Young people and alcohol

Younger people are more likely than any other age group to consume alcohol that exceeds the risk guidelines by consuming on average more than 4 standard drinks on a single day at least monthly, or more than 10 standard drinks in a week.

The Australian guidelines advise drinking no more than two drinks a day to avoid alcohol-related disease and injury over the long term, and no more than four standard drinks in a single sitting to avoid alcohol-related injury.

The impact of alcohol on young people

The risk of drinking alcohol for young people is they are more vulnerable to damage due to their developing brains and bodies.

Alcohol use can harm the individual as well as the people around them, both directly and indirectly.

Short-term effects include:

• slowing or depression of the central nervous system which affects mood, behaviour or self-control

• altered or risky behaviours due to impaired judgement

• hangovers (including fatigue, weakness, headaches, anxiety and irritability)

• nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea

• conflict between friends and family

• diuretic effects leading to excess fluid loss and dehydration

• decreased sex drive and performance through a reduction in testosterone in men

• high intake of calorie-dense, nutrient-poor items (including poor food choices)

• sleep disruptions

• alcohol poisoning

• alcohol-related injuries.  

Chronic health conditions may accumulate over time with the overuse of alcohol intake. They may include:  

• ongoing problematic alcohol use

• mental health issues

• alcohol-related brain injury or impairment

• lower immune response, increasing susceptibility to illness

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• certain cancers

• cardiovascular disease

• fatty liver disease or alcoholic hepatitis

• ovulation and menstrual cycle disruptions

• poor pregnancy health outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight and foetal alcohol syndrome

• addiction or dependency.

Secondary risk factors

Alcohol also increases the chance of secondary risk factors for young people. 

A secondary risk factor may include subtle ripple effects in the lives of young people like:

• delayed career opportunities

• being a victim or offender of sexual assault

• drink spiking 

• violence

• drink driving accidents

• antisocial behaviour

• mental health issues.

For more information, Positive Choices is an online portal with information, tools and resources on the harms of alcohol and other drugs for parents, teachers and school staff, and students.

Treatment options

Different people will have different treatment needs, which depends on the nature and complexity of their relationship with alcohol.

There’s a range of treatment and support options available if you or a young person you care about is experiencing problems associated with alcohol. 

Some people may need a little help while others may need intensive treatment options, such as residential rehabilitation.

Each state and territory operates local alcohol and other drug telephone services that offer support, information, counselling and referrals to services. For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline: 1800 250 015. You will automatically be directed your local Alcohol and Drug Information Service.  

Online Counselling is a free service where you can talk with a professional counsellor about your own alcohol use or that of someone you care about. You can chat online or email your questions to a counsellor. The service is confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week across Australia.

Family Drug Support  (FDS) is a national service for families dealing with drug and alcohol. FDS provides a toll free, 24-hour national telephone support line, as well as support groups, education programs, counselling and bereavement services for families. Phone: 1300 368 186.

If you think you may have an issue with alcohol, asking for help is an important first step to making a change. 

Where to get help 

If your life or someone else’s is in danger, call 000 immediately. 

If you’re in distress and need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support. 

For non-emergency support, your GP or regular health practitioner is often the best place to start. They will be able to assess your individual situation and recommend the best next steps for your recovery.   

Remember that help is always available, no matter the situation. 

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