A psychiatrist notes that modern youths increasingly do not need alcohol or cigarettes to feel adult-like, reflecting a significant change in social behaviors and attitudes toward substance use.
The prevalence of young Brazilians feeling the need to consume alcohol and smoke cigarettes has drastically decreased, according to psychiatrist Arthur Guerra, an expert in alcoholism. Traditionally, teenagers would often emulate adult behaviors by holding a drink and a cigarette as a means to appear mature. However, this mindset is shifting, as current generations are finding alternative ways to express adulthood without resorting to substance use.
On the National Day Against Drugs and Alcoholism, recent statistics highlight a remarkable trend: 64% of Brazilians reported abstaining from alcohol for the entire year of 2025, up from 55% in 2023. Notably, this surge is even more pronounced among young people aged 18 to 24, where those declaring abstention increased from 46% to 64% in just two years. This shift indicates a cultural transformation in how young Brazilians view drinking and smoking as part of their identity and growing up.
The data originates from the "Alcohol and Brazilian Health – 2025 Overview" report by the CISA (Center for Information on Health and Alcohol), which provides in-depth analysis of consumption patterns, health implications, and other related factors. The findings suggest a growing awareness and proactive approach towards health among youth, which could have significant implications for public health policies and future campaigns against substance abuse in Brazil.
