Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Australians drink?

The majority of Australians drink alcohol.

Consumption patterns:

57% of males and 39% of females over the age of 14 consumed alcohol at least once a week.
81% of males and 84% of females consume alcohol at low risk levels on a regular basis.

A major cause of concern is the number of people who drink in a manner that threatens their health in the short term. 39% of males and 30% of females have consumed alcohol at least once in the last year that would put them at risk of short-term harm. Ref: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2001 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: Canberra 2002

Are there any guidelines for low risk drinking?

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has developed the Australian Alcohol Guidelines to provide advice on responsible alcohol consumption. These Guidelines are currently being revised. The latest draft guidelines recommend:

Adults:

For low risk of both immediate and long-term harm from drinking MEN and WOMEN should drink two standard drinks or less in any one day.

Young People Under 18 Years:

Parents and carers are advised that not drinking is the safest option for children and adolescents under 15 years of age.
Not drinking is the safest option for adolescents aged 15-17 years. If they drink parents should supervise. Adolescents should stay within the adult guideline for low risk drinking.

For further information and free resources on alcohol and your health visit:Alcohol Guidelines

What harm does alcohol cause?

Alcohol is a major cause of drug related death in NSW, second only to tobacco. It is a major contributor to traumatic injury and violence, which may or may not result in death.

Alcohol contributes to:

37% of road injuries involving males
18% of road injuries involving females
12% of male and 8% of female suicides
34% of fall injuries
44% of fire injuries
34% of drowning incidents
47% assaults
50% of domestic (physical and sexual) violence cases
16% of cases of child abuse
34% homicides (offenders)
31% homicides (victims)

Ref: National Health and Medical Research Council (2001) Australian Alcohol Guidelines: health risks and benefits p.42

If I have concerns about my alcohol or drug use, where can I go for help in the North Coast?

There are a number of drug and alcohol services offered by North Coast Area Health Service .

Riverlands Drug and Alcohol Centre, Lismore offers an inpatient detoxification service, community based drug and alcohol counselling, specialist medical advice and pharmacotherapy services. Contact (02) 66 207 600. It also operates the NCAHS Drug Help Line (02) 66 207612 for telephone advice and assistance.
Many local Community Health Centres throughout the North Coast have experienced Drug and Alcohol Counsellors who are able to assist with drug and alcohol problems.
For free telephone advice and counselling contact: Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) (02) 9361 8000 or 1800 422 599 (toll free).
Contact your General Practitioner.

How much alcohol will put me over the limit for driving?

The legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) for driving is .05.

Staying within the legal limit:

For WOMEN, drinking more than one standard drink per hour can result in BAC above .05.
For MEN, drinking more than two standard drinks per hour can result in a BAC above .05.
For NEW or YOUNG DRIVERS the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0. This applies to all learner and provisional drivers, regardless of age.

Generally the more alcohol you drink, the higher your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) will be.

Your BAC can be affected by:

How much you have drunk and how quickly you have drunk the alcohol
Your size and weight
Your age and sex. Young people and women are more affected by alcohol than adult men
Your general health
Whether you have eaten before or while drinking
Whether you have taken any other drugs at the same time (including medications)
The type of drink - generally the higher the concentration the more rapidly alcohol can appear in the bloodstream. It takes at least one hour for the body to eliminate the alcohol in each standard drink consumed.

The Road & Traffic Authority has more detailed information in relation to drinking and driving.

How can I plan ahead to minimise problems at my teenager’s party?

As a parent/guardian, you are responsible for hosting the party. It is your duty of care to do all that you reasonably can to provide a safe environment, protect your guests, help them have a good time and avoid trouble. For tips on how to host a safe party including a party checklist, please check out Parties: RRISK 2002 Program Report, pages 52-55. Also check the our Planning Safer Parties and Celebrations information sheet.