Gen Z: Rising Binge Drinking and Drug Use in Early Adulthood

Recent research challenges the perception of Generation Z as the “sober curious” generation, revealing a significant increase in binge drinking and drug use as young adults transition into their early 20s. A fresh analysis of data from nearly 10,000 individuals born in the UK between 2000 and 2002 indicates a concerning trend that warrants attention from public health officials and policymakers.

Binge Drinking on the Rise

Contrary to expectations, binge drinking rates among 23-year-olds have surged. Almost seven in ten (68%) reported binge drinking in the past year, a 15 percentage point increase from 53% at age 17 . Nearly a third (29%) engage in binge drinking at least monthly, a substantial rise from 10% at age 17 . Binge drinking is defined as consuming six or more alcoholic drinks in a single sitting.

Increased Drug Use Among Young Adults

The increase in drug use is even more pronounced. Nearly half (49%) of 23-year-olds have experimented with cannabis, up from 31% at age 17, representing an 18 percentage point jump . Perhaps most alarming, the proportion of those who have tried harder drugs – including cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy – has more than tripled, rising from 10% to 32% . The frequency of use of these harder drugs is also increasing, with those using them ten or more times a year rising from 3% to 8% .

Study Methodology

Researchers from University College London (UCL) analyzed data from the Millennium Cohort Study, tracking individuals born between 2000 and 2002 . The study compared substance use patterns at ages 17 and 23, revealing a substantial increase in risky behaviors.

Other Risky Behaviors

Alongside alcohol and drug use, the study also examined other potentially addictive behaviors. Daily vaping rose from 3% at 17 to almost one in five (19%) at 23, while cigarette smoking rates remained relatively stable (8% to 9%) . Almost a third (32%) of participants reported gambling at age 23, although only 4% considered it problematic .

Expert Concerns and Implications

Dr. Aase Villadsen, the lead author of the study, noted that the sharp rise in these behaviors between adolescence and early adulthood is a cause for concern, particularly as these habits can become ingrained . Dr. Katherine Severi, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, warned that young people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol as the brain continues to develop into the mid-20s .

Targeted Interventions Needed

Researchers emphasize the demand for targeted policy interventions, education, and advice, particularly for at-risk groups such as young males, who are seven times more likely to report gambling difficulties and are more prone to using harder drugs . The findings also highlight the role of the environment, such as the affordability, availability, and promotion of alcohol, particularly within university settings .