They are often referred to as Generation Sensible for their focus on healthy living and apparent lack of interest in alcohol.
And now data seems to confirm that this is the case, with one in five under-25s in the UK reporting that they are teetotal, the highest figure on record.
Meanwhile, fewer than half drink weekly, according to research by Drinkaware. It marks the lowest proportion logged since its annual survey began in 2017.
The charity said it is ‘really encouraging’ to see growing numbers of young people choosing not to consume alcohol or having it less frequently.
However, it warned that the age group is more likely to binge-drink than the rest of the population.
They are often referred to as Generation Sensible for their focus on healthy living and apparent lack of interest in alcohol . And now data seems to confirm that this is the case, with one in five under-25s in the UK reporting that they are teetotal, the highest figure on record
Drinkaware surveyed 5,213 young adults aged 18 to 24 between 2017 and 2023. The charity found that 21 per cent of the cohort were non-drinkers. It marks a 50 per cent jump on 2017, when 14 per cent reported that they didn’t consume alcohol. The figure increased to 16 per cent in 2020 and 19 per cent in 2022
The Drinkaware report, The Sober Myth: Are Young Adults Really a Generation of Non-Drinkers?, surveyed 5,213 people aged 18 to 24 between 2017 and 2023.
The charity found that 21 per cent of the cohort were non-drinkers.
It marks a 50 per cent jump on 2017, when 14 per cent reported that they didn’t consume alcohol. The figure increased to 16 per cent in 2020 and 19 per cent in 2022.
Drinkaware said Covid lockdowns may have fuelled the trend, as pandemic restrictions ‘limited opportunities for drinking’.
However, the proportion of teetotallers didn’t increase in other age groups, which suggests there is ‘something unique about the trend in non-drinking experienced by young adults’, it added.
Survey results also revealed that just 46 per cent of under-25s drink weekly, down from 53 per cent one year earlier and the lowest figure logged by Drinkaware.
Young drinkers are also less likely to consume alcohol on four or more days each week, compared to over-25s (8 per cent vs 19 per cent).
Additionally, the cohort is less likely to breach the weekly 14 unit alcohol limit set by health chiefs, which equates to around six medium glasses of wine or six pints of beer.
Results show 17 per cent of under-25s drink more than this, compared to 20 per cent of older adults.
However, the findings also show that 74 per cent are likely to binge – compared with 63 per cent of over-25s.
Experts say this may be due to a desire to ‘make up for lost time’ after lockdown restrictions ended.
Meanwhile, one in five reported consuming alcohol for ‘coping reasons’ such as to forget about their problems or help relieve feelings of anxiety or depression.
Young people are also twice as likely to drink at high-risk or possibly dependent levels compared to the rest of the population. The rate of this in the youngest age group of drinkers is 11 per cent, compared to 6 per cent in over-25s.
Compared to older drinkers aged 25 and over, young adult drinkers were more likely to have memory loss, experienced by 40 per cent.
Younger people were also found to drink less often, with only 46 per cent doing so at least once a week, compared to 56 per cent of over-25s who drink
The cohort is also less likely to breach the weekly 14 units alcohol limit set by health chiefs, which equates to around six medium glasses of wine or six pints of beer
Some 14 per cent said they felt like they needed a drink in the morning, and almost a quarter said alcohol had left them failing to meet their usual responsibilities.
Karen Tyrell, chief executive of the charity Drinkaware, said: ‘It is really encouraging to see more young adults choosing not to drink and those that do, drink less often.
‘These positive trends are welcome, but we must be careful that they don’t mask some of the more concerning drinking behaviours that still exist.
‘Young people are still more likely to binge-drink than other age groups and suffer from memory loss and depression, linked to their drinking.
‘We must ensure that young people’s drinking habits are not ignored, and they are properly addressed as part of any new alcohol strategy.
‘We must ensure that young people’s drinking habits are not ignored.
‘We need to normalise conversations around alcohol, making it easier for people to speak up and get help if they are worried about their own or others’ drinking.’
However, the findings also show that 74 per cent are likely to binge – compared with 63 per cent of over-25s
Compared to older drinkers aged 25 and over, young adult drinkers were more likely to have memory loss, experienced by 40 per cent
The research found drinkers under 25 are more likely to have alcohol on nights out with friends and less likely to drink alone at home than older age groups, with only 43 per cent having done so in the past 12 months
The research found drinkers under 25 are more likely to have alcohol on nights out with friends and less likely to drink alone at home than older age groups, with only 43 per cent having done so in the past 12 months.
But the report concludes: ‘Abstinence from alcohol among young adults is receiving increasing academic study with numerous papers investigating these trends.
‘However, as the findings in this paper demonstrate, there is still a need to acknowledge the consumption patterns of young adults who do drink as well.’
Responding to the figures, Rebecca Taylor, head of policy and public affairs at World Cancer Research Fund, said: ‘Based on this report, it is worrying that many younger people are drinking high-risk levels of alcohol and undertaking binge-drinking.
‘When it comes to cancer there is strong evidence that drinking alcohol, even in small amounts, increases the risk of a number of cancers, including breast and bowel, and the more you drink, the higher the risk.’
DO YOU DRINK TOO MUCH ALCOHOL? THE 10 QUESTIONS THAT REVEAL YOUR RISK
One screening tool used widely by medical professionals is the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tests). Developed in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, the 10-question test is considered to be the gold standard in helping to determine if someone has alcohol abuse problems.
The test has been reproduced here with permission from the WHO.
To complete it, answer each question and note down the corresponding score.
YOUR SCORE:
0-7: You are within the sensible drinking range and have a low risk of alcohol-related problems.
Over 8: Indicate harmful or hazardous drinking.
8-15: Medium level of risk. Drinking at your current level puts you at risk of developing problems with your health and life in general, such as work and relationships. Consider cutting down (see below for tips).
16-19: Higher risk of complications from alcohol. Cutting back on your own may be difficult at this level, as you may be dependent, so you may need professional help from your GP and/or a counsellor.
20 and over: Possible dependence. Your drinking is already causing you problems, and you could very well be dependent. You should definitely consider stopping gradually or at least reduce your drinking. You should seek professional help to ascertain the level of your dependence and the safest way to withdraw from alcohol.
Severe dependence may need medically assisted withdrawal, or detox, in a hospital or a specialist clinic. This is due to the likelihood of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the first 48 hours needing specialist treatment.