Alcohol consumption ‘remains stable in Malta’; tobacco use in the decline – Government

A survey has found that monthly alcohol consumption has remained stable, the government said, while the percentage of people who had alcohol at least once in their lifetime has risen.

The government on Friday published the General Population Survey on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use in Malta in 2023, providing an overview of substance use among Maltese residents aged 18 to 65.

“Approximately 3,400 questionnaires were completed, ensuring a representative snapshot of consumption patterns and trends over the past two decades. Conducted every ten years, the survey tracks long-term trends and provides valuable insights into alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, prescription drugs, illicit drug use, gambling, and emerging areas such as vaping and medical cannabis,” the government said.

This survey was the first of its kind to look into the consumption levels, if any, of new psychoactive substances (NSPs), medical cannabis, vapes, and the use of some of the more recent available synthetics.

“The survey findings indicate that alcohol consumption remains widespread, with increases observed among women. While recent alcohol use has risen slightly, monthly consumption has remained stable. A significant portion of drinkers display patterns consistent with risky alcohol use,” the government said.

Results show that more people are trying alcohol nowadays, though this is not translating to more regular consumption across the population.

Around 82.7% of respondents reported to have consumed alcohol at least once in their lifetime, increasing from 75.6% in 2001 and 75.9% in 2013. This lifetime alcohol use has risen significantly among 25-29-year-olds since 2001, from 79.4% then to 90.3% in 2023.

The average age for first-time alcohol consumption has decreased to around 16.8 years, slightly younger than the 17.2 years in 2013.

Nearly six in every ten respondents (58%), said they had consumed alcohol in the past 30 days, marking no change from 2013 (58.8%). Just under three quarters of all respondents (72.5%) reported that they have drunk alcohol in the past 12 months, marking a “modest rise” of nearly 2% from the 2013 survey.

Daily alcohol consumption has also remained stable, at around 12%.

From males who said they had drunk alcohol in the previous 30 days, around one in five (18.3%) reported to drink either daily, almost daily, or several times a week. In comparison, a lesser 10.9% of females reported these same consumption levels.

The government said that “tobacco use continues to decline, with fewer adults smoking compared to previous years. The gap between male and female smokers is narrowing, although smoking habits and intensity vary among current users.”

Smoking behaviour has generally dropped across the board; lifetime, recent, and current tobacco use all trending downwards, though this trend of overall reduced use is most prevalent among younger populations. Smoking reductions are less prominent among individuals aged 45-65.

Most current smokers (27.7%) smoke between one to five cigarettes daily. 22.3% smoke between six and ten cigarettes everyday, 18.6% smoke between 11 and 20 daily cigarettes, and 15.5% reported more than 20 everyday. Only 6.6% of current smokers said they do not smoke a cigarette everyday, while 8.3% reported smoking less than one cigarette per week.

The report has found that “the prevalence of smoking has decreased overall, and those who continue to smoke, some 65% do so at lower levels of intensity, 10 or less cigarettes per day.”

The survey found that vaping is most popular with the youngest adults aged 18-24. Younger individuals (18-29) demonstrated higher engagement levels and vaping frequency than older demographics. 11.3% of respondents – approximately 27,000 people – said they’ve vaped once in their life. Recent use, i.e., within the past 12 months, was reported by 6.7% of people; 4.3% observed to have vaped in the past month.

Cannabis use prevalent among young adults

Regarding cannabis use, the government said that it is particularly prevalent among young adults and men. “Initiation tends to occur in late adolescence or early adulthood, and use is most common in the 18-24 age group.”

Medical cannabis is more popular among younger adults and was also noted to be more popular among females.

The survey shows that cannabis use overall has gone up significantly since 2001. Approximately, 11.7% have used cannabis at least once in their life, which reflects an increase of 7.4% from 4.3% in 2013. Recent use, defined as cannabis consumption within the past 12 months, was reported by 4.8% of respondents in 2023. “This marks a significant increase of 3.9% from 0.9% in 2013,” the survey document read. Current use, defined as cannabis consumption within the past month, was reported by 3.2% of respondents in 2023, which reflects a rise of 2.8% from 0.4% in 2013.

This study also found that use of cocaine, amphetamines, and new psychoactive substances at least once in their lives has gone up since 2013.

Lifetime prevalence (use at least once in their lives) for cocaine has risen from 0.4% of respondents in 2001 to 2.7% in 2023; usage in the last year has also gone up to 0.7%, while monthly usage has increased to 0.3%.

The report acknowledged a growing recognition of drug addiction as a health issue, rather than a criminal one.

Gambling participation has also decreased significantly with a large proportion of individuals spending less than €5 weekly.

In response to these findings, Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon said that the Ministry is prioritising strengthened prevention efforts. “In line with the National Drug Policy 2023, work is underway to establish a Prevention Coordination Body. This body will bring together all relevant stakeholders to ensure that prevention strategies are coordinated, evidence-based, and effective,” the government said.

Manuel Gellel, Head of National Focal Point (NDAU) stated that the survey highlights the need for further action on alcohol consumption, particularly regarding the narrowing gap between male and female drinking behaviours.

The Ministry is preparing to launch a renewed National Alcohol Policy, aimed at safeguarding public health and promoting societal wellbeing. The government said that the National Drug Policy emphasises the importance of additional investment in a low threshold unit and also harm reduction measures for individuals actively using drugs. “Also the Ministry remains committed to reaching the most vulnerable members of society with compassion, dignity, and without judgment, reinforcing Malta’s dedication to a safe, healthy, and inclusive community.”