Washington, D.C. –Survey finds most Americans now view alcohol as harmful. A new Gallup poll has revealed a major shift in how Americans view alcohol, with more than half now believing that even moderate drinking poses health risks. This growing awareness has coincided with a sharp decline in alcohol consumption across the nation.
Alcohol Consumption Hits Historic Low
According to Gallup, only 54% of Americans reported drinking alcohol either occasionally or regularly in 2025. This is the lowest percentage recorded since the survey began in 1939, shortly after Prohibition ended.
From 1997 through 2023, at least 60% of U.S. adults consistently identified as drinkers. The drop in 2025 marks a significant cultural shift, reflecting rising concern about alcohol’s long-term effects on health.
Additionally, those who do drink are consuming smaller amounts. The average number of drinks consumed in the past week was just 2.8 per person — the lowest figure Gallup has recorded since 1996.
Rising Health Concerns About Alcohol
One of the most striking findings is the change in how Americans perceive alcohol’s impact on health. In 2025, 53% of respondents said even one or two drinks per day can be harmful, more than double the 27% who felt the same way in the early 2000s.
Gallup noted that Americans’ attitudes toward alcohol have shifted as medical experts increasingly highlight its dangers. In recent years, studies have shown that no amount of alcohol is risk-free, contradicting older beliefs that moderate drinking could have certain health benefits.
Medical Warnings and Policy Calls
Earlier this year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy emphasized the need for stronger public health messaging around alcohol. He suggested that alcohol products should carry a cancer warning label, similar to cigarette packaging.
“Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer, responsible for about 100,000 cases and 20,000 deaths every year in the United States,” Murthy stated. “Yet most Americans remain unaware of these risks.”
What This Means for the Future
The latest Gallup survey highlights a growing disconnect between past drinking norms and today’s health-conscious culture. With drinking rates falling and skepticism about “safe” consumption increasing, experts predict that the U.S. could see even greater changes in lifestyle habits and alcohol-related policies in the coming years.
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