

"I've realised how much I didn't know about alcohol. It's helped me knowing that I'm helping others and given me more self confidence."

Ms Robison said: "Scotland's alcohol misuse problem is costing our country £2.25bn a year and blighting the lives of families and communities across the country.

"This investment will help to turn lives around by identifying and treating people in need of help. And that's good for everyone."