Germany’s anti-binge drinking campaign hits 25-year low in teen alcohol poisonings
Germany’s long-running campaign against binge drinking among young people has marked another year of success. In 2024, hospitalisations for liquor poisoning in minors dropped to the lowest level in 25 years. Now, organisers are launching a fresh competition to keep the momentum going.
The prevention campaign ‘Colorful Instead of Blue’ began in 2010 after over 25,000 minors were treated for alcohol poisoning that year. Since then, it has encouraged students to design posters and creative works warning against binge drinking. Backed by state ministers and the Federal Drug Commissioner, the initiative treats young people as partners rather than lecturing them.
Last year, the number of minors hospitalised for liquor poisoning fell by 5.3% to 8,781—the lowest figure since records began. The biggest improvement came among boys aged 10 to 15, with an 8% reduction, while girls in the same group saw a 4% drop. Declines were recorded across all age groups under 20. Now in its 17th year, the campaign has involved around 143,000 children and adolescents since its launch. For 2026, around 11,000 schools are invited to take part, with €12,000 in cash prizes on offer. Students aged 12 to 17 can submit their entries until March 31, 2026.
The 2026 competition continues the push to reduce alcohol abuse through youth engagement. Schools across Germany will again have the chance to contribute creative works addressing the dangers of binge drinking. The deadline for submissions remains March 31, 2026.
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