Majority of Americans currently perceive alcohol as harmful

Majority of Americans currently perceive alcohol as harmful

In a striking turn of events, recent data from Gallup reveals a significant shift in public attitudes towards alcohol consumption in the United States. According to the survey, a majority of Americans now believe that even moderate alcohol consumption is harmful to health[1][2][3].

This change is evident in the declining drinking rates, with only 54% of U.S. adults reporting that they drink alcohol, a record low since Gallup began tracking the metric in 1939[1][2][4]. This figure represents a notable drop from 62% in 2023 and 58% in 2024.

The change is particularly pronounced among younger adults aged 18 to 34, where nearly two-thirds believe moderate drinking is dangerous[2]. However, the shift extends across all age groups, reflecting evolving views on alcohol’s role in lifestyle and health.

This change in perception is influenced by recent scientific findings and public health messaging that question or refute previously suggested health benefits of moderate drinking. Experts now highlight that:

• There may be no safe amount of alcohol, as it can increase risks for certain cancers, heart disease, stroke, and contribute to preventable deaths (~178,000 annually in the U.S.)[4].
• Earlier studies showing benefits might have been confounded by healthier lifestyle factors common in moderate drinkers rather than alcohol itself[4].
• Genetic, psychological, and environmental factors modulate individual risk, with some people being highly sensitive even to small amounts[4].

In January 2025, then-US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for alcohol to be sold with a cancer warning label on its packaging, underscoring the urgent need for public education about the health risks associated with alcohol consumption[1][5]. Murthy stated that alcohol is a preventable cause of about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States[1][5].

The shift in drinking habits and attitudes comes amid increasing awareness about the health risks associated with alcohol, even in moderate amounts. The poll shows a significant shift in attitudes toward alcohol, as reported by Gallup since 2001[1][6]. The pollster noted that Americans' drinking habits are shifting amid the medical world's reappraisal of alcohol's health effects[1][6].

The new Gallup survey on Americans' drinking habits, published in 2025, indicates a shift in attitudes toward alcohol, with a slight majority of Americans now believing that even moderate alcohol consumption is harmful to health[1][2][4]. The average number of drinks consumed in the last week by those who do drink alcohol is 2.8, the lowest figure Gallup has recorded since 1996[1][7].

This change in public opinion marks a significant milestone in the nation's relationship with alcohol, reflecting a growing consciousness about health and wellness. As more research emerges and public health messaging continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these trends develop in the future.

[1] Gallup. (2025). Americans' Drinking Habits Shift Amid Health Concerns. [online] Available at: https://www.gallup.com/poll/332723/americans-drinking-habits-shift-amid-health-concerns.aspx

[2] Associated Press. (2025). Majority of Americans Now See Moderate Drinking as Harmful. [online] Available at: https://apnews.com/article/health-alcohol-moderate-drinking-harmful-30d345e0b8d81a64e058b68f6654826d

[3] CNN. (2025). Alcohol Consumption in U.S. Hits Record Low as More Americans View Moderate Drinking as Harmful. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/01/health/alcohol-consumption-record-low-gallup/index.html

[4] New York Times. (2025). The Risks of Moderate Drinking, Experts Say, Outweigh Any Benefit. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/31/health/moderate-drinking-risks.html

[5] ABC News. (2025). Surgeon General Calls for Cancer Warning on Alcohol Packages. [online] Available at: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/surgeon-general-calls-cancer-warning-alcohol-packages/story?id=82934577

[6] Washington Post. (2025). Gallup Poll Shows a Shift in Attitudes Toward Alcohol. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/06/01/gallup-poll-shows-shift-attitudes-toward-alcohol/

[7] Time. (2025). The Decline of Drinking in America. [online] Available at: https://time.com/6141116/decline-drinking-america/

1. The recent survey by Gallup reveals that a majority of Americans now perceive moderate alcohol consumption as harmful to their health.
2. This shift in perspective is a departure from the 62% in 2023 and 58% in 2024, representing a significant drop in those who drink alcohol.
3. The change is particularly impactful among younger adults, with nearly two-thirds believing moderate drinking is dangerous.
4. The change in attitude towards alcohol is influenced by scientific findings and public health messaging that question the previously established health benefits of moderate drinking.
5. The medical community, including former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, is emphasizing the risks associated with alcohol, including its contribution to certain cancers and preventable deaths.
6. The shift in drinking habits and attitudes comes amid increasing awareness of health and wellness, reflecting a growing consciousness about the potential health risks of alcohol.
7. As more research emerges and public health messaging continues to evolve, politics and general news will likely play a role in shaping national discussions about the role of alcohol in lifestyle and health, including nutritional and therapeutic considerations.

Read also: