Is Gen Z the Most Sober Generation?

Part of the reason for the decline in drinking is that Gen Z seems to be more cautious than older generations, both in terms of health and how they are perceived by their peers.

 

For 27-year-old Nicola, who barely drinks, no drinking means “fewer embarrassing stories about myself and more about my friends”. She often takes the role of “designated driver” and adds, “I don't like hangovers, forgetting what I did the night before or losing control, for example, saying something embarrassing.”

 

The attitude to alcohol shown by Nicola is not rare. John Holmes, professor of alcohol policy at the University of Sheffield, told BBC that “Gen Zers are more likely to see drunkenness as unpleasant, uncool or uninteresting.”

 

While young people tend to agree that now there is less social pressure to drink, it still impacts their social life.

 

Carina says, “It can be hard in some circles to not have an alcoholic drink without having to give an excuse. I get asked if I’m pregnant or unwell if I don’t drink, so it puts me off going on nights out sometimes and having to be the sober one. Plus, being around drunk people when you’re stone cold sober can be pretty woeful.”

 

“I think more people are realising that drinking with moderation is a better option, but I grew up in a pretty rough area and drinking culture where I stay is as strong as ever,” she recalls, “When I was in school from 13 or 14, people were always drinking, doing drugs, etc. I have peers who have died and been in and out of rehab because of it.”

 

Carina makes a good point by comparing her experience living in different areas, “I think in bigger cities it’s a little better, but people from a lower economic background are still faced with the same old Scottish drinking culture.”