Self-reported alcohol use hits 90-year low
Aug. 25, 2025— Americans' opinions on drinking may be changing. According to a recent Gallup poll, the percentage of adults who say they drink alcohol has dropped to its lowest point in 90 years. Findings from the poll also suggest that a growing awareness of the risks of drinking may be driving the decline.
Last July, Gallup conducted its annual Consumption Habits Survey. They asked adults whether they drink liquor, wine or beer or if they abstain. Just 54% of respondents said they drink alcohol. That's the lowest drinking rate since Gallup began the poll in 1939.
Other key findings from the poll include:
- Fewer women than men drink alcohol.
- Drinking rates are lower for adults younger than 35, when compared to middle-aged and older adults.
- Even people who say they drink report drinking less alcohol and less often.
Declines coincide with shifting views on health risks
The record-breaking drop in self-reported drinking marks three straight years of declines. And it comes at a time when more Americans than ever (53%, according to the poll) believe that even moderate alcohol use—having one or two drinks a day—is bad for their health.
The more alcohol a person drinks, the greater the risk of harmful health effects. But even being a casual drinker may not be without risk, recent research suggests. For instance, drinking any amount of alcohol may raise the risk of some types of cancer, such as breast cancer.
In addition, drinking alcohol excessively is linked to a broad range of physical and mental health problems, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. These include a higher risk of being diagnosed with several types of cancer; high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, stroke, dementia, depression and anxiety.
Check out our infographic to learn more about what alcohol does to the body.
Sources
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention. "Alcohol Use and Your Health." https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/index.html.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Alcohol Use Effects on Men's and Women's Health." https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/alcohol-and-sex-considerations.html.
- Gallup. "U.S. Drinking Rate at New Low as Alcohol Concerns Surge." https://news.gallup.com/poll/693362/drinking-rate-new-low-alcohol-concerns-surge.aspx.
- National Institute of Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism. "Alcohol's Effects on the Body." https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Health Risks of Alcohol Use." https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000494.htm.