Originalarbeiten / Original Articles. Prävention akuter Alkoholintoxikationen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen: Trinkumstände und Empfehlungen aus Sicht betroffener Eltern und Jugendlicher / Prevention of Acute Alcohol Intoxication in Children and Adolescents: Drinking Circumstances and Recommendations from the Perspective of Affected Parents and Adolescents.

Abstract

Prevention of Acute Alcohol Intoxication in Children and Adolescents: Drinking Circumstances and Recommendations from the Perspective of Affected Parents and Adolescents Alcohol consumption among children and adolescents in Germany is showing a downward trend. However, a significant number of minors reports risky drinking patterns that lead to alcohol intoxication requiring inpatient treatment. Findings on drinking circumstances that precede alcohol intoxication and on rules on alcohol consumption are essential for the further development of effective prevention strategies. Quantitative data analyses and qualitative interviews were used to investigate drinking circumstances that precede acute alcohol intoxication in children and adolescents as well as rules for alcohol consumption before and after the event of the intoxication. N = 201 children and adolescents took part in the survey on drinking circumstances that precede acute alcohol intoxication. While 31.3 % of respondents did not habitually consume alcohol at risk, 15.9 % reported binge drinking on a monthly basis and 15.9 % on a weekly or more frequent basis. Particular risk situations are the consumption of spirits, consumption in private settings and being found outdoors. In-depth interviews were conducted with N = 8 children and adolescents and N = 9 guardians. Young people emphasized strategies to minimize risk and communication with guardians as helpful, while parents recommended increased monitoring, communication and prohibitions. The greatest uncertainty was reported in dealing with non-compliance with rules. Preventive measures should start early, provide information about drinking circumstances that often precede intoxication and give clear recommendations for drinking rules.