Americans seem to be changing their tune when it comes to alcohol. A new Gallup poll shows more and more people are starting to think alcohol just downright unhealthy – even in moderation – especially those who are considered part of Gen Z.
The newly released poll shows almost half of Americans (45%) say having one or two alcoholic drinks a day is bad for a person’s health. That’s the highest percentage yet recorded by the survey, which has been conducted 10 times since 2001.
It also found adults 35 and younger – which are mostly Gen Zers – are the group most likely to say drinking is bad for health. The numbers show 65% expressing that opinion, compared with 37% of adults ages 35 to 54 and 39% of adults 55 and older.
Only 8% of adults reported they thought moderate drinking had a positive effect on health, which is an all-time low.
A different Gallup poll published on Aug. 22, 2023, found 62% of adults under 35 said they drink alcohol. Last year’s numbers are down 10 points from 20 years ago. However, older adults seem to be filling in that gap — with the share of adults 55 and older saying they drink up 10 points.
Experts say the bottom line appears to be when it comes to alcohol, drinking less means more for your health.
This all comes as the U.S. is potentially poised to declare alcohol unsafe. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are set to be updated next year. For the first time ever, the U.S. could reduce the amount of alcohol it considers safe or even follow the World Health Organization’s guidance that no alcohol is safe.
