General Discussion

The numbers are in and people of all ages are drinking less. The drop is most measurable among college age kids. One researcher said "compared to preceding generations, Generation Z may be the soberest generation yet." The biggest declines are seen among males 18 to 30YO but researchers do not agree on the reasons behind the drop. Pape et al. (2018: 99) suggests the drinking decline is ‘embedded in a general trend toward a slower passage into adulthood’ but Törrönen et al. (2019: 13) say the exact opposite -- highlighting "the early maturation of young people as more individualized, responsible, reflective, and adult-like actors than in earlier generations." The stigma associated with not drinking alcohol is quickly fading. Declining alcohol at social gatherings used to be taken as a sign that you were in recovery. It is now much more accepted and is part of trend that includes "Sober curious".

Pape et al. (2018: 99) suggests the drinking decline is ‘embedded in a general trend toward a slower passage into adulthood’ but Törrönen et al. (2019: 13) say the exact opposite -- highlighting "the early maturation of young people as more individualized, responsible, reflective, and adult-like actors than in earlier generations."