Only 54pc of Americans drink alcohol – here’s how Australia stacks up

Words by Holly Truelove of BodyandSoul.com.au.

Post-work drinks, cocktail nights with friends, a cosy drink at home, or hitting the town – drinking is a big part of Australian culture. While a majority of Americans believe having even one or two drinks a day negatively impacts their health, we want to see if Aussie drinkers share the same sentiment.

We compare data from the annual US Gallup poll and Body+Soul’s Health of the Nation report and look at how health-conscious we are when it comes to having a cheeky bev.

In a record-low, just over half of Americans (54 per cent) say they drink alcohol, a number that has fallen steadily over the years – 58 per cent in 2024 and 62 per cent in 2023.

And those who drink are drinking less, with under a quarter (24 per cent) of people saying they had a drink in the past 24 hours and 40 per cent saying it has been more than a week since their last beverage – the highest percentage since the start of the century.

This year, drinkers consumed an average of 2.8 drinks in the last seven days, down from 3.8 drinks in 2024, and the lowest figure recorded by Gallup since 1996. A majority of Aussies (54 per cent) still drink as much as they did two years ago, however there has been an overall decline in alcohol consumption, with more than a third (36 per cent) of people drinking less.

How many people are drinking and how often?

In a record-low, just over half of Americans (54 per cent) say they drink alcohol, a number that has fallen steadily over the years – 58 per cent in 2024 and 62 per cent in 2023.

And those who drink are drinking less, with under a quarter (24 per cent) of people saying they had a drink in the past 24 hours and 40 per cent saying it has been more than a week since their last beverage – the highest percentage since the start of the century.

This year, drinkers consumed an average of 2.8 drinks in the last seven days, down from 3.8 drinks in 2024, and the lowest figure recorded by Gallup since 1996.

A majority of Aussies (54 per cent) still drink as much as they did two years ago, however there has been an overall decline in alcohol consumption, with more than a third (36 per cent) of people drinking less.

Most people describe their current relationship with alcohol as occasional, whether that be at social events or special occasions; followed by people who say they don’t drink alcohol and those who drink regularly but in moderation.

Out of those who do drink, one in 10 have their drink of choice daily, and over half (63 per cent) have a drink once a week or more. But more people are turning to an alcohol-free lifestyle, with one in three (31 per cent) saying they don’t drink at all which is a 12 per cent increase from 2024. People who abstain from alcohol are also cutting it out for longer periods.

Most people describe their current relationship with alcohol as occasional, whether that be at social events or special occasions; followed by people who say they don’t drink alcohol and those who drink regularly but in moderation.

Out of those who do drink, one in 10 have their drink of choice daily, and over half (63 per cent) have a drink once a week or more.

But more people are turning to an alcohol-free lifestyle, with one in three (31 per cent) saying they don’t drink at all which is a 12 per cent increase from 2024. People who abstain from alcohol are also cutting it out for longer periods.

Who is drinking?

In America and Australia, women are drinking less frequently than men, and younger generations are pulling consumption levels down.

Since two years ago – when 62 per cent of American women and men drank – only 51 per cent of women drink now, compared to 57 per cent of men. In Australia, 27 per cent of men report drinking regularly but in moderation, whereas only 17 per cent of women are having a drink.

There is a 10 per cent decline in Americans aged 18–34 who are drinking, while those aged 55 and over are drinking 10 per cent more. Middle-aged adults remain in the lead when it comes to American alcohol consumption.

Why are we drinking less?

It’s common for people to quit drinking for periods of time, whether that be for a detox, a challenge or fundraisers – but research indicates a broader downturn in alcohol as drinkers become more health-conscious.

With a growing amount of research indicating that consuming any amount of alcohol can harm health, people are rapidly ditching the booze. Younger people, especially, are tuning into this sentiment – probably due to their engagement with social media – but older generations are following suit.

In America, more than half of Americans (53 per cent) believe having even one or two drinks a day is bad for their health and this sentiment is shared across all generations.

Cost of living also contributes to people’s unwillingness to indulge in the pricey pastime, with the cost of a night out or even a cocktail with dinner putting strain on their wallets.

Month-long sobriety challenges like Dry July are rising in popularity and have given way to the ‘sober curious’ movement. People are experimenting with taking breaks from drinking, whether that be for certain weekdays, months or activities. By challenging drinking habits, people are able to understand why they drink and whether they should.

Younger Australians – Gen Z and Millennials – are more likely to participate in the non-drinking month trends, which can result in longer periods of abstaining from alcohol.

The leading reason Aussies are consuming less alcohol now compared to two years ago is because of a change in lifestyle and priorities, followed by personal preference, cost and saving money, health reasons, and then social reasons.

Benefits of drinking less

So what are some of the benefits of drinking less? The Alcohol and Drug Foundation says lowering your number of drinks or cutting it out completely comes with a range of positive health and lifestyle benefits.

You’ll have improved sleep – dozing off will be easier and the quality of your sleep will be deeper and more restorative. The flow on from this is a boost in energy, you’ll wake up refreshed and thriving now your hydration levels are less impacted by alcohol. You will also have improved overall physical and mental health, better immunity and improved memory – and this can be achieved in as little as six alcohol-free weeks.

Plus, your back pocket will thank you now that you’re not shouting drinks for everyone you’re out with.

This article first appeared in bodyandsoul.com.au as Only 54% of Americans drink alcohol – here’s how Australia stacks up