In news that may be surprising to some: Gen Z’s sober streak isn’t slowing down — they’re still drinking less, and the trend’s only growing.
A new study by Flinders University has found that the number of Gen Z Australians abstaining from alcohol is rising, while weekly consumption is on the decline. Researchers say this could signal a long-term cultural shift in the nation’s drinking habits.
The first of its kind study analysed data from 23,000 Australians over two decades and found that, compared to Baby Boomers, Gen Z are almost 20 times more likely to abstain from alcohol.
Lead author Dr Gianluca Di Censo said, “This isn’t just a phase; it appears to be a sustained change in behaviour that could have long-term public health benefits.”
Gen Z’s altered drinking habits may come down to several factors which are challenging the role alcohol plays in our social lives. Co-author Dr Kirrilly Thompson points to cost-of-living pressures and an increased focus on health as potential drivers.
“Younger Australians are growing up in a different world — one where abstaining from alcohol is increasingly normal, and where digital socialising, rising living costs, and health awareness are reshaping how people spend their time and money,” she said.
This generational shift isn’t limited to Gen Z. The study found Millennials are also drinking less than Baby Boomers day to day, though both Millennials and Gen X tend to drink more on special occasions — suggesting binge drinking remains an area of concern.
Regardless, researchers are optimistic this trend can be supported on a larger scale, calling for public health bodies to use these findings to guide long-term strategies.
“If we can understand what’s driving this decline in alcohol use among younger people, whether it’s economic pressures, social norms, or policy changes, we can use that knowledge to support healthier behaviours across all age groups,” says Dr Di Censo.
Ultimately, this shift in drinking habits offers hope for future health outcomes. “This research shows that change is possible. Generation Z are redefining what it means to socialise and celebrate — and they’re doing it with less alcohol,” Dr Thompson noted.
“That’s something we should be paying attention to, not just as researchers, but as a society.”
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