Young adults are overwhelmingly more likely than their older counterparts to believe alcohol consumption is harmful to health , according to a recent Gallup survey. Their drinking habits have also changed.

When asked about drinking in moderation (one or two drinks a day), 45% of all respondents said it is “bad for health.” Among respondents aged 18-34, the rate jumps to 65%. This has more than doubled for young people since 2001 when only 30% expressed a similar belief.

Older adults are far less likely to believe alcohol consumption is harmful to their health, with 37% of those aged 35-54 and 39% of those aged 55 and older holding this belief.

When asked about the best health advice for the average drinker, 55% of all respondents said they should “reduce the amount” they are drinking, and 22% believed they should “stop drinking altogether.”

Among the three age groups surveyed, young adults aged 18-34 are the cohort that has seen the most drastic decrease in alcohol consumption since the beginning of the century. Between 2001 and 2003, 72% of young adults said they had “occasion to use alcoholic beverages such as liquor, beer, or wine.” In the most recent survey, that rate had decreased to 59%.

Those rates have remained relatively stable for older adults, with 69% of those aged 35-54 and 58% of those aged 55 and older saying they have recently had opportunities to drink.

The Gallup Poll Social Series administers surveys that monitor the views of U.S. adults on various topics. They are released monthly and feature various themes, such as economy and finance, crime and health. More information on the alcohol consumption survey, including other results and survey methodology, can be found here.

 

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