I'm done, whatever helps you sleep at night mate.
Just to be clear, drinking alcohol makes you a drug user too.
Unfortunately it can & does.
A heavy drink abuser seems to be a heavy drugs user.
**************Sorry about the amount below which I’ve posted with links. ***************
Substance abuse involves using too much alcohol or other drugs. Read about the signs of substance abuse as well as available treatments.
www.healthdirect.gov.au
Around 1 in 20 Australians has an addiction or substance abuse problem. It can result in changes and long-term damage to your brain and other organs.
What substances are commonly abused?
Commonly abused substances in Australia are tobacco and alcohol.
- Smoking is the main cause of preventable death and disease in Australia.
- About 1 in 4 Australians drinks alcohol at risky levels.
Alcohol can lead to:
- short-term risk of accidents
- injuries
- violent behaviour
It can also cause long-term medical complications such as liver disease and mental health disorders.
The most used illicit drugs in Australia are:
Drug use disorders can include:
- the misuse of illegal drugs (such as cannabis and amphetamines)
- the use of medicines, like painkillers or sedatives, for non-medical reasons
This page focuses on alcohol and illicit drugs.
Australians aged
18-24 years generally consume more standard drinks on a day they drink than any other age group.
Prevalence of alcohol consumption
While overall alcohol consumption is declining, prevalence of risky drinking remains high, with 17 per cent of Australians consuming alcohol at levels placing them at lifetime risk of an alcohol-related disease or injury (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2018).17 Apr 2023
More than 32,000 people across 22 countries took part in the Global Drug Survey 2021 released today. The survey found Aussies 'got on the beers' the most, getting drunk 27 times on average throughout the year, compared with the global average of 15 times. 2 Dec 2021.
This is a huge problem which is worth $ Billions . That’s why not enough is being done , until it’s tragically too late.
How big is the alcohol market in Australia?
$15.2 billion
Market report scope
| Market size 2021 | $15.2 billion |
|---|
| Key categories | Brandy, Flavoured Alcoholic Beverages, Gin & Genever, Liqueurs, Non-Alcoholic Spirit Drinks, Rum, Specialty Spirits, Tequila & Mezcal, Vodka, and Whiskey |
| Key distribution channels | Hypermarkets & Supermarkets, On-Trade, Food & Drink Specialists, and e-retailers |
Like other products,
the Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent also applies to alcoholic drinks; this is added to the cost after the excise has been applied. As a result, almost half the price of beer is made up by taxes; 42 per cent, according to the Brewers Association. 11 Feb 2023.
Find trends and statistics about alcohol and illicit substances.
www.health.gov.au
National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019
The
National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) 2019 collects information on illegal drug use, and alcohol and tobacco consumption among the general population in Australia.
The key findings for the survey are shown below:
Alcohol
- Young adults are drinking less, and fewer 12 to 17 year olds are drinking.
- More people in their 50s are consuming 11 or more standard drinks in one drinking session.
Illicit use of drugs
- In 2019, around 3.4 million Australians reported using an illicit drug in the last 12 months.
- In 2019, the most common illicit drug was cannabis, followed by ecstasy, misuse of pharmaceuticals, and then cocaine.
- While overall use of methamphetamine has decreased, use of crystal methamphetamine (ice) continues to be a problem.
- People who are using crystal methamphetamine (ice), are using it more frequently which increases the risks and harms.
- While people aged 20-29 are still the most likely to use illicit substances, a greater proportion of older people are misusing pharmaceuticals and illicit substances than in previous years.
