Dublin – A major European study has revealed a significant decline in alcohol and cigarette use among teenagers in Ireland, marking the most substantial reduction in three decades. The country also reports the lowest rate of e-cigarette use among adolescents across Europe.
The findings, published in the latest edition of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD), underscore a notable shift in the health behaviours of Irish teenagers. Alongside Iceland and Finland, Ireland is cited as one of the countries showing the most positive trends in reducing risky substance use among youth.
Conducted across 37 European countries, the study surveyed 113,882 students aged 15 to 16, tracking adolescent behaviours related to tobacco, alcohol, e-cigarettes, and illicit drug use over a 30-year period.
Key Findings for Ireland:
- Cigarette Use: Smoking among Irish teens has seen a dramatic decline. ESPAD notes that Ireland, along with the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Sweden, recorded the most significant reductions in cigarette use since the study began.
- Alcohol Consumption: Teenage alcohol consumption in Ireland fell from 66% in previous years to 35%, placing it among the lowest in Europe. Only Iceland (12%) and Finland (27%) reported lower rates.
- E-Cigarettes: Ireland also boasts one of the lowest rates of lifetime e-cigarette use, with less than one-third of students having tried them—well below the European average of 44%. In comparison, the highest rates were found in Hungary (57%).
- Illicit Drug Use: The study shows that 13% of students across all participating countries have used an illegal drug at least once. In Ireland, lifetime use of synthetic opioids remains relatively low at 0.6%, compared to the European average of 1.1%.
The report highlights the continued importance of preventive measures, education, and public policy in sustaining these positive trends. Irish health authorities have welcomed the findings as a testament to the country’s ongoing efforts to promote healthier lifestyles among young people.
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