What health issues and situations should be considered when drinking alcohol?

People should consider potential risks from drinking alcohol if they are:

  • supervising children or responsible for the safety of others
  • engaging in risky activities such as driving, operating machinery, or taking part in water and snow sports
  • taking medication or illicit drugs
  • young adults aged 18–25 years
  • aged over 60 years.

People who have physical or mental health problems should seek advice from a health professional before drinking alcohol. People who drink alcohol should also consider any legal issues which may arise from their alcohol consumption (e.g., drink driving, being intoxicated in public, and purchasing or drinking alcohol under the age of 18).

Further information is available from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Source: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) (2019). Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol.