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Fewer Americans are drinking, poll finds

Aug 13, 2025, 5:22am EDT
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A person at a bar
Kylie Cooper/Reuters

A record-low number of Americans say they drink, according to Gallup polling.

Fifty-four percent of adults said they consume alcohol, the lowest share since Gallup started asking the question in 1939, and those who do partake report drinking less.

Young adults ages 18-34 are the least likely to drink, but fewer middle-age and older adults have reported drinking alcohol in recent years.

Since 2023, there has been a sharp drop in drinking among Republicans, 46% of whom now say they consume alcohol; 61% of Democrats say they drink, the same as in 2024.

The findings coincide with a growing body of research that shows alcohol is bad for your health, no matter the quantity.

Americans’ favorite libation, by an eight-point margin: beer.

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