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A recent Gallup poll has revealed a significant shift in alcohol consumption among Americans, indicating that only 54 percent of adults currently drink alcohol. This marks the lowest level recorded in the poll’s 85-year history and represents a decline that mirrors a previous low in 1958. In contrast, 71 percent of Americans reported drinking alcohol in 1978, showcasing a notable change in societal attitudes toward drinking.
Experts attribute this decline to increased public awareness of the health risks associated with alcohol consumption, even in moderation. The narrative surrounding alcohol has evolved, with recent research challenging the previous notion that moderate drinking, particularly red wine, was beneficial. Current studies suggest that any level of alcohol consumption can negatively impact health, contributing to risks such as cancer, anxiety, and depression.
The trend is particularly evident among younger adults. Only 50 percent of Americans aged 18 to 34 reported drinking, compared to 56 percent of those aged 35 and older. Notably, 66 percent of young adults believe that moderate drinking is harmful, while only about half of older adults share this view. Factors driving this change include the cultural embrace of alcohol-free months like “Dry January” and “Sober October,” as well as a growing popularity of mocktails and alcohol-free beverages.
The Gallup poll also highlights a gender divide in drinking habits. Women’s alcohol consumption dropped significantly, with an 11-percentage-point decrease from 2023 to 2024, whereas men’s consumption declined by five points. The survey found that 44 percent of women preferred wine, in contrast to 14 percent of men, while more than half of men favored beer.
Despite the decline in alcohol consumption, the poll indicates that Americans are not necessarily substituting alcohol with cannabis. While cannabis use has remained steady overall, some studies suggest an increase in marijuana consumption among adults over 26 since 2021. Experts caution that the complexities surrounding cannabis usage make it difficult to establish clear patterns in consumption compared to alcohol.
As public awareness of health risks continues to influence lifestyle choices, experts suggest that the trend toward reduced alcohol consumption may persist, although further data will be necessary to confirm this shift.
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