Young people aren’t drinking as much as we think, YourGov Galaxy poll finds

YOUNG Victorians are turning away from alcohol with only one in five indulging in a boozy beverage more than once a week. Here’s why.

YOUNG Victorians are turning away from alcohol with only one in five indulging in a boozy beverage more than once a week.

A youth poll conducted by YouGov Galaxy revealed young men aged between 18-24 are more likely to consume alcohol more than once a week compared to young Victorian women.

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Young Victorians are turning away from alcohol with only one in five indulging in a boozy beverage more than once a week.

Other findings included:

— ONE in three young Victorians are infrequent or non drinkers with 16 per cent consuming alcohol less than once a month and 16 per cent not drinking altogether.

— THOSE in the workforce are more likely to drink more than once a week.

— MELBURNIANS are more likely to drink alcohol more than once a week than those living in regional and rural areas.

Turning Point Clinical Director Dr Matthew Frei said young people are choosing put their health over risky drinking behaviour.

“They’re putting their health first and understanding the risks,” he said.

“The information is more accessible which gives young people the ability to educate themselves on neurological harm.”

Mr Frei said despite the positive change, a lot more needs to be done.

“Even though we can see a trend in the right direction, it’s important to be vigilant and keep in mind there’s still a significant number of people putting themselves at risk,” he said.

“While the age group is impulsive and think they’re going to live forever, I think they listen to the health messages, especially the affect on the central nervous system of your brain.”

Lachie McKay, 20, believes a lot of his generation has given up the booze to look after their mental and physical health.

Young people are putting their health first and understanding the risks of drinking, a study has found.

“I stopped drinking a month ago and I think a lot of people, as well as myself, are making more of an effort to look after their mental health,” he said.

“I think in regards to why people are perhaps drinking less is because while it may help you loosen up in some aspects, it can actually do a bit of mental and emotional damage, especially if you’ve done something regrettable or embarrassing.”

@cassiezervos