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Alcohol, Smoking and Drugs

Alcohol
The legal age for purchasing alcohol in Australia is 18. Whether or not you choose to drink alcohol, be aware that many social occasions and activities in Australian culture involve alcohol.

Having different drinks from those you are used to, tiredness, hunger, heat and a range of factors can all change the way alcohol affects you, so stay with a group of your own friends and take it easy.

Of course, you may choose to go to events and gatherings where alcohol will be served but not drink any alcoholic drinks. This is fine, and you have every right to drink water or soft drinks (sodas, pop).

The Australian Government has an information site about an alcohol and drugs campaign at www.drugs.health.gov.au (external site)

DANGER: drink spiking. Whether you are drinking alcohol or not, keep your drink close to you and watch it at all times. Drink spiking (putting extra alcohol or other drugs into a person’s drink without their knowledge) is an unfortunate risk to people who are out trying to have a good time. Drink spiking can happen to anyone: male or female, young or old whether they are drinking alcohol or not. Never accept an open container of drink if you did not see it being poured and if you suspect you or your friends have had a drink spiked, call 000 (zero zero zero) immediately to report it and get help.

Tobacco
Tobacco is legal in Australia for people over 18 years of age, however the dangers to the health of smokers and the wider community are now well recognised, and as a result Australian society is becoming less and less tolerant of smoking. There are increasingly strict laws about where you can and can’t smoke. In Queensland, you cannot smoke in bars, restaurants, indoor office areas or shopping centres, hospitals, schools, and many beaches, parks and other public areas. It is important that you obey “no smoking” signs if you see them. If you are a smoker and thinking about quitting, have a look at the Australian Government’s National Tobacco Campaign www.quitnow.info.au (external site)

Illegal drugs
Other non-prescription drugs are illegal in Australia, as they are in most countries. For information about why they are a really bad idea for your health, have a look at the Australian Government’s National Drugs Campaign www.drugs.health.gov.au (external site)

Having anything to do with drugs is illegal, and can lead to breaches of your student visa, a criminal record and severe legal penalties.

Last updated 19 October 2007