Gen Z women abuse stimulants, binge-drink more than any other group, studies find

New York Post - Apr 26th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Recent studies published in JAMA Psychiatry reveal that Gen Z women, aged 18 to 25, are leading in both stimulant abuse and binge drinking compared to their male counterparts and other age groups. About 37% of these young women reported using stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin improperly in the past year. This rate is more than double that of women aged 26 to 34, and almost triple compared to those aged 35 to 64. The misuse among men of the same age is slightly lower, with 36.1% reporting misuse. The studies also highlight that young women are binge drinking more than men for the first time, with 31.6% reported to engage in the behavior.

The findings underscore significant social pressures faced by young women, including the need to meet high standards in various aspects of life. Experts like Stacey Ross point out the societal pressures to maintain perfect grades, appearances, and social media presence, which contribute to the misuse of stimulants as a perceived quick fix. The trend is alarming given the national shortage of these medications and the increasing acceptance of heavy alcohol use among women. The studies call for urgent prevention and intervention measures, highlighting the rising rates of alcohol-related liver disease and mortality among young women.

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RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant examination of substance misuse trends among Gen Z women, supported by recent studies and expert opinions. It effectively highlights the challenges faced by this demographic, including societal pressures and mental health issues. While the article is clear and engaging, its accuracy and transparency could be improved by providing direct citations and more detailed context for the studies referenced. The article's potential impact is notable, as it raises awareness of important public health issues, though it could benefit from offering more diverse perspectives and actionable insights. Overall, the story is a well-structured and informative piece that contributes to ongoing discussions about gender, health, and societal norms.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that appear to be based on studies published in reputable journals like JAMA Psychiatry. The figures regarding stimulant misuse among different age groups and genders are specific, such as the claim that nearly 37% of women aged 18 to 25 reported misuse. However, the article does not provide direct citations or details from the studies, such as sample sizes or methodologies, which are crucial for verifying accuracy. The story also claims that young women are out-drinking men based on another study, but again lacks direct references to this study's data. The narrative around motivations for misuse, such as feelings of inadequacy, is attributed to expert opinions, which are plausible but would benefit from more robust evidence. Overall, the article provides a credible but partially substantiated account of the issues discussed.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the behaviors of Gen Z women, with some comparison to their male counterparts. It highlights stimulant misuse and binge drinking without delving deeply into the broader context of substance abuse across other demographics. The perspective of young women is somewhat explored through expert opinions, but the article could benefit from including voices of those directly affected or alternative viewpoints, such as those of healthcare providers or policymakers. This would provide a more balanced view of the issue. Additionally, the article could address potential systemic factors contributing to these behaviors, such as healthcare access or societal pressures, to provide a fuller picture.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow from one topic to the next. It begins by introducing the main claims about stimulant and alcohol misuse, then provides specific statistics and expert commentary to support these claims. The language is accessible and avoids jargon, making the content understandable to a general audience. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more context or background information on the studies mentioned, which would help readers better understand the significance of the findings. Overall, the story is easy to read and comprehend.

5
Source quality

The article references studies published in reputable journals like JAMA Psychiatry, which suggests a level of credibility. However, it lacks direct citations or links to these studies, which would enhance transparency and allow readers to verify the information themselves. The article also includes expert opinions, but these are not supported by detailed credentials or affiliations, which would help establish the authority of the sources. The reliance on a single expert for commentary may limit the diversity of perspectives presented, affecting the overall reliability of the source material.

4
Transparency

The article does not provide sufficient transparency regarding the sources of its information. While it mentions studies and expert opinions, it lacks direct links or citations to the original research, making it difficult for readers to verify the claims independently. The methodology of the studies referenced is not discussed, leaving questions about sample sizes, data collection methods, and potential biases unanswered. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest that might affect the impartiality of the reporting, such as affiliations of the experts quoted.

Sources

  1. https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2024/12/reported-use-of-most-drugs-among-adolescents-remained-low-in-2024
  2. https://www.cornerstonehealingcenter.com/resource/drug-abuse-and-addiction-statistics/
  3. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/addiction-statistics-demographics
  4. https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/stories/foundation/generation-z-is-waging-a-battle-against-depression-addiction-and-hopelessness
  5. https://bpr.studentorg.berkeley.edu/2022/06/02/the-gen-z-stimulant-epidemic/