Less adolescent Australians They drink. And when they drink, they drink more and more often than previous generations of the same age.
This is a trend around the world.
The percentage of adolescent people who drink rarely is growing in the long term. In 2001, 13.6% of Australians aged 18–24 drank less than once a month. It has been increased to 20%or one in five since then.
The percentage of adolescent people who have never consumed a full glass of alcohol also more than twice since 2001, from 7.5% to 16.3%.
But for many, abstinence is not necessarily a goal. Interest Careful drink It means trends that encourage moderation – including “zebra striping” and “Damp Pi -Linging” – took part in social media.
So what are these limiting strategies? Are there really something up-to-date?
What is “zebra striping”?
“Zebra striping“Means alcoholic and non -alcoholic drinks alternately. For most people, it effectively reduces alcohol consumption. This reduces the risk of poisoning because it gives the body time to process alcohol.
This term is up-to-date, but the concept of alternating drinks has long been a cornerstone Damage reduction strategies.
A study was ordered in Great Britain Through the Zerohol beer brand, she stated that 25% of pubs for pubs alcoholic and non -alcoholic beer alternately. Although such commercial studies require careful interpretation, they emphasize the growing appetite for moderation.
Is it different from “soggy drinking”?
The escalate in “Damp Pi-ling” is another change from approach to alcohol. IN Last examinationNearly 40% of drinkers want to drink less compared to 6.5% who claim that they want to quit completely resign.
Going “moisture” – instead of completely” droughty ” – means a reduction in alcohol without completely cutting it.
The drink is reserved for special occasions, but generally does not occur in everyday life. It is also known as “being”99% sober“.
This is an approach that resonates with many adolescent people who are “Sober interesting“, But I don’t want to refrain from alcohol completely.
Moderation It can be a balanced strategy for people who are not dependent on alcohol. Sometimes even dependent people can moderateUsually after abstinence. In the past, the consensus consisted in the fact that alcohol -dependent people should only strive for complete abstinence.
Strict sobriety goals can escalate the risk of recurrence. This is referred to as The effect of violation of abstinenceWhich can sometimes lead to a cycle of overeating and guilt when people feel that it failed.
Moderation strategies such as Damp Pi -Piing or zebra striping, more often support compassion And a gradual change.
So what is behind this cultural change?
Partly popular wellness trends promoted life without alcohol as a positive and aspirational lifestyle.
But health problems are only part of the answer.
Teenage people are particularly in face of Increasing social and economic pressureAnd it can be more focused on professional and personal development than in previous generations.
Studies show a lot See excessive drinking – and accompanying fears and kacom – as incompatible with their ambitions and willingness to remain under control.
Read more: Why am I so restless after drinking? Here is the study behind “hangxieties”
Adding to this, social media can make what you do is more perceptible to others – and serve as a constant record. So some adolescent people are more cautious with behaviors that can lead to regret.
. growing availability Vibrating zerohol beverages also helps better.
Zero-alcohol beer and wine as well as woops offer a way to social participation without alcohol consumption. These alternatives have reduced the mark After linking to refraining or drinking less in social conditions.
This change is also based on Change of narrative around alcohol. Unlike older generations, which often associated drinking with celebration and ties, younger people more often question the role of alcohol in their lives.
Drunk, once perceived as a ritual of passage, may simply not be so “nippy”.
Finding support for changes
Considering the threats to health associated with drinking, such as cancer, liver disease and mental health problems, this is great news that more adolescent people reduce their drinking.
But Four out of ten young people (42%) still consumes alcohol at risky levels.
Australian Domestic alcohol guidelines Try to balance social benefits and a threat to drinking health.
If you drink in guidelines- no more than ten drinks a week and no more than four every day- you have a chance to die due to a disease associated with alcohol or heart disease.
If you drink above these guidelines, the risk of these problems increases rapidly.
If you want to change your relationship with alcohol, self -reflection is an essential first step. Key questions to be considered include:
• Does alcohol negatively affect my health, relationships or work?
• Do I try to enjoy social occasions without drinking?
Alcohol and other drug support organizations such as Hello on Sunday morning AND Intelligent recovery Offer free, based on evidence, digital support and resources for people who want to change drinking.
These services emphasize the reduction of damage and compassion, encouraging individuals to establish realistic goals and achieving a constant change.