Alcohol Drinking Habits and Negative Experiences among Adolescents in Greece

Introduction: Alcohol use during adolescence remains a prominent public health problem with short- and long-term consequences. The study aims at investigating the epidemiological characteristics of alcohol use among Greek adolescents. Important parallel aims were to identify alcohol-related problems and its consequences experienced by the adolescence. Methods: The study population was a convenience sample of 1100 students of secondary education (junior and senior high school) from 12 public and private schools in Athens. 573 boys and 527 girls aged 12 to 19 years old [mean age 15.3 (±1.7)] answered a specially structured anonymous questionnaire. Results: Recent alcohol consumption was reported by more than the half of students (57.3%) and was more prevalent among adolescents over 15 years old (67.3%) and among boys (59.3%). Beer was the most popular type of alcoholic beverage (65.9%) at all ages. On average, both males and females stated the onset of alcohol at the age of 12 years. Boys reported being drunk more often than girls (25.7% versus 14.9%). However, more girls reported being drunk at least once a year than boys (27.1% versus 17.6%). The vast majority of the participants stated that they were informed about the possible addiction to alcohol (86.2%) and its negative consequences. A statistically significant correlation was found between age and hangover (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Alcohol consumption remains a serious problem among adolescents. There is a need to implement preventive measures and counseling approaches in school. The study will contribute to the public awareness concerning adolescent’s drinking behavior in Greece.