Many Americans aren’t hitting the bottle as much as they used to, according to new research from YouGov using data collected from last June to this June. This data indicates that more than a third (36%) of U.S. adults over age 21 who drink alcohol are drinking less than they were a year ago.
As for those drinking more, YouGov said just 5% of U.S. adults over age 21 reported that they were knocking back more boozy beverages. Half of the people drinking less said they simply have a reduced desire to drink, 35% cited health concerns and 20% cited costs and 11% cited medication.
Last month, Audacy reported on research that suggests just one drink every day could put people at a higher risk for certain health conditions. Americans have also been dealing with inflation this year and, more recently, high gas prices and other costs.
“Smaller proportions mention being afraid of the consequences of drinking (6%), no longer enjoying the taste of alcohol as much (6%), or being advised by a doctor to reduce their alcohol consumption (4%),” said YouGov.
Earlier this year, a report from the Bank of America Institute found that both millennials and Gen Z – the youngest groups of adults – were drinking less and working out more. It said the share of alcohol in household budgets is reaching 40-year lows.
Even so, the YouGov study found that most Americans over age 21 who drink (57%) said their habits are unchanged compared to last year, and just 2% said they stopped drinking altogether. At the same time, 11% said their families and friends started drinking less.
