Gen X drinking more as younger Americans cut back
The gist
A USC study found heavy drinking rose over 36% among Americans aged 50 to 64.
Younger adults are reversing the pandemic spike, shifting alcohol health risk to Gen X.
How it unfolded
- Sep 21, 2026CNN reports alcohol consumption has declined for the first time since Covid-19, citing the study; heavy drinking for people aged 50 to 64 increased by more than 36% and any drinking by 4% from 2018 to 2024.
- Sep 22, 2026Straight Arrow News publishes "Gen Teetotaler," citing the Keck Medicine of USC study showing alcohol use fell 2% between 2022 and 2024, with Gen-Z adults dropping more than 5% and Millennials' heavy drinking down 17%.
- Sep 22, 2026The New York Post publishes "Fewer Americans are boozing after a massive COVID-19 spike — and a surprising generation is leading the way."