Alcohol-Related Hospitalizations Among Young People Drop in Lower Saxony, but Concerns Remain
Good news emerged from Lower Saxony as hospitalizations due to excessive alcohol consumption among youngsters declined last year. The healthcare provider DAK in Hanover ascertained from the state statistics office's data that 980 children and adolescents aged 10-20 sought medical attention, representing a decrease of approximately 3% compared to the previous year.
Though the downward trend is desirable, DAK-Gesundheit's head, Dirk Vennekold, shared concerns over the 49% surge in hospitalizations among 10-15-year-old boys. Vennekold emphasized that every instance of a young person experiencing alcohol poisoning remains unacceptable.
In 2022, 517 boys and 463 girls were admitted to hospitals due to alcohol poisoning. The number of male hospitalizations saw a 6% decline, while the female count saw a minimal increase of 0.4%. The unsettling uptick in hospitalizations among adolescent boys aged 10-15 brought forth an alarming contrast to the general trend.
"Fortunately, we're observing a decline in young patients," Vennekold reported. Nonetheless, the surge in adolescent boys' hospitalizations is a cause for concern.
