Gallup reported on August 13, 2025, that alcohol consumption among United States adults has fallen to its lowest level in 30 years, with only 54% saying they drink alcoholic beverages. A July survey found that 53% now believe moderate drinking is harmful to health, a sharp increase from 28% in 2015. Younger adults are the most likely to see even small amounts of alcohol as risky, with two-thirds holding this view. Among older adults, about half now consider moderate drinking harmful, compared to only 20% a decade ago. Experts say the change comes from growing awareness of alcohol’s link to cancer and other serious health problems. Several countries have updated their alcohol guidelines, and the United States is expected to do the same later this year under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Health experts explained that recent research has overturned earlier studies that suggested benefits to moderate drinking. Gallup’s data also showed that regular drinkers are consuming less, with only 25% reporting alcohol use in the past 24 hours, a record low. About 40% said it had been over a week since their last drink. Analysts said that health concerns may not cause everyone to stop drinking completely but are influencing how often people drink. The expected new federal guidelines and stronger public health campaigns may further reduce alcohol use across the country.