Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre director Geoff Soma said alcohol was the drug more than 50 per cent of the service’s clients were battling.

In a recent study, Cancer Council Victoria found using images of a mutating cancerous cells had more of an impact on drinkers than more subtle warnings about what booze is doing to the body.

Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper said while plain packaging wasn't the end goal, some studies had suggested stronger warning labels may be effective.

Mr Soma said information about the possible affects of alcohol helped people make better choices, but any campaign needed to be well researched before being implemented.

“If it’s done in a responsible way, it may help.”

“People may take notice of the warnings as they have done with a number of ad campaigns with making responsible choices,” he said.

However, Mr Soma said there were other issues relating to alcohol that should be made a higher priority.

“Alcohol advertising in sport is not a good look, I would certainly like that monitored and eventually banned,” he said.

Mr Soma said he would also oppose the addition of any liquor outlets in Warrnambool. “We do not need more opportunities to buy alcohol,” he said.

The third priority was educating people about what services are available for people battling from alcohol addiction.

“Support is available,” Mr Soma said.