Most Aussies who die of alcohol poisoning are older, experienced drinkers

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-02-13 03:00

Australia; NSW

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Older, more experienced heavy drinkers are more likely to die of alcohol poisoning in Australia than younger drinkers, according to Australian research. The team identified 891 cases of fatal alcohol poisoning from the past decade and analysed them to find out where the biggest risks are. The researchers say the average age of the cases was 49.2, and 71% were male. 71.3% of the people who died had noted alcohol problems, and alcohol poisoning combined with other problems to cause death in 42.5% of cases. They say the blood alcohol content varied widely between the cases, suggesting there is no specific amount of alcohol that can be considered the lethal amount.