Breaking the Cycle: Why Gen Z is Embracing Sobriety
As Gen Zers reach the legal drinking age, a growing number are opting for a sober lifestyle. As many as 41% of Americans are trying to drink less alcohol. There are a multitude of reasons as to why Gen Z is choosing to adopt a sober lifestyle. Some of the main reasons being listed as to why Gen Zers are going sober include:
- Saving money
- Losing weight
- Making healthier lifestyle choices
- Improving mental health
- Improving physical health
Gen Z is increasingly opting not to drink. They are driven by a combination of health consciousness and a desire for authenticity. More than one-third (36%) of Gen Z say they’re going alcohol-free for their mental health. A likely contribution to this statistic is growing popularity amongst Gen Z individuals to prioritize physical and mental health. There is a more widespread recognition of the negative impact alcohol can have on both. Gen Z is more informed about the risks associated with drinking, such as addiction, impaired mental health, and long-term health issues. This knowledge, along with a broader cultural shift towards wellness and self-care, has led many in this generation to view sobriety as a positive lifestyle choice rather than a sacrifice.
Gen Z tends to value genuine experiences and connections over those influenced by substances. In a world where social media often blurs the lines between reality and perception, many in this generation seek to stay grounded and authentic in their interactions. They prefer sober socializing, where they can be fully present and engage meaningfully with others. This desire for real connections contributes to the growing trend of sobriety among Gen Z.
Going Out is Unaffordable
Many Americans are feeling the pressure of rising costs of living. Almost one third of Gen Z lives with their parents to cut costs. The average night out drinking can range anywhere from $30-$100, depending on the amount of alcohol consumed. For most, this cost is simply unaffordable. Nearly two thirds of Gen Z lives paycheck to paycheck. Going out drinking or buying alcohol to keep in the house simply isn’t a financial option for the majority of Gen Z.
Covid’s Impact on Gen Z’s Nightlife
Gen Z members who turned 21 during the COVID-19 pandemic faced unique challenges that significantly impacted their social experiences. The traditional rite of passage of going out to drink on your 21st birthday was no longer an option during the pandemic. With bars and clubs closed, social gatherings restricted, and many people concerned about health risks, Gen Zers missed out on the typical social environments where drinking often occurs. As a result, many developed alternative ways to socialize. Some attended virtual gatherings, and some chose to abstain from drinking altogether. Even as restrictions eased, the lingering effects of the pandemic continue to shape their attitudes toward alcohol.
Gen Z Sees Drinking Differently
Cultural shifts, mental health awareness, and social media influence have significantly impacted Gen Z’s views on drinking. As society increasingly values mental and physical health, there’s been a growing emphasis on the harmful effects of alcohol. Gen Z has leaned towards a more informed and health-conscious mindset with alcohol than previous generations. They are keenly aware of the mental health risks associated with drinking.
Social media also plays a crucial role in shaping these views. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok highlight the benefits of sober living, with influencers and communities promoting alcohol-free lifestyles. This visibility challenges traditional drinking norms and presents sobriety as a viable and desirable alternative.
We interviewed two Gen Z individuals who made the decision to get sober at a young age. Each person shared how sobriety has positively impacted their lives. Here’s what they shared about their experiences:
Anonymous, 22yrs old
What were your motivating factors for getting sober?
Life was extremely unmanageable when I was using substances and alcohol. The challenges that came with my substance use became my biggest motivators to try and get sober. Sobriety has transformed my life in so many ways.
How do you feel your interpersonal relationships have changed?
The quality and abundance of friends I have now being sober is far greater than it used to be when I wasn’t. I’m able to make and maintain relationships in a way I didn’t have the capacity to prior. My parents and I were also not on speaking terms, but now we have a wonderful relationship. They’re now some of the closest people in my life that I get to talk to regularly.
How do you feel your physical health has been impacted (both immediately after getting sober and now with some time)?
Physically, my health was in terrible shape. I weighed only 150 pounds at 6’4” and was extremely malnourished. I ended up developing gallstones from my rapid weight loss and I had to have my gallbladder removed. While my health has improved significantly since getting sober, I still experience some long-term gastrointestinal issues from the surgery.
What are some of your future goals now that you’re sober?
Looking forward, I want to move to Colorado to be closer to my family, which serves as a key long-term motivator. I know that if I hadn’t gotten sober I would’ve never been able to work towards an out of state move. Sobriety has given me the clarity and strength to pursue the life I truly want.
How is your life today?
Overall, life is way more manageable and less miserable when I’m sober and actively working to change my life. Nothing feels possible or within reach when I’m using, but when I’m sober, the opportunities are limitless.
Lindsey, 20yrs old
How do you feel getting sober younger is an advantage? What are the disadvantages?
Getting sober younger has both advantages and disadvantages. Getting sober has allowed me to grow up, in a sense, with a new way of seeing the world. I have taken immense strides in my emotional development. It is a privilege to be able to develop that at my age.
I think the biggest disadvantage would be societal “normalities”. In my experience, getting sober very young required me to, for lack of better words, “miss out” on a lot of things other people my age were doing. Whether it be college/parties/dating, there are a lot of events or “normal” activities that 18 to early 20 year olds do as life starts to change. As a sober person, I’m not necessarily focused on those things. I knew that my health was more important to me than missing out. There are times where I feel that sense of missing out, so I understand the struggle that younger people may have.
What made you want to get sober even though you are younger than most who get sober?
