Gen Z adults drinking more than millennials were at same age, study finds
Generation Z, often referred to as the “sober enthusiast” generation, consumes more alcohol than the generation before them, a new study has claimed.
Despite suggestions that Gen Z adults drink less than previous generations, the research found that 68 percent of young adults reported binge drinking in the past year.
Findings show that rates of binge drinking are higher among Generation Z than among Millennials of the same age.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Aase Villadsen said: “Recent reports show that young people are increasingly turning away from drinking alcohol compared to previous generations. However, our new study shows that this may not be the case for some members of Generation Z when they reach their early 20s.”
“While late adolescence and early adulthood are a time when young people tend to experiment, the increase in excessive alcohol consumption and drug use causes concern, especially if these behaviors become more ingrained in their 20s.”
The University College London study also found that half of 23-year-olds have used cannabis and a third have tried harder drugs such as cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy.
These data come from data on nearly 10,000 young adults born in the UK in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Participants were asked how often they used drugs or alcohol at age 17 and again at age 23.
The researchers found that the number of people drinking excessively or experimenting with hard drugs tripled by the time the group reached age 23.
About 29 percent reported consuming alcohol once a month or more at age 23, compared to 10 percent at age 17.
This compares with 25 percent of millennials at similar ages who binge drink once a month.
Young adults attending college reported higher rates of binge drinking, and men were more likely to binge drink or take drugs.
The proportion who had tried marijuana rose from 31 percent when the group was 17 to 49 percent.
Dr Villadsen said: “Potentially addictive behaviors such as substance use and gambling can be harmful and affect individuals’ health, relationships, educational and employment opportunities.
“Their impact could also put pressure on public services, particularly the health service, social care and the criminal justice system.
“Our findings underscore the need for continued policy attention to substance use and addictive behaviors in young adults.”
