Recent national figures have revealed teenagers have been turning away from the booze, but there is no data on young alcohol consumption in the region.
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A national drug and alcohol report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare determined that people in remote areas were more likely to drink alcohol in quantities than people in major cities.
The report, based on statistics gathered in 2016 and published late in 2017, said regional people were placed at risk of alcohol-related disease or injury over a lifetime, or at risk of harm arising from a single drinking occasion.
According to the report “drinking at risky levels, increased with remoteness”.
However, there were improvements among people in remote areas, but there was no data for young residents.
Overall in the regions, fewer people had consumed more than two standard drinks a day, decreasing from 35 per cent in 2013 to 26 per cent in 2016.
A higher proportion of people had abstained from alcohol in 2016 increasing to 26 per cent from 17.5 per cent in 2013.
The report also found across the nation, a large number of teenagers were becoming teetotalers, with more adolescents waiting longer to have their first alcoholic beverage.
The latest figures showed 82 per cent of children aged 12 to 17 abstained completely from alcohol, up 10 per cent from figures recorded in 2013.
In 2004, only 54.3 per cent of teenagers were on the booze wagon.
The first tipple came later in life at 16.1 years old, however, in 2001, people were having their first taste of alcohol at 14.7 years old.
A spokeswoman for Western NSW Local Health District (LHD) said there is no local data for Dubbo and the region as of yet on the changes of alcohol or other drug use among young people.
But, she urged any youth in the region with a problem, to get advice on alcohol and drug related use.
“We know that the earlier people start drinking, the more at risk they may be,” she said.
“It’s important to know that help and support is available for people of any age needing more information on how to address their use of alcohol or other drugs.
“Young people in Dubbo schools can speak to their parents, teachers or school counsellors, and their health care workers about any concerns they might have for themselves or for their friends.”
Western NSW LHD offers a variety of drug and alcohol support programs.
Anyone in the region who needs help is advised to contact the Western NSW LHD Drug and Alcohol Helpline, available Monday to Friday during business hours on 1300 887 000.
