Under-25 more likely to binge-drink than the rest of the population

Under-25s are more likely to binge-drink than the rest of the population despite also having the highest rate of teetotallers, research finds

• Under-25s are more likely to binge drink than rest of the population
• They are twice as likely to drink at high-risk or possibly dependent levels 
• 1/5 are teetotal meaning under-25s also have the highest share of non-drinkers

They are often referred to as Generation Sensible for their focus on healthy living and apparent lack of interest in alcohol.

But in fact under-25s are more likely to binge-drink than the rest of the population, according to new research by Drinkaware.

Around one in five of this age group, including Gen Z and younger teenagers, are teetotal, which means it has the highest rate of non-drinkers.

But among the rest who do drink, 74 per cent are likely to binge – compared to only 63 per cent of over-25s.

This follows a rise to 78 per cent of young adults binge-drinking last year, which could be due to ‘making up for lost time’ after lockdown restrictions ended, according to experts.

Under-25s are more likely to binge-drink than the rest of the population, according to new research by Drinkaware (Stock Image)

The research surveyed 5,213 young adults aged 18 to 24 over a six-year period, and found almost one in five drink for ‘coping reasons’ such as to forget about their problems or help relieve feelings of anxiety or depression.

The Drinkaware report, The Sober Myth: Are Young Adults Really a Generation of Non-Drinkers, found under-25s are 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 six 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.

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,’ said Karen Tyrell, the chief executive of Drinkaware (Stock Image)

‘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.’

The research found drinkers under 25 are more likely to drink 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.

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.

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 new 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.’

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