Young people lead the way: Half take a break from alcohol

21.08.2025 - 51 percent of young people aged 17 to 34 have taken a break from alcohol within the past year. Among students the figure is even higher.

August marks the start of the academic year, which for many new students also means introduction parties, study trips and Friday bars. But a new survey shows that young people are increasingly making conscious choices about their alcohol use.

A Voxmeter survey for Blue Cross Denmark shows that 51 percent of young people between 17 and 34 years have taken an alcohol-free period within the past year.

The trend is especially clear among 17–29-year-olds who are currently studying: more than half – 54.5 percent – have chosen to go without alcohol for a period during the past year.

“It is the young people who are driving this development. They are in the process of changing Denmark’s drinking culture. I am pleased to see that so many today are making conscious choices about their alcohol consumption,” says Morten Skov Mogensen, Secretary General of Blue Cross Denmark.

By comparison, the survey shows that 42.1 percent of the total population has taken an alcohol-free break in the past year.

“When young people take the lead, they move the whole population in a healthier direction. This is the first step toward a changed drinking culture,” says Morten Skov Mogensen.

More health-conscious than ever before

Janne Tolstrup, Professor and Research Director at the National Institute of Public Health at the University of Southern Denmark, sees the numbers as a clear sign that a shift is underway.

“Although Danish youth are still among the heaviest drinkers in Europe, we are seeing a clear movement toward more conscious choices. There is much greater awareness today from all sides – politicians, health authorities, educational institutions and parents – about young people’s alcohol intake than there was when I was young,” she says.

Among the young people who take a break from alcohol, 56.1 percent point to health and wellbeing as the most important reason, while 50.5 percent say they simply lacked the desire. According to Janne Tolstrup, both reflect a broader development.

“Young people are more health-conscious than ever – with a focus on exercise, diet and wellbeing – and society has become more aware of the role alcohol plays, especially at the start of studies. This naturally pushes the development toward lower consumption,” she says.

Facts about the survey:

• The representative survey was carried out by Voxmeter on behalf of Blue Cross Denmark.

• 1,022 respondents participated in the survey between 7 and 16 May 2025.

• In addition, a sample was taken among a representative cross-section of the Danish population aged 17–29.