The correlation between the age at which individuals start drinking and the likelihood of developing alcohol dependence.
This data point regarding the correlation between the age at which individuals start drinking and the likelihood of developing alcohol dependence comes from the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). According to this survey, respondents who reported first using alcohol before age 15 were more than five times as likely to report past year alcohol dependence or abuse than those who first used alcohol at age 21 or older. Among adults aged 21 or older who were classified as having past year alcohol dependence or abuse, over 95% had started using alcohol before age 21. You can find more information on this report at the Office of Justice Programs website: Alcohol Dependence or Abuse and Age at First Use​​.
The Rise in Alcohol-Induced Deaths in Australia.
Recent data reveals a concerning increase in alcohol-induced fatalities in Australia. In 2022, there were 1,742 such deaths, the highest in over a decade, comprising 1,245 males and 497 females. This represents a marked increase from the previous year, with the age-standardized death rate reaching 8.7 for males and 3.4 for females. Particularly affected were females aged 45-64 and males aged 65-84. For a detailed analysis of this worrying trend and more statistics, please visit the Alcohol and Drug Foundation's report: Spike in alcohol-induced deaths sounds alarm.
The Total Cost Benefit of Alcohol in Australia.
The alcohol industry in Australia presents a complex economic picture. According to a Deloitte Access Economics report commissioned by Alcohol Beverages Australia, the industry contributes approximately $52 billion annually to the economy, supporting 485,000 jobs and generating $9.3 billion in taxes. However, the social costs are significant. In 2017-2018, these were estimated at $66.8 billion, including workplace costs, healthcare expenses, and impacts on public safety and quality of life. This dichotomy highlights the industry's substantial economic contributions alongside its considerable social and health costs. For a comprehensive look at these figures, refer to the detailed report at the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
