Gen Z is a less-drunken generation. How is that bad? | Opinion
The only people who are upset about Gen Z participating in Dry January are the liquor companies losing money and people who don’t know how to mind their business.
There are plenty of people who will start out 2026 by participating in Dry January, i.e., abstaining from alcohol until the 31st. With the start of the challenge inevitably comes articles lamenting Gen Z’s decision to forgo alcohol on a regular basis.
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. And they're all valid.
But you wouldn't know it from the breathless headlines calling Gen Z's basic survival instincts a threat to the American economy. From the recent Guardian piece asking, "Is gen Z’s ‘sensible’ relationship with alcohol moving towards hedonism?" to a Michelin star chef calling Gen Z's lack of drinking an "existential threat" to the restaurant industry, it seems like our (very personal) decision to stay away from alcohol is hitting a nerve with people who want to profit off us.
I know why sobriety appeals to Gen Z
The decision to quit drinking is a personal one. What’s surprising is how many media outlets and general busybodies consider Gen Z’s decision not to drink just another quirk of the younger folks in their lives.
Instead of trying to stigmatize people for making the decision to stop drinking, folks need to learn to respect someone’s individual choice to keep away from booze.
I got sober just over nine months ago, in March 2025. It wasn’t a decision I made lightly.
While I wasn’t a daily drinker prior to this, I had struggled with knowing my limits on nights out from the time I was 18 years old. For nearly a decade, I’d drink in excess when out with friends, either enough to make myself sick or do something I’d regret. It got to a point where I was doing more damage to my social life than I was enriching it.
Most days, I don’t miss drinking. I still go to bars and parties – I just stick to sparkling water, mocktails and nonalcoholic beer. It’s worth the trade-off: I don’t embarrass myself nearly as much as I did when I was drinking. I feel in control of myself and my actions, and ultimately do a lot less damage to my relationships and my dignity in the process.
Not drinking has completely changed my life. I feel happier. My antidepressants work better. My life is fuller, as I’ve found that there are plenty of fun experiences one can have without drinking. On days when I do crave a glass of wine or a mixed drink, I remind myself that drinking won’t make me feel better or solve whatever problem I’m facing.
Making healthy decisions isn't an economic crisis
The only people who are upset about Gen Z participating in Dry January are the liquor companies losing money and people who don’t know how to mind their business.
It’s outrageous that anyone could consider it a bad thing for someone to make the decision to improve their life by making a highly personal choice to quit drinking.
If anything, people should head into 2026 with open minds. If you've been considering getting sober, Dry January is a great start. Whether you’re getting sober on your own, with a 12-step program or through treatment, you can do this by committing to it a day at a time.
I can't say it's easy, but it is worth it.
Struggling with alcoholism? Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration by calling 1-800-662-4357 or by texting your ZIP code to 435748.
Follow USA TODAY columnist Sara Pequeño on Bluesky: @sarapequeno.bsky.social