Polarization in Alcohol Consumption among Icelandic Adolescents, 1995–2003

Aims Alcohol use among Icelandic adolescents has declined substantially in the last decade. This paper evaluates the source of this decline by examining changes in the frequency and quantity of adolescent alcohol consumption in the period 1995–2003.Data and Methods The total population of 10th grade (15–16-year-olds) students in Iceland was surveyed in 1995, 1999 and 2003 as part of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD).Results The total volume of alcohol consumed by 15–16-year-old students declined by 15% between 1995 and 2003. This decline can be traced to an increasing number of abstainers. Among adolescent alcohol consumers drinking was more frequent and the total volume of alcohol they consumed increased by 19% between 1995 and 2003.Conclusion Declining alcohol use among Icelandic adolescents is due to fewer alcohol consumers and cannot be traced to less consumption by active drinkers. Adolescents who consume alcohol regularly have increased their consumption in this period.