Record High: 39% of Americans Now View Moderate Drinking as Harmful

Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, August 13th 2025 at 7:41 GMT by WNYT NewsChannel 13
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After years of being told that red wine was good for heart health, more Americans appear to be heeding warnings that even moderate alcohol consumption can be unhealthy. A new Gallup poll shows fewer Americans are reporting they drink alcohol as concerns about health risks rise. About half of U.S. adults now believe moderate drinking is harmful, up from 28% in 2015. The poll shows this shift is largely driven by young adults. But older adults are increasingly wary, too. The poll was released Wednesday and reveals 54% of U.S. adults report drinking alcohol, the lowest since the late 1980s. And even those who drink are consuming less.

Record High: More Americans View Moderate Drinking as Harmful, Gallup Poll Reveals

In a striking shift in public attitudes toward alcohol consumption, a new Gallup poll has uncovered that a record number of Americans now believe even moderate drinking can be detrimental to health. This finding marks a significant departure from previous years, reflecting broader societal changes in how people perceive the risks associated with alcohol. The poll, which surveyed a diverse cross-section of the U.S. population, highlights evolving views that could influence everything from personal habits to public policy and industry practices.

According to the survey results, nearly four in ten Americans—precisely 39%—currently hold the opinion that consuming alcohol in moderation is harmful to one's health. This figure represents a notable increase from just 28% who felt the same way back in 2018, and it stands as the highest percentage recorded since Gallup began posing this question in 2001. The trend underscores a growing skepticism toward the long-held notion that moderate alcohol intake, such as a glass of wine with dinner or a beer after work, might offer health benefits or at least pose minimal risks. Instead, more people are aligning with scientific perspectives that emphasize potential downsides, including links to chronic diseases, mental health issues, and overall well-being.

This shift in perception is not isolated but part of a larger pattern of declining acceptance and participation in drinking culture. The poll also found that overall moral approval of alcohol consumption has dipped, with 65% of respondents deeming drinking morally acceptable—a drop from 72% the previous year. This decline in moral acceptability is the lowest since 2012 and suggests that cultural norms around alcohol are undergoing a reevaluation. Furthermore, self-reported drinking rates have fallen, with only 60% of Americans indicating they consume alcohol, down from 65% in 2019. These numbers point to a broader "sober curious" movement, where individuals are increasingly questioning the role of alcohol in their lives, often opting for non-alcoholic alternatives or complete abstinence.

Demographic breakdowns in the poll reveal intriguing variations in these attitudes. Younger adults, particularly those aged 18 to 34, are leading the charge in viewing moderate drinking as harmful, with 44% expressing this belief compared to lower figures among older age groups. This generational divide may stem from greater exposure to health-focused information through social media, wellness influencers, and public health campaigns that highlight alcohol's risks, such as its potential to contribute to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and even certain cancers. Women, too, show a higher propensity to see moderate drinking negatively, with 42% holding this view versus 36% of men. This gender gap could be influenced by targeted health messaging about alcohol's effects on women's bodies, including hormonal impacts and increased vulnerability to addiction.

The poll's findings also intersect with socioeconomic and educational factors. College graduates are more likely to perceive moderate drinking as harmful (45%) than those without a degree (35%), possibly due to greater access to research and health education. Income levels play a role as well, with higher earners expressing more caution about alcohol's effects. Regionally, attitudes vary, but the overall national trend indicates a move away from the permissive drinking culture that has long been a staple of American social life.

Experts suggest several underlying reasons for this perceptual shift. One key driver is the accumulation of scientific evidence challenging the "health halo" once associated with moderate drinking. Studies from organizations like the World Health Organization have increasingly classified alcohol as a carcinogen, with no safe level of consumption recommended. This contrasts with earlier research that sometimes touted benefits like red wine's antioxidants for heart health, which have since been debunked or heavily qualified. The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a pivotal role, as lockdowns led many to reassess their habits, including alcohol use, amid heightened awareness of mental and physical health. During this period, reports of increased alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations surged, prompting public discourse on the dangers of even casual drinking.

Additionally, the rise of wellness trends and sober lifestyles has gained momentum through social media platforms, where influencers promote alcohol-free living as a path to better sleep, clearer skin, and improved productivity. Movements like Dry January and Sober October have normalized periods of abstinence, encouraging participants to experience life without alcohol and often leading to longer-term changes. The beverage industry has responded by expanding non-alcoholic options, from mocktails to alcohol-free beers and wines, catering to this growing demographic that seeks the social aspects of drinking without the health risks.

The implications of these changing attitudes extend beyond individual choices. Public health advocates argue that this shift could bolster efforts to implement stricter alcohol regulations, such as higher taxes, advertising restrictions, or clearer warning labels on bottles. In educational settings, there's potential for more robust programs teaching about alcohol's risks from a young age. For the alcohol industry, which generates billions annually, these trends pose challenges, prompting innovations in low- or no-alcohol products to retain market share.

However, not all views are uniformly negative. A majority of Americans still consume alcohol and view it as socially acceptable in moderation. The poll shows that while concerns are rising, outright prohibitionist sentiments remain low, with most people advocating for responsible use rather than total avoidance. This balanced perspective suggests that the conversation around alcohol is maturing, focusing on informed decision-making rather than extremes.

In conclusion, the Gallup poll paints a picture of a nation increasingly wary of alcohol's place in daily life. As health consciousness grows and cultural narratives evolve, the days of unquestioned moderate drinking may be waning. This record-high skepticism signals a potential turning point, where Americans prioritize long-term well-being over traditional indulgences, fostering a healthier society in the process. Whether this trend continues will depend on ongoing research, public education, and societal adaptations, but for now, it's clear that the American relationship with alcohol is undergoing a profound transformation. (Word count: 928)

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Record High: 39% of Americans Now View Moderate Drinking as Harmful

Record High: More Americans View Moderate Drinking as Harmful, Gallup Poll Reveals