Australians 'drinking more responsibly': survey

According to the AIHW younger people are delaying their first drink of alcohol with the age of initiation rising to 15.7 years from 14.8 years in 2010.

Other positive findings in the survey are that there was an eight per cent increase in young people choosing to abstain from alcohol over the last three years, with 72 per cent of 12-17 year olds abstaining.

Abstinence makes the heart grow stronger

The survey also found that across all age groups fewer people are drinking alcohol in quantities that place them at lifetime and single occasion risk, and the number of people abstaining from alcohol continues to increase with 22 per cent abstaining.

The report, combined with the recent ABS data which showed per capita consumption rates are continuing to decline, highlights that an increasing number of Australians as drinking responsibly.

Terry Mott, CEO of ALSA said today: "A number of key Government research studies over recent times have reinforced that there is a decreasing trend in alcohol use by young people, however ALSA recognises that risky drinking by young people in particular, remains an issue that requires the combined effort of governments, parents, other adults and the drinks sector."