SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — New statistics show Generation Z is on track to become the most sober generation on record. Gen Z, comprised of people born between 1997 and 2012, binge drinks far less than Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers, according to research conducted by AddictionResource.net.
What caused this drop in drinking? Survey data found young adults have far different perceptions about alcohol than older generations.
Gen Z is responsible for the growing “sober curious” and “mindful drinking” movements in America, which contend that people should be mindful about how much, when, and why they drink.
Gen Z is also more concerned about health issues can develop from alcoholism, also known as Alcohol Use Disorder, than previous generations, researchers found.
One in three young people who decide not to drink said their primary reason was for better health. Other popular reasons included saving money, having concerns about becoming addicted, and the belief that drinking less is cool.
“One study found that 34% of people in the Gen Z age group are making an effort to drink less, while 45% say they’ve never had an alcoholic drink in their lives,” researchers wrote. “One in four Americans are familiar with the sober curious movement, underlining the impressive reach that mindful drinking has garnered on social media,” researchers wrote.
Abstinence from alcohol can result in more stable moods, increased self-esteem, stronger personal relationships, boosted brain cognition, and overall better mental health, according to Addictionresource.net.
The new statistics, however, revealed a paradox within Generation Z: Young people are misusing drugs more than older generations.
Gen Z reported higher rates of substance use for drugs including marijuana, psychedelics, and nicotine. Nicotine vaping rates have tripled among teenagers and young adults in recent years, researchers found.
New statistics found that:
- Fentanyl use among teens jumped by 47 percent in just one year.
- Marijuana remains the most commonly used drug among Gen Z.
- Stimulant abuse, such as Adderall, Ritalin, as well as hallucinogen use are also on the rise.
Julie Morrow, chief clinical strategist at AddictionResource.net, said, “Many young people perceive marijuana and certain psychedelics as ‘safer’ alternatives to alcohol, which is not always the case. The increasing normalization of these substances, coupled with the accessibility of opioids like fentanyl, puts Gen Z at significant risk.”
Morrow continued, “We’re seeing a major shift in substance use patterns. While it’s encouraging that Gen Z is reducing alcohol consumption, the rise in drug use suggests they may simply be replacing one substance with another. The dangers of fentanyl, in particular, cannot be overstated — many young people are unknowingly ingesting it, leading to fatal overdoses. Sobriety should mean more than just avoiding alcohol—it should encompass a broader understanding of overall health and well-being.”
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — New statistics show Generation Z is on track to become the most sober generation on record. Gen Z, comprised of people born between 1997 and 2012, binge drinks far less than Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers, according to research conducted by AddictionResource.net. What caused this drop in drinking? Survey data […]
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