The number of alcohol-intoxicated teens arriving at Rambam’s pediatric emergency department has doubled over the past five years. With New Year’s Eve around the corner, Rambam is sharing warning signs, tips, and practical guidance for preventing underage drinking and keeping our children safe.
Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) reports a sharp rise in teen alcohol intoxication cases, with related emergency room visits doubling over the past five years. Just days ago, after drinking nine shots, a 15-year-old Haifa resident was evacuated from a suburban street and admitted to the Cheryl Spencer Department of Pediatric Emergency at Rambam’s Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital. Confused and in a state of clouded consciousness, he was admitted for observation and later discharged.
The incident is one example of a worrying national trend in Israel: rising alcohol intoxication among teenagers. In the last year, some 55 children and adolescents were treated in the pediatric emergency department after consuming large quantities of alcohol. This represents a nearly twofold increase compared to the 30 cases seen five years ago.
Every year, dozens of patients under 18 arrive following excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol intoxication—particularly among teens—is not harmless; some arrive with dangerously high blood alcohol levels, unconscious, or suffering from alcohol poisoning. “In recent years, we have treated large numbers of youth who manage to obtain and consume excessive quantities of alcohol,” says Dr. Idit Pasternak, director of the Cheryl Spencer Cheryl Spencer Department of Pediatric Emergency.
“Especially in youth, alcohol is dangerous and may directly affect their bodies with a further risk of self-endangerment and other consequences. Unregulated suppliers may sell counterfeit alcohol that contains dangerous and harmful substances,” warns Pasternak.
There is no safe limit for children and adolescents, as body weight and developmental stage significantly influence its effects— even small quantities can be dangerous. “A while back, we treated a young boy who had drunk only a small amount, but it was 70% alcohol. He arrived unconscious with significant alcohol poisoning,” she reports.
Alongside typical adolescent rebellion, Dr. Pasternak notes that the COVID-19 pandemic and two years of war have left their mark. Youth are expressing their distress through alcohol. “Worldwide, many people celebrate the New Year with alcohol,” she notes. “Parents need to stay alert and supervise their children. We recommend avoiding alcohol altogether—but if someone does drink, choose beverages with a lower alcohol content. Don’t mix alcohol with caffeine, and don’t purchase alcohol from a source that may be selling counterfeit products.”
Alcohol contains ethanol which has a sedative effect, using it irresponsibly has harmful short and long-term consequences, particularly in young people, and may interfere with their development. Immediate, short-term risks include:
- Cognitive impairment, poor judgment, impaired memory, and slurred speech
- Reckless driving, physical injury, violence, crime, and participating in unprotected sex
- Alcohol poisoning, choking on vomit, and hypoventilation
The long-term use of regular alcohol consumption can also have serious consequences, including:
- Developmental damage due to permanent injury to the maturing brain, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
- A decline in academic performance and difficulties at school
- An increased risk of serious conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and liver disease
- Regular and excessive alcohol consumption are also linked to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and liver diseases.
- In young children, studies point to a link between alcohol consumption, hard drug use, and a higher risk of alcohol dependency
Rambam wishes everyone a joyful New Year. Adults who choose to drink should do so responsibly and in moderation—but for teens, alcohol can be dangerous and may lead to alcohol poisoning. Parents and caregivers are urged to supervise closely, talk openly about risks, and seek immediate medical attention if a child or teen is confused, vomiting repeatedly, or difficult to wake.
