Stat: Record number of Americans consider even one or two drinks a day to be unhealthy

US – The belief that even moderate consumption (one or two drinks a day) is bad for health has risen to a high of 53%, compared with just 27% in the early 2000s, new Gallup research reveals.

Reported alcohol use has fallen in 2025 to the lowest level since the organisation started to track drinking habits, in 1939. The figures show that 54% of Americans say they drink; in contrast, between 1997 and 2023, at least 60% of respondents said that they consume alcoholic beverages.

Not only are fewer Americans drinking, but those who do are consuming less, with the average weekly intake dropping to 2.8 drinks, the lowest level Gallup has recorded since 1996.

Gallup’s research reinforces insights from our Sober Social Fix report and the Sober Socials theme in Innovation Debrief 2025–2026, both of which highlighted a strengthening sober-curious movement and the growing number of reading parties, supper clubs and fitness groups stepping in to replace bars and clubs and to offer spaces for alcohol-free socialising.