The World Health Organization’s European branch released a report on Thursday highlighting the troubling prevalence of alcohol and e-cigarette use among adolescents.
Survey data from 280,000 young people aged 11, 13, and 15 across Europe, Central Asia, and Canada painted a concerning picture of substance use trends among youth.
The WHO emphasized the significant long-term consequences of these trends and called on policymakers to address the issue urgently.
Alarming Trends in Adolescent Alcohol Consumption
The report revealed that 57 percent of 15-year-olds had tried alcohol at least once, with a slightly higher percentage among girls (59 percent) compared to boys (56 percent). While prevailing drinking had decreased for boys, it had risen for girls.
In terms of current alcohol use, eight percent of 11-year-old boys and five percent of girls reported drinking in the last 30 days. By age 15, however, the trend shifted, with 38 percent of girls and 36 percent of boys reporting recent alcohol consumption.
The findings underscored the normalization and accessibility of alcohol, prompting the WHO Europe to call for urgent policy measures to safeguard children and young people from alcohol-related harm across its 53 member countries.
Moreover, nine percent of teenagers admitted to experiencing “significant drunkenness,” defined as being drunk at least twice.
This rate increased from five percent among 13-year-olds to 20 percent among 15-year-olds, indicating a concerning rise in alcohol abuse among youth.
Combatting Adolescent Substance Use: Urgent Action Needed
The report also underscores the rising trend of e-cigarette usage among teenagers. While traditional smoking is on the decline, the prevalence of e-cigarette use has surged, surpassing that of cigarettes among adolescents.
Approximately 32 percent of 15-year-olds have tried an e-cigarette, with 20 percent reporting recent use within the last month.
WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge, emphasized the urgent need for action to address this public health threat.
Kluge advocated for measures such as increased taxes, tighter restrictions on availability and advertising, and the prohibition of flavorings in e-cigarettes.
The report emphasized the long-term consequences of early substance use, highlighting its link to a higher risk of addiction in adulthood. Also, it pointed out that engaging in risky behaviors during adolescence can have significant societal costs.
While cannabis use has seen a slight decrease, with 12 percent of 15-year-olds having tried it, the report signals persistent concerns about substance use among youth.
Conducted every four years, the WHO’s HBSC survey provides critical insights into the health behaviors of adolescents, including their substance use patterns.
