Alcohol related harm

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.

Physical health issues associated with high-risk alcohol consumption

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

Mental health issues associated with high-risk alcohol consumption

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.

Consequences of excessive alcohol consumption

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

Who is at risk?

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.

What is safe alcohol consumption?

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.

What is a standard drink?

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.

Getting help

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.

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.

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