Gen Z is showing a significant decrease in alcohol consumption with health and wellness on the rise.
According to EatingWell, a new study recently linked drinking to cancer, liver damage and mental health issues like anxiety, depression and psychosis.
Another study by the Washington Post found that “heavy drinkers had 133 percent higher odds of developing vascular brain lesions than those who never drank.”
People, especially Gen Z, are beginning to recognize these dangers on a more serious level.
“People are being more present in their health and actively trying to find ways to feel, look, and be their best,” said graduate student Allison St.Clair, who is studying health equity and human rights at UM. “So when you assess all life factors, you have to take into account alcohol, if you drink, and people are realizing it really isn’t doing them well,”
Data on alcohol consumption over the past two decades has shown that the number of 18 to 34 year-olds who drink has decreased from 72% to 62%. Alcohol abstinence among college students rose from 20% in 2002 to 28% in 2018.
“I like to know where my senses are. I like to go out and have fun but never lose my senses,” says Emma Balleste, a broadcast journalism major at UM. “I love that I can have beautiful moments with my friends and family and not need to resort to drinking.”
Recent 2024 data according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that roughly 50% of full-time college students abstained from alcohol in the past month. Based on early 2025 data, this trend seems to align with an increasing number of sober adults.
Organizations, schools and online influencers continue to work to educate students about the dangers of alcohol abuse.
At the University of Miami, admitted students are required to take a compliance course upon admission that uses student-driven narratives to promote alcohol prevention education. This course covers topics like short and long-term effects, benefits of abstaining and tools to begin a sober journey.
Jessica Valdes, a broadcast journalism major at the UM says, “I still have really funny moments that a lot of people say they have while being under the influence. If I’m still having a good time, I don’t see how being drunk or drinking could add to my experiences.”
The Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education is a program on campus that focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle. They look to educate students about the negative consequences of drug and alcohol use.
“The Sandler Center provides alcohol and other drug education through our outreach and training and harm reduction tools through our safety kit program such as drink covers, substance testing strips, and Narcan, all free to students,” said Jordan Coello, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education.
Reasons for the decrease
Young adults are beginning to adopt a healthier lifestyle. They are beginning workout routines, eating on a diet and avoiding putting harmful toxins into their bodies, like alcohol.
Gen Z has started to notice the benefits of excluding alcohol from their diets as well. Improved sleep, lower cholesterol, reduced blood pressure, increased energy, improved liver function and weight loss are all things Gen Z is aiming for.
“I chose to not drink for health reasons, potential risks to my liver and just no desire to in general,” says Dylan Reiss, a finance major at UM.
This ties into increased education regarding alcohol and drugs. Before recent studies and funded programs aimed towards middle-school aged students, people were unaware about how detrimental the consequences of alcohol usage could really be.
Mental health has also been a much bigger topic of conversation over the past years, and people struggling with mental health are more likely to seek help in their community instead of turning to harmful coping methods.
Alternatively, people could be trading in alcohol consumption for cannabis use instead. Cannabis has now become legalized in 24 states for recreational use and many who use it may argue it is “less risky” compared to alcohol.
There has also been a new surge of alcohol alternatives in the US.
Non-alcoholic spirits and wines have become popular with the creation of brands like Ritual Zero Proof, Seedlip and Free Spirits. Wellness focused drinks like adaptogen-infused drinks, wellness shots and kombucha are also becoming more popular.
Overall, Gen Z has shifted towards a culture of wellness without drinking that should have a positive impact.