Heavy drinking among Manitoba teens on the rise, study says

Fewer high school students are drinking alcohol these days, but those who drink are drinking more heavily, a new study by the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba has found.

A survey released Thursday by the AFM found nearly 70 per cent of senior high school students reported drinking alcohol in the past year and a quarter of those had eight or more drinks at a sitting.

The AFM has been conducting surveys of middle school and high school students since the 1990s. Compared with a similar survey in 2004, the latest result shows fewer students are using alcohol.

"This is consistent with other student surveys in Canada," said John Borody, CEO of the foundation. "But the most surprising findings were the high percentage of students who are drinking heavily more than eight drinks at a time."

A significant number of high school students meet the criteria of being medium or high risk for alcohol problems, the foundation said.

About 40 per cent of all students reported they had been in a car with a driver who hadbeen drinking.

Nearly 5,000 students from 55 randomly selected Manitoba schools were surveyed.

"Females are more at risk for tobacco use, prescription drug use, stimulant and over-the-counter drug use," said Borody. "Males are more at risk for frequent alcohol and cannabis use and impaired driving in senior years."

The study also found more than 40 per cent of young tobacco smokers say they had their first puff before the age of 12. And nearly 70 per cent of marijuana users have tried the drug before age 15.

The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba plans to take the data to help plan prevention and rehabilitation services for young people.