Statisticians cite figures for alcohol consumption among young people
During the pandemic years, there were hardly any parties, clubs were closed and big celebrations were postponed. This had a positive impact on alcohol consumption among young people: The number of hospital treatments for the consequences of intoxication fell to its lowest level since 2001. How has the situation developed since there have been more opportunities to drink again? The Federal Statistical Office is publishing the latest figures this Friday.
According to figures from January this year, around 11,700 children and young people aged 10 to 19 were treated in hospital for acute alcohol abuse in 2021. This was 4.4 percent fewer than in 2020 and 42 percent fewer than in the pre-coronavirus year of 2019, making the number of cases the lowest since 2001.
Despite falling case numbers, the risk of alcohol poisoning among young people is particularly high, as shown by per capita figures for various age groups. Among 15 to 19-year-olds, there were 247 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021 - in the 50 to 54 age group, there were only 110 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
The proportion of non-drinkers is also growing. In a study by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), only 57.5% of 12 to 17-year-olds said that they had drunk alcohol at least once in their lives. Twenty years ago, the figure was 87 percent. Under the motto "Know your limit", the BzGA provides comprehensive information about the consequences of alcohol consumption.
According to the BZgA, young people react more sensitively to alcohol than adults. This is mainly due to the fact that organs and especially the brain are still developing. "At least until the age of 21, important remodeling processes take place in the brain that can be disrupted by alcohol," says the BZgA. "During this time, even small amounts of alcohol can cause considerable damage. Therefore, any alcohol consumption in this age group is particularly unhealthy."
The German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) warns: "Alcohol harms with every sip. It is a cell poison." At the presentation of the "Yearbook Addiction 2023", DHS Managing Director Christina Rummel called for political measures in addition to prevention campaigns, for example in schools. "There are three main points here: raising alcohol prices, restricting the current 24/7 availability and regulating alcohol advertising," said Rummel.
Despite the decrease in hospitalizations for alcohol-related issues among young people, health organizations like the BZgA and DHS emphasize the risks. Regular alcohol consumption in young people, due to their developing brains, can lead to significant damage, making it particularly unhealthy. The DHS further warns that alcohol harms with every sip, highlighting the need for additional political measures, such as increasing alcohol prices, restricting availability, and regulating advertising.
Source: www.dpa.com
