As Australians head into the festive season, health experts are urging people to plan ahead and look after each other, with new data showing a significant spike in alcohol related harms over the Christmas and New Year period.
The analysis of 2023 ambulance data from the National Ambulance Surveillance System (NASS) at Turning Point and Monash University has revealed alcohol- ambulance attendances increased by an average of 25 percent in most states during the final two weeks of the year compared to the rest of the year.
The analysis included data from Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory. South Australia and Western Australia were not available.
The data showed New Year's Day was the single highest day of the year for alcohol-related harms, with New Year's Eve close behind. Christmas Day also featured in the top 10 per cent of days for alcohol-intoxication ambulance attendances.
This heightened level of harm means it is crucial to take care of each other during the festive period, said Dr Rowan Ogeil, Strategic Lead of the National Addiction and Mental Health Surveillance Unit at Turning Point and Monash University Senior Research Fellow.
“The festive season brings people together, but it's also a higher-risk time for alcohol harms. And for some people, this time of year can be particularly difficult. Creating safe and inclusive celebrations is something we can all contribute to,” Dr Ogeil said.
"That means planning ahead. Whether it's arranging transport, making sure non-alcoholic drinks are available or checking in with friends and family who might need extra support. Planning safe transport ahead of time is especially vital, given the well-established link between alcohol and road accidents."
In 2023, there were 103,405 alcohol intoxication-related ambulance attendances in total across Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory.
The 2023 data at a glance:
- New Year's Day: the single highest day for alcohol-related callouts across all states and territories
- New Year's Eve ranked as the second or third highest day in most jurisdictions
- Christmas Day: in the top 10 per cent of days for alcohol-related harms
- Most states saw substantial increases during the festive period: Victoria 27 per cent, New South Wales and Northern Territory 26 per cent, Queensland 23 per cent, Tasmania 22 per cent
- The ACT was the only jurisdiction to see a decrease (19 per cent) during the festive period
The festive period, Dr Ogeil said, is also a good time to think about our relationship with alcohol and have conversations with those close to us.
“This reflection can help us recognise when support might be needed, and just as importantly, it can help create an environment where people feel supported to reach out," Dr Ogeil said.
"When people feel supported to seek help, everyone benefits. We know treatment works. There's a range of effective options – counselling services, treatment programs, residential rehabilitation – all confidential and accessible for anyone concerned about alcohol."
For more information or interview requests, please contact Zali Rizmal via [email protected] or on our media line 0478 854 644
*Note: Dr Ogeil is only available for interviews between 8am and 12pm on Tuesday 23 December*
Support Services
National Support services
National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015 - Free confidential advice and referrals, 24/7 Counselling Online: www.counsellingonline.org.au - Free confidential counselling and support, 24/7
State and territory services:
VIC: DirectLine on 1800 888 236 - Confidential alcohol/drug counselling, information and referrals, 24/7
NSW: Alcohol & Drug Information Service on 1800 422 599 - Confidential advice and referrals, 24/7
QLD: 13 Health on 13 43 25 84 - Confidential health advice and alcohol/drug support, 24/7
TAS: Alcohol & Drug Information Service on 1800 811 994 - Confidential information and support, 24/7
ACT: Alcohol & Drug Service on (02) 6207 9977 - Confidential assessment and treatment services, 24/7
NT: Alcohol & Other Drugs Program on 1800 131 350 - Confidential Advice, counselling & referrals, 24/7
For media: Stories on alcohol and other drugs may be confronting for some people. Support is available and we ask that media agencies consider including the following in their coverage:
"If this story has raised issues about your or others' drug or alcohol use, please contact Counselling Online for free confidential counselling or call the National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015."
We also encourage including relevant state/territory-specific services from the list above.
Turning Point is a national treatment, research and education centre that provides leadership in the alcohol and other drug, gambling and mental health sectors. Combining innovative clinical and population health research and expert policy advice with service innovation, surveillance, system enhancements, capacity building and specialist support, Turning Point empowers people, communities, services and governments to respond to current and emerging alcohol, other drug, and gambling harms. Turning Point is part of Eastern Health and is affiliated with Monash University.
