What can we do to prevent and reduce harm?

Although the impact of zero alcohol drinks is not well known yet, we can still take action to reduce the possibility of harm – an idea underpinned by the precautionary principle.*

Some simple strategies would include:

• For people looking to cut back their drinking, or role model good behaviour for their kids, zero alcohol drinks can be avoided in situations where you wouldn’t normally drink alcohol. For more information on lower-risk drinking, see the (NHMRC) Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol.
• People under 18 shouldn’t be sold or encouraged to consume zero alcohol drinks.
• People who have experienced alcohol dependence should be made aware of zero alcohol drinks being a potential trigger for relapse.

Embracing mindful drinking has become a key part of life for many Australians, and zero alcohol drinks can play a role in this.

However, this should not come at the expense of those who are most vulnerable to the saturation of alcohol brands and their products in our daily lives.

Help and Support

If you’re worried about yourself or somebody’s use of alcohol, there is support available:

• National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015
  24-hour phoneline that offers telephone counselling, information, support and referral to treatment services for anyone seeking help for their own, or another person's, alcohol or drug use.
• Family Drug Help (VIC, SA, TAS): 1300 660 068
  Family Drug Support (NSW, ACT, QLD): 1300 368 186

*The precautionary principle provides guidance for public health and policy decisions in instances where there is a credible potential for harm but uncertainty around impacts. It is often explained as: “When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.”