Resources & Guidelines
Australian alcohol guidelines, support services, and useful information to help you make informed decisions about drinking.
Australian NHMRC Alcohol Guidelines
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) provides evidence-based guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol.
Standard Drinks Per Week
To reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury, healthy adults should drink no more than 10 standard drinks per week.
Standard Drinks On Any One Day
To reduce the risk of injury on a single occasion of drinking, healthy adults should drink no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.
The less you drink, the lower the risk. There is no level of alcohol consumption that is completely safe. These guidelines apply to healthy adults (18+). Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people on certain medications should avoid alcohol entirely.
What Is a Standard Drink in Australia?
In Australia, a standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. This is important because drinks come in different sizes and strengths. Knowing what counts as a standard drink helps you track your intake.
Common examples of one standard drink:
- 285 mL of full-strength beer (4.8% ABV)
- 375 mL of mid-strength beer (3.5% ABV)
- 100 mL of wine (13% ABV) -- roughly a small glass
- 30 mL of spirits (40% ABV) -- a single nip
- 275 mL of a ready-to-drink pre-mixed spirit (5% ABV)
Most drinks served at pubs, restaurants, and events contain more than one standard drink. A typical glass of wine, for example, is usually around 150 mL, which is about 1.5 standard drinks. Always check the label for the number of standard drinks in your beverage.
Support Services
If you are concerned about your own drinking or someone else's, these services provide free and confidential support.
National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline (opens in new tab)
Free, confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Provides information, counselling, and referral to local services.
DrinkWise Australia (opens in new tab)
An independent, not-for-profit organisation focused on promoting a healthier and safer drinking culture in Australia. Provides tools, tips, and resources for responsible drinking.
Lifeline Australia (opens in new tab)
Crisis support and suicide prevention services available 24/7. If alcohol is causing emotional distress or you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, Lifeline is here to help.
Beyond Blue (opens in new tab)
Support for anxiety, depression, and related mental health issues. Alcohol misuse often co-occurs with mental health challenges, and Beyond Blue offers resources for both.
Counselling Online (opens in new tab)
Free, anonymous online counselling for people affected by alcohol or other drug use. Available 24/7 via live chat or email.
Useful Links
- NHMRC Alcohol Guidelines -- the full Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol.
- Australian Government Department of Health -- Alcohol -- government health information about alcohol use in Australia.
- DrinkWise Standard Drinks Guide -- a visual guide to standard drinks in Australia.
- Alcohol and Drug Foundation -- evidence-based information about alcohol and other drugs.