Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption and Related Harms in Australia

Abstract

Alcohol offers a mixed legacy to our society, having long been used in a broad range of social, cultural, and religious contexts; some societies routinely permit alcohol use while others frown upon or ban consumption. Reasons for consuming alcohol include relaxation, enjoyment, or as part of a celebration, or in response to boredom, sorrow, sadness or trauma. Frequent consumption can often lead to a habit or compulsive use of alcohol, with a dose-dependent relationship existing between alcohol use and related harms. Such harms include chronic and acute harms to the self, harms to others, along with boarder socioeconomic consequences from alcohol consumption.