A new survey by Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) found that the number of women overindulging in drinking has doubled in the past decade. In the new figures released by ABS, they have noted that women are picking up the habit at a faster rate.
About two million Australians were found to be drinking at a high-risk level in a typical week. Though men were still more likely to be drinking more, the survey found the number of women drinking at high-risk level had doubled up. Drinking more than 7 drinks a day is considered high-risk drinking in men while more than 5 drinks a day is considered high-risk drinking in women.The survey also noted that the proportion of people putting their health at risk due to drinking had increased from 8.2% in 1995 to 13.4% in 2004-2005. In teenagers aged between 14-19, one quarter of the teenagers were found to be drinking alcohol daily or weekly.
Half of Australian men reported binge drinking at least once a year while 12% of men reported doing so at least once a week. Three in ten women reported binge drinking at least once a year. Men who drink 11 or more drinks in one sitting and women who drink seven or more are considered binge drinkers according to National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines.
Regional Australia was found to be worse in alcohol abuse when compared to major cities, and also Australian-born citizens were found to be worse in alcohol abuse than migrants.
