Even if Generation Z appears to be the forefront of a more sober future, South Africans must not overlook the mental health challenges that this generation faces. Greater investment in mental health aid in reaction to the decision to abstain from substance use can lead to a better, happier society. As someone committed to the treatment and recovery from addiction, taking such precautionary actions to secure one’s future is exciting. Sobriety is more than just abstaining from substances; it is a complete dedication to one’s health and well-being, and we must be there to support and encourage this wonderful trend.

I’d want to leave you with the following thoughts: The growing number of people in Generation Z who choose sobriety is a hopeful sign that this generation is choosing to avoid the pitfalls of substance misuse. However, we must not become complacent in addressing the underlying mental health illnesses that many of these people suffer from, as they can still lead to substance misuse if left untreated. South Africa, in particular, must invest in and strengthen its mental health infrastructure in order to better serve this forward-thinking youth.

For members of Generation Z, sobriety is about adopting a holistic well-being culture as much as it is about not using drugs. The significance of this cannot be stressed as we try to encourage this positive trend and assist our youth in building a healthy society.

Substance Use Among South African Youth (2018 vs. 2023):

Substance	2018 (%)	2023 (%)
Alcohol	35	25
Cannabis	20	15
Methamphetamine	7	5

These statistics show a substantial decrease in substance use among South African youth, aligning with global trends.

Generation Z (born 1997 to 2013) has been recognised for its tenacity and informal workplace attitudes, redefining trauma and self-care perspectives. This generation has also influenced club culture, embracing sober living or “sober curiosity” — a lifestyle exploring minimal or no alcohol consumption.

Reports indicate that Gen Z drinks 20% less than Millennials, who themselves drink less than previous generations. Consumer data reveals that young people in various countries, including South Africa, prefer not to spend money on alcohol, opting instead for healthier habits.

Despite reducing alcohol consumption, Gen Z’s drug use surpasses other age groups. A health study in 2023 found their top three drugs of choice include prescription medications like benzodiazepines, typically used for anxiety and seizures. Opioid use increased slightly from 2021 to 2022, while marijuana use has grown significantly among those aged 21 to 25.

Interestingly, methamphetamine use, common in previous generations, is lower among Gen Z. Inhalant drugs mainly affect the 12 to 14 age group. Locally, the misuse of painkillers and prescription drugs is a concern. Dr Shaquir Salduker warned about the long-term implications of antidepressant use among young people, emphasizing the need for balanced drug use under professional guidance.

Additionally, some Gen Zers are turning to cough syrups mixed with alcohol, known as “sizzurp” or “purple juice,” popularized by rappers like Lil Nas X. This trend resurged during the pandemic, with youths creating these mixtures to cope with financial stress, especially in townships.

The South African Journal of Child Health highlighted the appeal of these clandestine mixtures, driven by social media trends. Gen Z’s inclination towards fitting in with online trends often leads to experimenting with such dangerous concoctions.

Factors Influencing Gen Z’s Sobriety

The sober movement among Gen Z can be attributed to several factors:

• Increased Information Access: Gen Z has grown up with unparalleled access to information, equipping them to make informed decisions about substance use.
• Wellness Culture: This generation values overall well-being and mental health, leading to mindful choices about substance use.
• Shift in Social Norms: Sobriety is becoming more normalized, reducing peer pressure to partake in substance use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the sobriety of millennials and Gen Z a universal phenomenon?

Young people are becoming increasingly sober all throughout the world. Overall, it appears that Generation Z uses substances less frequently than prior generations, however this trend may be more prominent in some locations than others.

Sobriety among Generation Z: what does it mean for drug rehab?

This development is indicative of a constructive shift in societal standards and may result in a lower demand for addiction treatment. Gen Z still faces substantial mental health difficulties, therefore this highlights the need for effective mental health care.

Is there any chance that today’s youth will develop addictions?

However, contrary to popular belief, today’s youth are not immune to substance abuse. Substance abuse can still occur when mental health is a concern. Providing the right kind of help and therapy for these problems is vital.

While Gen Z appears to be leading the charge towards a sober future, it’s essential for South Africans not to overlook the mental health challenges this generation faces. The decision to abstain from substances should be met with increased investment in mental health support, paving the way for a healthier, happier society. As someone invested in the treatment and recovery from addiction, it’s an exciting prospect to see a generation taking such proactive steps to safeguard their futures. We must be there to support them, foster this positive trend, and remember: sobriety is not just about substances; it’s a holistic commitment to health and well-being.

I would like to leave you with the following ideas, Gen Z’s trend toward sobriety serves as a beacon of hope, an encouraging sign of a generation consciously choosing to veer away from substance use and its associated harms. However, it should not make us complacent in addressing the mental health issues they face, which, if left untreated, can still lead to substance misuse. South Africa, in particular, needs to bolster its mental health infrastructure to support this proactive generation.

As much as Gen Z’s sobriety is about abstaining from substances, it’s also about embracing a culture of holistic well-being. This is a crucial point to emphasize as we endeavor to encourage this positive trend and support our youth in building a healthier society.

As we look toward the future, let’s remember that sobriety isn’t merely the absence of substance use—it’s an active commitment to health and well-being. With Gen Z leading the charge, we have a unique opportunity to shape a future where sobriety isn’t the exception but the norm.

Supporting Gen Z in their journey towards a healthier lifestyle involves understanding their unique challenges and providing necessary resources to foster their proactive steps towards a sober and balanced future.