Gen Z And Millennials Shared Their Quarantine Drinking Habits, Here Are The Results
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

We Surveyed Millennials And Gen Z About Their Quarantine Drinking Habits — Cheers

If you're drinking more than normal, you're in good company.

13711
We Surveyed Millennials And Gen Z About Their Quarantine Drinking Habits — Cheers
Friends / Warner Bros

The world is facing constant change in light of coronavirus (COVID-19) bringing every socially responsible individual into their homes and firmly planted on their couches. With this new free time, individuals are finding plenty of ways to keep themselves busy. Some people are participating in home workouts and others are taking up tie-dye. But no matter what unique hobby people are taking up, one thing is certain — everyone is drinking more. No, really.

We surveyed our audience and while some are hitting it hard at noon and others are waiting for a more traditional happy hour as a whole, 54 percent of respondents are drinking more alcohol than they usually do.


This wasn't the only thing we learned. It turns out that 70 percent of respondents are drinking three-plus days a week.

Fourteen percent of respondents are drinking each and every day — seven days a week, folks. While some may find this alarming, it makes sense. Alcohol sales have spiked as individuals found themselves hunkered inside their homes with nothing better to do.

Of course, who you're quarantined with also makes a difference on your drinking habits.

Many adult children are finding themselves back at their family home for the remainder of isolation, and we found that these individuals are drinking an average of three drinks per day. Mom and dad have definitely loosened up since high school, as 20 percent of respondents quarantined with their parents say they've had seven-plus drinks in a single day; 6.4 percent have had more than 10 in a day. People quarantined with their partners are obviously spending their time in stimulating conversation, as they averaged three drinks a day; 18.5 percent having more than seven drinks in one day and five percent having more than 10 in a day.

Individuals quarantined by themselves averaged 3.7 drinks on a normal day, 32 percent have more than seven drinks in a single day and 17 percent have more than 10 in a single day. If you think the solo quarantiners stole the show, individuals quarantined with friends averaged four drinks a day. The real wow factor arrives on days these individuals hit their max — 57 percent had seven-plus drinks a day and 31 percent had 10-plus drinks. Who's to say the reason behind these numbers (although this expert has a theory, and this one, and this one), but the fact of the matter is, people are drinking, no matter who they're experiencing this pandemic with.

Overall, no matter who people were quarantined with, 50 percent of respondents began drinking before 7 p.m.

While we didn't have a Final Four this year, we can match up the U.S. regions to see who's drinking the most.

The East shows fairly comparable numbers no matter who respondents were quarantined with, as 33 percent of people quarantined with their friends have had more than seven drinks in a day; 25 percent having more than 10. The Midwest sees 62 percent of individuals quarantined with friends kicking back more than seven drinks in a single day, 21 percent having more than 10 drinks in one day. This is seen to a greater extent in the South, where 75 percent of respondents claim having more than seven drinks in a single day; 66 percent have had more than 10 drinks on a given day. You didn't get the memo? Tailgating started early this year.

While the drink of choice varies, wine is by far the most popular beverage being consumed during this time.

Forty-three percent of people consuming alcohol are breaking out the wine glasses, and filling them with red, white, or rose. During the weeks that many Americans began their quarantine (mid-March), wine sales rose 66 percent. Online wine retailers saw a dramatic 250 percent increase in sales, yet most U.S. wineries are expected to lose 75 percent of sales in April. We're embodying "rose all day," but many are purchasing from large retailers instead of local, small business options.

This, of course, is for the sake of convenience that many Americans are craving, or forcing, into their lives. Online orders mean you don't have to leave your house and you can still participate in that 38th Zoom happy hour with your friends.

While local retailers may be suffering, we found that 82 percent of respondents are still braving the grocery stores to purchase their beverage of choice.

While experts state that ordering groceries online is the safer option amidst this pandemic, it seems the majority of people are still willing to risk if for their drink of choice. Sure, online orders are more expensive, and probably still support larger retailers or third party sellers instead of the local option — but it also spreads fewer germs. 9.8 percent of the people we surveyed said they're getting their supplies by carrying out their orders from local bars and restaurants, so it's the best of both worlds. If you are going to the grocery store because you NEED that extra bottle of wine for game night, just remember to practice safe social distancing.

No matter what your quarantine drinking habits look like, we'd like to remind you that just like Tito's doesn't count as hand sanitizer, filling your organs with alcohol will not fight off coronavirus infection.

If you are interested in contributing to Odyssey's Health & Wellness vertical, please email lily.moe@theodysseyonline.com.

Report this Content
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

102838
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments