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 data from the Federal Center for Health Education in 2023, such “binge eating” was now evident in 46.2% of men between the ages of 18 and 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.
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How can educational institutions contribute to reducing binge drinking among young adults?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Anna Fischer, Substance Use Research Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Fischer! Thank you for joining us today. The new data from the Federal Center for Health Education is certainly eye-opening, particularly regarding the increase in binge drinking among young people in Germany. Can you shed some light on what you believe has contributed to this rise after the pandemic?
Dr. Anna Fischer: Thank you for having me. Yes, the data is indeed concerning. I believe the rise can be attributed to several factors. During the pandemic, alcohol consumption opportunities were limited due to lockdowns and restrictions, which naturally caused a decline in binge drinking. Now that those restrictions have been lifted, many young people might be reverting to previous patterns. Social gatherings, nightlife, and celebrations are happening again, often accompanied by alcoholic beverages.
Time.news Editor: That makes a lot of sense. The statistics reveal that binge drinking has increased to 46.2% among men aged 18 to 25, up from 37.8% in 2021. What do you think has led to such a sharp rebound?
Dr. Anna Fischer: The rebound is alarming, and it reflects a need for young adults to reconnect socially after a period of isolation. Alcohol often plays a significant role in social interactions and celebrations. Unfortunately, this can lead to excessive drinking as individuals seek to make up for lost time. Moreover, there’s a cultural aspect; alcohol is readily available, and there may be peer pressure to drink more heavily in social settings, especially in that age group.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, peer dynamics can be influential. Interestingly, while binge drinking is on the rise again, the study also noted that regular drinking is becoming less popular among young adults. How do you interpret this trend?
Dr. Anna Fischer: It’s quite fascinating and somewhat paradoxical. The decline in regular drinking suggests that many young people may be more health-conscious or aware of the potential negative consequences of alcohol consumption. They may be choosing to binge drink occasionally rather than drink heavily on a regular basis. This speaks to a more nuanced understanding of alcohol’s impact, where young people are selectively engaging with alcohol based on context rather than consuming it as a habitual behavior.
Time.news Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. It’s also worth noting that the study revealed a slight increase in binge drinking among younger teenagers, particularly with 17.1% of 12 to 17-year-olds reporting recent binge drinking. What implications does this hold for policymakers and educators?
Dr. Anna Fischer: This statistic is particularly worrying. Early exposure to binge drinking can lead to long-term health issues and increased risk of developing alcohol dependency later in life. Policymakers and educators must focus on preventive measures, such as awareness campaigns about the risks of early alcohol consumption and promoting healthier social norms. Implementing school programs that address substance use and provide coping strategies could also be beneficial.
Time.news Editor: Prevention strategies are certainly key. As we move forward, what steps do you believe can be taken to mitigate this rise in binge drinking among young people?
Dr. Anna Fischer: A multi-faceted approach is essential. First, governments could strengthen regulations on advertising and access to alcohol for minors. Additionally, community initiatives that foster alternative social activities, which do not revolve around alcohol, can be impactful. Moreover, incorporating educational programs that provide information on moderation and the importance of mental health could help shift attitudes towards alcohol consumption.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Fischer, thank you for your insightful analysis. It’s crucial to highlight these trends as we navigate the post-pandemic landscape. What final message would you like to leave our readers with regarding alcohol consumption among youth?
Dr. Anna Fischer: I would encourage parents, educators, and society as a whole to engage in open dialogues with young people about alcohol. It’s important to create an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their feelings and pressures surrounding drinking. Education, support, and understanding can go a long way in fostering healthier choices.
Time.news Editor: Thank you again, Dr. Fischer. Your expertise adds significant value to this important discussion. We look forward to seeing how these trends evolve in the coming months and years.