The first 6 weeks of freshman year of college have been identified as the most vulnerable time for heavy drinking and alcohol-related consequences. There are also many environmental factors that influence heavy alcohol consumption including Greek affiliation, prominent athletic programs, and inconsistent enforcement of underage drinking laws. On a broader level, college students’ substance use behaviors are influenced by current and generational social, cultural, political, and economic factors. The current college-aged generation is made up of Generation Z individuals (Gen Z; those born between 1995-2010). This study examines the alcohol habits, behaviors, and motivations of Generation Z college students.
The study’s sample consisted of 13 college students aged 18-24 years from the Southeastern United States. Participants completed either an online or face-to-face interview. The interview consisted of open-ended questions focused on alcohol consumption, personal health/safety, risky behaviors, and social motivations/triggers. Data was analyzed using inductive and comparative techniques to identify patterns of ideas and concepts that emerged from the interviews.
Results of the data analysis showed that motivations to engage in alcohol consumption were mostly socially-centered. One student reported that social influences affected the types and quantities of his alcohol selections. Two other themes that emerged were knowing one’s limits in regards to alcohol consumption and that exceeding personal limits leads to risky behaviors. Many students reported feeling bad the day after a drinking event both mentally and physically also known as “hangxiety”. Participants also identified that Greek life increased exposure and pressure to engage in alcohol use and related social events.
Takeaway: The themes that emerged related to alcohol use among Generation Z college students were motivations to drink, know my limits, exceeding limits leading to risky behavior, hangover anxiety, and Greek life influences.