Binge drinking rates among Generation Z have risen sharply since their teenage years, according to new research that challenges their reputation as 'generation sensible'. Almost seven in ten 23-year-olds reported binge drinking in the past year, with nearly a third doing 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. It found that 68% of 23-year-olds had binged on alcohol in the last year, up from 53% at age 17. Binge drinking is defined as consuming six or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting. Monthly binge drinking rose from 10% to 29% over the same period.
Drug use also increased substantially. By age 23, almost half (49%) had used cannabis, up from 31% at 17, while a third (32%) had tried harder drugs such as cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy – more than triple the 10% at 17. The proportion using harder drugs ten times or more in the past year rose from 3% to 8%.
Other potentially addictive behaviours also emerged. Nearly a third (32%) reported gambling at 23, though only 4% described it as problematic. Daily vaping increased from 3% to 19%, while cigarette smoking remained stable at around 9%.
Lead author Dr Aase Villadsen said the findings contradict recent reports that young people are turning away from alcohol. '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 said. She noted that young males are particularly at risk, being seven times more likely to report gambling difficulties and more likely to use harder drugs.
Dr Katherine Severi, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, warned that young people are vulnerable to alcohol's effects as the brain develops into the mid-20s. 'Despite frequent claims that young people are drinking less, this study suggests that Gen Z drinkers in their early 20s may now be drinking as much as – or more than – millennials did at a similar age,' she said. She called on universities to ensure student health is not compromised by commercial relationships with alcohol companies.
