Young adults are taking prescription drugs instead of alcohol - and it's dividing experts
Increasingly, young adults are taking anxiety medication to feel "drunk" at parties. But it's not a free lunch, experts warn.
Matt, a 22-year-old warehouse worker from northern England, once relied on alcohol to feel confident enough to socialize with friends. However, he found that drinking left him with a terrible hangover and physical symptoms that made him feel anxious. Seeking a different solution, Matt discovered prescription drugs through social media, specifically medication typically used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain, along with a beta blocker to regulate his heart rate and muscle tremors.
These drugs now enable him to enjoy nights out without the negative side effects of alcohol. Despite the potential risks and long-term dependency issues associated with these medications, Matt and others like him are increasingly turning to prescription drugs as an alternative to alcohol for social situations. This trend has raised concerns among experts, who warn of the dangers of high-dose drug use and dependency.
The rise in social anxiety among Generation Z, particularly in England where over a quarter of young adults report high levels of anxiety, may be a contributing factor. The use of these drugs, often purchased illegally online, is becoming a social norm, with influencers promoting "stacking" - a combination of medications to enhance their effects.
While there is no clear data on the exact number of young people using these substances, addiction researchers express concern about the growing popularity of these "social drugs" as a cleaner and safer alternative to alcohol.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
