Americans Cut Back on Alcohol as Health Risks Come to Light

A recent survey indicates that a significant shift is occurring in alcohol consumption among adults in the United States, with only 54 percent now reporting that they drink alcoholic beverages such as liquor, wine, or beer. This figure represents the lowest level of alcohol consumption in the past three decades, according to a Gallup poll released on October 4, 2023. The decline is largely attributed to increasing concerns about the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.

The poll reveals that a record high of 53 percent of US adults believe that moderate drinking is detrimental to their health. This marks a dramatic increase from just 28 percent in 2015. The growing skepticism surrounding the perceived benefits of alcohol is particularly pronounced among younger adults, who are now more likely to view even “one or two drinks a day” as potentially harmful. However, older adults are also changing their perceptions, increasingly acknowledging the risks associated with moderate alcohol consumption.

Shifting Attitudes Towards Alcohol

The Gallup survey, conducted in July 2023, indicates a notable reversal in attitudes towards alcohol. For years, many believed that moderate drinking was harmless or even beneficial. Yet, as health information evolves, concerns about alcohol’s impact on health are becoming more prevalent. Data suggest that even among those who continue to drink, consumption levels are decreasing.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, trends indicated a rise in alcohol consumption among Americans. Recent government surveys, however, have shown a decline in drinking habits, particularly among teenagers and young adults. This trend is not confined to the United States; countries like Belgium have also reported reduced alcohol consumption in recent years.

The growing body of evidence regarding alcohol’s health risks has played a crucial role in changing public perception. While moderate drinking was previously associated with heart health benefits, health experts now emphasize the negative outcomes linked to alcohol, including its classification as a leading cause of cancer.

Health Guidelines and Recommendations

The shift in public sentiment toward alcohol consumption has been influenced by new scientific research and changing health guidelines. Past studies that suggested moderate drinking might be beneficial were often limited in scope and did not adequately account for younger populations. Today, the scientific consensus has evolved, prompting several countries to revise their alcohol consumption recommendations.

Earlier this year, the outgoing US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, advocated for clearer labeling on alcoholic beverages to inform consumers about the link between alcohol and cancer. The current federal dietary guidelines recommend that Americans abstain from alcohol entirely or limit their intake to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

Lydia Saad, the director of US social research at Gallup, noted that older adults may be slower to adapt to changing health recommendations due to a lifetime of varying advice. “Older folks may be a little more hardened in terms of the whiplash that they get with recommendations,” Saad explained. In contrast, younger generations have grown up in an environment where the potential harms of alcohol have been emphasized from an early age.

As public attitudes towards alcohol continue to evolve, the US government is expected to release updated guidelines later this year, reflecting the latest health research and societal trends. This anticipated update may further influence drinking habits and public perceptions of alcohol consumption in the future.