Reducing harm from alcohol
One in five 18–24-year-olds drink at a risky level (4+ drinks in one sitting) at least every week.
Source: Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre 2007, Victorian drugs statistics handbook: Patterns of drug use and related harms in Victoria
Alcohol consumption leads to long and short-term harms in Victoria
While the social use of alcohol is widely accepted, alcohol misuse is associated with road trauma, workplace accidents, drowning, sexual assault, domestic and interpersonal violence, and self harm.
The National Alcohol strategy notes that ‘too many Australians now partake in “drunken” cultures rather than drinking cultures’. Drinking cultures are shaped by a range of social, economic, geographical and historical factors. Drinking cultures also shape the way alcohol is viewed, supplied and used.
VicHealth contributes to debates about alcohol misuse and supports programs that promote responsible drinking. We are strengthening our efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm in light of recent evidence showing an increase in binge drinking among young people.
To reduce alcohol-related harm VicHealth is acting on policy regulation, inducing cultural change, and gathering further evidence of effective strategies to reduce harm from alcohol.
Alcohol and health
The short-term results of drinking at harmful levels include motor-vehicle injuries, alcohol poisoning, injuries from assault, and deliberate self-harm. Over the long-term, heavy drinking can lead to:
- cardiovascular disease
- liver disease
- mental illness
- cancers
- diabetes.
VicHealth’s alcohol program focuses on preventing the causes of these chronic illnesses.
Impacts on the community
Harmful alcohol consumption reaches all parts of the community. The impacts of harmful drinking on the community include:
- public intoxication
- alcohol-fuelled violence
- property damage
- workplace absenteeism
- road injury
- diseases such as liver cirrhosis, cancer (mouth, throat, bowel, liver, oesophagus, breast), obesity, liver failure, brain damage, stroke and dementia.
A report from the Department of Health and Ageing highlights the considerable cost to the community caused by harmful alcohol consumption. This includes costs attributable to crime ($1.6 billion), health effects ($1.9 billion), productivity loss in the workplace ($3.5 billion), loss of productivity in the home ($1.5 billion) and road trauma ($2.2 billion). Read the full report: Collins & Lapsley, The costs of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug abuse to Australian society in 2004/05.
VicHealth aims to support communities to change drinking cultures and perceptions.
Who are we?
Brian Vandenberg - Manager
Sean O'Rourke – Senior Project Officer
Rachel Petrie - Project Officer