Middle-aged Australian women drinking more than they have in decades

New research has found that middle-aged women are drinking at increasingly risky levels, challenging the traditional view that young people and men are the ones at risk of alcohol harms. The study shows one in five middle-aged women are drinking at ‘binge drinking’ levels, a significant increase since 2001.

The paper, in collaboration with researchers from Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) and the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, was led by Mia Miller, Research Associate and PhD candidate at The George Institute.

“This may come as a surprise given that binge drinking is a behaviour commonly associated with young people, but there are a number of factors that have likely led to alcohol use becoming increasingly prevalent amongst women. It is not about blaming the individual for their alcohol use. Rather, we need to look at the societal factors that are driving increased alcohol use and address these through comprehensive, evidence-based policies such as regulations on advertising and home delivery, and the introduction of policies such as minimum unit price,” she said.

For further information, please refer to the media release on this page.