Groningen Grapples with Excessive Drinking

If you’ve just moved to the Netherlands and find yourself in the lively city of Groningen, you might already know it’s a vibrant hub filled with students, nightlife, and plenty of gezelligheid (that cozy Dutch vibe). But here’s something else to consider—Groningen has been making headlines for a less cheery reason. Turns out, the city is experiencing a spike in unhealthy drinking habits, with more than 60% of residents exceeding the recommended alcohol limits. Yes, even in the land of moderation and bike-loving health enthusiasts, alcohol consumption is becoming a growing concern.

The Numbers Speak Loud

A recent study by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) reveals that 62.8% of adults in Groningen city drink more than five standard drinks per week—that’s the threshold for “unhealthy drinking.” To put it into perspective, that figure was at 50.5% just a year ago. Clearly, something’s shifting, and not in a good way.

What’s more, 6.7% of the city’s population falls into the category of excessive drinkers, which means their alcohol habits go well beyond what’s considered safe. Compare this to the national average of 5.7%, and it’s clear Groningen has some soul-searching to do.

Interestingly, across the broader province of Groningen, the numbers are actually improving. The percentage of excessive drinkers has dropped from 7.6% in 2022 to 6.3% this year, making the city’s uptick even more puzzling.

What’s Behind the Bottles?

While the province as a whole is trending towards healthier habits, Groningen city is bucking the trend. Analysts haven’t pinpointed a clear reason for this. Could it be the city’s student-heavy population and Groningen nightlife? Or maybe it’s just that endless gray Dutch weather nudging people toward a glass of wine too many? Whatever the reason, the disconnect between rising awareness and actual behavior is causing concern among health experts.

It’s not just Groningen city; some other municipalities are seeing spikes too. Het Hogeland (7.4%) and Westerwolde (7.1%) top the list for excessive drinking in the province, while Oldambt gets gold stars for keeping it low at 4.3%. Still, for expats settling into the Groningen lifestyle, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your own drinking habits.

Alcohol Myths, Busted

Think a glass of red wine a day will keep the doctor away? Marcel Seuninga from Addiction Care Northern Netherlands is here to tell you otherwise. “You drink for pleasure, not for your health,” he says, busting the long-held myth of wine as liquid medicine.

Studies increasingly show that even moderate alcohol consumption can increase your risk of illnesses like colon and breast cancer. That’s in addition to mental health challenges and the weight gain that sneaky beer calories bring. Basically, that second glass might feel good now, but it’s not doing your body any favors later.

Tips to Cut Back

If you’re rethinking your relationship with booze, good for you! Cutting back can bring a whole range of benefits, from better sleep to a clearer mind (and maybe even a slimmer wallet—have you seen how pricey craft beer is here?).

A great way to start is by setting small, achievable goals. How about taking a 40-day alcohol-free challenge? It’s long enough to notice the perks—better sleep, more energy, and even shedding some stubborn pounds. And hey, you might find you don’t miss it as much as you thought!

Social drinking can also be a slippery slope, so why not mix things up? Try mocktails (Dutch supermarkets even sell pre-made ones), or go for a sparkling water with a slice of lime when you’re out. You’ll still feel part of the crowd without overdoing it.

Final Thoughts

For a province like Groningen, which is seeing some positive overall trends, the city’s rise in unhealthy drinking is something to watch closely. If you’re new to the area, it’s a good reminder to enjoy those Dutch beers responsibly and focus on balance.

Whether it’s skipping the extra drink at a borrel (the Dutch version of happy hour) or trying a quiet January after all those December festivities, every little effort counts. And hey, it’s perfectly okay to say “ik ben aan het oppassen” (I’m watching myself) when someone offers you yet another round.

Here’s to a healthier, happier Groningen—one mindful sip at a time. Cheers (but maybe not literally this time)!