Alcohol and Injury

Drinking alcohol can contribute to an increased risk of injury which can have long-term effects on your life and those close to you.  

When people drink too much on one occasion it can cause alcohol-related accidents. Many problems are caused by drinking too much on one occasion, and these problems are preventable. These problems include injury, violence, burns and falls. Anti-social behaviour and problems can also occur with friends, family and third parties.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommend for healthy men and women, drinking no more than four standard drinks on a single occasion reduces the risk of alcohol-related injury arising from that occasion. [1]

Evidence shows that as more alcohol is consumed on a single occasion, skills and inhibitions decrease while risky behaviour increases, leading to a greater risk of injury during, or immediately after that occasion. [1]

The facts and figures

• In 2014-15, ACT hospital Emergency Departments saw a total of 7,411 presentations for alcohol-attributable injuries for people aged 15 years and over. [2]
• From 2010-11 to 2014-15 there has been a 37% increase in the number of ACT hospital Emergency Department presentations for alcohol-attributable injuries [2]
• During 2014-15, a total of 20 people a day in the ACT present to hospital emergency department as a result of alcohol related injuries [2]