Most Americans Now See Alcohol as a Health Risk, New Poll Reveals

Americans Majority Now Believe Alcohol Is Harmful to Health

In a striking shift in public opinion, a recent Gallup poll shows that a majority of Americans now consider even moderate alcohol consumption to be detrimental to health. This change comes amid growing awareness of alcohol’s link to serious diseases and a noticeable decline in national drinking habits.

Drinking Rates Hit Historic Lows

According to the survey, only 54% of Americans reported drinking alcohol in 2025—marking the lowest rate since Gallup began tracking this data in 1939. The average number of drinks consumed per week also dropped to 2.8, the lowest figure recorded since 1996.

Changing Perceptions of Moderate Drinking

The most significant shift in the poll was in attitudes toward moderate alcohol use. In 2025, 53% of respondents said that consuming one to two drinks per day is bad for personal health. This is a dramatic rise from just 27% in the early 2000s, indicating a growing skepticism about alcohol’s safety—even in small amounts.

Medical Community’s Reassessment

The change in public sentiment mirrors a broader reappraisal within the medical community. Earlier this year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages, citing alcohol as a preventable cause of approximately 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually in the United States.

Murthy emphasized that most Americans remain unaware of alcohol’s cancer risk, underscoring the need for stronger public education and clearer labeling.

What This Means for Public Health

As drinking rates decline and awareness grows, experts anticipate a shift in health policy and consumer behavior. The trend may lead to increased demand for alcohol-free alternatives, more robust health campaigns, and stricter regulations on alcohol marketing and packaging.