Student alcohol and drug use falls, but risky behaviour rises

Fewer students are drinking alcohol and using cannabis, but risky habits and related problems are increasing, according to a large new survey in Flanders and Brussels.

The study, carried out by the Flemish alcohol and drugs expert centre (VAD), questioned more than 20,000 students between February and April 2025.

While overall alcohol use has declined, those who do drink are more likely to do so in a harmful way. Around 30% of drinking students binge drink at least once a month, and many report “pre-drinking” before going out. Nearly half say they feel drunk at least monthly.

Experts say risky drinking had dropped during the Covid-19 pandemic, but is now rising again. Men and students living away from home are most likely to drink heavily. On average, male students drink about 16 units a week during term time, compared with six for women.

Some students are trying to limit their intake. About 39% say they practise “zebra drinking”, alternating alcohol with soft drinks.

Cannabis use has fallen back to 2017 levels, but more users report problems. These include struggling to stop, using more than intended, or neglecting studies and social life. For the first time since 2005, a quarter of cannabis users report multiple issues linked to their use.

The survey also found that nicotine use remains high, with 44% of students using it in the past year, often through vaping. Meanwhile, the use of stimulant medication such as Ritalin continues to rise, with 6% of students taking it to boost academic performance.

Use of other illegal drugs remains stable at around 11%, although so-called “designer drugs” are becoming more common.

Researchers warn that while fewer students are using substances overall, a smaller group is engaging in more dangerous behaviour.

^{#FlandersNewsService | ​ © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS}