A recent school-based survey has shed light on the escalating issue of substance use among adolescents, with findings that signal a growing public health concern. The comprehensive study presents a detailed analysis of the consumption patterns of harmful substances, including alcohol, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes, among young people aged 11 to 15 years across Europe, Central Asia, and Canada.

The Rise of Underage Drinking and Substance Abuse

The report uncovers that alcohol remains the most commonly used harmful substance among teenagers, with more than half of 15-year-olds admitting to trying alcohol at least once. Alarmingly, nearly 40% of these adolescents reported consuming alcohol within the past 30 days. This trend not only highlights the prevalent nature of underage drinking but also underscores the urgent need for interventions to curb this behaviour.

Equally concerning is the narrowing gender gap in substance use, with the data indicating that girls are rapidly closing in on boys in terms of smoking, alcohol consumption, and e-cigarette use by the time they reach 15. Furthermore, the prevalence of alcohol inebriation among adolescents is on the rise, with 9% of respondents reporting significant inebriation episodes at least twice in their lifetime—a figure that surges to 20% amongst 15-year-olds.

Addressing Adolescent Substance Use

The findings from this extensive survey underscore the critical need for targeted intervention strategies to tackle underage alcohol use and substance abuse among adolescents. The study advocates for the implementation of stringent policy measures, including effective pricing policies, limitations on the availability of harmful products, and comprehensive bans on advertising, to shield young individuals from the detrimental impact of these substances.

This latest wave of data serves as a vital benchmark for ongoing research, intervention, and policy planning aimed at improving the lives of young people. It reinforces the importance of adopting prevention strategies that are attuned to the changing dynamics of substance use patterns across genders and age groups, ensuring that children and young people are safeguarded against the harmful effects of alcohol and other substances.

Source: Movendi International