Germany adolescent alcohol study finds 12% at risk of problematic use

A representative cross‑sectional study commissioned by the Stiftung Gesundheitswissen surveyed 2,006 German youths aged 12‑17. About one‑fifth (20%) reported drinking alcohol at least once a week, and 12.7% were classified as having problematic drinking behavior according to the CRAFFT screening tool.

Problematic use was more common among boys (15.9% vs 9.1% of girls), among adolescents with a migration background (16.9% vs 12.0% without), and rose sharply with age – 21.9% of 16‑17‑year‑olds versus 11.6% of 14‑15‑year‑olds and 5.0% of 12‑13‑year‑olds. No significant link was found with school type or overall health competence. While overall teen alcohol consumption in Germany has declined in recent years, the study stresses that prevention must continue. As PD Dr. Ralf Suhr put it, “The results make clear that alcohol prevention must continue to reach youths in a targeted way.”