Americans Cut Back on Alcohol Consumption to Record Low

Recent data reveals a significant shift in alcohol consumption habits among Americans, with only 54% of individuals reporting that they drink alcoholic beverages. This statistic marks the lowest percentage recorded in nearly 90 years of polling by Gallup, which has tracked these trends since 1939. The latest findings, released on August 13, 2025, indicate a stark contrast to the peak of 71% reported between 1976 and 1978.

The decline in alcohol consumption coincides with growing awareness about the health risks associated with drinking. Research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism highlights that even low levels of alcohol intake can lead to serious health issues, including certain cancers and heart problems. As public perception shifts, the narrative around alcohol consumption is evolving, with more people recognizing its potential dangers.

Changing Attitudes Towards Alcohol

The findings from Gallup show a notable increase in the perception that drinking is detrimental to health. In 2025, more than half of respondents, or 51%, expressed concerns about the health impacts of alcohol, up from 45% in the previous year. In stark contrast, only 6% of participants believe that drinking has health benefits.

Younger adults are leading this shift in perception. Among those aged 18 to 34, a striking 66% view alcohol consumption as harmful. This sentiment is echoed by 50% of individuals aged 35 to 44, and 48% of those aged 55 and older. The survey also shows that 60% of women consider moderate drinking unhealthy, compared to 47% of men.

The changing attitudes toward alcohol consumption reflect a broader public health conversation. According to the World Health Organization, “no level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health.” This statement underscores the growing consensus that even moderate drinking can pose risks, challenging previous beliefs that moderate consumption might offer some health benefits.

Understanding Moderate Drinking Guidelines

Definitions of moderate drinking vary among health organizations. The Mayo Clinic defines moderate drinking as no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. This aligns with the increasing awareness about the potential harms associated with alcohol.

The data from Gallup is based on phone interviews conducted between July 7 and 21, 2025, involving a random sample of 1,002 adults aged 18 and older across all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The margin of sampling error for the overall sample is ±4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. For the subset of those who drink alcohol, the margin of error is ±5 percentage points.

As public awareness of health risks continues to grow, it remains to be seen how these changing attitudes will influence alcohol consumption patterns in the future. The Gallup poll results indicate a transformation in societal norms surrounding drinking, suggesting that many Americans are reconsidering their relationship with alcohol.