[Use of Tobacco, Alcohol and Illegal Drugs Among Brandenburg Youth 2005-2017]. / Konsum von Tabak, Alkohol und illegalen Substanzen bei Brandenburger Jugendlichen 2005 bis 2017.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents are seen as an important target group for reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption in the population. Data on substance use over a longer period of time for adolescents are a basis for addiction policy in the state of Brandenburg and show certain trends. METHODS: Adolescents of the 10th grade in the state of Brandenburg were asked in 2005, 2009, 2013 and 2017 about consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other psychoactive substances and about possibly helpful contact persons. A total of 42,221 adolescents with an average age of 15.7 years (standard deviation 0.7 years) were contacted. RESULTS: Regular (at least weekly) tobacco consumption decreased between 2005 and 2017 from 41 to 17% for girls and from 37 to 18% for boys. The regular consumption of alcohol decreased in girls from 18 to 9% and in boys from 34 to 15%. Boys drink more alcohol than girls. Tobacco use is lowest in high schools and there are differences between regions in the consumption of both substances. The adolescents see their peers as the main contact persons for problems with addictive substances. Professional help is accessed less often. CONCLUSION: The Brandenburg study describes a positive development. If the reduction is sustained or even continued, alcohol and tobacco consumption in the population will decrease. The results suggest strengthening the peer approach for addiction prevention.