Record share of Americans view moderate drinking as harmful

A Gallup poll shows a record share of Americans view moderate drinking as harmful, signaling a shift in public health attitudes.

Record share of Americans view moderate drinking as harmful

Gallup's July poll shows 53 percent of U.S. adults believe moderate drinking is bad for health, a striking rise from 28 percent in 2015. At the same time, about 54 percent say they drink alcohol, a rate at its lowest point in three decades. The shift is strongest among 18- to 34-year-olds, but older adults are increasingly skeptical as well. Overall, Americans report drinking less even among those who continue to drink.

The finding comes as the federal government prepares new dietary guidelines on alcohol, with health officials highlighting links between drinking and cancer. The past decade had been filled with mixed messages about moderate consumption, a result of imperfect early studies that failed to prove benefit. Now the scientific consensus has shifted and several countries have lowered recommendations. The public debate surrounding guidelines could influence everyday choices and the economics of bars, retailers, and producers.

This trend reflects a broader move away from celebratory narratives around moderate drinking and toward precautionary health messaging. Younger generations absorb evolving science quickly, while older adults show a slower, more cautious shift. Policy makers face the challenge of delivering clear, consistent guidance in a landscape of shifting studies and media narratives. If guidelines tighten, we could see a sustained reduction in drinking, but the outcome will depend on how the public understands and trusts these messages.

Highlights

Public health messaging will shape choices more than any single study.