It is really easy, as young people, to not categorize ourselves with the title of “alcoholic” or “addict” even though we know we may have an issue. It can be hard to fully see the reality of our situation. I would see 45-50 year old people who were sober that would talk about their stories that span over 25 years of drinking, and could convince myself that I wasn’t like them. However, I got sober at the age I did because I had enough experience with substances that I could see that my life was going down a path I didn’t want it to. There are no requirements to being an alcoholic and I was lucky enough to see that at 18 years old. All I needed was a little bit of honesty and willingness and I’m grateful to have had that experience so young.
How do you feel your interpersonal relationships are now compared to them before you got sober?
My personal relationships prior to getting sober were much harder to manage than now. I’ve been lucky enough to always have people in my corner even when I was struggling. Whether it be friends or immediate family, I had a good support system throughout all of it. However, it’s really difficult to be a good daughter, friend, sister, coworker, etc to someone when you are using substances excessively. While all these people cared about me and wanted to help, I was too deep in my suffering to reach out to them which caused a lot of pain and hurt on both ends. Getting sober allowed me to make amends and take the necessary actions to restore my relationships with the people I care about most. I have a very beautiful relationship today with my family, friends, and all others around me. I wouldn’t have been able to have the people in my life that I do now without sobriety.
How do you feel your physical health has been impacted (both immediately after getting sober and now with some time)?
My physical health changed almost immediately after getting sober in a very positive way. I had more energy, I was less tired, and I started to lose extra weight. I got sober and developed a new routine for my life and I got a job. This helped my physical health immensely in the beginning.
With over two years of sobriety, my physical health has only continued to improve. Being sober has allowed me to pay attention to my body and what it needs in order to stay healthy. I would go months without properly nourishing my body due to drugs and alcohol. Now, I prioritize taking care of my mental and physical health.
What does your sobriety mean to you?
My sobriety means everything to me. Everything I have is a direct result of my sobriety- my relationships, my work, my health, my life. The only reason I was able to create a new life for myself was through getting sober. My sobriety allows me to live a life that is beautiful, and I know without it I would be unable to maintain it. So in a very literal way, my sobriety means everything to me.
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The Physical Benefits of Sobriety
Physical Health:
The immediate and long-term health benefits of sobriety are substantial. Abstaining from alcohol can lead to improved energy levels, better sleep quality, clearer skin, and better overall physical health. Studies have shown that after 30 days of sobriety, individuals experience significant improvements in sleep patterns, reduced inflammation, and a noticeable boost in energy levels.
Mental Health:
Sobriety can have profound effects on mental health. These include improved mental clarity, reduced anxiety, and better emotional regulation. By eliminating alcohol, individuals often find it easier to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook on life.
Social and Emotional Benefits:
Sobriety can greatly enhance social and emotional health. It often leads to stronger, more authentic relationships. Sobriety enables individuals to connect with others on a deeper level. Being sober also boosts self-esteem, as people gain confidence in their ability to handle social situations without relying on alcohol. This newfound self-assurance often translates into more meaningful and fulfilling connections with others.
Dangers of Drinking Young
Alcohol plays a major role in the deaths of individuals under 21 in the United States each year. These fatalities result from motor vehicle accidents, homicides, alcohol poisoning, falls, burns, drowning, and suicides. It also causes many injuries— in 2011, about 188,000 people under 21 visited emergency rooms for alcohol-related injuries. Drinking impairs judgment, leading to risky behaviors like unsafe sex, drinking and driving, and violence. It also increases the risk of physical and sexual assault, particularly with underage binge drinking. Alcohol use can cause trouble in school, legal issues, and is linked to the use of other substances. Starting to drink early raises the risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) later in life. Those who begin drinking before age 15 are 3.5 times more likely to have AUD as adults. Additionally, alcohol interferes with brain development. This continues into the mid-20s, potentially leading to cognitive problems and increasing the risk for AUD.
Excessive Substance Use and its Aging Effects
Excessive substance and alcohol use accelerates aging in various ways, both internally and externally. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, causing it to lose elasticity, leading to wrinkles and a dull complexion. It also dilates blood vessels, which can cause permanent redness and broken capillaries on the face. Chronic use affects the liver’s ability to detoxify the body. This contributes to a buildup of toxins that can further damage skin and organs.
Internally, excessive drinking impairs the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and tissue repair. It also disrupts sleep, which is vital for cellular regeneration. Alcohol weakens the immune system, increases inflammation, and contributes to conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver damage— all of which are linked to premature aging.
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Gen Z’s New Perspective on Sobriety
Gen Z is choosing sobriety for a variety of reasons, from prioritizing mental and physical health to seeking more authentic connections. The benefits of sobriety include improved health, mental clarity, stronger relationships, and a sense of personal empowerment. As more young people recognize the positive impact of a sober lifestyle, this trend continues to grow. America’s younger generation is reshaping cultural norms around drinking.
Whether or not you choose sobriety, considering its potential benefits can lead to more conscious decisions about your health. Sobriety is a choice that allows individuals to live in alignment with their values, fully present and in control of their lives. For Gen Z, this shift is not just about avoiding alcohol—it’s about embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes growth, connection, and authenticity.
References:
https://ncsolutions.com/the-goods/sober-curious-nation-alcohol-survey/
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-quit-alcohol-for-30-days#3
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10096942
https://backlinko.com/social-media-users#
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/much-generation-living-paycheck-paycheck-171809909.html#