Alcohol consumption is becoming less popular among young people, particularly in the 15–16 age group, with positive trends also visible among 17- and 18-year-olds, according to the 2024 ESPAD study presented at a recent conference in the Polish Parliament (Sejm). Fewer teenagers than 20 years ago admit to purchasing alcohol, and fewer believe it is easily accessible. However, a significant proportion of young people still engage in risky drinking behaviors. In response, the Ministry of Health has announced plans to introduce stricter alcohol sales regulations.
“The ESPAD study has been conducted in Poland since 1995, allowing us to track long-term trends. The 2024 results confirm a decline in alcohol consumption among youth aged 15–16 and 17–18,”
— Dr. Bogusława Bukowska, Acting Director of the National Center for Addiction Prevention.
“Analyzing various indicators over the years, we see a steady decline in alcohol popularity, especially among 16–17-year-olds, although similar positive changes are also observed in the 17–18 age group.”
Alcohol Use Declining, but Risky Drinking Persists
The ESPAD results were presented at the conference “Tobacco and Alcohol – Do They Control Us, or Do We Control Them?”, organized by the Polska 2050 parliamentary group. The study found that in the last 30 days:
- 39% of 15–16-year-olds had consumed alcohol, with no significant gender differences.
- In 2003, this figure was 72% for boys and 60% for girls.
Among 17–18-year-olds, the drinking rate is higher, with 73% admitting to drinking in the last 30 days. Twenty years ago, this was 92%.
“There are several possible explanations for this positive trend, including a declining number of youth consuming alcohol and a reduction in binge drinking,”
— Dr. Bukowska.
One factor contributing to lower alcohol consumption is greater awareness of its consequences. Among 15–16-year-olds:
- 15% believe alcohol harms their health.
- 15% worry they might regret their actions after drinking.
- 13% fear experiencing a hangover.
However, 17% associate alcohol with having fun or feeling relaxed.
“Alcohol may have become less attractive to young people compared to previous generations. It is no longer essential for socializing or making friends. For some teenagers, alcohol is no longer a necessity, especially since many social interactions now take place online through social media,”
— Dr. Bukowska.
Trends in Alcohol Preferences Among Youth
Despite overall declines in consumption, beer remains the most popular alcoholic beverage among Polish teenagers. However, beer consumption has steadily decreased:
- 19% of 15–16-year-olds purchased beer in the past 30 days, compared to 54% in 2003.
- 16% reported purchasing vodka, down from 21% in 2003.
- 8% purchased wine, compared to 13% in 2003.
Despite these declines, risky drinking behaviors remain prevalent:
- 32% of younger teenagers and 59% of older teenagers admit to having been drunk at least once.
- 13% of 15–16-year-olds and 24% of 17–18-year-olds reported drinking to the point of slurred speech, staggering, or passing out in the last 30 days.
At the same time, 40% of 15–16-year-olds say their parents do not strictly prohibit alcohol consumption.
“Cultural acceptance of alcohol remains a significant problem in Poland. Alcohol is widely available, often given as a gift, and socially accepted in many situations. We lack social stigma against behaviors such as drinking before driving,”
— Wioleta Tomczak, Member of Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Parliamentary Health Committee.
“Policymakers must promote a healthy lifestyle culture, including abstinence or reduced alcohol consumption.”
Alcohol Availability and Regulation in Poland
Public health expert Wojciech Stefan Zgliczyński, in a report for the Parliamentary Analysis Bureau, highlights that alcohol accessibility in Poland is due to:
- Relatively low prices.
- A dense retail network.
In 2022, Poland had nearly 121,000 alcohol retail points, some operating 24/7, with one alcohol retailer per 301 people. In contrast, one pharmacy served 2,900 people.
However, ESPAD data shows that fewer teenagers now perceive alcohol as “very easy to obtain”:
- 44% of 15–16-year-olds said beer was easy to obtain (down from 68% in 2003).
- 35% said wine was easy to obtain (down from 55% in 2003).
- 36% said vodka was easy to obtain (down from 46% in 2003).
“Alcohol-related deaths, illnesses, and social costs demand bold regulatory action. We need stricter laws to limit alcohol consumption, advertising, and promotion to reduce public alcohol use,”
— MP Wioleta Tomczak.
Government Plans to Reduce Alcohol Consumption
The Ministry of Health has begun working on new regulations aimed at limiting alcohol consumption in Poland. Proposed measures include:
- Banning alcohol sales at gas stations between 10 PM and 6 AM.
- Prohibiting alcohol advertising.
- Requiring separate alcohol sections in stores.
- Banning alcohol sales in non-liquid forms.
- Requiring small alcohol containers to be made only from glass or metal.
During the conference, participants also discussed banning flavored and aromatic alcohol additives, which make alcoholic beverages more appealing to youth.
“Flavored alcohol makes it more attractive to children and teenagers, masking the strong taste and smell of traditional alcoholic drinks.
The Ministry of Health should consider banning such additives, just as we have done with flavored tobacco products,”
— MP Wioleta Tomczak, organizer of the conference.
As Poland moves forward with alcohol regulation reforms, policymakers face the challenge of balancing public health priorities with cultural attitudes toward drinking. However, ESPAD data suggests that youth drinking habits are changing, offering a promising outlook for future generations.
Source: CEO.com.pl
