Is Generation Z Drinking Less?

College-aged kids carry a certain reputation when it comes to drinking alcohol. It’s a vision shaped by the rowdy Delta frat in “Animal House,” the OG when it comes to the party-hard film genre.

That idea, however, may be as dated as that classic movie. Research shows that the Generation Z crowd now on campus seems to be knocking back far less beer and booze than previous generations.

And this isn’t just a random blip in the numbers: “Younger adults are drinking less alcohol — and it has been moving in that direction for two decades,” says addiction psychiatrist Akhil Anand, MD.

So, what’s behind the trend? And does this mean alcohol and drug use worries are disappearing for Gen Z, loosely defined as those born between 1997 and 2010? Let’s take a closer look with Dr. Anand.

Gen Z and alcohol consumption

Want a beer? The answer to that question is increasingly “no” for college students and young adults (age 18 to 22) not in school. A study published in 2020 found that alcohol abstinence is increasingly common among Gen Z.

Researchers found that:

• 28% of college students in 2018 reported that they abstained from alcohol. In 2002, the number was 20%.
• Young adults not in college were even more likely to avoid alcohol. Nearly 30% of this group in 2018 reported that they did not drink beer, wine or spirits. The number was about 24% in 2002.

How noticeable is the trend? Put it this way: Earlier this year, music venues holding concerts catering to Gen Z reported significant drops in alcohol sales during the events. (The bar tab is still strong at shows attended by older fans, by the way.)

Why is Gen Z drinking less?

Is there a definitive reason for Gen Z’s movement away from alcohol? “The answer is we don’t really know,” says Dr. Anand. “But there are a lot of theories.”

So, let’s look at a few of them. (SPOILER ALERT: They’re not all positive signs.)

Mental health awareness

Years ago, people routinely turned to alcohol instead of each other to cope with the stresses of life. It’s why “drowning one’s sorrows” became a well-known phrase.

But in today’s world, people talk far more openly about depression, anxiety and other mental health issues, explains Dr. Anand. There’s an understanding that these feelings are part of the human condition— and that alcohol isn’t a solution.

“Alcohol is a depressant and never the answer to a bad day,” says Dr. Anand. “Gen Z seems to understand that concept and they’ve moved in a different direction.”

Healthier lifestyles

The “clean living” lifestyle embraced by many in Gen Z means making healthier choices when it comes to eating and drinking. It’s one of the forces driving increases in organic food sales and products such as kombucha.

Alcohol is a toxin that doesn’t exactly fit within that care-for-your-body mindset, notes Dr. Anand. (The increased popularity of “Dry January” — where people commit to not drink for the month ­— is another example of thought process in action.)

Giving up alcohol also can lead to health benefits such as:

• Improved sleep.
• Lower cholesterol.
• Reduced blood pressure.
• Increased energy.
• Improved liver function.
• Weight loss.

“When people give up drinking, even for a month, they often notice that they feel better,” notes Dr. Anand. “That’s not by coincidence.

Education

Numerous programs aimed at school-aged children warn about the dangers of alcohol use. “The message may be getting through,” suggests Dr. Anand.

Increased cannabis use

In ditching alcohol, did members of Gen Z just replace one drug with another? The answer might be yes judging by the research.

Decreases in alcohol consumption by Gen Z coincide with an uptick in cannabis use, according to numerous reports. The rise coincides with increased legalization of cannabis and a lower feeling of risk, says Dr. Anand.

Is this a one-for-one trade in substances? Some signs point that way. “There are people using cannabis to cope with stress and depression, just like they were using alcohol,” he explains. “We see similar harmful use patterns.”

Binge drinking: Still a concern

While some Gen Zers have turned away from alcohol, many of their peers continue to binge drink beer, wine and liquor. (Binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women on a single occasion.)

“Binge drinking is highest among younger adults — and it can be very harmful,” states Dr. Anand. “We’re even seeing a rise in severe liver disease in younger people from drinking too much alcohol.”

Addiction concerns remain

Are there positive signs involving trends with drinking and alcohol use disorder? Absolutely, says Dr. Anand. But that movement doesn’t erase the reality that addiction remains a significant health issue.

Increased use of cannabis and other drugs also deserves greater attention.

“There’s a new landscape of drug use with young adults,” he continues. “It’s nice to see that there is more awareness about alcohol use, but we’re still seeing extremes with alcohol and other substances.

“If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, know that there is help available. Go to your healthcare provider, family or friends. Nobody needs to go at it alone.”