Less Aussies drinking, but substance abuse shouldn’t be discounted

While new findings have revealed the number of Australians hitting the bottle continues to decline, local experts warn alcohol and other drug use during the coronavirus pandemic poses serious risks to people’s health and wellbeing.

According to Roy Morgan’s Alcohol Consumption Report, 66.3 per cent (13,073,000) of Australians aged 18 and over from March 2019 to March 2020 consume alcohol in an average four-week period, down from 67.5 per cent (13,102,000) last year.

Spirits was the only alcohol category to increase year on year, rising from 26.3 per cent (5,099,000) to 28.7 per cent (5,671,000).

Roy Morgan chief executive officer Michele Levine said despite valid concerns about self-isolation and its possible effects on the amount of alcohol people drink, overall consumption was decreasing.

“People surveyed were asked about their attitudes towards alcohol and nearly two-thirds of Australian drinkers (65.4 per cent) agree they ‘drink alcohol mostly at home’, with a greater proportion of men (67.3 per cent) than women (63.5 per cent) agreeing.

“During the early stages of the COVID-19 lockdown, the panic buying of large quantities of alcohol prompted understandable concern from health authorities and saw the introduction of buying limits. However, it’s likely the alcohol bought was simply a substitute for alcohol which people would otherwise have been consumed at venues, or simply stocking up ‘just in case’, rather than an overall increase.”

However, Josie Taylor, manager of mental health and alcohol and other drug services at Barwon Child Youth and Family (BCYF), said there were new challenges to consider for those who had been using alcohol or other drugs during the pandemic.

“As the social restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic unfold, the potential for harms associated with alcohol and other drugs may increase.”

Ms Taylor said this time could also present problems for people who are in recovery, as their usual support services might be more difficult to reach. She also highlighted the potential for people to mix over the counter medicines with alcohol.

“For people with a dependence on drugs, reduced supply or limited access to drugs could lead to people substituting the type of drug they use, changing their patterns of use, or forcing people into withdrawal.”

She said the first step to changing a person’s relationship with alcohol and other drugs involved gaining insight and awareness into the negative consequences their use could be having on their health and wellbeing.

If a person is concerned about alcohol and other drug use of a loved one, phone BCYF for a confidential conversation on 1300 022 293 or email [email protected].

For free and confidential drug information or support, call the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s DrugInfo line on 1300 85 85 84 or email [email protected].

To contact DirectLine, phone 1800 888 236.

Other support services include:

BCYF offers support for children, young people and families whose lives are affected by substance use. Call 1300 022 293 (business hours)

Barwon Health Access: 1300 094187 (24 hours)

Family Drug Help: 1300 368 186 (24 hours).