Estimates of the proportion of Aboriginal non-drinkers range from 10 to 35 percent of men and 39 to 80 percent of women. Of those Aboriginal people who do consume alcohol, the majority drink at levels which are considerably higher than the wider population and which are considered hazardous or harmful to health, according to guidelines released by the National Health and Medical Research Council. The frequency of alcohol consumption among Aboriginal people is related to where they live. Aboriginal people living in towns and fringe camps drink most frequently while those in remote areas are more likely to drink episodically or intermittently. These drinking patterns are strongly linked to the availability of alcohol and financial resources.
Alcohol use is widespread among young Aboriginal people.
Although regional differences occur, drinking almost becomes normative for young adult Aboriginal males. Similar patterns of alcohol consumption are found among other indigenous populations including Pacific Islanders, Maori and North American indians.