FACT BRIEFHave drinking rates in the U.S. declined?
Yes.
Drinking rates in the U.S. in 2025 are at their lowest point since 1958, according to a Gallup poll.
The report says that from 1997 to 2023, at least 60% of Americans reported drinking alcohol at least occasionally. That number is now 54%.
Pollsters say it coincides with research highlighting health risks with any level of drinking, in contrast with earlier studies that found health benefits with moderate drinking.
Gallup has been tracking Americans’ drinking habits annually since 1939, and the drinking rate has only been under 60% eight times.
This shift in drinking habits is mainly being seen among younger generations. In 2001, 72% of young adults aged 18 to 34 reported drinking alcohol. That number is now at 50%.
Other demographics that have shown the highest decline include: Republicans, households making less than $40,000 or more than $100,000, white adults and women.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
The Nevada Independent partners with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. Read our methodology to learn how we check claims.
Sources
It’s up to all of us to spread the truth.
The Nevada Independent is always on the lookout for claims that could use a fact check. But we could use your eyes and ears too. If you're on social media or consuming news and come across a statement that raises questions for you — let us know.
In the meantime, if you think this work is important, please show your support by making a donation of any amount today. Your contributions help us devote more reporters and editors to finding and checking claims, ensuring that Nevadans have the best information possible during this important time in our state’s history.