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Alcohol Use Hits Record Low in US
20 Aug
Summary
- Alcohol consumption among Americans has reached a new low, with 54% reporting drinking.
- A majority now believe moderate drinking is harmful to health.
- Nonalcoholic alternatives are gaining popularity among consumers.
Alcohol consumption among Americans has reached a record low, with 54% reporting drinking, a trend observed since 1939. This decrease is accompanied by a shift in public perception, as a majority now believe that consuming one or two alcoholic drinks daily is bad for health. This sentiment has grown over the last decade, with fewer people viewing alcohol as beneficial.
Awareness of alcohol's health risks is widespread, supported by research and a January 2025 advisory from the surgeon general highlighting cancer risks. Even moderate consumption is now linked to cancer. This increased caution has led to fewer individuals reporting overdrinking, reaching a new low of 13%.
The trend also sees a rise in nonalcoholic alternatives, with 17% of Americans trying them in the past year. Demographic shifts show slight decreases in drinking among women and specific political and religious groups, while preferences for beer, wine, and liquor remain distinct among genders.
