Health
This section provides information about the harms associated with alcohol consumption. The impact of alcohol use on mental and physical health is examined, as well as other conditions that often co-occur with alcohol-related disorders.
Primary sources of health data utilised in this section are Causes of Death data (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2024), the National Hospital Morbidity Database 2022-23 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024), and the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023).
How many Australians die each year from alcohol-related causes?
Alcohol-induced deaths are those where the underlying cause can be directly attributable to alcohol use, including both acute and chronic conditions.
In 2023, there were 1,667 alcohol-induced deaths in Australia. This corresponds to an age-standardised death rate of 5.6 deaths per 100,000 population.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (2024). Causes of Death, Australia.
Please note: alcohol-induced deaths include ICD-10 codes: E24.4, G31.2, G62.1, G72.1, I42.6, K29.2, K85.2, K86.0, F10, K70, X45, X65, Y15.
Are men or women in Australia more likely to die from alcohol-related causes?
In 2023 men accounted for more alcohol-induced deaths than women (1,182 vs 485, respectively). This corresponds to an age-standardised death rate of 8.1 deaths per 100,000 population for men and 3.3 for women.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (2024). Causes of Death, Australia.
Please note: alcohol-induced deaths include ICD-10 codes: E24.4, G31.2, G62.1, G72.1, I42.6, K29.2, K85.2, K86.0, F10, K70, X45, X65, Y15.
How many Australians are hospitalised each year for alcohol-caused diseases?
There were 80,066 hospital separations due to alcohol-caused diseases in 2022-23. Many more Australians are hospitalised each year as a result of illnesses or injuries where their own or another person's alcohol use played a contributory role.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). National Hospital Morbidity Database 2022-23 (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: This is likely to be an under-estimation of the true number of alcohol-related hospital separations, as data for several alcohol-caused diseases (alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing's syndrome; degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol; alcoholic polyneuropathy; maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from alcohol; fetus and newborn affected by maternal use of alcohol; fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic); finding of alcohol in blood) are not publicly available for confidentiality reasons.
Alcohol-Caused Disease: A disease, disorder or condition which was directly caused by the individual’s own alcohol consumption. Diseases classified as directly caused by alcohol use include: mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol use; alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome; degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol; alcoholic polyneuropathy; alcoholic myopathy; alcoholic cardiomyopathy; alcoholic gastritis; alcoholic liver disease; alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis; alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis; maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from alcohol; fetus and newborn affected by maternal use of alcohol; fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic); finding of alcohol in blood; and toxic effect of alcohol.
Hospital separation: An episode of care for an admitted patient, which can be:
- a total hospital stay (from admission to discharge, transfer or death); or
- a portion of a hospital stay beginning or ending in a change of type of care (for example, from acute to rehabilitation).
Separation also means the process by which an admitted patient completes an episode of care either by being discharged, transferring to another hospital, changing type of care, or dying.
Are men or women in Australia more likely to be hospitalised for alcohol-caused diseases?
In 2022-23, men accounted for more hospital separations due to alcohol-caused diseases than women (58% vs. 42%, respectively).
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). National Hospital Morbidity Database 2022-23 (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: This is likely to be an under-estimation of the true number of alcohol-related hospital separations, as data for several alcohol-caused diseases (alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing's syndrome; degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol; alcoholic polyneuropathy; maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from alcohol; fetus and newborn affected by maternal use of alcohol; fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic); finding of alcohol in blood) are not publicly available for confidentiality reasons.
Alcohol-Caused Disease: A disease, disorder or condition which was directly caused by the individual’s own alcohol consumption. Diseases classified as directly caused by alcohol use include: mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol use; alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome; degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol; alcoholic polyneuropathy; alcoholic myopathy; alcoholic cardiomyopathy; alcoholic gastritis; alcoholic liver disease; alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis; alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis; maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from alcohol; fetus and newborn affected by maternal use of alcohol; fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic); finding of alcohol in blood; toxic effect of alcohol; accidental poisoning by and exposure to alcohol; intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to alcohol; and poisoning by and exposure to alcohol, undetermined intent.
Hospital separation: An episode of care for an admitted patient, which can be:
- a total hospital stay (from admission to discharge, transfer or death); or
- a portion of a hospital stay beginning or ending in a change of type of care (for example, from acute to rehabilitation).
Separation also means the process by which an admitted patient completes an episode of care either by being discharged, transferring to another hospital, changing type of care, or dying.
Are younger or older Australians more likely to be hospitalised for alcohol-caused diseases?
In 2022-23, the largest proportion of hospital separations due to alcohol-caused diseases occurred among 40-49 year olds (26%), followed by 50-59 year olds (25%).
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). National Hospital Morbidity Database 2022-23 (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: This is likely to be an under-estimation of the true number of alcohol-related hospital separations, as data for several alcohol-caused diseases (alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing's syndrome; degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol; alcoholic polyneuropathy; maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from alcohol; fetus and newborn affected by maternal use of alcohol; fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic); finding of alcohol in blood) are not publicly available for confidentiality reasons.
Alcohol-Caused Disease: A disease, disorder or condition which was directly caused by the individual’s own alcohol consumption. Diseases classified as directly caused by alcohol use include: mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol use; alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome; degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol; alcoholic polyneuropathy; alcoholic myopathy; alcoholic cardiomyopathy; alcoholic gastritis; alcoholic liver disease; alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis; alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis; maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from alcohol; fetus and newborn affected by maternal use of alcohol; fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic); finding of alcohol in blood; toxic effect of alcohol; accidental poisoning by and exposure to alcohol; intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to alcohol; and poisoning by and exposure to alcohol, undetermined intent.
Hospital separation: An episode of care for an admitted patient, which can be:
- a total hospital stay (from admission to discharge, transfer or death); or
- a portion of a hospital stay beginning or ending in a change of type of care (for example, from acute to rehabilitation).
Separation also means the process by which an admitted patient completes an episode of care either by being discharged, transferring to another hospital, changing type of care, or dying.
What are the most common alcohol-caused diseases for which Australians are hospitalised?
Of the 80,153 hospital separations due to alcohol-caused diseases in 2022-23, the majority (82%) were due to mental and behavioural disorders due to use of alcohol.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). National Hospital Morbidity Database 2022-23 (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: This is likely to be an under-estimation of the true number of alcohol-related hospital separations, as data for several alcohol-caused diseases (alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing's syndrome; alcoholic polyneuropathy; alcoholic myopathy; maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from alcohol; fetus and newborn affected by maternal use of alcohol; finding of alcohol in blood) are not publicly available for confidentiality reasons.
Alcohol-Caused Disease: A disease, disorder or condition which was directly caused by the individual’s own alcohol consumption. Diseases classified as directly caused by alcohol use include: mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol use; alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome; degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol; alcoholic polyneuropathy; alcoholic myopathy; alcoholic cardiomyopathy; alcoholic gastritis; alcoholic liver disease; alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis; alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis; maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from alcohol; fetus and newborn affected by maternal use of alcohol; fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic); finding of alcohol in blood; and toxic effect of alcohol.
Hospital separation: An episode of care for an admitted patient, which can be:
- a total hospital stay (from admission to discharge, transfer or death); or
- a portion of a hospital stay beginning or ending in a change of type of care (for example, from acute to rehabilitation).
Separation also means the process by which an admitted patient completes an episode of care either by being discharged, transferring to another hospital, changing type of care, or dying.
Are men and women in Australia hospitalised for different alcohol-caused diseases?
Australian men and women are usually hospitalised for similar alcohol-caused diseases. In 2022-23, mental and behavioural disorders due to use of alcohol accounted for the largest proportion of hospital separations for both men (79%) and women (86%).
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). National Hospital Morbidity Database 2022-23 (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: This is likely to be an under-estimation of the true number of alcohol-related hospital separations, as data for several alcohol-caused diseases (alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing's syndrome; alcoholic polyneuropathy; alcoholic myopathy; maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from alcohol; fetus and newborn affected by maternal use of alcohol; finding of alcohol in blood) are not publicly available for confidentiality reasons.
Alcohol-Caused Disease: A disease, disorder or condition which was directly caused by the individual’s own alcohol consumption. Diseases classified as directly caused by alcohol use include: mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol use; alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome; degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol; alcoholic polyneuropathy; alcoholic myopathy; alcoholic cardiomyopathy; alcoholic gastritis; alcoholic liver disease; alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis; alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis; maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from alcohol; fetus and newborn affected by maternal use of alcohol; fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic); finding of alcohol in blood; and toxic effect of alcohol.
Hospital separation: An episode of care for an admitted patient, which can be:
- a total hospital stay (from admission to discharge, transfer or death); or
- a portion of a hospital stay beginning or ending in a change of type of care (for example, from acute to rehabilitation).
Separation also means the process by which an admitted patient completes an episode of care either by being discharged, transferring to another hospital, changing type of care, or dying.
Are younger and older Australians hospitalised for different alcohol-caused diseases?
Mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol use were the most common alcohol-caused disease resulting in hospitalisation for all age groups in 2022-23.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). National Hospital Morbidity Database 2022-23 (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: This is likely to be an under-estimation of the true number of alcohol-related hospital separations, as data for several alcohol-caused diseases (alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing's syndrome; degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol; alcoholic polyneuropathy; maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from alcohol; fetus and newborn affected by maternal use of alcohol; fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic); finding of alcohol in blood) are not publicly available for confidentiality reasons.
