Why the Next Generation Isn’t Buzzed | Ericka Andersen

“Dry January” is upon us—the annual reset when people swear off alcohol for a month, whether for health, discipline, curiosity, or recovery. While some are opting to detox from alcohol during the month of January, something bigger is happening beneath the surface: an entire generation is quietly walking away from alcohol altogether. A 2025 Gallup poll found that only 50% of young adults ages 18-34, reported they drink—down from 72% two decades prior. And yet, alcohol still sits at the center of modern social life—networking events, happy hours, girls’ nights out, and dating culture. If you don’t drink, you’re expected to explain yourself. In a culture that normalizes constant consumption, slipping into sipping habitually can be like a frog in slowly boiling water; you don’t notice the danger until alcohol starts stealing your clarity, your relationships, your peace, and eventually your purpose. This week’s Problematic Women, Ericka Andersen, knows this song and dance all too well. She joins this week’s episode to make the case for sobriety in a culture so hellbent against it. Andersen, the author of “Freely Sober: Rethinking Alcohol Through the Lens of Faith,” shares the story of her personal relationship with alcohol and how she leaned not only on facts, but also on her faith, to find her way out. We also break down the latest trends and statistics on alcohol consumption and what that says about the state of our culture. Follow us on Instagram for EXCLUSIVE bonus content and the chance to be featured in our episodes: https://www.instagram.com/problematicwomen/ Connect with our hosts on socials! Elise McCue X: https://x.com/intent/user?screen_name=EliseMcCue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisemccueofficial/ Virginia Allen: X: https://x.com/intent/user?screen_name=Virginia_Allen5 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiaallenofficial/ Check out Top News in 10, hosted by The Daily Signal’s Tony Kinnett: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjMHBev3NsoUpc2Pzfk0n89cXWBqQltHY