Alcohol abuse among teens varies by region, but recent Australian data (2022-2023) shows around 5.5% of 14-17 year olds drank at risky levels, though overall consumption is common, with 44% consuming in the past year, and concerningly, about one-third of younger teens intended to get drunk. In the U.S., 22% of high schoolers drank in the past month according to CDC data, highlighting a significant issue, with heavy episodic drinking common and linked to greater harms like blackouts and injuries.
While only 28% of females aged 14–17 had consumed any alcohol in the previous 12 months in 2019, 35% had done so in 2022–2023. In contrast, the proportion of males aged 14–17 who had done so reduced from 32% to 27% in 2022–2023.
Youth who begin drinking before the age of 15 have a 41 percent chance of future alcohol dependence, compared with a 10 percent chance for those who begin after the legal drinking age (Grant and Dawson, 1997).
Use of illicit drugs remains highest among young people
However, there was an increase in the proportion of people aged 14–17 who had used an illicit drug in their lifetime, from 13.4% in 2019 to 18.8% in 2022–2023.
According to the 2024 NSDUH, 576,000 people ages 12 to 20 (1.5% in this age group) reported heavy alcohol use in the past month (see glossary for definition of heavy alcohol use). This includes: 320,000 males ages 12 to 20 (1.6% in this age group) 256,000 females ages 12 to 20 (1.4% in this age group)
Multiple studies show that Generation Z, those of us born between 1997 and 2012, is drinking less than previous generations. The reasons are plentiful – from health concerns to finances to the legalization of marijuana.
The 1-2-3 drinking rule is a guideline for moderation: 1 drink per hour, no more than 2 drinks per occasion, and at least 3 alcohol-free days each week, helping to pace consumption and stay within safer limits. It emphasizes pacing alcohol intake with water and food, knowing standard drink sizes (12oz beer, 5oz wine, 1.5oz spirits), and avoiding daily drinking to reduce health risks, though some health guidance suggests even lower limits.
Anxiety, depression, and stress levels among Gen Z are at an all-time high. Many turn to substances like prescription drugs and psychedelics as a form of self-medication. Stimulants like Adderall and Xanax are often misused to cope with academic and social pressures.
Some reasons that teens use alcohol and other drugs are: curiosity. to feel good, reduce stress, and relax. to fit in.
The best thing you can do as a parent is educate your teens about the risks of alcohol and encourage them to hold off drinking until they are aged at least 18 years. Research2 shows that parental supply of alcohol to underage teens does not protect against increased alcohol consumption later in life.
The Liquor Act 2007 governs the restrictions applying to under 18s in licensed and unlicensed premises. Section 118 deals with the consumption of liquor by minors on a licensed premise. A minor must not obtain, consume or carry liquor away from a licensed premise. Fines range between $220 and $2200.
Russia and Australia have the highest prevalence of alcohol dependence overall, with 2.61 per cent and 2.58 per cent, respectively. According to the WHO, US has the lowest rate of alcohol dependence with only 1.92 per cent.
Teen alcohol usage statistics
The 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey found 66% of 14–17-year olds have never had a full serve of alcohol. It also found 2.8% of 14–17-year olds drink weekly (while for the 18–24 age group, the figure is 27.9%). Younger people are increasingly choosing not to drink alcohol.
Yes, in Australia, a 16-year-old can legally drink with their parents in a private residence (like their home) under the parent's supervision, as this is considered an exception to the general ban on supplying alcohol to minors, but it's illegal in licensed venues (pubs, bars, restaurants) even with parents, unless specific meal exceptions apply. The key is parental consent and "responsible supervision," meaning the supervising adult must be sober and ensure the minor's safety, with hefty fines for breaking these rules.
A note on drinking level terms used in this Core article: The 2020-2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines states that for adults who choose to drink alcohol, women should have 1 drink or less in a day and men should have 2 drinks or less in a day.
Two fingers means a single pour. Three fingers means a double pour. Served neat in a rocks glass. It's old school.
These ingredients are “highly regulated” and, because they are used in small quantities, do not have any harmful health effects, Ramesh said. Among “the biggest concerns” about 3-in-1 coffee, however, is the fat and sugar content. The creamers used tend to be “very high in hydrogenated fat”, said Ramesh.
Lit. /lit/AdjectiveAmazing, cool, or fun. If something's fantastic, it's lit. This term can also be used to describe being drunk or high.
In part due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in part because of other cultural forces, Gen Z is rapidly becoming a more reclusive generation, and one that socializes differently. But now, it is becoming clear that young people are going out less and staying in more, in part because we are less inclined to drink alcohol.
Gen Z And The Sober Curious Movement
One study found that 34% of people in the Gen Z age group are making an effort to drink less, while 45% say they've never had an alcoholic drink in their lives. In contrast, only 36% of the millennial generation admit to never experimenting with alcohol.
Light smokers have been classified as smoking less than 1 pack/day, less than 15 cig/day, less than 10 cig/day, and smoking 1–39 cig/week (9, 14).