Australians are drinking less alcohol overall than they were 15 years ago, but data suggests risky drinking among young women is continuing to rise.
Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has shown the gap between young men and women risky drinking is the smallest it has been since 2007.
Risky drinking refers to consuming alcohol to the point where it could affect the consumer’s mental and physical health.
In 2023, 40 per cent of women aged 18-24 consumed alcohol at risky levels compared to 45 per cent of men. In 2019, the gap was wider with 35 per cent of women and 47 per cent of men drinking at risky levels.
University of Wollongong student, Alexandra Fitzgerald, 20, said drinking culture played a major role in her university social life.
“I think at uni especially because you have so many people that travel really far, a lot of that comes from going to the Unibar and events,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
She said that alcohol had become increasingly normalised for young women through social media and marketing.
“You always see things about ‘paint and sip’ on TikTok, and ideas for girls’ nights,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“A lot of alcohol is advertised now for women with pink labels or aesthetic looking labels, and even glittery pink vodka.”
At the same time, alcohol consumption across Australia has declined.
DrinkWise Australia has reported risky drinking overall has fallen significantly since 2007, with fewer Australians drinking daily or exceeding national guidelines.
Ms Fitzgerald said social media has changed the way that young people perceive alcohol and their behaviours surrounding it.
“You get on TikTok and you see it as this fine, sociable thing,” she said.
“It’s just in so many aspects of social media and everything.”
Research from DrinkWise Australia found stress was one of the most common reasons Australians reported drinking more alcohol, particularly among risky drinkers.
DrinkWise ambassador and medical expert, Dr Andrew Rochford said alcohol can impact sleep, mood and overall mental wellbeing when used to deal with stress.
“Alcohol is not a coping mechanism,” he said.
Research published by Harvard Health Publishing suggests that women are more vulnerable than men to alcohol-related harm, even after consuming small amounts.
The report stated women may experience alcohol related diseases earlier than men, including liver disease, heart disease and breast cancer.
Health organisations continue to encourage awareness around alcohol consumption as drinking culture among young Australians continue to shift.
Additional reporting: Max McIver
