Millennials and Alcoholism [Infographic]

Millennials can be defined as those born between 1982 and 2002. These young adults are coming into maturity now, and many are beginning to establish themselves in new careers or are starting families. The issue of millennials and alcohol is a concern, just as it has been for generations in the past. Examining the state of addiction among millennials can make it easier to know how to help young adults in America today.

Stress is Causing Millennials to Drink

Millennials can be classified as the most stressed generation on record. Some of the reasons that millennials are stressed include:

• Economic instability
• Financial worry
• Problems at work
• Personal health concerns
• Political climate

While the average stress rating for Americans is a 4.9, according to the American Psychological Association, the average stress rating for a millennial is a much higher 5.5. While increased stress isn’t necessarily an indicator of increased drug abuse or alcohol consumption, millennials are also more likely than any other generation to drink in response to stress.

Binge Drinking Common Among Millennials

There are many causes behind alcoholism, but there’s no question that binge drinking can be a stepping stone to millennials and alcohol abuse and addiction. According to the CDC, binge drinking is most common among adults between the ages of 18 and 34. Binge drinking can be defined as consuming more than four drinks at a time for women, and more than five drinks at a time for men.

Millennials Increasingly Frown on Regular Drinking

Despite drinking more to manage stress and binge drinking more than any other generation, millennials still generally disapprove of consistent drinking. In 1998, just 69% of young people disapproved of drinking two alcoholic beverages daily. By 2013, that number had risen to 72%.

22-Year Olds Drink the Most Alcohol

Baby boomers, or those born between the years of 1946 and 1964, drank the most at the age of 19. That number has risen slightly, and the millennial generation drinks the most alcohol at the age of 22. This means that 22 might be the age when millennials and alcohol are the biggest concern.

The Treatment Gap is Big For Millennials and Alcohol

While alcoholism and drug addiction are concerns for millennials, this generation still suffers from the treatment gap. The treatment gap is the difference between those who need addiction treatment and those who actually get it. Today, there are an estimated 10 million millennials who have fallen into the treatment gap and aren’t seeking help or receiving proper treatment for substance abuse and addiction.

Millennials are a unique generation, but they still struggle with the age-old issues of drug abuse and alcoholism. Thankfully, treatment is available. Call 866.605.0532 to learn more about the best treatment options available through Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida. With the right support, resources and care, you can be on the road to recovery soon.