WHILST I fully agree with the thrust of what Max Cruickshank has to say (Letters, April 25) I am concerned that he tends to focus too much on the issue of drug abuse and the problems associated with "legal highs". In a sense his letter downplays what in my view is Scotland’s biggest abuse problem –the abuse of alcohol.

The issue of drugs and their abuse is often given much publicity, when in fact the abuse of alcohol can also bring problems associated with mental health, domestic abuse and a variety of physical health problems.

The abuse of alcohol, often hidden, occurs at all levels of society and remains a significant problem in Scotland. So let us open up the debate and take the issue seriously.

Ron Lavalette,

69 Whitlees Court, Ardrossan.