According to the health ministry, more than one in ten Luxembourg residents drink alcohol to excess at least once a week, compared with one in 20 across the EU. With carnival season underway, the situation is even more acute, prompting the government to launch an awareness raising campaign about alcohol abuse.

Health minister Lydia Mutsch said in a press statement: “It is important for us to promote healthy and reasonable health behaviour in the face of alcohol consumption among young people by developing or reinforcing a responsible attitude and consumption.”

The campaign, which includes posters, Facebook posts, a Youtube video, an application and website, is aimed at young people. Data shows that the median age of the first alcoholic drink is 15.9 in Luxembourg (15.6 for boys and 16.6 for girls). Given that excessive alcohol consumption is the second cause of preventable and premature mortality in Luxembourg, its message is relevant to all ages.

The website www.tropdalcool.lu allows the public to monitor their alcohol consumption, measure the amount of alcohol absorbed and the time needed to eliminate it.