Alcohol is one of the most commonly used drugs in New Zealand. <BR><BR>While most New Zealanders enjoy alcohol in moderation most of the time, there are negative health and social consequences associated with drinking. Negative consequences include hospital admissions, deaths, road accidents and assaults.<BR><BR>Drinking problems and dependence on alcohol affect people's lives and the lives of those around them. There is some evidence that small amounts of alcohol are of benefit to those middle-aged people at risk of certain heart diseases. <BR><BR>Drinking patterns vary with gender and age. Alcohol is consumed most commonly in homes but is also often drunk in bars and pubs, sports clubs, restaurants and at work. Total alcohol available for consumption has been declining since 1990, though in recent years it has begun to rise again.<BR><BR>The information in this section looks at data on what, when and how people drink along with data on available alcohol, and social consequences of d

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used drugs in New Zealand.

While most New Zealanders enjoy alcohol in moderation most of the time, there are negative health and social consequences associated with drinking. Negative consequences include hospital admissions, deaths, road accidents and assaults.

Drinking problems and dependence on alcohol affect people's lives and the lives of those around them. There is some evidence that small amounts of alcohol are of benefit to those middle-aged people at risk of certain heart diseases.

Drinking patterns vary with gender and age. Alcohol is consumed most commonly in homes but is also often drunk in bars and pubs, sports clubs, restaurants and at work. Total alcohol available for consumption has been declining since 1990, though in recent years it has begun to rise again.

The information in this section looks at data on what, when and how people drink along with data on available alcohol, and social consequences of drinking.

For further information contact the Alcohol Advisory Council. For drink driving statistics go the NZ Transport Agency.