Research
As an evidence-based organisation, DrinkWise relies on key independent research and clinical advice. We use research and expert knowledge in public health, medicine, neuroscience, epidemiology, psychology and behavioural change to guide our initiatives and campaigns.
DrinkWise works with independent research organisations to understand relating to alcohol and the factors that drive (or hinder) healthier and safer alcohol consumption.
DrinkWise collects data in various ways. These include literature reviews, surveys, interviews, focus groups and observational techniques, as well as independent and government data (e.g., Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Bureau of Statistics, National Health and Medical Research Council). This data gives an accurate picture on how alcohol consumption is changing in Australia.
These insights allow DrinkWise to create and implement effective initiatives and campaigns that help Australians make healthier and safer decisions about alcohol for themselves, their family and their community.
By regularly reviewing our DrinkWise campaigns and programs, we ensure they stay relevant and effective. This ensures that our work resonates with the community and is also grounded in the latest evidence and understanding of public health.
Relevant campaign and initiative research can be found under the campaigns section on this website.
Current and past research collaborators
‘Smashed! The Many Meanings of Intoxication and Drunkenness’
‘Smashed! The Many Meanings of Intoxication and Drunkenness’ presents an overview of the history of the meanings of intoxication and drunkenness from an examination of bio-medicine, psychology, sociology, legal and news media reporting perspectives at the start of the 21st century.
It found little agreement on how to define intoxication and drunkenness, how to measure intoxication, what getting drunk means to those who drink, and where responsibility lies for many of the individual, social, medical and legal consequences of intoxication and drunkenness.
Smashed! is a resource for researchers, policy-makers, the media and members of the community who are involved in these ongoing, often emotive debates.
The publication was informed by a literature review. The work was commissioned by DrinkWise Australia with additional funding support from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
The project was published in 2011.
What a Great Night: The cultural drivers of drinking practices among 18-24 year old Australians
DrinkWise partnered with both Monash and Deakin Universities to identify the most important cultural drivers of low risk and risky alcohol consumption by young people across Victoria. The group researched were from inner and outer suburbia plus provincial and rural locations.
Results from the project revealed:
- Young people view drinking positively and that it’s central to Australian culture and identity.
- Friendship and the ease of access to cheap alcohol make drinking an attractive activity. However key deterrents are the risks of drink driving, parental pressures and the responsibilities of work and study.
- Most young people didn’t agree with the stereotypes of youth drinkers as ‘out of control’. They also didn’t feel that the new drinking guidelines applied to them.
- Research revealed that sporting clubs played an important role as community hubs where families spend leisure time. The serving of alcohol to under-age members (in the presence of parents) was flagged as a grey area. Clubs nominated training, education and surveillance as key to responsible club practices around alcohol consumption.
This project was published in 2009.
Sustaining a Reduction of Alcohol-Related Harms in the Licensed Environment
Griffith University developed a prevention model aimed at reducing alcohol related violence and aggression.
The model integrates regulatory action such as targeted police enforcement, with staff training, and community mobilisation. Using a responsive regulation framework allows the model to be adapted to local conditions to incorporate action at an individual level and utilise informal and formal regulation (police and liquor licensing enforcement).
The report also details the research design, explaining how to implement, support, monitor and evaluate the model at multiple sites. This design would allow the model to be tested in licensed venues across Australia and New Zealand.
This project was published in 2009.