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the impact of

alcohol on the economy

The financial cost of alcohol harm to drinkers in Australia is estimated to be $15.3 billion. It is a cruel twist of fate that the Australian economy gains such a large contribution from something that is so detrimental to society.

On the other hand, The Range and Magnitude of Alcohol’s Harm to Others found that the total cost of alcohol-related harms to someone other than the drinker was $20 billion. This would actually bring the total cost of drinking in Australia to $36 billion. While it is difficult to put a price on the harm done to individuals, families, and communities, this proves it to be an issue that needs addressing.

Hover over the boxes below to see the associated cost.

$6.39b

Diminished quality of life

$9.3B

Cost of time lost or spent

$4.62B

Loss of life

$3.95B

Labour

$2.58B

Out of pocket

expenses

$2.46B

Road accidents

$2.21B

Health care

$1.89B

Resources used in risky

consumption

$1.59B

Crime

$670m

Child

protection

$396m

Pain and suffering

$36.1B
 

Total Cost

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