The number of Australians who died from alcohol-induced causes has risen to 1,829 people in 2025.
Today, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the latest data on Causes of Death in Australia.
As reported by the ABS, men continue to die from alcohol-induced causes at a higher rate than women, with a death rate of 8.8 per 100,000 people compared with 3.4 for women. However, alcohol-induced deaths among women have increased, rising from 462 deaths in 2024 to 522 deaths in 2025, with the death rate increasing from 3.1 to 3.4 per 100,000 people.
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education CEO Ayla Chorley said, “Alcohol-related harm has a devastating impact on families and communities. These are not merely numbers, these are people whose lives have been lost too soon, leaving behind family members, partners and friends facing profound grief,” she said.
“Historically, alcohol harm has disproportionately been experienced by men, but this data brings to light that alcohol continues to have a significant impact across our community, including for women, whose rates of alcohol-induced death have increased over the past year.”
“Harm isn’t inevitable, there are steps governments can take now to safeguard communities from a harmful and addictive product. Too often we see the systems designed to prevent harm are outweighed by commercial interests, rather than what is in the best interests of the community.
“When alcohol becomes more accessible and available, harms increase. The expansion of targeted marketing alongside rapid home delivery has put more people at risk.”
In September, the committee for the Federal Inquiry into the Health impacts of alcohol and drugs in Australia recommended the Australian Government implement a mandatory alcohol advertising and marketing regulatory framework and national standards for the online sale and delivery of alcohol.
“The Australian Government has a clear roadmap for action. These are practical, common-sense measures that will reduce harm, protect children and families, and improve the health and safety of communities across the country. With so many lives lost to alcohol each year, we can’t afford to delay action” Ms Chorley said.
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Media outlets are requested to promote help-seeking information when reporting on alcohol and other drugs, in line with the Mindframe National Guidelines. Suggested wording relating this this media story: If you or someone you know needs support, please call Lifeline 13 11 14, the National 24/7 Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800 250 015 or 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732.
