Aussies will drink 58 million alcoholic drinks a day this month
Aussies will consume a staggering 58 million standard drinks of alcohol every day this month, according to data analysed by health insurance comparison service iSelect.
That adds up to 1.8 billion drinks in total for the festive month across the country.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates 77 per cent of Aussies drank alcohol in the last 12 months, and we drink an average of 2.08 standard drinks per day.
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Aussies drink up to 70 per cent more in December than they do the rest of the year. Getty
However, University of South Australia research has found alcohol consumption rises by around 70 per cent in December, compared to the rest of the year.
Unsurprisingly, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data indicates alcohol-related injuries peak in December too.
"With Australians expected to consume an enormous amount of alcohol this December, it's no surprise that alcohol-related injuries peak over the festive season, Andres Gutierrez, the general manager of health at iSelect, said.
"Excessive drinking can increase your risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, falls, road accidents, and alcohol poisoning. It can also worsen conditions like high blood pressure, heart issues, or anxiety, and interfere with common medications.
"Even one heavy night can weaken your immune system, disrupt sleep, and leave you more vulnerable to illness over the holidays."
His advice is to pace yourself.
"It's easy to get overexcited at Christmas, but take it slow.
"Eat before you start drinking and keep hydrated.
"A good rule of thumb is a glass of water for every alcoholic drink.
"If you're on medication, know how alcohol interacts with it, and if you've been told not to drink, then don't.
"And it's not just yourself you need to look after, keep an eye on friends and family too."
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