Shifting Attitudes Drive Historic Drop in US Alcohol consumption
Washington D.C. – October 11, 2024 – A dramatic shift in public perception regarding the health risks of alcohol is fueling the lowest rates of alcohol consumption in the United States in three decades, according to recent survey data. The percentage of American adults who drink alcoholic beverages-beer, wine, or spirits-has fallen to 54%, a record low.
This decline isn’t a sudden phenomenon, but a sustained trend driven by growing awareness of alcohol’s link to serious health issues, particularly cancer. While past guidelines suggested moderate drinking might have health benefits, a growing body of evidence now points to alcohol as a significant contributor to oncological diseases, prompting a reevaluation of long-held beliefs and influencing drinking habits across demographics. the evolving recommendations from public health officials and anticipated policy changes promise to further reshape America’s relationship with alcohol.
In 2024, 53% of US adults believe alcohol is harmful to health, a stark contrast to the 28% who held that view in 2015. This change is particularly pronounced among younger adults. Approximately two-thirds of Americans aged 18-34 now consider even one or two drinks daily to be detrimental to their health, compared to just 40% a decade ago.
The shift in outlook extends beyond millennials and Gen Z. Roughly half of Americans over the age of 55 now view alcohol as harmful,a significant increase from the 20% who shared that opinion in 2015.
These evolving attitudes are directly correlated with behavioral changes. The decline in consumption is prompting calls for clearer public health messaging. In 2024, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recommended that alcohol labels explicitly state the connection between alcohol consumption and cancer risk. Current US federal dietary guidelines advise abstaining from alcohol altogether, or limiting intake to one or two drinks per day for men and one drink or less for women.
Further changes are expected later in 2024, when Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy is slated to unveil updated recommendations regarding alcohol consumption, signaling a potential overhaul of existing guidelines.
Background: For decades, moderate alcohol consumption was frequently enough presented as relatively harmless, or even beneficial for cardiovascular health. However, research increasingly demonstrates that any level of alcohol consumption carries health risks, with a particularly strong link to several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and liver cancer. This evolving understanding is driving a public health response aimed at informing consumers and potentially reducing alcohol-related harm.
