Alcohol

Information about alcohol-related health issues and Australian Government policy.

In everyday use alcohol, usually refers to drinks such as beer, wine, or spirits containing ethyl alcohol - a substance that can cause drunkenness and changes in consciousness, mood, and emotions. It is these intoxicating and psychoactive effects that lead to so many accidents, injuries, diseases, and disruptions in the family life of everyday Australians.

Due to the different ways that alcohol can affect people, there is no amount of alcohol that can be said to be safe for everyone. People choosing to drink must realise that there will always be some risk to their health and social well-being. However, there are ways to minimise the risks. This site is designed to give Australians a basic knowledge and understanding about alcohol and its consequences in order to make informed decisions so they might minimise the risk of alcohol-related harms.

Review of the Australian Alcohol Guidelines 2001

Public consultation on the draft revised Australian alcohol guidelines for low-risk drinking

The Australian Alcohol Guidelines: health risks and benefits, issued by the NHMRC in 2001, are currently under review by the NHMRC in collaboration with the Department of Health and Ageing. The draft revised Australian alcohol guidelines for low-risk drinking are now available for public consultation.

These draft guidelines are intended to give Australians clear guidelines on how to avoid, or minimise, the harmful consequences of drinking alcohol — both the immediate effects of each drinking occasion and the longer-term effects of regular drinking.

When finalised the guidelines will provide a valuable resource for a wide range of groups and individuals including health professionals, community groups, professional and educational organisations, policy makers, the general public and those businesses responsible for providing alcohol.

You are invited to make a submission to the NHMRC about the draft revised Australian alcohol guidelines for low-risk drinking:

The NHMRC website (www.nhmrc.gov.au) provides more information on how to make a submission to the NHMRC.

Where to go for help if you or someone you know has problems with alcohol

Alcohol and Drug Information Services in each State/Territory:

ACT (02) 6205 4545
NSW 1800 422 599 (NSW country) (02) 9361 8000 (Sydney)
SA 1300 131 340 (for SA callers only)
VIC 1800 888 236
NT (08) 8948 0087 (Darwin) (08) 8951 7580 (Central Australia) 1800 131 350 (Territory wide)
QLD (07) 3837 5989 (Brisbane) 1800 177 833 (Free call within QLD outside Metro area)
TAS 1800 811 994
WA (08) 9442 5000 (Perth) 1800 198 024 (WA country)