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opting for sobriety this holiday? younger adults are drinking less alcohol

the leger study revealed that 22 per cent of canadian gen z members 18 and older had never consumed alcohol and another 15 per cent reported they had consumed alcohol before but currently choose not to.

by karen hawthorne

published dec 23, 2024

3 minute read

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3 minute read

join the conversation

alcohol is celebratory and tied to most dinner parties and events to help people loosen up, socialize and get along. but experts say the true spirit of the season is about connection. getty images

spiked eggnog and potent party punch are often focal points at holiday gatherings, viewed as a way to boost the festive good cheer. not surprisingly, research shows that we can as much as double the usual alcohol consumption over the holidays.

but there’s also a growing trend to forgo the boozy beverages in favour of mocktails and non-alcohol bottles of sparkling. as anyone with toddlers can relate, you need to be on top of your game when your little ones are on the guestlist. but there are also the negative side effects of alcohol like disturbed sleep, depression and weakened immunity. getting into an argument with your in-laws can also disrupt the festive mood.

the non-alcoholic drinks trend is highlighted in the 2024 zillennial study, where market-research firm leger surveyed more than 3,000 members of gen z (aged 12 to 27) and millennials (aged 28 to 43) with questions on a range of topics from alcohol consumption, mental health, finances and long-term aspirations.

gen z is drinking even less than millennials who are also trending dry; morning cold water plunges and protein packed smoothies are popular feel-good options these days. the leger study revealed that 22 per cent of canadian gen z members 18 and older had never consumed alcohol and another 15 per cent reported they had consumed alcohol before but currently choose not to. the younger demographics say they are put off by the side effects.

while alcohol can help people feel relaxed in the moment, there are healthier ways to increase the merry vibe. get people moving (and laughing) with a game of charades, musical chairs or a quick walk around the block.

in the long-term, too much consumption of alcohol can lead to higher risk of cancer, including breast, esophageal, liver and colorectal cancer, along with other complications, according to the canadian cancer society. alcohol, no matter the pretty labels and packaging that line the shelves, is a toxin that can get inside cells causing damage to cell dna and the cell mitochondria, which are considered energy powerhouses. science reported by cancer research uk has shown that alcohol gets broken down into a chemical known as acetaldehyde. if acetaldehyde isn’t broken down further, it builds up in cells where it damages dna in a way that could cause cancer.

recent research published in the american heart association’s journal hypertension has also shown that even a single alcoholic drink per day is linked to higher blood pressure, even in people without hypertension. the analysis outweighs several studies on the protective effects of alcohol—and the widely held notion that a glass of wine a day with dinner is good for us. high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease and other serious conditions. about one in four canadians have high blood pressure, but many don’t know they have it because there are no symptoms or warning signs unless you’re monitoring your blood pressure with a cuff or at regular checkups with primary care professionals.

so, there are health risks to alcohol consumption, despite the fact that drinking is deeply ingrained in our society. alcohol is celebratory and tied to most dinner parties and events to help people loosen up, socialize and get along. but experts say the true spirit of the season is about connection.

“the holidays try to tell us that the magic is in the cocktails and the toasts, but it’s really in the moments of real connection, of laughing with someone who gets it, waking up clear-headed and proud of yourself,” says psychotherapist hanna zipes basel.

sobriety during the festive season is a challenge but worth the effort. make a gameplan that includes bringing your own non-alcoholic beverage to a special gathering, practice saying no to alcohol when it’s offered by friends and family, and find others of the same mindset. there’s no reason to feel bad about your decision and if you’re feeling bad about it, it’s a sign to exit early.

not drinking during the holidays also allows you to be calmer during the stressful moments that come up and help you deal with complicated situations. no matter how much you prep and plan, things can go sideways with emotions and expectations running high.

the takeaway? make good decisions for yourself and understand that alcohol is not risk-free.

karen hawthorne

karen hawthorne worked for six years as a digital editor for the national post, contributing articles on health, business, culture and travel for affiliated newspapers across canada. she now writes from her home office in toronto and takes breaks to bounce with her son on the backyard trampoline and walk bingo, her bull terrier.

opting for sobriety this holiday? younger adults are drinking less alcohol

the leger study revealed that 22 per cent of canadian gen z members 18 and older had never consumed alcohol and another 15 per cent reported they had consumed alcohol before but currently choose not to.

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opting for sobriety this holiday? younger adults are drinking less alcohol

the leger study revealed that 22 per cent of canadian gen z members 18 and older had never consumed alcohol and another 15 per cent reported they had consumed alcohol before but currently choose not to.

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