Written Oct 4, 2025
In this blog, Lynn tells us about her concerns and observations about teenage drinking in Luxembourg, a problem that all of us see, or in some cases even face as parents of teenagers in Luxembourg.
A few weeks ago, I was in a bar venue in Luxembourg city having a drink after the show. In the time during the show a DJ had set up, and the place had filled with teenagers having a fun night out. It was generally a relaxed atmosphere until kids started vomiting out the front and most shockingly one girl threw up in the bar in front of us. Before we could intervene, friends had taken her outside leaving a mess of vomit on the floor and the staff looking weary like it was just another typical Friday night.
As a parent of a teenager myself I was left thinking two things – 1) how did it get to this being a typical Friday night and 2) do the parents know?
I realise that it’s hard to ask these questions out loud without sounding judgemental.
But anyone who knows me is aware of my openness to speak about my own challenges with alcohol in my youth, and the journey it took me on in wanting to support troubled teens and their families. So, I am genuinely curious …. but not naïve.
Rates of hospitalisation of teenagers under 18 due to excessive drinking still remain relatively low in Luxembourg. Recent figures put it at about 3% of the 3,600 alcohol-related medical interventions between 2018 and 2023.
However, typical Friday nights like this may lead to increased danger of a teenager having an accident or being attacked. As well as the risk of mental health issues, and longer term problems related to using alcohol as a coping strategy. In this, excessive drinking may also be a sign of underlying struggles with school, home or peers.
Alcohol is a drug, albeit a socially acceptable drug In Luxembourg. It is present and even expected at nearly every occasion . As adults it is our responsibility to ensure that our young people are protected against under age drinking, and given the education to know that, when they are ready to use this drug ,they know how to use it safely.
We need to equip them with strategies for dealing with peer pressure, how to get support for themselves or friends and the knowledge that they can still turn to us as parents when needed. From a young age we advocate creating a code word with young teenagers to help them to get out of risky situations. The code word can be used if a child wants parents or other trusted adults to intervene, pick them up or call them for reassurance. It can easily be texted or used over the phone.
The only way we can do this is by having open conversations about alcohol with our children as parents, educators and institutions.
If you would like to know more about navigating sensitive conversations with your children contact us at passage.parents@gmail.com or come to one of our monthly support meetings.
Lynn is also a coaching psychologist and the President and Co-founder of Passage asbl
For more information about the coaching programs she offers for parents please visit www.growthstages.com
If you are concerned about your adolescents’ use of alcohol or any other drugs you can contact the IMPULS. This service offers psychosocial and therapeutic assistance to young people and their families around the use/misuse of legal and illegal drugs in Luxembourg.
At present their website is only in French & German however, they can work with and welcome families in English .
Jugend -An Drogenheller Fondation
This service provides help for young people with a drug or addiction problem, this also includes support if parents or family members have a problem too.
If you are concerned abour your child or any other questions about parenting in Luxembourg you can contact KJT via their website or telephone services. KJT offers free and confidential counselling, advice and support for children, adolescents and their familes in various languages. They have a dedicated helpline and online service in English for parents and children. In addition to this they have a mobile chat service for adolescents. Contact all services via their websites.
While the national law sets the minimum age at 16 for all alcoholic beverages, some establishments may enforce stricter age policies. For instance, certain bars, clubs, or supermarkets might choose to restrict the sale of high-proof alcohol to those aged 18 or older, based on their internal policies.
Young Minds (UK based) mental health agency
Offers useful information for you and your children to explore together.
Childline (UK based) national children’s helpline
Offers useful information for you and your children to explore together.
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