Majority of Americans Believe Alcohol Is Harmful to Health: New Poll Findings

A recent survey reveals that a growing majority of Americans now consider moderate alcohol consumption to be detrimental to their health, reflecting shifting perceptions amid declining drinking rates across the country. According to Gallup, the percentage of Americans who drink alcohol—whether occasionally or regularly—has reached its lowest point since the poll's inception in 1939, shortly after the end of U.S. prohibition. In 2025, only 54% of Americans reported drinking alcohol, a noticeable decrease from over 60% in previous years spanning 1997 to 2023. Those who do drink are also consuming less; the average number of drinks in the past week has dropped to 2.8, the lowest since 1996.

Attitudes towards moderate drinking have shifted significantly. The proportion of Americans viewing up to two drinks per day as harmful to health has nearly doubled, rising to 53% in 2025 from just 27% in the early 2000s. This change is attributed to an increased medical re-evaluation of alcohol’s health impacts. In line with these findings, then-US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy emphasized the health risks associated with alcohol, citing that it is a preventable cause of cancer responsible for approximately 100,000 cases and 20,000 deaths annually in the United States. He highlighted the lack of public awareness regarding these risks and called for better public education about alcohol's health effects.

The trend demonstrates a notable shift in public perception and drinking behaviors, influenced by ongoing research and health advocacy. These developments underscore the importance of informed choices regarding alcohol consumption for better health outcomes.