The Alcohol and Drug Foundation says new data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics further highlights the need for stronger education and targeted campaigns around risky drinking and related harms such as accidents, injuries and diseases like cancer.
The ABS National Health Survey shows:
- More than one in four Australian adults (26.8 per cent or 5.2 million) exceeded the alcohol guidelines at least monthly in 2022, including those who consumed more than 10 standard drinks in one week and/or more than four standard drinks in one day.
- Young adults continued to exceed the single occasion guidelines (more than four standard drinks in one day) at the highest rate (33.7 per cent), while those in older age groups exceeded the lifetime risk guideline (more than 10 standard drinks a week) at a higher rate, peaking in the 55-64 age group (24.6 per cent).
- Males were more likely to exceed the alcohol guidelines than females (35.8 per cent compared to 18.1 per cent).
- Adults living in remote and regional areas were more likely to exceed the guidelines, compared to those living in major cities (30.9 per cent to 25.6 per cent).
‘This data concerningly shows that many Australians are regularly exceeding the alcohol guidelines, which increases their risk of harms such as injuries, illnesses, and diseases like cancer,’ said the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s CEO, Dr Erin Lalor AM.
‘We sadly know that many people at risk of experiencing harms from alcohol, aren’t aware their use is a problem, which is why we urgently need greater investment in education around risky drinking, including clear information about the harm it causes.
‘This data also highlights the importance of targeted education campaigns for those that are at greatest risk in the community, including men, young people and people living in regional and remote areas,’ said Dr Lalor.
How much is too much?
The alcohol guidelines, which reflect the most up to date evidence on the health impacts on alcohol, recommend:
- To reduce the risk of serious long-term health impacts like cancer, healthy men and women have no more than 10 standard drinks a week.
- Healthy men and women should have no more than four standard drinks in one day to reduce their risk of injury.
- Anyone under the age of 18 should not drink any alcohol to help prevent injury and other harms to their health.
- Women who are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant or breastfeeding should not drink alcohol, as it’s safest for the health of their baby.
For more information on the alcohol guidelines, people can visit this site.
For support or advice, visit adf.org.au or call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
If you’re worried about your own, or a loved one’s alcohol or other drug use, people can also visit Path2Help. This tool will connect you with local services in your area that can help you have that initial conversation.
