Risky Alcohol Consumption

Indicator Rationale

Regular excessive consumption of alcohol places people at increased risk of chronic ill health and premature death, and episodes of heavy drinking may place the person (and others) at risk of injury or death. In the short term, intoxication and acute alcohol-related problems include violence, risky behaviour, road trauma and injury. The significant psychosocial and economic consequences that arise from such patterns of drinking affect not only the individuals concerned but also their families and the wider community.

Data Source

Victorian Population Health Survey, 2005

Measures

Reported at regional level: alcohol consumption frequency and amount

Survey Question

How often do you usually drink alcohol? On a day you drink alcohol, how many standard drinks do you usually have?

I never drink alcohol; Less than once a month; less than once a week; on 1 or 2 days a week; on 3 or 4 days a week; on 5 or 6 days a week; everyday.

1 or 2 drinks per day; 3 or 4 drinks per day; 5 to 8 drinks per day; 9 or more drinks per day.

Reference

National Health and Medical Research Council, 2001, Australian alcohol guidelines: health risks and benefits, Canberra.