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Australians are considered to consume large quantities of alcohol, with many drinking at harmful levels, including adolescents and young adults.

While research indicates that alcohol consumption is decreasing in some age groups, alcohol-related harm remains a significant social and health issue within Australian society.

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Cancers
  • Diabetes
  • Weight gain and obesity
  • Liver diseases
  • Cognitive impairment/alcohol-related brain injury
  • Nutrition-related conditions

Alcohol is responsible for a significant proportion of suicides globally, and risky drinking has been linked to both depression and anxiety, as well as to a reduction in the effectiveness of psychiatric medicines.

Drinking and recovery from alcoholism can be socially isolating and impact heavily upon relationships.

Positive relationships may breakdown as a consequence of alcohol abuse.

Additionally, individuals in recovery may need to break ties or set firm boundaries with drinking friends when sober, which may add to the challenge of quitting alcohol.

Additional consequences include:

  • Alcohol-related incidents, including verbal abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, as well as property damage and vandalism
  • Drink driving causing accidents, injury and/or death
  • Non-vehicular accidents and injuries
  • Financial repercussion, including loss of income through loss of job

Anyone can develop high-risk drinking behaviours and/or alcohol dependence; however, high-risk drinking has been found to be more prevalent among young men aged 18 to 29, individuals who identify as LGBTI, people with mental illnesses and Indigenous Australians. Peer pressure around alcohol is a significant risk factor for teenagers, with parental and sibling drinking behaviour playing a significant role. Australian drinking culture also results in peer pressure for adults which can impact upon the decisions they make regarding alcohol.

No level of alcohol consumption is completely safe. However, the Australian government recommends that healthy men and women should consume no more than two standard drinks on any day to reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm.

It is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women and individuals under the age of 18 abstain from alcohol completely.

Young people under the age of 15 are deemed to be at the greatest risk of alcohol-related harm.

  • 375ml of mid strength beer
  • 100ml of wine
  • 30ml of high strength spirits

In Australia all alcoholic beverages purchased at a liquor store are required by law to clearly state their alcohol content on the label.

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s drinking behaviours speak to your GP who can provide further advice and/or refer you to appropriate services. Treatment for alcohol dependence may involve medications, counselling, support groups and/or a residential treatment program.

References

Australian Medical Association. (2012). Alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harms – 2012. Retrieved from
https://ama.com.au/position-statement/alcohol-consumption-and-alcohol-related-harms-2012.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2014). National Drug Strategy Household Survey detailed report 2013.’
Retrieved from http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129549848

National health and Medical Research Council. (2015). Alcohol guidelines: Reducing the health risk. Retrieved
from https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-topics/alcohol-guidelines

World Health Organisation. (2014). Mental health: A state of wellbeing.
Retrieved from http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/mental_health_facts/en/

Where do I go for help?

The WayAhead Directory is an online resource providing a comprehensive list of mental health related services in NSW.

Mental Health Information Line

1300 794 991

Anxiety Disorders Information Line

1300 794 992

Your local doctor (GP)

Translating & Interpreting Service

(TIS) 131 450

Please call the Mental Health Information Line through the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS). Free to Australian citizens or permanent residents.

⬇️ Download this information as a fact sheet
Useful organisations and websites

Alcohol & Drug Information Service
(02) 9361 8000

Alcohol & Drug Information Service Rural Area
1800 422 599

Transcultural Mental Health
(02) 9912 3850

Alcoholics Anonymous Australia

Family Drug Support

Smart Recovery

National Drug & Alcohol Agencies

Alcohol Self-Test

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes. As neither brochures nor websites can diagnose people it is always important to obtain professional advice and/or help when needed.

This information may be reproduced with an acknowledgement to WayAhead – Mental Health Association.

The Association encourages feedback and welcomes comments about the information provided.