Whether we want to admit it or not, culture is a changing, shifting part of the world. Much like the changing of trees from spring to winter, people’s beliefs and values tend to shift to match either a pit of boredom or a call for equality. In a very strange way, we could say the same for alcohol intake among the new generation of U.S. adults: millennials. Although some people may cringe when they heard the word, this new wave of men and women tends to share a different perspective on a drink that their baby boomer parents and Generation Y grandparents loved to indulge in. In a sense, teetotaling may becoming a fast norm for these people. Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
Rise of the Teetotalers
Based on reports from the Health Survey of London, teetotaling seems to be gaining more popularity among the Next Gen (infamously called millennials). In 2005, 1 in 5 young adults (ages 16 to 24 years) practiced teetotaling, in stark contrast to 1 in 3 young teetotalers in 2015. Likewise, the rate of lifetime alcohol abstainers boosted from 9% to 17%, while overall rates of abusive and self-harmful drinking have started to drop. In 2015, 28% of young adults admitted to overindulgence, a massive decline from the 43% of abusers in 2005. According to the 10,000 men and women who took part in the study, this practice of abstinence was becoming the norm.
No Need for Guilt Trips
Although researchers cannot officially pinpoint the cause behind this decline in boozing over the past decade (plus four years), reports have indicated that a variety of social factors may be contributing to the cause:
- Multiculturalism and sharing of different ideals
- Potential for embarrassment on social media
- High price of alcohol
- The fear of losing control
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Alcohol may appear to be as much of an American icon as the hot dog or baseball, but the public does seem to be changing perspectives on the drug. We have seen an increase in alcohol consumption over the past decade, but the next generation might be the group that will break the ice. Nevertheless, you must understand that this drug does not dictate your life or your future. Only you have the power to decide what life you will live. Healing is just around the corner, if you know where to look.
Are you suffering from a severe case of alcohol use disorder? Do you have a friend or a family member who is coping with one of these issues, as well? On both accounts, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward breaking your connection with alcohol.
