You would be forgiven for thinking Irish people are fond of a drink or two. So much of our culture is centred around the pub or a drink. And as long as it’s done in moderation, then there’s nothing wrong with enjoying an occasional tipple.
But a cheeky glass of wine with the girlies may be a thing of the past very soon.
Over the last few years, we have seen a growing pattern of the younger generation considering sobriety with Gen Z consuming one-third less beer and wine than previous generations and with around 38 per cent of people from 18-35 saying that they don’t drink at all.
According to DrinkAware’s 2024 research: “A record 37% of adults indicated that they wish to drink less often, reflecting a growing awareness of alcohol’s effects on health and well-being. The same percentage of adults state they have made small positive changes to their drinking habits in the past 30 days.”
But what has caused this large societal change?
Well, there isn’t just one thing that has caused this to happen. Many impacts have affected the younger generation and their relationship with alcohol and drugs.
A major one of these was, of course, COVID-19 and the restrictions placed on pubs and other social drinking settings for over twenty-two months. Many young people growing up without access to these social settings didn’t feel the need to be in them when the time came.
Similarly, with clubbing, there are now only 83 nightclubs in the whole of Ireland, which means that the younger generations won’t get the chance to spend the night dancing away. Others are just not interested in that side of socialising. In a way the pandemic conditioned many young people to be more introverted and into not enjoying those alcohol settings.
Probably the largest reason why sobriety is playing on the minds of young people is the health benefits that come with a sober life as more and more are prioritising their mental and physical health. In the last few years so many people, including teenagers and young adults, began looking into self-improvement.
Gym culture as well as healthy eating habits has risen drastically over the last few years specifically among younger generations and consuming alcohol and drugs does not help them achieve their goals. Most would rather spend a Saturday morning with their running club over nursing a hangover.
Another major reason that is causing the younger generation to lean towards sobriety is simply the price of alcohol. With the growing price of groceries, rent, transport and generally everything in Ireland alcohol is sometimes not even an option for people. Not only are drinks themselves expensive, but finding a way to and from the pub, club or party is also incredibly pricey.
While cities have a few 24-hour buses, most rural areas do not have that luxury and are forced to rely on taxis which can cost a pretty penny. Those of us who live in rural areas are also very aware of how difficult it is to book a taxi as many drivers have called it a day due to rising prices.
Sober lifestyles or sober curious have become more and more popular, with the stigma around denying a drink all but gone. We have plenty of alcohol-free options to choose from when you do go on a night out.
There are also many sober-friendly activities available now that allow people to socialise without the need for alcohol such as museums, music events, hiking, fitness classes, rock climbing, escape rooms, game nights and many more.
Perhaps boozy nights out will be a thing of the past…