Recent research has unveiled a troubling trend among young adults in their early twenties, challenging the perception of Generation Z as the “sensible generation.” According to a study conducted by University College London (UCL), binge drinking and drug use are on the rise, with nearly 70% of 23-year-olds reporting binge drinking in the past year. This significant increase raises alarms about the health and social behaviours of young people as they transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Binge Drinking on the Rise
The UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS) analysed data from nearly 10,000 individuals born in the UK between 2000 and 2002, part of the Millennium Cohort Study. The findings reveal a stark contrast in alcohol consumption between the ages of 17 and 23. A staggering 68% of 23-year-olds admitted to binge drinking—defined as consuming six or more alcoholic beverages in one sitting—compared to 53% at age 17. Additionally, almost a third (29%) reported binge drinking at least once a month.
This spike in binge drinking is not an isolated phenomenon; it reflects a broader shift in young people’s relationship with alcohol as they move into their twenties. Researchers noted that while substance use among teenagers was relatively low, nearly half (49%) of the young adults surveyed had tried cannabis by the age of 23. Furthermore, use of harder drugs, including cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy, surged from 10% to 32% during the same period.
Cannabis and Harder Drugs: A Shocking Increase
The study’s data highlights a concerning trend regarding drug use. The proportion of individuals who reported trying cannabis rose significantly by 18 percentage points, from 31% at age 17 to 49% at 23. More alarmingly, the number of those experimenting with harder drugs more than tripled, indicating a shift in substance use patterns among young people. Notably, those using harder drugs ten times or more in the past year increased from 3% to 8%.
In addition to alcohol and drug use, other addictive behaviours have also been noted. By age 23, nearly a third (32%) of participants reported engaging in gambling, although only 4% identified it as problematic. Vaping has surged dramatically, with daily usage rising from 3% at 17 to 19% by 23, while smoking rates have remained relatively stable.
Experts Call for Urgent Action
Dr Aase Villadsen, the lead author of the study, expressed concerns about these trends, particularly given the belief that young people were moving away from alcohol consumption. “This study shows that some members of Gen Z may not be as sensible as previously thought,” Villadsen stated. She emphasised that the transition from adolescence to early adulthood is a critical period where risky behaviours often intensify.
Alongside Villadsen, Dr Katherine Severi, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, warned of the potential dangers of alcohol consumption for young individuals, whose brains continue to develop into their mid-20s. “This study suggests that Gen Z drinkers in their early 20s may be consuming alcohol at rates comparable to—or even exceeding—those of millennials at the same age,” Severi said.
The alarming rates of heavy drinking among university students further highlight the issue, as many educational institutions grapple with the impact of the alcohol environment on student health. Severi pointed to the affordability, availability, and promotion of alcohol as key factors contributing to these consumption patterns. She stressed the importance of universities ensuring that their commercial relationships with alcohol companies do not compromise student wellbeing.
Why it Matters
The findings from the UCL study underscore an urgent need for targeted policy interventions aimed at curbing substance use among young adults. As binge drinking and drug use rise among Gen Z, society must address the underlying issues contributing to these behaviours. By prioritising education, support, and responsible marketing practices, we can create a safer environment for young people, safeguarding their health and future. This pivotal moment calls for collective action to ensure that the trends we are witnessing do not become the norm for generations to come.
