Have drinking rates in the U.S. declined?

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.