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3h ago

U.S. Drinking Hits 90-Year Low as Majority Views Moderate Intake as Harmful

U.S. adults are slashing their alcohol use in response to warnings that any drinking raises cancer risks

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FILE - Beer is displayed in a cooler at a store June 19, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Overview

  • Gallup’s July 7–21 survey found just 54% of U.S. adults reported drinking alcohol, the lowest level since tracking began in 1939.
  • For the first time, 53% of respondents said one to two drinks a day is bad for their health, up from 45% last year.
  • Among current drinkers, average consumption dropped to 2.8 drinks per week and only 24% said they drank in the past day—both record lows.
  • Declines in self-reported drinking were widespread, with steeper drops among young adults, women, white adults and Republicans.
  • Warnings from WHO, the U.S. surgeon general and federal reviews linking low-level alcohol use to cancer and mortality have reshaped public attitudes and market demand.