10/10/2024: Too many lives lost to alcohol; new data strengthens need for greater action
New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals there were 1,667 alcohol-induced deaths in 2023, down only slightly from the 1,742 recorded in 2022 which marked the highest in over a decade.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Policy and Engagement Manager, Robert Taylor, said these tragic deaths were mostly preventable, reiterating the need for stronger action to reduce alcohol harms.
“We cannot accept the high level of widespread harm alcohol causes – from life threatening health conditions such as dependence, cancer, and liver cirrhosis, to road trauma and impacts on relationships and mental health,” Mr. Taylor said.
“Stronger, long-term investments in evidence-based prevention, harm reduction, and treatment services are urgently needed to address these harms, including targeted interventions with those most at risk.
“Action to address alcohol advertising and online sales and delivery is also needed, with stops to targeted, data-driven marketing, a limit on alcohol deliveries to before 10pm, and a minimum two-hour safety pause between ordering and delivery.
“The alcohol industry self regulates its own advertising rules, which is hugely problematic as we know alcohol companies rely on people who drink at risky levels to maintain their profits – this needs to end.
“Concerningly, many people at risk of experiencing harms from alcohol aren’t aware their use is a problem, so we need greater investment in education around risky drinking, including clear information about the harm it causes, which this data sadly demonstrates.”
For support or advice, visit adf.org.au or call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 .
If you are worried about your own, or a friend or relative’s alcohol or other drug use, you can visit the ADF’s Path2Help. This free online tool will connect you with local services in your area that can help, based on your personal circumstances.
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Media contact: Mikayla Wearne, 0430 948 380 or media@adf.org.au.