Clinking glasses with alcohol and toasting, party
Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals a notable decline in risky drinking among teenagers aged 14 to 17. While only 5.5 per cent of teens engaged in risky drinking in 2022-23, a drop from 9.5 per cent in 2019, the trend contrasts sharply with the rising alcohol-related costs affecting the wider population.
The National Health and Medical Research Council defines risky drinking as consuming more than 10 standard drinks per week or exceeding four drinks in a single day at least once a month. The latest figures indicate that approximately 6.6 million Australians, or about one in three individuals aged 14 and over, consume alcohol at risky levels. The data highlights a significant cultural shift, particularly among younger individuals.
Steep Declines Among Teenagers
According to Kyle Hoath, president of the Australian Medical Association of WA, the steady decline in risky drinking among teenagers is encouraging. He noted that the percentage of risky drinkers in this age group has fallen from above 30 per cent in 2001 to less than 6 per cent today. Hoath emphasized the importance of this trend, stating, “This suggests there has been a significant cultural shift in the behaviours and predilections of that age group.”
The data shows that the sharpest decline in risky drinking occurred between 2019 and 2022-23. Adults aged 25 to 29 also experienced a reduction, albeit smaller at 3.9 per cent. Hoath remarked on the vulnerability of young people to alcohol’s harmful effects during their developmental stages, highlighting the potential for reduced alcohol abuse as they transition into adulthood.
Rising Alcohol-Related Costs
Despite the positive trend among teenagers, the broader picture reveals an alarming increase in alcohol consumption among older age groups. The 30-39 age bracket saw risky drinking rise to 32 per cent in 2022-23, compared to 30.6 per cent in 2019. Similarly, the 60-69 age group experienced an increase, rising to 33.2 per cent from 31.3 per cent over the same period.
The overall social cost of alcohol use in Australia has surged to approximately $75 billion in 2022-23, up from $72.9 billion in 2020-21. The financial burden extends to healthcare, with alcohol accounting for nearly three in five drug-related hospital admissions in 2023-24. Additionally, alcohol-related ambulance attendances exceeded 103,000 for intoxication cases among individuals aged 15 and older, predominantly affecting men.
According to Eleanor Costello, evidence manager for the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, the reductions in youth drinking are promising. She stated, “The longer we can delay the uptake of alcohol abuse among young people, the less likely they are to develop problematic alcohol use later in life.”
Alcohol consumption remains a significant contributor to health issues in Australia, accounting for approximately 40 per cent of liver cancer cases, more than 25 per cent of road traffic injuries involving cars, and over 10 per cent of breast cancer burdens. In 2024, there were more than 1,700 alcohol-induced deaths, surpassing fatalities from any other drug.
As the nation grapples with both the decline in risky drinking among teenagers and the rising costs associated with alcohol consumption, the focus remains on promoting healthier behaviors and reducing the overall impact of alcohol on Australian society. For those seeking help, the National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline is available at 1800 250 015.
