Beers
14 Mar 2024
Treatment episodes fall as Australians moderate alcohol intake
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Anti-alcohol activists continue to mislead by today presenting a survey suggesting more people in Victoria used alcohol treatment services during Covid says Alcohol Beverages Australia CEO Andrew Wilsmore.
“Let’s allow facts, rather than vague opinions, apply when it comes to providing information on Australia’s relationship with beer, wine and spirits.
“The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare is the independent umpire, and its most up-to-date statistics show alcohol treatment episodes have been falling for 10 years with no change to that trend during the Victorian lockdowns.
“Alcohol treatment episodes as a percentage of all drug treatments were down 14.5 percent in the year ending June 2020, and the reduction over 10 years in the state of Victoria is 39.5 percent.
“On a pure treatment number basis, alcohol treatments have fallen from a high of 23,491 in 2010-11 down to 20,326 in 2019-20, against the tide of a rising population.
“Moderation in drinking is the new norm for the vast majority of Australians with the per capita consumption of alcohol at its lowest level in 50 years.
“The activists are intent on creating a false narrative to suggest Government need to unnecessarily intervene in support of their anti-alcohol agenda. Meanwhile Australians are making sensible choices and choosing to act responsibility when it comes to enjoying a drink,” said Mr Wilsmore.
