Study finds significant drop in binge drinking among Gen Z men

Study Finds Significant Drop in Binge Drinking Among Gen Z Men

A new wave of research reveals a remarkable shift in the drinking habits of young people, with Gen Z men reporting significantly less binge drinking than their female counterparts—a reversal of long-standing gender patterns, according to multiple studies released in 2024.

For the first time, young women are now binge drinking at higher rates than young men. The studies, covered by outlets such as *The Washington Times* and Yahoo News, indicate that this trend is evident not only in the United States, but across Europe and other Western nations.

Gen Z Men Report Decline in Binge Drinking

Binge drinking, typically defined as consuming five or more drinks for men and four or more for women in a short period, has traditionally been more common among young men. However, recent data point to a steady decline in these behaviors among Gen Z males—those born from the late 1990s through the early 2010s.

A study highlighted by Yahoo News notes, “Young men are binge drinking less than young women for the first time.” This trend marks a significant change from previous generations, in which young men consistently outpaced women in alcohol consumption and binge drinking rates.

Young Women Now Outpace Men

Meanwhile, young women’s binge drinking rates have held steady or exceeded those of men in certain areas. *The Guardian* reports that in the United Kingdom, teenage girls outdrink boys by the widest margin seen anywhere in Europe. Similar trends have been observed in the United States and other parts of the world.

Socioeconomic Factors Cited in Gen Z Trends

Researchers theorize that economic factors are contributing to these shifts in alcohol use. According to a Dutch study covered by NewsNation, Gen Z is drinking less not simply due to health considerations or changing social norms, but because financial constraints are making drinking less affordable. With rising costs and other economic pressures, young people report that they are “broke” and unable to spend money on alcohol as previous generations did.

This abstention is more apparent among young men, who show the steepest decline according to several surveys. Social patterns, the rise of wellness culture, and increased awareness of substance use risks may also play a role, though the economic angle remains prominent in recent analyses.

Implications and Concerns

Despite these encouraging trends among Gen Z males, health experts warn that patterns of alcohol use are diversifying, and risks remain for all young people. The New York Times cites findings that certain habitual drinking behaviors may be more dangerous than occasional binge drinking, including the risks posed by regular, lower-level consumption. The evolving patterns of who drinks and how underscore the importance of continued research and targeted public health messaging.

Global Perspective

The trend spans beyond the U.S. and U.K.; European studies show similar gender reversals in underage and young adult drinking. As researchers and policymakers continue to monitor these patterns, the recent findings suggest new directions for alcohol education and intervention strategies, particularly as young women surpass their male peers in both frequency and magnitude of binge drinking.

Conclusion

In summary, recent research confirms a significant drop in binge drinking among Gen Z men, with young women now outpacing their male peers for the first time on record. Economic circumstances, changing social norms, and increased health awareness are among the factors driving these shifts, signaling a new chapter in youth drinking culture that will have implications for public health initiatives and societal attitudes toward alcohol.