Australians are expected to consume a staggering 58 million standard drinks of alcohol each day this month, according to data analysed by health insurance comparison service iSelect. This amounts to a total of 1.8 billion drinks across the country during the festive season.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that 77 per cent of Australians drank alcohol in the past 12 months, with an average daily consumption of 2.08 standard drinks. Research from the University of South Australia indicates that alcohol consumption rises by around 70 per cent in December compared to the rest of the year.
Unsurprisingly, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that alcohol-related injuries peak during December. Andres Gutierrez, general manager of health at iSelect, said the spike in drinking over the festive season increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, falls, road accidents, and alcohol poisoning. He also noted that excessive drinking can exacerbate conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, anxiety, and interfere with common medications. Even a single heavy drinking session can weaken the immune system, disrupt sleep, and make individuals more vulnerable to illness during the holidays.
Gutierrez advised Australians to pace themselves during celebrations. He recommended eating before drinking, staying hydrated with a glass of water for every alcoholic drink, understanding alcohol interactions with medications, and avoiding alcohol entirely if advised to do so. He also emphasized looking after friends and family to ensure everyone stays safe over the festive season.
