Culturally, we have a complicated relationship with alcohol. It’s everywhere, interwoven into all our celebrations and social structures. So if you have a problem with drink, society often has a problem with you. Tell people that you want to give up smoking and you get unparalleled support, but if you tell even someone close to you that you have a drink problem, they can get panicky and uncomfortable. Socially, there is much more shame around being addicted to alcohol than cigarettes.
Also, help is hard to come by. Smoking and obesity issues are well funded by the NHS, but alcohol, despite costing the system millions each year, is poorly supported. GPs have very few options to offer people who come seeking help.