Summary

Alcohol is the most widely used legal drug in Australia, however its consumption carries with it a number of risks. In 2001, 1.5 million Australian adults (11%) consumed alcohol in risky or high risk amounts. This book examines the extent of alcohol consumption in Australia by adults and under-aged drinkers and presents information on the adverse health and social risks of excessive alcohol use. Topics in this book include: the effects of alcohol on the body and behaviour; alcoholism; drink driving; under-age drinking; binge drinking; alcohol abuse risk groups such as people from lower socio-economic and Indigenous backgrounds; alcohol and crime; alcohol and violence; alcohol and sexual health; responsible drinking choices; treatment for problem drinking; and ways of reducing or abstaining from alcohol consumption. Chapter 1: Alcohol Abuse and Health Chapter 2: Young People and Binge Drinking Glossary; Facts and Figures; Additional Resources; Index