Young people drink less and smoke more. This is the result of a study by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA). The results show that regular alcohol consumption among adolescents is at an all-time low.
Young people drink less and smoke more. This is the result of a study by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA).
For the study, 7,002 people nationwide between the ages of 12 and 25 were asked about their consumption of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis. The present data from 2021 has now been published on the occasion of World Drug Day on June 26th.
Adolescent alcohol consumption is at an all-time low
The results show that regular alcohol consumption among adolescents is at an all-time low. 8.7 percent of 12 to 17 year olds drink at least once a week. Between 18 and 25 years of age, the proportion is 32 percent. For comparison: in 2004, according to the BZgA, these values were 21.2 percent and 43.6 percent.
The smoking rate remains stable: 6.1 percent of young people and 29.8 percent of young adults smoke.
Cannabis is increasing in popularity
The only rising trend is in cannabis use. Compared to 2012, this has increased among 18 to 25 year olds from 34.8 percent to 50.8 percent. Among the 12 to 17 year olds, the share increased slightly from 6.7 percent to 9.3 percent.
Burkhard Blienert, the Federal Government Commissioner for Addiction and Drug Issues, emphasizes in the press release on the study: “Prevention is always worthwhile! The figures for alcohol and tobacco clearly show that.” More effective prevention is also needed when it comes to cannabis. He sees the controlled sale of cannabis to adults as an opportunity to talk openly and honestly about the subject.
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