Gen Z is Drinking Less, But Still Risking More

Raise a glass or maybe don’t. More young adults are putting down the bottle, which is good news for their livers and long-term health. But while they’re drinking less, many are picking up other habits like vaping and marijuana.

Alcohol use among 18- to 34-year-olds has dropped significantly, from 72% in 2010 to just 50% in 2024. And it's not just about health awareness. Young adults are rethinking alcohol for a mix of reasons, including wellness trends, changing social norms, tighter budgets, and less interest in late-night bar scenes.

But here’s the twist. While fewer are sipping cocktails, more are reaching for vapes. In 2024, the CDC reported that e-cigarettes were the most-used tobacco product among young people in the U.S. Nearly half of young users are vaping daily, including some middle and high school students. In Louisiana, new laws like Vape Act 414 have limited what's available and pushed some users toward less-regulated or underground options.

Marijuana use is also rising. Nearly half of U.S. states have legalized it for recreational use, and cannabis products, including THC drinks and edibles, are being heavily marketed to young consumers. Adults aged 18 to 25 now have the highest usage rates. In 2023, 42% of adults aged 19 to 30 reported using marijuana within the past year. Many see it as a "healthier" way to unwind, though experts warn that smoking or vaping anything still poses real risks to your lungs and brain.

Gen Z’s shift from cocktails to cannabis is more than a trend. It's a window into how young adults are reshaping health habits, social life, and stress relief. Research is still catching up, but whether it's a beer, a vape, or an edible, one thing hasn’t changed. Moderation and education matter.