Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA090
Thursday, 29 October 2009
VETERANS URGED TO RETHINK THE NEXT DRINK
Veterans have new tools to manage alcohol consumption with the updated The Right Mix —
Your Health and Alcohol package, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin announced today.
“As the spring racing calendar and festive season is upon us, it is timely to reinforce the
message that a healthier life involves the right mix of sensible alcohol use, good nutrition and
exercise,” Mr Griffin said.
“There is an estimated 12,300 Australian veterans with drug or alcohol dependence or abuse,
and alcohol has been a major contributor to both mental and physical health problems in the
veteran community.
“The Right Mix program can help veterans, and the wider community, better understand and
moderate their drinking.”
resources such as fact sheets, questionnaires and practical tips to moderate drinking.
“Understanding the effects of alcohol on the body and how it can interact with certain
medications will help veterans make sensible choices about their drinking,” Mr Griffin said.
“By moderating their consumption, veterans can avoid the problems associated with heavy
drinking that can lead to illness, injury and even premature death.”
The Right Mix was originally launched in 2001 as part of a project to reduce alcohol-related
harm in the veteran community and address these issues in an integrated way with other
physical and mental health conditions. It has been updated to reflect the recently published
Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol.
“My Department’s update of The Right Mix involved consultation with veterans and members of
the ex-service and Australian Defence Force communities, with the aim of making it more
relevant and appealing to these groups,” Mr Griffin said.
“An education program is also underway to ensure key health professionals are aware of the
revised guidelines and updated resources are available.”
Australians are encouraged to access The Right Mix website and use the interactive tools to
assess their drinking behaviour.
Media inquiries: Belinda Cole 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email subscribe at
minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
NEWS 
