During the corona pandemic, excessive alcohol consumption in Germany has decreased significantly. New data is now available: binge drinking is on the rise again among women and men. There is an interesting trend in overall consumption.
Excessive alcohol consumption has increased again among young people in Germany since the coronavirus pandemic, according to a study. According to new 2023 data from the Federal Center for Health Education, such “binge eating” was now evident in 46.2% of men aged 18 to 25. After a significant decline to 37.8% in 2021, the pre-Corona level has almost been reached again. Among women aged 18 to 25, the prevalence of binge drinking increased from 19 to 25.1 percent.
Intoxication means you drank five glasses of alcohol or more at least once in the 30 days before the investigation. For the “Drug Affinity Study” 7,001 people aged between 12 and 25 were interviewed.
Experts said it was worrying that excessive alcohol consumption had increased significantly. The previous decline was likely due to limited alcohol consumption opportunities during the Corona period.
Excessive alcohol consumption also increased slightly among young people aged 12 to 17: 17.1% of children reported having recently drunk five glasses of alcohol or more on one occasion, and 10.4 % of girls reported recently drinking five glasses of alcohol or more.
However, drinking alcohol regularly is more unpopular than ever among young adults, according to the study. 38.8% of men between 18 and 25 years old said they had drunk alcohol at least once a week in the twelve months preceding the survey, compared to 18.2% for women. Among boys aged 12 to 17, 12.4% said they regularly drink at least once a week, while among girls 6.9% said so.
The acting director of the Federal Center for Health Education, Johannes Nießen, said: “Alcohol consumption damages the brain, especially in adolescents and young adults, because their brains are still developing. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause permanent damage.” And the earlier young people drink alcohol, the greater the risks and likelihood of carrying this behavior into adulthood.
Young people now drink their first drink at age 15 instead of 14, as in 2004. Young people now drink their first drink at 16.2 years old instead of 15.5. According to the survey, 65.1% of boys aged 12 to 17 and 60.8% of girls have drunk alcohol in their life.
Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert once again called for stricter requirements. It is clear that alcohol is not in the hands of young people. Therefore, so-called accompanied drinking from the age of 14 must finally end. “Alcohol doesn’t get healthier because your parents are sitting next to it,” Blienert said. He called for a strict ban on alcohol until the age of 16. For medical reasons, even 18 years would be the necessary limit.
dpa/circle
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Anna Müller, Expert in Behavioral Health and Substance Use
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Müller, and thank you for joining us today. The recent study from the Federal Center for Health Education paints quite a striking picture of alcohol consumption trends among young people in Germany since the corona pandemic. What are your initial thoughts on these findings?
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. It’s indeed concerning to see the resurgence of binge drinking, particularly among young people. After the restrictions during the pandemic, many may have thought that alcohol consumption would remain lower, but these figures suggest otherwise.
Time.news Editor: The report indicates that 46.2% of men aged 18 to 25 and 25.1% of women in the same age group engaged in binge drinking recently. What do you think accounts for this increase?
Dr. Müller: Several factors could contribute to this trend. During the pandemic, opportunities to drink socially were significantly limited, which likely contributed to the decline in consumption. Now that social gatherings have resumed, many young individuals may be overcompensating by drinking more heavily. Additionally, the cultural messaging around drinking might be shifting as well, with social pressures and the desire to reconnect driving individuals back to old habits.
Time.news Editor: That’s an interesting point. The survey also highlighted a slight uptick in binge drinking among younger adolescents, specifically those aged 12 to 17. Why do you think that is?
Dr. Müller: This demographic is particularly vulnerable to peer pressure and social influences. Adolescents are often exploring their identity, and alcohol can play a role in that. The pandemic might have also affected their coping mechanisms; without constructive ways to deal with stress or anxiety, some may resort to alcohol, thinking it will help them fit in or cope.
Time.news Editor: It’s concerning to consider that binge drinking is becoming normalized again. Yet, it’s also noted in the study that regular drinking is becoming less popular overall among young adults. How do we reconcile these two trends?
Dr. Müller: That’s an important observation. What we might be seeing is a dichotomy in behavior; while binge drinking shows an uptick, sustainable drinking habits may be falling out of favor. Young people are increasingly aware of the long-term effects of alcohol and may be choosing to abstain from regular consumption in favor of occasional binge drinking during social events. The conversation around health and wellness is evolving, impacting their choices.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, there’s a fascinating complexity to these trends. As an expert, what do you think should be the focus of public health initiatives moving forward to address these issues?
Dr. Müller: Education is key. Tailored programs that address both the dangers of binge drinking and the importance of moderation in drinking habits can make a significant impact. Additionally, promoting healthier lifestyle choices and providing young people with alternative social activities that don’t center around alcohol can be beneficial. Engaging parents in these conversations is equally important, as they play a crucial role in shaping their children’s behaviors and attitudes toward alcohol.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights. It’s clear that while we face challenges, there’s also an opportunity to pivot towards healthier choices for future generations.
Dr. Müller: Exactly. It’s all about creating a supportive environment for young people to make informed choices. Thank you for having me; this is an important conversation to have.
Time.news Editor: We appreciate your time and expertise. Thank you to our audience for tuning in, and we hope to continue this vital discussion about youth and alcohol consumption in the future.