Drinkaware reports three 'worrying trends' for under 35s in annual survey
Drinkaware, the national independent charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse and delay the age of first drink, has released further key findings from the Drinkaware Annual Barometer for 2022.
The national survey reveals that the age of first drink in Ireland is getting younger, that those aged 34 and under are more likely to engage in poly-drug use, and that low levels of mental wellbeing are also prominent amongst this age cohort.
On average, people aged 34 and younger first tried alcohol more than two years earlier than those aged 50 and over. The average age of first drink across the adult population is 15.8 years, while for those aged 50+ the average age for their first drink was 17 years. However, for those aged 34 and under, the average age for first drink drops to 14.8 years.
The under 35 years age cohort was also more likely to report low mental wellbeing than their older counterparts. Low mental wellbeing peaked for those aged 25-34 years at 45%. In contrast to this, just 14% of those aged 65+ reporting low mental wellbeing. The 25-34 year old cohort was also more likely to report ‘binge’ or ‘risky’ drinking in the past 30 days (68% vs national average 55%).
NO PLACE
Commenting on the findings, the CEO for Drinkaware, Sheena Horgan, said: “Drinkaware passionately believes that alcohol has no place in childhood. Our primary goal to prevent and reduce alcohol mis-use and therefore includes delaying the age of first drink.
“Seventy-two per cent of Irish adults report that they first drank alcohol before the legal age of 18, but the pattern the research shows – that today’s younger people are starting to drink earlier than their older counterparts – is very worrying. Although other data points to the age of first drink as getting older in general, the use of averages across all age cohorts arguably obscures the grave escalation of underage drinking, as the barometer series of findings suggests.
“Binge drinking and the use of illicit drugs as either a substitute or consumed alongside alcohol is also concerning, especially when viewed in parallel with the dramatic low levels of mental wellbeing reported.”
Ms. Horgan pointed out that since 2018, Drinkaware has engaged with secondary schools across Ireland with the Drinkaware Junior Cycle Alcohol Education programme. This evidence-based programme has been independently evaluated by Maynooth University and proven to delay the age of first drink and increase knowledge and awareness of alcohol harms.
She explained: “Crucially, the programme is holistic in nature rather than viewing alcohol consumption in isolation, and lessons include coping and influences, covering topics on self-esteem, marketing, critical thinking and social media. To date, over 15,000 students have undertaken the programme, but with the identified trends regarding the age of first drink, binge drinking, drug use and low mental wellbeing for young adults, this programme needs to be scaled.
“Delivered nationwide, it will empower young people with the knowledge, skills and tools to make informed decisions to protect their wellbeing, both physical and mental.”