Gen Z is rewriting the rules on nightlife and celebration, shaking up the alcohol industry by choosing to drink less—or not at all. From bars to beverage companies, everyone is feeling the effects of this historic shift as mocktails and wellness-focused drinks take center stage.

The Dry Generation

Research in 2025 shows alcohol consumption is now lowest among Gen Z, with only 25% reporting regular drinking—compared to 50% of Millennials and about 40% of Gen X. Surveys reveal that nearly two-thirds (65%) of Gen Zers plan to drink less this year, and 39% intend to stay dry all year, not just for “Dry January”. This is more than fleeting resolution—it marks a true cultural transition.

Why Gen Z Is Cutting Back

The motivations behind this shift are clear and multifaceted:

• Health First: Gen Z is wellness-obsessed, prioritizing both physical and mental health. Alcohol’s links to poor sleep, anxiety, and overall health decline are widely recognized by this cohort.
• Economic Realism: Sky-high prices for cocktails aren’t appealing, especially as Gen Z navigates student debt, rent hikes, and economic uncertainty.
• Social Evolution: Fewer in-person parties and a rise in digital socialization mean less peer pressure to drink. Instead, “sober curiosity” and wellness challenges dominate social feeds among young adults.

The Rise of Mocktails and Alternatives

Gen Z isn’t just skipping alcohol—they’re driving demand for appealing, sophisticated alternatives. More than half (52%) of Gen Zers now order mocktails when out, and 48% opt for other non-alcoholic beverages. Flavorful innovations, from CBD-infused coolers to sparkling adaptogen sodas, are reshaping menus across the industry.

This “mocktail moment” isn’t just about abstaining; it’s about experience. Trend-forward bars now offer complex, handcrafted zero-proof drinks. Beverage giants and craft brands alike are releasing inventive non-alcoholic options to entice this new consumer base.

Alcohol Industry—Adapt or Get Left Behind

While Gen Z is the least likely to order alcohol, those who do increasingly seek out premium or unique drinks—quality over quantity. For beverage manufacturers, this is both a challenge and a revolution. Classic beer and spirits brands are scrambling to diversify with non-alcoholic beers, alcohol-free spirits, and more.

Smart brands are following Gen Z’s lead: prioritizing transparent ingredients, health claims, and inclusive products that don’t revolve around getting buzzed. Even as some reports indicate pockets of rising alcohol use in select markets, the overall industry consensus is clear: wellness and moderation are reshaping consumption patterns for good.

The Future Is (Mostly) Dry

Bars, clubs, and festivals are all adapting as more young adults seek connection and fun—without the hangover. As Gen Z influences older generations, expect alcohol-free lifestyles to continue trending, pushing the beverage industry to evolve in ways unthinkable a decade ago.

The bottom line? Booze is out, mocktails are in, and Gen Z is joyfully leading the charge into a healthier, more mindful way to gather and celebrate.

A Medical Milestone—And Many Questions

Russia’s medical community is generating global buzz after announcing that its new mRNA-based cancer vaccine, Enteromix, has shown 100% efficacy and safety during recent clinical trials. Scientists from the National Medical Research Radiological Center, working in partnership with top molecular biology institutes, report that all 48 trial participants experienced significant tumor shrinkage without serious side effects.

How Does Enteromix Work?

Unlike preventative vaccines, Enteromix is a therapeutic cancer vaccine. It combines personalized mRNA technology—tailored to each patient’s tumor mutation profile—with four harmless oncolytic viruses that attack the tumor directly and activate the immune system. This dual mechanism means that the vaccine not only fights cancer immediately but also trains the immune system to respond to future growths. Researchers are optimistic the approach could transform treatment for colorectal cancer first, with plans to expand it to aggressive cancers such as melanoma.

Global Impact and Expert Caution

Russian officials highlighted the vaccine’s free public access and its potential as a source of national pride and scientific achievement. However, international experts urge caution, noting that peer-reviewed data are not yet available, and independent validation is needed before the results can be confirmed. Many details—such as which specific cancers were studied, long-term safety, and broader effectiveness—have yet to be addressed. The complexity of human cancer makes large-scale applicability difficult to predict.

What Happens Next?

While Enteromix is awaiting regulatory approval and further scrutiny from the medical community, Russia’s claims represent an ambitious step forward in the global fight against cancer. If future studies corroborate these early results, the vaccine could mark a profound shift toward personalized, less toxic cancer therapies—putting advanced innovation and public health within closer reach for patients worldwide.

Growing Legal Battle Over Alleged Adverse Effects of Popular Drug

Ozempic, the widely used medication for diabetes and weight loss, is now at the center of a rapidly expanding legal crisis. More than 1,800 lawsuits have been filed against the drug’s manufacturers, with liability estimates surpassing $2 billion. Patients claim that serious side effects caused by Ozempic were downplayed or inadequately disclosed, prompting mass tort product liability litigation.

Understanding the Claims and Legal Process

The lawsuits allege that the companies behind Ozempic marketed the drug without fully warning users of severe risks including intestinal blockages, pancreatitis, kidney injury, and vision problems. These health issues have reportedly led to significant physical harm, emotional distress, and loss of income for many plaintiffs. The cases are being consolidated as multi-district litigation in Pennsylvania to streamline discovery and legal proceedings, though each claim will be evaluated individually.

Juries will ultimately consider the severity of injuries and assign damages accordingly, factoring in physical and emotional harm, as well as financial losses. While some cases may result in settlements, others could proceed to trial, with the earliest court dates expected in 2026.

Who Is Eligible to Join the Lawsuits?

Individuals prescribed Ozempic who have suffered serious side effects within the statute of limitations—typically one to three years, varying by state—may qualify to join the litigation. Medical documentation is essential to support claims. As the lawsuits progress, patients seeking justice are encouraged to consult qualified legal counsel to understand their rights and options.

What’s Next in the Ozempic Litigation?

The discovery phase is currently underway, gathering expert testimony and evidence. While the drug maker disputes liability and characterizes some claims as exaggerated marketing language, the scale and potential cost of the lawsuits make settlements likely. This legal battle highlights ongoing concerns about drug safety and the importance of transparent communication between manufacturers and patients.

Patients affected by Ozempic’s side effects are advised to act promptly as the window for legal action may close in the coming years. The outcomes of these lawsuits could have significant implications for pharmaceutical liability and patient protection standards going forward.