Viewpoints Explained: The Generational Breakup With Alcohol

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Americans are drinking less, and young people are driving this trend. A new Gallup poll out last month reports that 54 percent of U.S. Adults say they drink alcohol. This is the lowest percentage since the survey began in 1939. More than half of Americans now believe even moderate drinking is bad for you – up from less than a third just a few years ago.

Among younger adults, this change is even sharper. Only about half of people under 35 drink today, compared to much higher levels in the past. And roughly two-thirds of that age group now say moderate drinking isn’t healthy. Go younger, and in teens, only 7 percent report drinking in the past month, according to the national institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

So, what’s behind this big shift? Health is one big factor. Gen Z and millennials are more likely to prioritize mental clarity and relaxation. And there are more options today to do just that, from creative mocktails to wellness drinks like a CBD or hemp seltzer. More communities are also creating spaces where people can socialize without the pressure to drink. Instead of meeting up for a boozy brunch or happy hour, many gatherings now center on coffee, a fun activity, an exercise class or simply time outside. For many, it’s less about cutting alcohol out completely and more about making intentional choices about when and where to drink. The bottom line: drinking is no longer the default and the next generation is redefining this long-held ritual.

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