Adult alcohol consumption

KPI 26: Proportion of people aged 18 years and older who consume more than two standard drinks per day on average

The consumption of alcohol is widespread within Australia and entwined with many social and cultural activities. However, harmful levels of consumption (consuming more than two standard drinks per day on average) are a major health issue, associated with increased risk of disease including oral cancers (DHSV 2011).

In 2017–18, 16% of adults aged 18 years and over consumed more than two standard drinks per day. Older adults aged 45–54 (19%) and 55–64 (19%) were more likely to consume more than two standard drinks per day than younger adults aged 18–24 (11%).

After adjusting for age, the proportion of adults at risk of long-term harm from alcohol has remained stable between 2014–15 and 2017–18, at 17% and 16% respectively.

Explore the data using the interactive below:

KPI 26: Proportion of people who exceed the guidelines for the consumption of alcohol

This figure shows the proportion of adults aged 18 years and over who exceeded the guidelines for the consumption of alcohol. National, state and territory data is presented for 2014-15 and 2017-18. In Australia, 16% of adults aged 18 years and over exceeded the guidelines for the consumption of alcohol in 2017-18.

KPI 26: Proportion of people who exceed the guidelines for the consumption of alcohol

This figure shows the age-standardised proportion of people who exceeded the guidelines for the consumption of alcohol in Australia, by sex. In 2017-18, 24% of males and 8.9% of females exceeded the guidelines for the consumption of alcohol.

KPI 26: Proportion of people who exceed the guidelines for the consumption of alcohol

This figure shows the proportion of people who exceeded the guidelines for the consumption of alcohol in Australia by age groups and sex. In 2017-18, fewer adults aged 18-24 exceeded the guidelines for the consumption of alcohol than any other age group.

Data tables available for download.

More information about alcohol consumption.

References:

ABS 2018. National Health Survey: first results, 2017–18. ABS cat. No. 4364.0.55.001. Canberra: ABS

ABS Microdata: National Health Survey; 2014–15, 2017–18. Findings based on detailed microdata analysis. Canberra: ABS

DHSV (Dental Health Services Victoria) 2011. Links between oral health and general health - the case for action: Dental Health Services.