Australian binge drinkers in denial

A national survey into the attitudes and actions of Australian drinkers reveals that Australian men consumed an average of 7.6 standard drinks on a typical occasion over the recent Summer period – almost four times the recommended NH&MRC low risk drinking guidelines. Australian women consumed an average of five standard drinks over the same period – more than twice the recommended daily limits.

Despite these results, 79 per cent of Australians surveyed did not believe they drink too much and claimed they did not binge drink over the holiday period. Binge drinking is typically defined as consuming six or more standard alcoholic drinks in one sitting.

Conducted over the 2008 Summer holiday period by Quantum Research on behalf of the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation, the survey was completed by a nationally representative sample of 1,000 Australians aged 14 years and older. Other findings included:

• More than 21 per cent of those surveyed claimed they have passed out at least once as a consequence of drinking;
• Whilst only 14 per cent of those surveyed self-nominated as drinking too much on a regular basis, Australians seemed more comfortable pointing the finger at others. More than 60 per cent of those surveyed agree or strongly agree that Australians in general drink too much, 36 per cent saying their friends and family consume too much alcohol, and 75 per cent of survey respondents agreed that there is peer pressure to drink. A further 48 per cent claimed their friends or family participated in binge drinking at least once over the December and January period;
• 51 per cent of 18-24 year olds claimed their friends and family drink too much alcohol generally speaking.

The Alcohol Education & Rehabilitation Foundation (AER) said whilst alcohol plays an important role in Australian culture, the results raise concerns about these conflicting attitudes and their effects on an excessive drinking culture in Australia.

AER CEO Daryl Smeaton said: "Whilst many Australians recognise we have a national drinking problem, when it comes to our personal, everyday, drinking habits, it seems most people are more comfortable turning a blind eye, or pointing the finger at other people.

"The challenge is not just in isolated communities, it’s in every city, suburb and backyard, in the laneways of Melbourne, on Sydney’s beaches and at the races. Whilst most Australians will not acknowledge that they drink at risky levels, there is a clear belief that friends, and Australians in general, are drinking too much. This highlights the need for clarity as to what truly constitutes safe drinking both in terms of the quantity of alcohol consumed and how its drunk. Australian’s need to shift the ‘it’s not me, it’s them’ attitude concerning drinking habits, before we can start to change the way we drink.

"The clear evidence that excessive alcohol consumption is one of three main contributors to Australia’s chronic disease burden, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes as well as the clear link to mental health issues, domestic and inter-personal violence and, of course, accidental death through road and water incidents, requires a direct focus on long term preventative strategies" said Mr Smeaton.

"Alcohol misuse costs the Australian economy a conservative $15.3 billion annually. The government has made a powerful commitment to undertaking preventative work to help reduce this toll and AER welcomes this commitment. We look forward to working with the Government in support of these initiatives," said Mr Smeaton.

(Source: Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation: March 2008)