I think the distinction should be made, that the effects of smoking, obesity, &c, are long-term: the results of many years of indulgence in a habit or lifestyle, the ultimate possible consequences of which the sufferer has opted not to take account of at the outset.

What we are discussing here is the unfortunate results of a single incident: one day's, or evening's, over-indulgence in alcohol leading to an accident which has landed the drinker in hospital for treatment, the responsibility for payment for which is what we are discussing.

It seems to me that the drifts to smoking & obesity, in contradistinction to the clear title of the thread, have muddied the issue, and this needs to be taken into account in considering the matter.

~M~