Risk
What proportion of Australians drink at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease or injury?
In 2022-23, 31% of Australians (aged 14 years and over) drank at levels that increased their risk of alcohol-related disease or injury.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.
Increased risk of alcohol-related disease or injury: Consumed more than 10 standard drinks per week, or drank more than 4 standard drinks on a single day at least once a month, on average (as per the Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol).
Standard Drink: A drink that contains 10 grams (or 12.5 millilitres) of alcohol.
Are men or women in Australia more likely to drink at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease or injury?
Australian men are significantly more likely than women to drink at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease or injury.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding. Significance is established as p<0.05. Australians who identify as non-binary or a different gender identity were not able to be included in the current analyses due to small numbers.
Increased risk of alcohol-related disease or injury: Consumed more than 10 standard drinks per week, or drank more than 4 standard drinks on a single day at least once a month, on average (as per the Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol).
Standard Drink: A drink that contains 10 grams (or 12.5 millilitres) of alcohol.
Are younger or older Australians more likely to drink at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease or injury?
In general, Australians aged 18-24 years are the most likely to drink at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease or injury. Young Australians (aged 14-17 years) are most likely to abstain, while older age groups (50+) tend to be more likely to drink at low risk levels.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding. Significance is established as p<0.05.
Increased risk of alcohol-related disease or injury: Consumed more than 10 standard drinks per week, or drank more than 4 standard drinks on a single day at least once a month, on average (as per the Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol).
Standard Drink: A drink that contains 10 grams (or 12.5 millilitres) of alcohol.
Is the employment status of Australians related to drinking at levels that increase risk of alcohol-related disease or injury?
Employed Australians are significantly more likely to drink at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease or injury (35%), compared to those who are unemployed (22%) or not in the labour force (24%).
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Note: Significance is established as p<0.05.
Employed: Self-employed or working for salary or wages.
Employment Status: Whether an individual is currently: a) employed; b) unemployed; or c) not in the labour force.
Increased risk of alcohol-related disease or injury: Consumed more than 10 standard drinks per week, or drank more than 4 standard drinks on a single day at least once a month, on average (as per the Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol).
Not in the Labour Force: Engaged in home duties, volunteer/charity work, student, retiree/pensioner, other.
Standard Drink: A drink that contains 10 grams (or 12.5 millilitres) of alcohol.
Unemployed: Not currently working and actively seeking employment.
In which industries are Australian employees more likely to drink at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease or injury?
In general, Australians employed in mining and construction are most likely to drink at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease or injury.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding. Significance is established as p<0.05.
Increased risk of alcohol-related disease or injury: Consumed more than 10 standard drinks per week, or drank more than 4 standard drinks on a single day at least once a month, on average (as per the Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking
Standard Drink: A drink that contains 10 grams (or 12.5 millilitres) of alcohol.