Working closely with young people who use alcohol and other substances, it can come as a surprise to hear of a young person in Australia who chooses to abstain from alcohol. AOD workers, prepare to be surprised.

A study of 2500 young people published today by the online journal  Addiction paints a picture of a health wise, internet savvy, multicultural generation of young people half of whom are saying no to drinking.

The study, which compared the drinking habits of young people in 2001 and 2010 showed a trend away from alcohol consumption consistent with similar studies both in Australia and overseas.

Furthermore, the decline in alcohol use does not appear linked to an increase in cannabis, tobacco or other drug use.

Read more about Dr Livingston’s paper, Trends in non-drinking amongst Australian adolescents, here and here and Join the converastion to have your say about trends in alcohol use amongst the young people you see.