Teenagers in Austria are smoking and drinking less, but the use of newer nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches is increasing significantly. This is shown in the 2024 ESPAD survey (European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs), which surveyed 14- to 17-year-old students in ninth and tenth grade. Social media is viewed as a major concern by many, even more so than gambling or video gaming.
Six out of ten Austrian teens reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days. Around one in five drinks regularly—six times or more per month—or has been heavily intoxicated at least once in that time. Nearly one in ten (9%) shows at least one indicator of risky alcohol consumption.
In the long term, however, there’s a trend toward abstinence: From 2007 to 2024, the number of teens who have never consumed alcohol quadrupled, and those who haven’t drunk in the past month doubled.
When combining cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, hookahs, and heated tobacco, 57% of teens reported having tried at least one of these products in their lifetime. Over one-third (37%) used them in the last 30 days, and 18% used at least one of them daily or almost daily.
From 2003 to 2024, monthly cigarette use dropped from 49% to 23%, while e-cigarette use increased from 7% to 29%. For the first time, teens reported starting with e-cigarettes more often than traditional cigarettes. The use of nicotine pouches is also on the rise.
About 18% of students have tried cannabis, with 14% using it in the past year and 7% in the past 30 days—figures that have remained steady over two decades. Other substances like inhalants, alcohol-medication mixes, and nitrous oxide are also tried but usually not used regularly.
Mental Health and Problematic Media Use
One in ten students has participated in gambling at least once, though regular gambling is rare. A third of students play digital games daily, with boys doing so more than girls. Boys are more likely to report problematic gaming behavior, while girls report more problematic use of social media.
A quarter of all teens reported low well-being, and one in ten showed signs of serious psychological distress—affecting girls more than boys. Those with mental health struggles also reported more risky behavior and substance use. Rising use of sleeping pills and tranquilizers underscores the mental health challenges.
ESPAD is a recurring European survey assessing student use of legal and illegal substances, gambling, and digital media. In 2024, 37 European countries took part. The Austrian report was conducted by Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (GÖG) on behalf of the Ministry of Health, based on responses from 7,735 students. The last survey was in 2019.
