A new national survey has uncovered alarming levels of alcohol and nicotine use among Greek teenagers, just days after the death of a 16-year-old girl outside a nightclub in Athens reignited public concern over youth drinking.
According to data from the National Centre for Documentation and Information on Drugs (EKTEPN), young people in Greece begin consuming alcohol at an early age, with rates surpassing the European average.
Widespread Heavy Drinking Among Teens
One in three 16-year-olds reported drinking five or more alcoholic beverages in a single night within the past month. Additionally, 13% of students said they had been drunk in the last month — a sharp increase from 10% in 2019.
Even more concerning, 92% of minors said they can easily obtain alcohol, highlighting the lack of effective market regulation and enforcement.
Boys Lead in Excessive Drinking
While 87% of girls said they have tried alcohol at least once, boys remain ahead in binge drinking, with 39% reporting excessive consumption compared to 35% of girls.
The study also revealed a notable rise in e-cigarette use, with 26% of students saying they had used one in the past month and 65% stating that obtaining them is “very easy.”
Experts Sound the Alarm
Health experts warn that these findings reflect a growing social problem: the normalization of underage drinking and smoking in Greece. They emphasize that both behaviors are often seen as signs of “coolness” or social acceptance among teens — while weak oversight continues to make access effortless.
