Binge drinking rises sharply among gen Z in their early 20s

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Sally Weale Education correspondentMarch 5, 2026 at 01:01 AM

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A recent study by University College London (UCL) reveals a significant increase in binge drinking and drug use among Gen Z as they transition from adolescence to early adulthood. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 10,000 individuals born in the UK between 2000 and 2002, comparing their substance use at ages 17 and 23. The study found that binge drinking, defined as consuming six or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting, rose from 53% to 68% within the past year. Cannabis use increased from 31% to 49%, while the use of harder drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy more than tripled from 10% to 32%. Researchers suggest these findings challenge the perception of Gen Z as a "sensible" generation and highlight the need for targeted interventions to address risky behaviors during this critical life stage.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS) 60% United Kingdom 60% University College London (UCL) ×270% Dr Aase Villadsen ×270% Gen Z ×390%

Keywords

binge drinking 100% gen z 90% substance use 80% drug use 70% early adulthood 60% harder drugs 50% cannabis 50% addictive behaviors 40% vaping 40%

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The Guardian - World News

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binge drinking gen z substance use drug use early adulthood harder drugs cannabis addictive behaviors vaping

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