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.

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Latest findings

The proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who smoke has declined significantly

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

People with mental health conditions are more likely to use tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs

In 2019, 11.0% of Australians smoked tobacco daily, down from 12.2% in 2016 and 24% in 1991.

Smoking and drinking rates are down among gay, lesbian and bisexual people.

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

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