🇦🇺 Unquenchable thirst: Australia’s binge-drinking culture | 101 East

Drinking alcohol has long been a part of Australian culture.

But today, the country is suffering huge social and economic costs from its love for the drink.

A recent report estimated that the tangible cost for alcohol misuse is $25bn a year, including medical expenses, lost wages and productivity.

Ten million Australians experience negative effects from other people’s drinking, and 70,000 fall victim to alcohol-related assaults.

With an increasing number of young people binge-drinking, children as young as 10 are seeking treatment for alcohol addiction.

Police and hospital authorities are urging Australians to sober up but face formidable challenges from a powerful alcohol industry and an entrenched drinking culture.

Despite new laws to curb risky drinking behaviour, anti-alcohol campaigners are fighting for stronger restrictions on the industry; and for people to change drinking habits, starting at home.

101 East explores the real cost of alcohol in Australia.

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