A few random observations from a personal point of view, speaking as one who 'battled with the demon drink' from age 16 until 35 & has clung to sobriety for the subsequent 39 years.

Are all binge drinkers alcoholics? No, but the possibility of addiction/habituation is ever present.

Will all binge drinkers permanently damage their liver? No, the liver self-repairs, but only up to a point.

Is Cirrhosis of the Liver found in increasingly younger people, both male & female? Yes.

Addiction, habituation & binge are not synonyms.

Am I still addicted to alcohol? Yes, I just don't drink the stuff!

Do intoxicated people require treatment? Yes, there is a risk of death if they are left unattended.

Is all this placing an enormous strain on NHS Staff & resources? Unequivocally Yes.

Charging for treatment/care following a 'bender' MIGHT replenish the coffers a little. It MIGHT deter a few individuals from becoming repeat binge drinkers. It DOESN'T address the underlying question which is: "Why are so many people, in so many cities across the UK, indulging in this potentially self-destructive behaviour?"
                                                                                           Nigel.