Gen Z’s rising binge drinking highlights an urgent challenge for teachers

New research from UCL has revealed a sharp rise in binge drinking, drug use and addictive behaviours among young adults in Generation Z. These findings carry significant implications for the education sector as schools and colleges continue shaping preventative approaches to wellbeing, safeguarding and life skills.

The study, drawn from nearly 10,000 participants in the Millennium Cohort Study, tracked young people born in 2000–02 and compared their behaviour at age 17 to their habits at age 23. Although the data focuses on young adults beyond school age, the trends highlight patterns that begin to form during the later years of secondary education and continue into early adulthood. It is a critical period where schools have enormous influence.

Sharp rise in binge drinking among young adults

UCL researchers found that 68 per cent of Gen Z 23-year-olds reported binge drinking in the past year, up from 53 per cent at age 17. Regular binge drinking is defined as consuming six or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting. Reported rates nearly tripled between the two ages, from 10 per cent to 29 per cent. This means nearly one in three young adults are binge drinking monthly or more.

For teachers, this raises important questions about how well-prepared pupils are when they leave school to navigate adult freedoms, peer pressure, nightlife culture and the transition to further or higher education.

Increasing drug use from late teens to early adulthood

The study also found significant increases in drug use as teenagers moved into their twenties:

• cannabis use rose from 31 per cent at age 17 to 49 per cent at age 23
• use of harder drugs (including cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy) more than tripled, from 10 per cent to 32 per cent
• frequent use of harder drugs (10+ times per year) also rose sharply

For schools and colleges, these trends reinforce the need for robust drug and alcohol education, early intervention, and strong pastoral support, especially during key transition points such as leaving Year 11 or moving into sixth form.

Gambling and vaping on the rise

The study showed that:

• daily vaping increased from 3 per cent to 19 per cent
• around a third of young adults had gambled in the past year
• 4 per cent experienced gambling problems, such as feeling guilty about gambling, others criticising or identifying their gambling as problematic, or financial difficulties

These behaviours often fly under the radar in school settings but can become entrenched risk patterns by early adulthood.

Differences across gender, education and region

The research also revealed disparities:

• men were more likely than women to binge drink frequently, use harder drugs, or report gambling difficulties
• university students were more likely to binge drink regularly
• young adults who did not attend university were more likely to vape daily or experience gambling issues
• rates of binge drinking were highest in Scotland and Northern Ireland

These distinctions highlight how important it is for schools to provide targeted, inclusive PSHE, reflecting the diverse trajectories pupils follow after age 16 or 18.

A call for ongoing attention in education

Dr Aase Villadsen, who led the study, said:

“Recent reports have suggested that young people are increasingly turning their backs on drinking alcohol compared to earlier born generations. However, our new study appears to show that this might not be the case for some members of gen Z as they reach their early 20s. Although late adolescence and early adulthood is a time when young people tend to experiment, increased binge drinking and drug use does give cause for concern, especially if these behaviours become more ingrained during their 20s.

“Substance use and potentially addictive behaviours like gambling can be harmful and impact individuals’ health, relationships, and educational and employment prospects. Their effects can also put a strain on public services, especially healthcare, social care, and the criminal justice system.

“Our findings highlight the need for sustained policy attention to substance use and addictive behaviours in young adults. The sharp rise in many behaviours between adolescence and early adulthood shows how risks intensify during this stage of life. Policy interventions, education and advice should be aimed at the most at-risk groups, such as young males, who are around seven times more likely to report having gambling difficulties than females, and are more likely to use harder drugs.” 

Support and further information

If you or a loved one has difficulties with substance use, you can find advice and support on drugs and alcohol from Talk to Frank www.talktofrank.com or can call Frank 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0300 123 6600. 

If you would like further information, advice and support about gambling problems or would like to speak to someone you can access GamCare www.gamcare.org.uk.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.