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.

70% of Australians aged 14-17 years abstain from alcohol, 25% drink at low risk levels, and 6% drink alcohol at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease of injury.

23% of Australians aged 18-24 years from alcohol, 35% drink alcohol at low risk levels, and 42% drink alcohol at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease of injury.

22% of Australians aged 25-29 years abstain from alcohol, 44% drink alcohol at low risk levels, and 34% drink alcohol at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease of injury.

23% of Australians aged 30-39 years from alcohol, 45% drink alcohol at low risk levels, and 32% drink alcohol at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease of injury.

19% of Australians aged 40-49 years abstain from alcohol, 48% drink alcohol at low risk levels, and 33% drink alcohol at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease of injury.

16% of Australians aged 50-59 years from alcohol, 52% drink at low risk levels, and 32% drink alcohol at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease of injury.

17% of Australians aged 60-69 years abstain from alcohol, 50% drink alcohol at low risk levels, and 33% drink alcohol at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease of injury.

25% of Australians aged 70+ years from alcohol, 50% drink at low risk levels, and 25% drink alcohol at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease of 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 alcohol).

Standard Drink: A drink that contains 10 grams (or 12.5 millilitres) of alcohol.