In addition to monitoring total alcohol consumption, population surveys are needed to describe drinking patterns and how consumption and harm are distributed across different population groups.
Total consumption has been declining for a long time
Total alcohol consumption has been on a downward trend for a long period—over fifteen years.
In Finland, total consumption consists of alcohol sold domestically (recorded consumption) and alcohol purchased by Finns abroad or ordered from foreign online retailers (unrecorded consumption). In 2024, total consumption amounted to 8.3 litres of pure alcohol per person aged 15 years or over. Both the amount of alcohol sold domestically and the amount purchased during travel declined.
"The last time alcohol consumption in Finland was at such a low level was in the 1970s, although the figures for unrecorded consumption are not fully comparable," says Development Manager Marke Jääskeläinen at THL.
"The share of retail sales of total consumption was 76 per cent in 2024, highlighting the significant role of grocery stores and Alko in alcohol purchasing."
Binge drinking is most common among young adults
Population surveys make it possible to monitor drinking habits. Consumption habits among population groups have changed over time. For example, in 2023 alcohol use was most common among the oldest age group in the survey: men and women aged 55–69.
In the youngest age group, those aged 20–34, regular alcohol use was clearly less common. This shift suggests that drinking habits among younger people may have become more moderate, while alcohol use has remained more common in older age groups.
Differences in binge drinking between age groups have narrowed. In 2016, binge drinking was most common among young adults, but by 2023 the gaps between different age groups had decreased. Nevertheless, the consumption of large quantities on a single occasion (13–18 standard drinks per day) remained more common among younger age groups than among older ones. This indicates that although young people drink less frequently, their single-occasion consumption may still be high.
"Men use alcohol more regularly and in larger quantities than women, but the proportion of women who drink alcohol has increased over the long term. Gender differences are still evident, but they have narrowed," Jääskeläinen notes.
In summary, alcohol use in Finland has declined overall and become more moderate.