Alcohol-Caused Disease: A disease, disorder or condition which was directly caused by the individual’s own alcohol consumption. Diseases classified as directly caused by alcohol use include: mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol use; alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome; degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol; alcoholic polyneuropathy; alcoholic myopathy; alcoholic cardiomyopathy; alcoholic gastritis; alcoholic liver disease; alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis; alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis; maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from alcohol; fetus and newborn affected by maternal use of alcohol; fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic); finding of alcohol in blood; toxic effect of alcohol; accidental poisoning by and exposure to alcohol; intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to alcohol; and poisoning by and exposure to alcohol, undetermined intent.
Hospital separation: An episode of care for an admitted patient, which can be:
- a total hospital stay (from admission to discharge, transfer or death); or
- a portion of a hospital stay beginning or ending in a change of type of care (for example, from acute to rehabilitation).
Separation also means the process by which an admitted patient completes an episode of care either by being discharged, transferring to another hospital, changing type of care, or dying.
What is the relationship between alcohol consumption and mental health?
The relationship between alcohol and mental health is complex. Alcohol consumption can cause alcohol-related mental health conditions such as an alcohol use disorder. It is also associated with a higher likelihood of having other mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Excessive alcohol use can also make it difficult for health professionals to assess and treat existing mental health conditions. Many of the symptoms of alcohol-related mental health disorders are similar to those of general mental health disorders.
In addition, heavy alcohol use can lead to poorer outcomes for people who have existing mental health conditions. For example, people who are depressed and also drink heavily are at greater risk of self-harm and suicide.
What are the diagnostic criteria for alcohol-related mental health disorders?
The reference guide used by clinicians to diagnose mental health disorders is known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The most recent version of the manual is the DSM-5.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder is defined by the DSM-5 as:
A problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
- Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended
- There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use
- A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects
- Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol
- Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfil major role obligations at work, school, or home
- Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use
- Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous
- Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol
- Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
a) A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect
b) A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol
11. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol (refer to DSM-5 for further details)
b) Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
A mild alcohol use disorder is defined as the presence of 2-3 of the above symptoms.
A moderate alcohol use disorder is defined as the presence of 4-5 of the above symptoms.
A severe alcohol use disorder is defined as the presence of 6 or more of the above symptoms.
Source: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
DSM-5: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: fifth edition. Released May 2013.
What proportion of Australians has met the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol disorder at some time in their life?
In 2020-22, 14% of the Australian population (aged 16-85) had met the diagnostic criteria for harmful alcohol use and 4% had met the diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence at some time in their life.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (2024). 2020-22 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of results.
Dependence: A maladaptive pattern of use in which the use of drugs or alcohol takes on a much higher priority for a person than other behaviours that once had greater value. The central characteristic is the strong, sometimes overpowering, desire to take the substance despite significant substance-related problems.
Harmful Use: A pattern of use of alcohol or drugs that is responsible for (or substantially contributes to) physical or psychological harm, including impaired judgement or dysfunctional behaviour.
Does the proportion of Australians that has met the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol disorder at some time in their life differ by gender?
Australian men are more likely than women to have met the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol disorder at some time in their life.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (2024). 2020-22 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of results.
Dependence: A maladaptive pattern of use in which the use of drugs or alcohol takes on a much higher priority for a person than other behaviours that once had greater value. The central characteristic is the strong, sometimes overpowering, desire to take the substance despite significant substance-related problems.
Harmful Use: A pattern of use of alcohol or drugs that is responsible for (or substantially contributes to) physical or psychological harm, including impaired judgement or dysfunctional behaviour.
What proportion of Australians has met the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol disorder in the past 12 months?
In 2020-22, 14% of the Australian population (aged 16-85) had met the diagnostic criteria for harmful alcohol use and 4% had met the diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence at some time in their life.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (2024). 2020-22 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of results.
Dependence: A maladaptive pattern of use in which the use of drugs or alcohol takes on a much higher priority for a person than other behaviours that once had greater value. The central characteristic is the strong, sometimes overpowering, desire to take the substance despite significant substance-related problems.
Harmful Use: A pattern of use of alcohol or drugs that is responsible for (or substantially contributes to) physical or psychological harm, including impaired judgement or dysfunctional behaviour.
Does the proportion of Australians that has met the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol disorder in the past 12 months differ by gender?
Similar proportions of Australian men and women have met the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol disorder during the past 12 months.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (2024). 2020-22 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of results.
Dependence: A maladaptive pattern of use in which the use of drugs or alcohol takes on a much higher priority for a person than other behaviours that once had greater value. The central characteristic is the strong, sometimes overpowering, desire to take the substance despite significant substance-related problems.
Harmful Use: A pattern of use of alcohol or drugs that is responsible for (or substantially contributes to) physical or psychological harm, including impaired judgement or dysfunctional behaviour.