Less alcohol, more fitness and screens: what is really happening to Gen Z's drinking habits?
The younger generation is drinking less alcohol, spending more on wellness, and changing social leisure patterns. However, beneath this trend lies a complex question: what fills the void? Prof. Shauli Lev-Ran notes that fitness can serve as a coping mechanism, while Prof. Tzipi Strauss emphasizes that cumulative alcohol exposure at a young age increases the risk of chronic diseases later in life.
Bars remain a meeting place, but alcohol occupies a less central role than before. Something is shifting in how young people socialize: alcohol is no longer a mandatory part of the evening, with non-alcoholic options gaining ground, while running clubs and fitness classes become the new social hubs. Gallup data for 2025 shows that the share of U.S. adults who consume alcohol has hit a record low (54%), with the rate among 18–34-year-olds dropping from 59% to 50% in just two years.
From bar stools to gym weights
Bank of America has dubbed this phenomenon "The Great Moderation." Analysis of millions of accounts reveals that young people are changing not only their habits but the very format of their social lives. While spending at liquor stores declines, fitness spending is on the rise: according to Strava, 30% of Gen Z plan to increase their investment in health by 2026.
In Israel, the picture is more nuanced. Longitudinal studies by the Israel Center on Addiction and Mental Health (ICA) do not indicate a general decline in problematic alcohol use. Prof. Shauli Lev-Ran explains: "We don't see a significant drop among young adults aged 18–25 compared to the past. However, this group does show lower rates of problematic substance use than older generations." Nevertheless, about 25% of young people aged 18–35 report problematic use of alcohol or drugs.
Less alcohol, more screens?
If young people are indeed drinking less, does it mean they are less distressed? Prof. Lev-Ran is skeptical: "When we struggle with self-regulation, we seek external ways to cope. If it's not alcohol, a shift to other behaviors may be occurring." Smartphones have become the primary "pacifier" for Gen Z. Unlike alcohol, social media algorithms adapt to the user, capturing their attention and prompting constant social comparison, which can increase the need to "disconnect" from reality.
An attempt to regain control
In a world that feels chaotic due to wars and uncertainty, the body becomes one of the few areas where one can exert control. "Wellness and fitness are not just about aesthetics; they are coping mechanisms," says Prof. Lev-Ran. In Israel, where reality is saturated with trauma, these trends exist in parallel: some young people find meaning in sports, while others turn to virtual environments or other addictive behaviors.
The health cost of alcohol
Awareness of alcohol's harms is also growing. Prof. Tzipi Strauss of the Sheba Longevity Center points to a large JAMA Network Open meta-analysis: "Low alcohol consumption does not reduce mortality, and cumulative exposure to even small amounts at a young age increases the risk of chronic disease." The WHO classifies alcohol as a carcinogen linked to at least seven types of cancer. "What we do at 20 determines our health at 60," Strauss concludes.
Does one substance replace another?
Decreased alcohol consumption does not mean a total rejection of all stimulants. Statistics show a rise in vaping and cannabis use. In Israel, where cannabis is often perceived as a "natural" and "medical" alternative, this is particularly evident. Meanwhile, data from the UK shows the trend is not uniform, with binge drinking rates among youth actually rising.
Ultimately, the question is not just whether young people are drinking less, but what is taking alcohol's place—whether it be sports, screens, gambling, or other methods of coping with anxiety and loneliness.
