Are Millennials drinking less than previous generations? Current trends with Millennials and alcohol suggest that, while Millennials haven’t given up alcohol, they are finding new ways to drink less. The decrease in alcohol consumption may be due to a wide range of factors, including public health programs, a push for healthy living, and the current rates of addiction and overdoses from drugs and alcohol.
Also, Millennials have found alternatives to partying or other events that typically involve alcoholic beverages. Addiction treatment centers in Illinois have improved their treatment programs, which have promoted long-term recovery addiction. Millennials, who are suffering from addiction, can get far better help than their parents could access. Let’s take a closer look at the relationship between Millennials and alcohol and how Northern Illinois Recovery Center can help you.
Millennials and Alcohol: Changes in Attitude Toward Drinking
While the statistics on drinking behaviors in Millennials are still in development, what seems to be apparent is the attitudes toward drinking with the age group. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national survey revealed that 60 percent of Millennials consumed at least one alcoholic beverage over the last year.
On the surface, that seems like a high number. However, of the 60 percent that consumed alcohol, they drank, on average, only once or twice over the last 30 days. Furthermore, Millennials are now in their mid to late 30s; meaning, they are drinking less as they get older.
But, are Millennials drinking less than their parents? Several factors confuse the issue of both attitudes toward drinking and alcohol consumption behaviors that are outlined below.
The Rise of Local Breweries and Distilleries
One of the defining trends with Millennials was the rise in entrepreneurial startups. Instead of going to work in corporate America, many Millennials chose to open businesses. Such is the case with the continual increase in local breweries and distilleries, fueling a renewed interest in drinking beer and hard liquor.
Delayed Family Building
Just twenty years ago, most Americans were still getting married in their early-to-mid-20s. Millennials have chosen to delay marriage and starting a family into their thirties. This has extended their social life by nearly ten years, providing more opportunities for social drinking.
The Organic and Clean Eating Craze
More than any other generation, Millennials have embraced clean and organic eating, leading to a surge in healthy living minus the alcohol. Even when Millennials do drink, they may look for alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. These alternatives often include mixing drinks with other liquids.
Slowed Wealth Accumulation
Overall, Millennials are not making as much money compared to the standard of living as their parents or grandparents did. When every dollar counts, Millennials are choosing to save their money or pay their bills instead of buying a $13 cocktail at the nearest bar.
Millennials and Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Regardless of the current trends in alcohol consumption, Millennials still suffer from addiction in the same ways as all other generations. Addiction therapy services provide the same level of high-quality care to break the vicious relationship between Millennials and addiction. Addiction treatment may include:
- Complete detox services
- Evidence-based treatment
- Holistic treatment
- Individual, family, and group therapy
- Inpatient and outpatient services
- Aftercare programs
The good news is that today alcohol addiction rehab centers are better than ever, giving Millennials a fighting chance to overcome alcoholism without relapse.
Get Help for Alcoholism at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
Are you a Millennial struggling with alcoholism? If so, get help at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. Learn more about Millennials and alcohol addiction treatment available today. Call Northern Illinois Recovery Center at 855.786.1978 to get started with your treatment plan.
