Frequency

How often do Australians drink alcohol?

Approximately 40% of the population (aged 14 years and over) drink alcohol at least once per week, including 5% of the population who drink daily. Twenty-three percent of Australians do not drink alcohol at all.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2021).

Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding. 

Do men or women in Australia drink alcohol more often?

Australian men typically drink alcohol more frequently than women.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2021).

Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding. 

Do younger or older Australians drink alcohol more often?

Older Australians typically drink alcohol more frequently than younger Australians: those in older age groups are more likely to drink daily or almost daily than those in younger age groups.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2021).

* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.

** Estimate has a relative standard error greater than 50% and is considered too unreliable for general use.

Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding.