In a recent study, researchers have concluded that alcohol consumption among young people has been on a steady decline in many western countries over the past couple of decades.
“Adolescents are drinking less and pursuing intoxication less frequently, and alcohol seems to be a less central feature of their lives,” the researchers explain. What’s more, trends show that across northern Europe as well as English-speaking countries such as Australia, The United States, and the United Kingdom, the average age at first drink has also increased.
The researchers ultimately concluded that declining adolescent drinking patterns primarily rely on two main factors: firstly, the denormalization of alcohol consumption — due to policy change making it less accessible or due to shifting cultural attitudes, among others — secondly, the normalization of non-drinking — abstinence could be being accepted more widely, even amongst drinkers.
