What is DrinkWise

DrinkWise is an evidence based organization focused on promoting change towards a more responsible drinking culture in Australia. DrinkWise aims to contribute to the development of a drinking culture in Australia that reduces alcohol related harm and thereby maximizes the benefits from moderate alcohol consumption.

Reducing alcohol abuse and the harm it causes, lies at the heart of the DrinkWise mission for a healthy drinking culture.  The long term aim is to see intoxication, ‘risky’ and ‘high risk’ drinking behaviour become socially unacceptable.

DrinkWise will:

• Operate as an objective organization;
• Ensure all policies are evidence based and all activities undertaken are evaluated;
• Oppose the misuse and abuse of alcohol and factors which influence that behaviour;
• Hold the view that most people can enjoy alcohol as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle; and
• Pursue long-term partnerships with Governments, community and other key stakeholders to identify and implement evidenced based approaches and best practice in resolving alcohol related problems.

The focus of DrinkWise will be on the patterns of drinking which lead to harm rather than on the harms that may arise. This is where DrinkWise can make a unique contribution. Hence the strategic aims of the organization are:

• To reduce the levels of intoxication and drunkenness in Australia;
• To increase the intolerance of intoxication and drunkenness in Australian society and culture.

To achieve these aims it is necessary that:

• Individuals and communities accept they have a role to play in changing the their attitudes towards and behaviour with alcohol;
• New approaches must be tried with an increased focus on acute problems; social harms and disability (and less emphasis on total consumption and chronic disease);
• The alcohol and hospitality industries (including retailers), will need to market their product in ways that do not encourage societal tolerance for intoxication and drunkenness; and
• The hospitality industry will need to continue to strengthen and maintain the responsible service of alcohol and look at innovative means to enhance the responsible service of alcohol.