Youth in Northern Health report highest percentage of trying alcohol in province in 2023 

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A recent report detailing alcohol consumption in British Columbia shows Northern Health youth recorded the highest percentage of trying alcohol in the province in 2023. 

According to a press release from the Ministry of Health on May 27th, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer has released its annual ‘Living Well, Drinking Less’ report.

“When it comes to drinking alcohol, less is best,” said B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. “Drinking less alcohol is better for overall health, as has been confirmed by research and alcohol guidance in Canada.”

“While it is important for people to be able to make informed decisions about alcohol, [the] government has a key role to play in addressing factors that shape drinking behaviour through policy shifts.”

“Many people drink alcohol to relax, celebrate and connect,” the report said. “But the impacts of drinking extend beyond these moments of enjoyment.”

“Alcohol use continues to be a major public health concern in BC, contributing to death, disease, injury and social harm.”

According to the report, in 2023, 52 per cent of youth aged 12 to 19 in public schools reported trying alcohol beyond a few sips in Northern Health, the highest percentage in the province. 

“Overall, the trend towards reduced alcohol consumption is likely contributing to overall health and well-being among youth,” the report said.

“However, not all youth are benefiting equally. Non-binary youth in BC, those who do not identify as male or female or who are not yet sure of their gender identity, are more likely to start drinking at a young age.”

The report indicated 68 per cent of female youth and 63 per cent of male youth who have consumed alcohol began drinking before they were 15. For non-binary youth, this number jumps to 72 per cent. 

71 per cent of males in Northern Health have tried alcohol before the age of 15, according to statistics from 2023. 

Despite drinking less alcohol than in recent years, B.C. residents still consume an average of 8.8 standard drinks each week, which is higher than the national average of 8.2.

A standard drink refers to:

• Beer measuring 341 millilitres, with a five per cent alcohol content level, 
• A 341 millilitre cooler, cider or hard seltzer with a five per cent alcohol content level,
• A glass of wine measuring 142 millilitres and a 12 per cent alcohol content level 
• Spirits, whiskey, vodka or gin measuring 43 millilitres with 40 per cent alcohol. 

The report said an estimated six per cent of all deaths in the province in 2023 were caused by alcohol use. 

Northern Health recorded the second-highest per capita alcohol consumption in the province for 2023/24, with 10.6 litres of ethanol consumed per person aged 15 or older. 

The region also recorded 11.9 standard drinks per person per week in 2023/24, the second-highest in the province.

“People in the Interior, Northern and Island health region drink more than the provincial average,” according to the report.

As of 2023, males 65 or older consume an average of 15 standard drinks per person per week, while women in the same age bracket consume an average of 7 per person per week.

The report concludes although use of alcohol in the province is currently at a 20-year low, many people consume alcohol in ways that put them at increased risk. 

“The percentage of youth who have tried alcohol beyond a few sips is on the decline overall and across all health regions, and while this is a positive trend, many youth are still drinking,” the report said. 

“More can be done to empower them to delay their use of alcohol.”