Youth Hospitalizations for Alcohol Poisoning Drop to Record Low in Germany

A new study reports a 28% decline in cases of excessive alcohol consumption among 12- to 18-year-olds in 2023 compared to the previous year.

The Kaufmännische Krankenkasse (KKH) study found 7,650 cases of alcohol poisoning among 12- to 18-year-olds in 2023, the lowest since data collection began in 2006.
This marks a 28% decrease from 2022, when 10,680 cases were recorded, continuing a long-term downward trend in youth binge drinking.
The decline follows a pandemic-related drop in 2020, attributed to the cancellation of social events like parties and festivals, which limited drinking opportunities.
Experts caution that fewer hospitalizations do not necessarily indicate an overall reduction in alcohol consumption among adolescents.
Health professionals warn of severe risks associated with binge drinking, including long-term damage to developing bodies and increased vulnerability to chronic diseases.