USAPA Responds to Gallup Poll Showing U.S. Drinking at Historic Low
U.S. ALCOHOL POLICY ALLIANCE RESPONDS TO GALLUP POLL SHOWING U.S. DRINKING RATE AT HISTORIC LOW
Falling consumption reflects changing attitudes, despite harmful industry narratives
The U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance (USAPA) today issued a statement in response to new Gallup polling data revealing that alcohol consumption in the United States has fallen to its lowest rate in decades, while public concern about alcohol-related harms continues to grow.
“We are guardedly optimistic about these findings,” said Mike Marshall, CEO of USAPA. “They reflect a growing awareness of the truth about alcohol — that it is not a harmless product, but one of the world’s leading causes of preventable disease and death.”
The Alliance emphasized that its mission has never been to take away anyone’s right to consume alcohol, but rather to ensure that individuals have access to accurate, evidence-based information so they can make the most informed decisions possible about their health.
“As the public becomes more informed, people are starting to rethink their relationship with alcohol,” Marshall said. “That’s good news for families, communities and public health.”
At the same time, USAPA shared concerns about the alcohol industry’s dismissal of the Gallup survey as “small” and fluctuating as well as its continued unwillingness to acknowledge the harms of the products it promotes. Despite Gallup’s finding that alcohol consumption is down, the overall prevalence of alcohol use disorder remains around 10 percent of the U.S. population.
“The alcohol industry can no longer remain silent about the harms of its products,” Marshall added. “The science is clear: whatever minimal benefits alcohol may appear to provide can be found elsewhere — without the risks.”
The truth about alcohol and health
For years, alcohol companies have leaned on selective science to promote “benefits” of moderate drinking. In reality, these claims are overstated, the risks are far greater, and safer ways to achieve the same outcomes exist, specifically:
- Heart health: Some studies suggest alcohol may raise HDL cholesterol, but olive oil, nuts, seeds and physical activity provide the same benefit, without the cancer risk that comes with drinking.
- Diabetes prevention: Research has linked moderate drinking to lower type 2 diabetes risk, but whole grains, leafy greens, legumes and regular exercise provide stronger, safer protection.
- Stroke risk: Some studies associate light drinking with lower ischemic stroke risk, yet diets rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3s reduce stroke risk without introducing alcohol’s harms.
- Cognitive health: While limited findings suggest alcohol may slow cognitive decline, much stronger evidence shows that brain-healthy foods (berries, leafy greens, fish), lifelong learning and physical activity are protective.
“Alcohol is not medicine,” Marshall said. “Any so-called benefits can be found more effectively and safely in everyday foods and lifestyle choices. What matters most now is that people are learning the truth — and making decisions that protect their long-term health.”
About the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance
Founded in 2014, the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance is the national voice on alcohol policy — working to change the narrative about alcohol, define an actionable agenda for policy-making on all levels, and build a movement driven by the truth that alcohol harms. Envisioning a nation free from alcohol-related disease, death and injury, the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization is leading the fight to change America’s relationship with alcohol by translating alcohol policy research into public health practice. Learn more, including ways to support the organization, at www.AlcoholPolicy.org and follow USAPA on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.
