A recent Gallup poll reveals a notable decline in alcohol consumption among adults in the United States, with only 54% of adults now drinking—marking the lowest level since the survey's inception in 1939. Even among those who do drink, frequency has decreased significantly, with consumption dropping by almost half in recent years.
This change in drinking habits seems to be accompanied by a shifting attitude toward alcohol. Gallup data indicates a growing number of Americans view alcohol as detrimental to health, a trend that has been on the rise since 2016. Experts suggest this shift may parallel the historical decline in tobacco use.
The frequency of drinking has also declined, with only 24% of drinkers reporting having consumed alcohol in the past 24 hours. Additionally, 40% of respondents stated it had been over a week since their last drink, the highest figure recorded since 2000.
health experts increasingly associate alcohol with serious health risks, challenging the previous notion that moderate drinking could have benefits. The American heart Association and the American college of Cardiology recently released new blood pressure guidelines recommending complete abstinence from alcohol. Former US Surgeon General Dr. vivek Murthy has also warned about alcohol's link to increased cancer risk and advocated for updated warning labels.
As the US government reviews its alcohol consumption guidelines, last updated in 1990, the advisory committee for the upcoming 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines chose not to revise alcohol recommendations directly, despite evidence linking higher consumption to greater cancer risk. Updated guidelines from the USDA and HHS are anticipated by year-end, with promises of a simplified version. Columbia university professor Katherine Keyes emphasized the need for the guidelines to reflect current scientific evidence concerning alcohol intake.
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