Study: Excessive Alcohol Consumption Among Youth Continues to Decline - Alcohol poisonings among German teens hit 18-year low—but new risks emerge

Fewer young people in Germany are ending up in hospital due to alcohol poisoning. In 2024, the number of cases fell to its lowest level since 2006. However, experts warn that social media and new nicotine products still pose serious risks to adolescents.

Last year, around 6,550 teenagers aged 12 to 18 were hospitalised for acute alcohol poisoning. This marks a 14% decrease from 2023 and a dramatic 62.5% drop over the past five years. The peak was in 2012, when over 20,530 cases were recorded nationwide.

Despite the decline, health insurer KKH cautions that the true scale of underage binge drinking may be hidden. Many teens avoid calling ambulances out of shame or fear of getting into trouble. Social media also plays a role, with so-called 'drug influencers' promoting alcohol and nicotine products to young audiences.

Another growing concern is nicotine pouches, often called nicopods. These small sachets contain nicotine salts and are tucked between the upper lip and gum. The KKH highlights their high addictive potential, with some pouches holding up to four times the nicotine of a single cigarette.

While hospitalisations for alcohol poisoning have fallen, risks remain for young people. Nicotine pouches and online promotion of substances continue to expose adolescents to addiction. Health authorities stress the need for greater awareness of these hidden dangers.