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It’s become a common refrain that the generation emerging into adulthood, Gen Z, is not as big a drinker of alcohol as previous age groups.
Whilst headlines exclaiming this are generally true, they don’t tell the full story. There are conflicting stories emerging, and whilst Gen Z may be drinking less, they may be engaging in other forms of risky behaviour.
So, is Gen Z drinking less, or is the situation a bit more complicated? And what factors are contributing to Gen Z’s drinking habits and other potentially dangerous behaviours?
Who Are Gen Z?
Gen Z consists of people born between 1995 and 2012. They are seen as the first digitally native generation, having never really experienced life without the internet.
This generation has grown up online, with life dominated by social media and in the shadow of the global market crash in 2008. They are generally seen to be more socially and environmentally conscious, more aware of mental health and racial issues and ambitious about changing the world.
Are Gen Z Drinking Less Than Previous Generations?
There is data to suggest that Gen Z alcohol consumption in the UK is less compared to previous generations. A latest NHS survey from 2022 found that 25% of people aged 16 to 24 reported not having had an alcoholic drink in the past year, which was the largest proportion across all adult age groups.
Drinkaware has found that nearly half of young people are choosing no and low-alcohol drinks to moderate their drinking.
Young people’s drinking trends are changing due to a shift in awareness and attitude. Gen Z are more aware of their physical and mental health, engage and prioritise wellness practices and take part in sobriety trends such as Dry January.
Why Some Data Suggests Drinking Is Declining
But what is behind this trend?
Health Awareness
Gen Z are more aware of the dangers of drinking, learning about it from a young age. They are more conscious and open about mental health, know how alcohol can affect it, and so have a different attitude to the substance.
Social Media Influence
Most of Gen Z are online. Besides the potential negative outcomes of social media, it is full of figures and celebrities who talk openly about their sobriety and try to help people adjust their relationship to alcohol.
“Sober Curious” Movement
Sober October, Dry January. These are just parts of the sober curious movement that is gaining more traction amongst all age groups. Gen Z may be more open to the act of mindful drinking, socialising without alcohol and purchasing low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks when out.
Cost of Living Factors
Prices are rising, and younger people have less disposable income. They are having to prioritise their money, and going out clubbing is now seen as more of a wasteful expense.
But Are There Concerning Trends?
Gen Z drinking less overall doesn’t tell the whole story. A recent study by University College London, looking at alcohol trends in young adults, found that 68% of Gen Zers had engaged in binge drinking in the last year.
In the same study, they found that almost a third of the same age group regularly drank more than six drinks in one sitting. They also found that nearly half of Gen Z’s 23-year-olds had used cannabis, and over a third have tried harder drugs.
These Gen Z substance use statistics point towards them being more open to experimentation and substituting drinking with other behaviours.
So, even though Gen Z may spread out their drinking more, this doesn’t always mean there is a reduced risk of developing an alcohol addiction.
The Role of Mental Health in Gen Z Drinking Habits
Unhealthy relationships with substances don’t occur in a vacuum. The latest available survey from the NHS found that 1 in 5 young people had a probable mental disorder. This can mean anything from schizophrenia to mild anxiety, depression and chronic stress.
Mental health problems such as stress and anxiety can have a huge impact on a person’s drinking habits. A person will self-medicate to ease their feelings of stress and anxiety, but soon alcohol will only contribute to the problems.
The situation will spiral, leading to a dual diagnosis, where a person is suffering from addiction alongside mental health issues.
If you want to solve a generation’s drinking habits, you need to get to the root cause, and in many cases, that is worsening mental health amongst many young people who are looking for any way to cope.
Alcohol vs Other Substances
Whereas Gen Z’s drinking habits may not be as notorious as previous generations, they are using other substances.
Ketamine use has risen in younger people, and cannabis is far more common than it used to be. The rising mental health crisis across all generations, but especially younger people, means that more of Gen Z may be using prescribed drugs, and these carry dangers of being abused.
Social Media and Drinking Culture
As of 2024, 98% of Gen Z were active users of social media. This is a staggering figure, even when a recent poll found that nearly 4 in 10 have found that social media has done them more harm than good.
Social media has a huge impact on behaviour and perceptions. On the positive side, the rise of sober influencers and celebrities talking about sobriety has meant that younger users follow them by example.
On the other side of it, young people post photos and videos of themselves on nights out, drinking, at festivals, and having fun, and others may feel they are missing out or pressured to join in.
With social media, people rarely show their bad side, so Gen Z users only get a partial picture that does not tell the full story and reality of drinking.
What This Means for the Future
Gen Z seems more interested in activities and experiences than in drinking for its own sake. But the rise in binge drinking and drug use, online use and mental health struggles could point towards different problems arising.
Excessive drinking has always been bad, but it seems that Gen Z are at least aware of the full impact of alcohol and may enjoy an overall healthier relationship with alcohol than those who have gone before.
When Does Drinking Become a Concern?
There are clear signs to be aware of that may show you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol. Signs to look out for include:
- You are drinking every day
- People have commented on your drinking
- You are using alcohol to self-medicate mental health issues
- You continue to drink despite the negative effects on your life
- Relationships, work, and school are suffering due to your alcohol drinking
- You have become more secretive about your drinking
Knowing the signs means you can get the help you need before the situation worsens.
Support for Young People and Families
There is now more than ever a heightened awareness about the dangers of young people drinking.
That means there are plenty of resources available to you. If you believe you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, you shouldn’t delay in getting help. Early intervention can increase the chances of long-term recovery.
Alcohol rehabs allow you to access addiction treatment programmes that are effective, confidential and provided without judgement.
Are you a member of Gen Z and Concerned About Your Drinking? Get Help Today
Saying that Gen Z drink less is simplistic and doesn’t tell the full story. Trends among age groups are complex and always evolving, so exclaiming victory or putting down an entire generation isn’t helpful.
You should always look to educate yourself, stay aware and make informed choices based on this information.
If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s drinking habits, get in touch with Rehab Clinics Group today for confidential guidance and support.
