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US alcohol consumption at record low
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The gist
Gallup poll finds 54% of U.S. adults drink alcohol, matching record low. Drinking habits shift as health concerns and nonalcoholic options grow.
Background
Gallup's annual Consumption Habits survey, conducted in July 2026, shows that the share of American adults who drink alcohol remains at a record low of 54% for the second consecutive year, the lowest since 1939. The decline has been sharp since 2022, when 67% drank, and is evident across most demographic groups, though Democrats' drinking has barely changed. Awareness of health research on alcohol is high, and nonalcoholic beverage substitution is increasing.
How it unfolded
- 1939Gallup begins tracking Americans' drinking habits.
- 1976 -1977Record high of 71% of U.S. adults report drinking alcohol.
- 1989Record-high 35% say they sometimes drink too much.
- 202267% of U.S. adults report drinking alcohol.
- 202362% of U.S. adults report drinking alcohol.
- 202458% of U.S. adults report drinking alcohol.
- 202554% of U.S. adults report drinking alcohol, setting a record low.
- Jul 1, 2026 -19, 2026Gallup conducts its Consumption Habits survey; results show 54% drink alcohol, matching the record low, and 13% say they sometimes drink too much, another record low.
- Aug 20, 2026Gallup releases the survey results, drawing media coverage.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Gallup notes the decline in drinking since 2023 is evident across most demographic groups, but Democrats' habits have hardly changed.
- Expert
- Traci Toomey, a public health policy expert, says health concerns are likely a factor, but more research is needed to understand why people are drinking less.