Gen Z binge drinking rises sharply in early 20s study

Published: 05 March 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Gen Z binge drinking has risen sharply as young adults enter their early twenties, challenging the long-held belief that this generation drinks less than those before them. Fresh analysis from University College London suggests that risky alcohol use increases significantly between the ages of 17 and 23.

The findings come from researchers at the UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies, who examined patterns within the Millennium Cohort Study. The study follows nearly 10,000 individuals born across the UK between 2000 and 2002. By comparing responses at ages 17 and 23, the team uncovered notable shifts in alcohol and drug use.

At age 23, 68 percent of participants reported binge drinking at least once in the past year. That figure represents a 15-percentage-point increase from the 53 percent recorded at age 17. Nearly a third, or 29 percent, said they binge drank at least monthly, up from just 10 percent during their teenage years. Binge drinking in the study was defined as consuming six or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting.

These figures complicate the popular narrative that Generation Z is a more cautious, health-conscious cohort. Over recent years, commentators have described them as “generation sensible”, citing lower teenage drinking rates and growing interest in wellbeing. However, the new data indicates that while some teenagers may delay alcohol use, many increase consumption rapidly once they reach adulthood.

Dr Aase Villadsen, the study’s lead author, said the results challenge simplified assumptions about young people’s behaviour. She explained that although some reports suggest declining youth drinking overall, patterns shift markedly in the early twenties. According to her, this life stage appears to intensify certain risks rather than diminish them.

The research also revealed substantial growth in drug use during the same period. At 17, 31 percent of participants said they had tried cannabis. By 23, that figure had climbed to 49 percent, marking an 18-percentage-point rise. Even more striking was the increase in harder drugs, including cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy. The proportion who had tried such substances more than tripled, rising from 10 percent at 17 to 32 percent at 23.

Frequent use also became more common. Those reporting use of harder drugs ten times or more in the past year rose from 3 percent to 8 percent. Researchers described this growth as substantial, particularly given the relatively limited experimentation seen in mid-adolescence.

While alcohol and drugs showed clear increases, other behaviours also shifted. Nearly a third of the cohort, 32 percent, reported gambling at age 23. Only 4 percent described their gambling as problematic, yet the gender gap was significant. Young men were around seven times more likely than young women to report gambling difficulties.

Daily vaping displayed one of the sharpest rises. Just 3 percent of participants reported vaping daily at 17. By 23, almost one in five, or 19 percent, said they vaped every day. In contrast, cigarette smoking remained relatively stable, edging only slightly from 8 percent to 9 percent over the same period.

Experts say the early twenties represent a critical developmental window. Dr Villadsen noted that late adolescence and early adulthood often involve experimentation. New freedoms, university life, employment changes and shifting social networks can all influence behaviour. However, she warned that repeated exposure to heavy drinking or drugs at this stage can embed habits that persist later in life.

Concerns about brain development add further urgency. Dr Katherine Severi, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, emphasised that the brain continues developing into the mid-twenties. She said young adults are therefore particularly vulnerable to alcohol’s harmful effects. Regular heavy drinking during this period may have longer-term cognitive and mental health consequences.

Severi also addressed comparisons with millennials. She suggested that Gen Z binge drinking in the early twenties may now match or even exceed levels seen among millennials at similar ages. This observation challenges the assumption that generational shifts automatically lead to healthier outcomes.

University environments appear to play a notable role. Students reported higher rates of heavy drinking than their non-student peers. According to Severi, this pattern highlights the influence of the wider alcohol environment rather than individual choice alone. Affordability, easy availability and aggressive promotion can all shape behaviour.

Many students encounter alcohol marketing through sponsorship of sports clubs and campus events. Universities often host social activities where drinking is normalised or encouraged. Severi argued that institutions have a clear duty of care to prioritise student wellbeing. Commercial relationships with alcohol companies, she said, should never outweigh health considerations.

The broader context of cost-of-living pressures and post-pandemic recovery may also shape these trends. Young adults today face housing insecurity, employment uncertainty and social disruption. Some researchers suggest that substance use can increase during periods of stress or transition. While the study did not directly measure motivations, it highlights the importance of supportive interventions.

Policy responses may need to adapt accordingly. Dr Villadsen called for targeted education and prevention strategies focused on the most at-risk groups. Young men, in particular, face elevated risks related to gambling and harder drug use. Tailored messaging and early support could help prevent patterns from becoming entrenched.

Public health advocates argue that structural measures remain crucial. Minimum pricing, advertising restrictions and tighter controls on availability have been shown internationally to reduce alcohol harm. Campaigners say such policies can complement education efforts by addressing environmental drivers.

Despite the concerning rise, researchers caution against framing the entire generation negatively. Many young adults still choose not to drink heavily or use drugs. The data reflects averages across a diverse population. Within the cohort, substantial variation exists based on gender, socioeconomic background and educational pathways.

Importantly, teenage drinking levels remain lower than in previous decades. The increase observed between 17 and 23 suggests delayed uptake rather than constant high consumption from early adolescence. Understanding this shift is key for designing effective interventions.

The Millennium Cohort Study provides a rare opportunity to track individuals over time. By examining the same participants at different ages, researchers can identify genuine developmental changes rather than relying on snapshots. This method strengthens confidence in the findings and allows for more nuanced analysis.

For families and educators, the message is complex but clear. Early adulthood remains a sensitive period for risk behaviours. Conversations about alcohol and drugs should not end when young people leave school. Continued guidance and accessible support services are essential.

Gen Z binge drinking, as revealed in this research, does not necessarily signal moral decline. Instead, it reflects the powerful influence of life transitions, peer norms and commercial environments. Addressing these factors requires coordinated efforts from policymakers, universities, health professionals and communities.

As the full briefing paper is published by the Centre for Longitudinal Studies, experts hope the data will inform balanced debate. The aim is not to stigmatise young adults but to understand the pressures they face. With evidence-based strategies, the risks highlighted by this study can be reduced.

The early twenties should be a time of opportunity and growth. Ensuring that Gen Z binge drinking does not overshadow that potential will demand sustained attention. The new findings offer a timely reminder that public health challenges evolve, even when perceptions suggest progress.

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