Problem drinking among adolescents and young adults

The last Swiss Health Survey shows: problematic use of alcohol among adolescents and young adults has increased.

Overall, the population living in Switzerland drink alcohol less frequently than in 2002.

The Swiss Institute for Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Problems (ISPA) has analyzed data on alcohol consumption collected as part of the Swiss Health Survey 2007. An overview.

The Swiss Institute for Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Problems (ISPA) reviewed on behalf of the Federal Office of Public Health data on alcohol consumption collected in the last Swiss Health Survey conducted in 2007. Respondents were aged at least 15 years old and lived in Switzerland. The representative figures show an increase in problem drinking among adolescents and young adults.

Problematic

Answers to questions on alcohol-related problems indicate that 83% of youth aged 15 to 24 have a low-risk drinking or are abstinent. In 1997, they were still 89%. The share of those with alcohol at higher risk, harmful or requiring treatment has increased.
Questions regarding the amount consumed on average per day also show that a higher proportion of adolescents and young adults at high risk. Considering all age groups, it appears that, for women, the situation remained stable between 1997 and 2007. It is encouraging that high-risk consumption of alcohol has generally decreased slightly in men, falling 3.3% in 1997 to 2% in 2007.

Scientific studies show that men are at high risk when they consume on average more than 60 grams of pure alcohol per day, which is at least 5 beers 3 dl. For women, the risk is high as they absorb more than 40 grams of alcohol per day, equivalent to about 4 or more standard drinks. This is the amount usually served in a restaurant (1 3DL beer, a glass of wine, a glass of water spirits correspond to one standard drink, 10 to 12 grams of pure alcohol).