Figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre show there were just over a million in 2013 to 14 - an increase of 115% on ten years ago.
Alcohol-related deaths have gone up 10% in that time.
Charity Christians Against Poverty is encouraging churches to do more to reach out to those who struggle with drug and alcohol addictions. Through its Release Groups, it is providing resources for church leaders to help people in their community who struggle with addictions.
David Nobbs from CAP Release Groups told Premier: "We can do so much. I meet a lot of church leaders, people with a passion to help. I've got to be honest, I talk to them and I can see the concern, the genuine sympathy for those struggling in this area but the I can also see their fear. It can be a scary thing to help someone with an alcohol problem - we do recognise that.
"That's why we're so encouraging and so keen in emphasising that CAP release groups gives you the skills and tools to reach out to your community."
Meanwhile, the number of people who don't drink at all has increased slightly from 19% to 21%. Also the number of those who binged at least once a week fell from 18% to 15%.
Speaking about the findings, Professor Kevin Fenton, director of health and well-being at Public Health England (PHE) said: "These new figures show some encouraging results, but the harms caused by alcohol in England remain worryingly high, leading to over one million hospital admissions every year.
"A lot of the ill health we are seeing associated with alcohol, such as heart disease and cancer, is among people who are not dependent, but who drink frequently and are unaware of the risks.
"Public Health England will continue to work with national and local partners on measures to reduce alcohol harms through raising awareness and providing effective local interventions and treatment for all who need them."
Listen to David Nobbs speaking to Premier's Marcus Jones.