American drinking is at a 90-year low over health concerns, a new Gallup poll shows

Americans are drinking less alcohol and partaking less frequently, according to a new Gallup poll released last week. The survey found that only 54% of US adults report drinking alcohol, marking the lowest point in nearly 90 years of tracking this trend.

The poll, conducted July 7-21, reveals a significant shift from previous decades when 60-71% of Americans regularly consumed alcohol. For the first time in Gallup’s research history, 53% of Americans now believe that moderate drinking is bad for one’s health, compared to just 6% who view it as beneficial.

7 Reasons to Choose Not to Drink:

•Health Benefits – Avoiding alcohol eliminates risks of liver disease, certain cancers, heart problems, and other alcohol-related health conditions while improving sleep quality and mental clarity.

•Better Physical Performance – Abstaining from alcohol leads to improved athletic performance, faster muscle recovery, better hydration, and increased energy levels for daily activities.

•Mental Health Improvement – Sobriety often results in reduced anxiety, better mood stability, improved focus, and decreased risk of depression and alcohol-related mental health issues.

•Financial Savings – The money spent on alcohol, bar tabs, and alcohol-related activities can be redirected toward savings, investments, or other meaningful purchases and experiences.

•Enhanced Sleep Quality – Without alcohol disrupting sleep cycles, people experience deeper, more restorative sleep, leading to better daytime alertness and cognitive function.

•Stronger Relationships – Sobriety can improve communication skills, increase presence in social situations, and eliminate alcohol-related conflicts or embarrassing situations.

•Professional Advancement – Clear thinking, better decision-making, increased reliability, and the absence of hangovers can lead to improved work performance and career opportunities.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​