This review provides an overview of alcohol use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples using the latest research available. It has been designed to update the evidence published since the previous review conducted in 2018 'Review of the harmful use of alcohol among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people'. 

This updated review discusses the historical context and scope of alcohol use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, impacts on individuals and whole communities, relevant national policies and strategies, presents an overview of efforts to address alcohol use and finally, future directions – self-determination, Indigenous data sovereignty and the need for a holistic approach to ‘treatment’.

Key findings

• Alcohol use is highly prevalent in Australia, and disproportionately leads to death, illness and poorer social determinants of health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Over time, the average alcohol consumption among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has been decreasing, however harms from alcohol use remain high.
• Medicine and psycho-social interventions can play a role in combating the challenges associated with alcohol consumption.
• Ultimately local assessments and action are critical in addressing alcohol-related harms, rather than national-level solutions.
• Efforts to address alcohol use should be holistic.

The report is accompanied by a factsheet and a video which summarise and animate key messages from the report respectively.