New Survey: U.S. Alcohol Consumption Hits Lowest Recorded Level 

The percentage of U.S. adults who say they consume alcohol has fallen to 54%, the lowest by one percentage point in Gallup’s nearly 90-year trend. 

Gallup’s latest findings show Americans’ self-reported alcohol consumption is at its lowest point since tracking began in 1939 – with people drinking both less often and in smaller amounts. 

Why It Matters: The data shows that for the first time, a majority of Americans believe that even moderate alcohol consumption is unhealthy – a remarkable shift in public opinion. Health concerns, such as a link to cancer, have decreased people’s interest in drinking. Gallup’s annual Consumption Habits survey found:  

• More than half now say moderate drinking is bad for health 
• 40% of drinkers said it’s been over a week since their last alcoholic beverage 
• The decline spans nearly every demographic: age, income, gender, and political affiliation 

Did You Know? The highest percentages of alcohol consumption occurred between 1974 and 1981 when 68-71% of Americans reported drinking. 

Learn More: U.S. Drinking Rate at New Low as Alcohol Concerns Surge (Gallup News) 

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