Alcohol poisoning among young people at an all-time low

Once again, few children and adolescents were treated as inpatients for alcohol poisoning in Saxony in 2024. There were 807 cases in the state, including 444 boys and 363 girls, according to information from DAK-Gesundheit based on current data from the State Statistical Office. This was 8.7 percent fewer than in 2023.

Thus, the decline in Saxony was greater than in Germany as a whole. Nationwide, 8,781 young binge drinkers were registered - 5.3 percent fewer than in the previous year. This was the lowest number in 25 years.

Social Affairs Minister warns despite positive development

Social Affairs Minister Petra Köpping urged caution despite the decline. "Trying new things and testing limits is normal and part of everyday life for young people. In this everyday life, alcohol is also present almost everywhere," said the SPD politician. Bans to protect health made it more appealing for some. However, young people should start drinking as late as possible and be informed about the serious consequences.

Up to and including 2019, the number of 10 to 19-year-olds intoxicated with alcohol in Saxony had risen steadily - from 1,177 in 2017 to 1,231 to a high of 1,266. In comparison, more than a third fewer boys and girls were hospitalized with alcohol intoxication in 2024.

DAK state head: Every case is one too many

"Fortunately, fewer and fewer children and young people in Saxony have to go to hospital after alcohol intoxication," says Stefan Wandel, state head of DAK-Gesundheit in Saxony. However, every single case is one too many. The "bunt statt blau" (colorful instead of blue) campaign is therefore intended to bring this important topic into schools for the 17th year in a row.

With the campaign supported by the Ministry of Social Affairs, DAK has been raising awareness in schools since 2010 about excessive alcohol consumption, in which young people drink to the point of dangerous intoxication within a few hours. This year, too, the best poster ideas from 12 to 17-year-olds on the subject of binge drinking are being sought. Since 2010, almost 143,000 girls and boys across Germany have designed colorful posters against binge drinking.