“Has decreased by 50 percent”

More and more young people in Sweden are choosing alcohol in favor of non -alcoholic alternatives. A global trend where health awareness and new interests play.
– We did not think that young people cared so much about their health, says alcohol doctor Sven Andréasson in News Morning.

Alcohol consumption among young people has decreased dramatically over the past 20 years. Just among high school students, drinking has decreased by more than 50 percent. Sven Andréasson, alcohol doctor, sees a clear change in youth culture, not only in Sweden but also internationally.

– This is a global trend. It looks the same in North America, Australia and England. Something happens in the youth culture, but we don’t really know why, he says.

According to Andréasson, the reduction may be due to several factors, including new interests that are not compatible with alcohol. An increased health awareness among young people is also believed to record.

– Do you ask young people in England and Sweden “why don’t you drink alcohol anymore?” So is one of the first options that come up that it is not healthy. We have not believed that before. We did not think that young people cared so much about their health, but in these studies it seems so.

Alcohol -free drinks not always non -alcoholic

The industry is growing rapidly and the non -alcoholic alternatives are increasing. However, Sven Andréasson warns that these drinks are not always completely without alcohol.

– The non -alcoholic alternatives may say that it is 0.5 percent. Is it then non -alcoholic? No, it’s not. Almost alcohol -free, but not really, he says.

He particularly highlights the risks of pregnant women and young people under 18.

– Alcohol in small amounts can actually exert effects. I think that the principle that you do not drink alcohol before the age of 18 also applies to these alternatives. Stick to 0.0 percent or choose completely different drinks, he urges.