Decline in Excessive Alcohol Consumption Among Adolescents in Germany
The recent study conducted by the commercial health insurance provider KKH has revealed a noteworthy decline in excessive alcohol consumption among adolescents in Germany. The number of children and young people between the ages of 12 and 18 who required hospitalization due to alcohol poisoning in 2023 amounted to around 7,650, reflecting a substantial 28% decrease compared to the previous year. This marks the lowest level of excessive alcohol consumption among adolescents since the study’s inception in 2006.
The study’s findings were based on an analysis of data from KKH’s own insured members aged 12 to 18 who underwent inpatient treatment for alcohol poisoning. The results were subsequently extrapolated to the nationwide population of this age group using data from the Federal Statistical Office.
Specifically, the proportion of 12- to 18-year-olds with a hospital-treated alcohol poisoning among all KKH insured members of that age was 0.14% in 2023 (compared to 0.19% in 2022). Extrapolated to all 5.5 million 12- to 18-year-olds in Germany, this translates to approximately 7,650 cases (compared to around 10,680 in 2022). Among the health insurer’s own insured members in this age group, there were approximately 150 cases.
While the study highlights a decline in hospitalizations for excessive alcohol consumption, KKH psychologist Franziska Klemm cautions against interpreting this solely as a reduction in overall alcohol consumption among young people. The figures only capture those adolescents who engaged in binge drinking to the extent that they required emergency medical attention.
Klemm emphasizes the heightened vulnerability of adolescents to the toxic effects of alcohol, which increase their risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and liver damage. She underscores the particular dangers associated with binge drinking, warning that it can lead to permanent health impairments, and that the earlier adolescents engage in such behavior, the greater the health risks.
The study also acknowledges the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol consumption patterns among adolescents. Between 2019 and 2020, cases of excessive alcohol consumption among children and young people decreased by 30%, attributed to the cancellation of social gatherings and events due to pandemic restrictions.
Despite the encouraging decline in hospitalizations for alcohol poisoning, KKH stresses the importance of continued efforts to prevent and reduce underage drinking. The health insurer recommends targeted educational campaigns and parental guidance to discourage young people from engaging in harmful alcohol consumption behaviors.
