Binge drinking rates among Generation Z have risen sharply since their teenage years, new research has found, challenging the idea that they are a 'generation sensible'. Almost seven in ten 23-year-olds reported binge drinking in the past year, while nearly a third said they did so at least monthly.
The study, by University College London (UCL), analysed data from nearly 10,000 people born across the UK in 2000-02. Binge drinking, defined as consuming six or more drinks in one sitting, rose from 53% at age 17 to 68% at age 23. Drug use also increased substantially, with almost half having tried cannabis and a third using harder drugs such as cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy by their early 20s.
Lead author Dr Aase Villadsen said: 'Recent reports have suggested that young people are increasingly turning their backs on drinking alcohol compared to earlier born generations. However, our new study appears to show that this might not be the case for some members of gen Z as they reach their early 20s.' She warned that the sharp rise in risky behaviours between adolescence and early adulthood was cause for concern, particularly if such behaviours become ingrained.
The study also found that almost one in five 23-year-olds vaped daily, up from 3% at 17, while gambling was reported by nearly a third. However, only 4% described their gambling as problematic. Young males were found to be seven times more likely to report gambling difficulties than females and more likely to use harder drugs.
Dr Katherine Severi, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, said the findings suggest gen Z drinkers in their early 20s may now be drinking as much as or more than millennials did at a similar age. She highlighted the role of the wider alcohol environment, including affordability, availability and promotion, and called on universities to prioritise student health over commercial relationships with alcohol companies.
