Teenagers. Teenage years are the riskiest time to develop an alcohol dependence. Youth who start drinking before the age of 15 are 4 times more likely to be one who alcoholism affects later on in life. On top of that, an individual's brain is still developing well into their twenties.Prevalence of Past-Year Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 29.5 million people ages 12 and older (10.5% in this age group) had AUD in the past year. This includes: 17.4 million males ages 12 and older (12.6% in this age group)Current, binge, and heavy alcohol use in the United States in 2022, by age group*

Characteristic	Current use (not binge)	Heavy alcohol use
16-17 years	14.5%	0.6%
18-20 years	31.6%	4.5%
21-25 years	61.2%	9.4%
26-29 years	63.1%	8.5%

How much does the average 25-year-old drink : Findings showed that the amount that people drink usually peaks at around 25 years old at about 20 units (about 10 drinks, as we think of them) a week for men and seven or eight units (three to four drinks) for women.

Is Gen Z drinking less

Gen Z is reported to drink less alcohol compared to Millennials and previous generations. A World Finance report shows that Gen Zers drink on average 20 percent less than millennials, who also drink less than older generations.

Is it normal for 20 year olds to drink a lot : According to the 2022 NSDUH, 10.3 million young adults ages 18 to 25 (29.5% in this age group) reported binge drinking in the past month (see glossary for definition of binge drinking). This includes: 5.0 million males ages 18 to 25 (28.5% in this age group) 5.3 million females ages 18 to 25 (30.5% in this age group)

28% of college students in 2018 reported that they abstained from alcohol. In 2002, the number was 20%. Young adults not in college were even more likely to avoid alcohol. Nearly 30% of this group in 2018 reported that they did not drink beer, wine or spirits.

In 2023, 28% of Americans 21 or older did not drink any alcohol at all.

Do people in their 20s drink more

Historically, binge drinking among both men and women has tended to increase from age 18 through the early 20s then subside afterwards, the authors of a recent study note in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.In the long run, excessive drinking can lead to addiction, health problems, impaired relationships, and hindered personal growth. While most young adults binge drink now and then, if you find yourself binge drinking every weekend, or every day, it's time to reevaluate your habits.Heavy drinking includes binge drinking and has been defined for women as 4 or more drinks on any day or 8 or more per week, and for men as 5 or more drinks on any day or 15 or more per week.

Tap into Gen Z with sober curious lifestyle messages

More than one-third (36%) of Gen Z say they're going alcohol-free for their mental health.

Why is Gen Z sober : It's also for wellness, as 36% of Gen Zers are going sober because of mental health reasons, per NCSolutions. The increase in marijuana consumption and awareness of the health effects of alcohol are also likely factors in the weaking dependence on alcohol.

Is 30 beers a week too much : Heavy drinking includes binge drinking and has been defined for women as 4 or more drinks on any day or 8 or more per week, and for men as 5 or more drinks on any day or 15 or more per week.

Why is Gen Z not drinking

The visibility of healthier lifestyles has resulted in Gen Z showing a preference for lower alcohol consumption. Social media has also helped reduce the stigma around mental health discussions, prompting Gen Z to be more cautious about their drinking habits, as they acknowledge the impact of alcohol on mental health.

Gen Z's Alcohol Consumption

Gen Z has gained recognition for limiting their alcohol consumption, though that doesn't mean that they aren't drinking at all. Around a third of people aged 18-24 do not drink alcohol at all, but those who do tend to drink primarily as a treat, to relax, or to mark a special occasion.According to the 2022 NSDUH, 2.6 million young adults ages 18 to 25 (7.6% in this age group) reported heavy alcohol use in the past month (see glossary for definition of heavy alcohol use). This includes: 1.5 million males ages 18 to 25 (8.6% in this age group) 1.1 million females ages 18 to 25 (6.5% in this age group)

Is drinking once a week bad : While the occasional drink may not be cause for concern, indulging in binge drinking once a week can have severe consequences for both physical and mental health.