Look after each other this festive season, experts urge, as alcohol harms surge

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 jurisdictionsChristmas Day: in the top 10 per cent of days for alcohol-related harmsMost 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 centThe 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."