Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Australia's number one drug - local action to reduce alcohol related harm

Alcohol is an accepted part of Australian culture and the most widely used drug in the 14 years and over age group. About 75% of Australians in this group are current drinkers. Although there is growing recognition of alcohol use as a serious social issue, research indicates that few people regard it as a personal problem. It is seen as more of a problem for others. It was against this background that the Commonwealth Government, with advice from the National Expert Advisory Committee on Alcohol, decided on a national campaign to reduce the level of alcohol related harm.

With surveys consistently showing that young people have extensive experience with alcohol before they reach 18 years of age; that they consume alcohol at higher risk levels than the rest of the adult population; and that they are more than twice as likely to indulge in binge drinking; teenagers in the 15-17 year age group became the main target for the campaign. This, coupled with the level of alcohol related property damage and the associated costs of repair and replacement of community property, bring the issue directly to the local level.

A stakeholder strategy was developed to encourage and assist communities in developing activities surrounding the national themes. In fact the level of involvement that local organisations can engender in supporting the Commonwealth Government initiative will be critical to the campaign's success.

ADCA (Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia) has been working in partnership with government to identify key stakeholder groups across Australia. Local Governments are seen by ADCA as very important in developing support for the campaign within local communities. Many Councils have already developed specific activities around the campaign.

Initiatives include drug and alcohol free events, particularly during Youth Week; education programs for schools in conjunction with police, youth service officers and drug & alcohol workers; and organising counselling groups for parents and young people through community health.

Other ideas for community action could involve the following.

• Developing and publicising information providing advice and assistance to parents who want to talk about alcohol related issues.
• Running quiz sessions on safe, harmful and hazardous levels of alcohol consumption.
• Seeking the support of a young, local, celebrity to endorse the campaign themes.
• Provide advice and information to appropriate organisers, such as parents, who are holding parties for teenagers.

Further information on the National Alcohol campaign can be obtained from Ron Sweaney, Alcohol & Other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), Project Officer National Alcohol Campaign, telephone (02) 6281 0686 or email rons@adca.org.au

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