Overview

The consumption of alcohol is widespread within Australia and entwined with many social and cultural activities. However, harmful levels of consumption are a major health issue, associated with increased risk of chronic disease, injury and premature death.

More reports and statistics on alcohol can be found under Alcohol & other drug treatment services, Illicit use of drugs and Smoking.

Featured reports

See all reports

Latest findings

The non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs is an ongoing concern internationally

Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable health burden in Australia

There is a strong link between problematic alcohol or other drug use and experiences of homelessness

Between 2016 and 2019, the proportion of ex-drinkers rose from 7.6% to 8.9%.

In 2019, 43% of Australians had illicitly used a drug in their life and 16.4% had used one in the last 12 months.

Smoking rates increase with socioeconomic disadvantage, but illicit drug use highest in the most advantaged areas.

Highlights

4 in 5(79%) adults consumed alcohol in the previous year in 2019
2 in 3 (66%) 14–17 year olds had never consumed a full standard drink—an increase from 28% in 2001
In 2018, apparent consumption of alcohol was 9.5 litres per capita—a decline since 2008 when it was 10.8 litres per capita
1 in 5(21%) Australians aged 14 and over reported being a victim of an alcohol-related incident in 2019. This has declined from 26% in 2013
34%of clients sought treatment for alcohol as a principal drug of concern in 2019-20, the most common principal drug of concern
1 in 7(15%) people have consumed 11 or more standard drinks at least once in the previous 12 months