Generation Z Binge Drinking, Drug Use Surge in Early 20s

0:00On March 5th, a new study from University College London reveals that binge drinking among generation Z spikes in their early 20s. Nearly 7 and 10 23-year-olds reported binging in the past year, with almost a third doing it monthly. That's a big jump from their teen years. Drug use follows the same trend. Cannabis experimentation rose to almost half of the group by age 23 of 18 percentage points from 17. Carter drugs like cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy tripled to about a third having tried them. Researchers tracked nearly 10,000 people born in the UK around 2000 to 2002. They also saw daily vaping climb to 1 in 5, while gambling hit a third, though only 4% called it a problem. Cigarette smoking state steady around 9%. Experts say this challenges the idea of generation Z as overly cautious with substances. The lead researcher warns that early adulthood ramps up risks, especially for young men who face higher odds with drugs and gambling issues.

1:02With brains still developing into the mid 20s, heavy drinking poses real threats. Cauls are growing for universities to curb alcohol promotions and for targeted education to keep these habits from sticking around long-term.