For Shayna, the campaign reflects lessons drawn from navigating intense public scrutiny and personal challenges in her career. After serving a two-year suspension following a positive drug test later ruled accidental and non-intentional, she has spoken openly about the toll that period took on her mental wellbeing.
Following her remarkable comeback, Shayna, now 27 and a dual Olympic gold medallist, is using her platform to encourage young people to prioritise their mental health, seek support and understand that alcohol is not the solution to dealing with stress and anxiety.
“There was a time in my life when the pressure felt overwhelming. What helped me most was having honest conversations and leaning on the right support network. Real strength comes from speaking up and asking for help,” Jack says.
“I’m proud to be part of the Never Have I Ever campaign because the more we share our experiences the more it will encourage young people to look after their mental health and remind them they don’t have to cope alone. Stress and anxiety is difficult to manage and requires support, but it is important that we’re not trying to use alcohol as a means to cope.”
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The campaign was developed in response to emerging research and changing drinking behaviours, particularly among young women. Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that while risky drinking among 18- to- 24- year- olds has declined overall in recent years, rates among young women have increased from 35% in 2019 to 40% in 2022-23.
To better understand the drivers behind this shift, DrinkWise commissioned additional research in 2025, which found that almost three quarters (72%) of young female adults aged 18-24 said they experienced stress often or all of the time (compared to 43% of young male adults). Nearly half (47%) of young female adults who consumed at risky levels said they turn to alcohol to cope with stress.
Half (50%) of young female adults say feeling lonely or isolated have made them stressed in the last six months. The key contributors to stress and anxiety for young women were identified as financial pressure, future-related worries, work and relationships.
DrinkWise Chief Executive Officer Simon Strahan says “We know the importance of young adults socialising and supporting their peers, so when research tells us some young women are drinking excessively to cope with stress and anxiety, we wanted to reinforce the importance of seeking help and support,” said Strahan.
“This Never Have I Ever campaign provides important prompts and credible support pathways to help spark honest conversations and reinforce that alcohol is not the answer to dealing with stress and anxiety.”
DrinkWise ambassador and medical health expert Dr Andrew Rochford said alcohol can worsen underlying stress and anxiety.
“Using alcohol as a way to cope with stress and anxiety won‘t solve the problem and could actually make the situation worse by interfering with sleep, mood and overall mental wellbeing. Recognising when alcohol becomes a coping tool is an important first step.
“Sometimes we need a nudge to realise that we need help. These prompts – developed in consultation with young adults – are designed to make that first conversation safer, kinder and more likely to lead to real support,” said Rochford.
CEO of ReachOut, Gary Groves, said the campaign complements broader mental health support efforts and normalises help-seeking as a critical part of supporting young people’s wellbeing. “A simple prompt, a conversation and a link to a support service can make a real difference,” said Groves.
For more information on the Never Have I Ever initiative visit www.drinkwise.org.au or follow on socials @drinkwiseau.
