Gen Z is drinking less than previous generations

The drinking habits of America are changing. At the forefront of this change? Gen Z – who, based on recent data, are less likely to drink alcohol than previous generations at the same age.

According to a newly-published Gallup poll, 62% of Americans aged 18 to 34 say they drink – down from 72% when Gallup asked the same question two decades ago.

Experts say there are a few big reasons why:

• Demographics: The percentage of Americans aged 18 to 34 who are a racial minority has doubled over the past two decades – and non-white Americans are consistently less likely than white Americans to use alcohol across all age groups.
• Health concerns: More than half of young adults (52%) currently think moderate drinking is unhealthy, up from 34% just five years ago (s/o Andrew Huberman).
• Increased marijuana use: The number of Americans aged 18 to 34 who consume marijuana has nearly doubled since Gallup first gathered such data in 2013; research has shown many people use marijuana as a replacement drug for alcohol.

📈 It appears older generations are picking up the younger’s slack. Nearly 60% of US adults aged 55+ say they drink, up from 49% who said the same 20 years ago. Americans aged 35 to 54 have the highest drinking rate at 69%, a level that’s stayed relatively consistent for decades.