Gen Z (those born between 1997-2012) has been experiencing a new trend that appears to deviate from previous generations. Referred to as “Zoomers”, these teens and young adults are frequently engaged in substance use to simply deal with the stress and discomfort that may arise from the challenges of the workday. In fact, there was a recent survey conducted of 1,000 adults in the US, and the surprising finding was that 35% of Gen Z admitted that they use substances including marijuana, alcohol, or even prescription pills prior to starting their workdays.
This is extremely concerning and raises quite a few questions that need to be addressed. Why is Gen Z showing an increase in substance use during the workday? How has their working environment changed compared to previous generations? In fact, 56% of the Gen Z respondents to the survey even admitted that they use substances after finishing work to help them heal from all the overwhelming stress that occurs during the workday.
Furthermore, around 32% of Gen Z even use substances throughout the workday. For example, they may use during their lunch breaks, or when they are in their cars. This can create several issues for both the workplace as well as the health and safety of these Gen Z employees. In no environment is it safe or acceptable for an employee to be under the influence while performing his or her job. While it is certainly not appropriate for Gen Z to use substances during the workday, we must carefully examine and investigate what is leading to this increase in substance use. To put this in perspective, only 20% of Gen Z states that they have NOT engaged in substance use during the workday.
Another surprising statistic is that Gen Z has a much higher probability of coming to work under the influence of substances, whereas Baby Boomers have a much lesser probability. What may be causing these differences? Firstly, a big part of it is certainly stress related. Everything is more expensive now than ever – this includes housing and utilities, food, car insurance, and childcare. As a result of this, many “Zoomers” are forced to work multiple jobs just to pay their bills. Gen Z is being raised in an era where everything is always happening all at once – constant social media, constant news and updates, and an economy that frequently feels as though it is working against them rather than for them.
What are the solutions to these issues? Firstly, we should examine the trends in the workplace, as well as in society as a whole. What has changed over the years? Why would Gen Z be having a hard time coping with daily life? Rising costs are certainly a factor, and as previously explained, the constant pressure from social media and all of the 24/7 coverage that consumes Gen Z creates a more stressful environment both in and out of the workplace. With proper support from friends and family, as well as with the help of behavioral health counselors at Victory Recovery Partners, Gen Z can start to reflect on why they are experiencing these hardships, allowing them to hopefully find a healthy and positive solution.
Victory Recovery Partners, a network of addiction/recovery centers on Long Island, New York provides outpatient services to those facing addiction and substance use disorders. By providing total care under one roof, consisting of behavioral health, psychiatric, wellness, and medication-assisted treatment services, we ensure that our mission of No One Left Behind holds true. With our new adolescent program in our Massapequa Park location, we are expanding our services to reach a new patient population that can truly benefit from our services. For more information on Victory, please visit our website.