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Young people turn away from drinking culture

IF excessive drinking used to be a badge of honour, it is now more a cause for shame among young people, research shows.

A 10-year study commissioned by DrinkWise found 24 per cent of people were drinking to excess 10 years ago but now only 16 per cent believe they drink excessively.

DrinkWise ambassador and emergency doctor Andrew Rochford says the message is finally getting through to younger generations.

“It’s always been difficult to tackle the huge drinking culture in Australia but people are definitely reporting they’re moving towards a more healthy relationship with alcohol,” Dr Rochford said.

“It’s really no longer regarded as cool because there is a greater shift towards pursuing a healthy lifestyle among young people, in particular. They’re more conscious and thoughtful about their choices.”

The research also found 20 per cent of Australians abstained from alcohol entirely, compared with only 11 per cent in 2007.

Where and what people are drinking has changed, with 63 per cent of people choosing to drink at home with a meal or barbecue instead of going out.

Hobart student Lahiru Katupitiya said over-drinking was not worth the hangover the next day.

“It’s not worth it to write yourself off and not be able to do much the next day,” Mr Katupitiya said.

He said his time was better spent studying for his degree in medical research.

“It takes up pretty much seven days a week, including weekends, so the free time I have I would rather do something else than drinking.”

Kelsey Raspin, of Hobart, said lifestyle changes had led to changes in her drinking habits.

“When I first turned 18 and began drinking I would go out a lot, but now it doesn’t interest me as much” she said.

“Having full-time work I would rather just have one glass of wine with friends and then go home to bed,” she said.

Dr Rochford said ultimately, if fewer people were drinking too much, attitudes must be changing for the better.

The long-term risks of excessive drinking included liver disease and dementia, while acute risks included injury, assault and vehicle accidents.

“We have to remember kids absorb our drinking habits so how you behave with it will have an impact on how kids relate to it later in life,” he said.