Gen Z drives unprecedented decline in alcohol use
Gen Z is 20x more likely to abstain from alcohol than Baby Boomers, reshaping Australia’s drinking culture.
Why it matters
- Gen Z's alcohol abstention could reshape Australia's drinking culture.
- Potential for major public health benefits if trend continues.
By the numbers
- Study analyzed data from 23,000+ Australians over 20 years.
- Gen Z 20x more likely to abstain from alcohol than Baby Boomers.
- Weekly alcohol consumption declining in younger cohorts.
The big picture
- Clear generational shift: younger gens abstain more, drink less weekly.
- Cultural shift away from alcohol, driven by Gen Z and Millennials.
- Older Australians still at risk of alcohol-related harm.
What they're saying
- Comment: Alcohol industry may resist changes due to economic interests.
- Comment: Gen Z shows broader behavioral shifts beyond alcohol use.
- Authors: Trend could inform public health strategies.
Caveats
- Findings based on Australian data, may not apply globally.
- Binge drinking remains a concern despite overall decline.
- Older generations still at risk of alcohol-related harm.
What’s next
- Identify drivers of decline to support healthier behaviors.
- Policies like minimum pricing could reinforce trends.
- Focus on high-risk groups remains crucial.