A Concerning Rise in Youth Alcohol Use
A new report from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) shows that alcohol use is increasing among young people. Youth are not only consuming more alcohol but also more often ending up in accidents and sustaining injuries due to alcohol. For example, the report highlights that physical harm and violent incidents are increasingly tied to alcohol use among young Norwegians.
Av-og-til Secretary General Ragnhild Kaski emphasises that this trend should be a wake-up call. Ms Kaski warns that parents have become more open to allowing their children to use alcohol at parties, which further fuels the problem.
This FHI report should be a wake-up call for more,” said Ragnhild Kaski in a press release by Av-og-til.
Youth [alcohol use] is risky in several ways, and should not be taken lightly. I fear that part is too naive in the face of youth [alcohol use]. For some, it may be that the fear of other drugs such as cocaine and cannabis is greater. But then it is important to recall both the risk of alcohol itself, but also the connection between alcohol and other drugs.”
Ragnhild Kaski, Secretary General, Av-og-til
Alcohol and Other Drugs: A Dangerous Link
Moreover, the report also highlights a worrying connection between alcohol use and other drug consumption. Ms Kaski explains that the increase in illegal drug use among youth must be understood in the context of rising alcohol use. In fact, she states that no one begins using cocaine without first engaging in alcohol use. For some, cocaine is even used as a way to manage or control alcohol intoxication.
The use of other drugs is closely linked to those who already state to have a high alcohol consumption. Simply put: No one starts with cocaine, without drinking [alcohol] at first. For some, cocaine is also used to control the alcohol intoxication.”
Ragnhild Kaski, Secretary General, Av-og-til
In fact, evidence from global research confirms this strong link between alcohol and other drug use. For instance, a study reports that people with higher alcohol consumption are more likely to also use illegal drugs, reinforcing the findings of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
A Call for Action: Alcohol Prevention as a Priority
Ms Kaski stresses that parents and society at large must not be naive about the risks of alcohol use among young people. While discussions about other drugs, such as cocaine and cannabis, often dominate the public debate, the risks of alcohol use cannot be overlooked. The evidence shows that alcohol often acts as a gateway to other drugs and increases the likelihood of harm.
The new FHI report underlines the urgency of prioritising alcohol prevention. Policymakers, parents, schools, and others all share responsibility for addressing this trend. Making alcohol more available in normal grocery stores, allowing alcohol use at youth parties, or downplaying the risks of alcohol can worsen both immediate and long-term health and social consequences.
The new data is a wake-up call for all to ensure Norway improves and scales up its alcohol policy and its prevention programs.
Sources
Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI): “Increase in alcohol and cannabis use among youth – stable trends among young adults”
Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI): “Use of alcohol and illegal drugs among youth and young adults in Norway 1995-2024”
NRK Sørlandet: “New report: One in six 10th graders receives alcohol from parents“
NTB (Norwegian News Agency): “Increase in youth drinking should be a wake-up call”