Alcohol

alcohol: A central nervous system depressant made from fermented starches. Alcohol inhibits brain functions, dampens the motor and sensory centres and makes judgement, coordination and balance more difficult.

principal drug of concern: The main substance that the client stated led them to seek treatment from an alcohol and drug treatment agency.

risky consumption (alcohol): Consumption of more than 10 standard drinks per week or more than 4 standard drinks on a single day at least once a month. Drinking less than this amount of alcohol keeps the lifetime risk of dying from an alcohol-related disease or injury to below 1 in 100 for healthy men and women (NHMRC 2020).

standard drink: Contains 10 g of alcohol (equivalent to 12.5 mL of alcohol). Also referred to as a full serve.

treatment episode: The period of contact between a client and a treatment provider or a team of providers. Each treatment episode has 1 principal drug of concern and 1 main treatment type. An episode is closed when treatment is completed, there has been no further contact between the client and the treatment provider for 3 months or when treatment is ceased.