[Harmful consequences of heavy episodic drinking in young people in Denmark]

Danish young people have a high alcohol intake as summarised in this review. Heavy drinking is associated with risk of adverse events such as accidents, violence, taking drugs or sex that is later regretted. Also, school performance may be affected negatively by heavy drinking, and alcohol may interfere with brain development. The risk of developing alcohol use disorder is increased in individuals who start drinking at an early age. Population-based interventions such as increasing the legal age of buying alcohol from 16 to 18 years, as in many other countries, can be introduced in order to minimise heavy drinking in young people.