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Alcohol use dips for the first time since COVID pandemic, study finds
Researchers found a nearly 2% drop in any alcohol use and an 8% decline in heavy drinking, but rates remain above pre-pandemic levels.
- On Monday, the Annals of Internal Medicine published a study by researchers from the University of Southern California and Thomas Jefferson University revealing the first decline in U.S. alcohol consumption since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Researchers analyzed National Health Interview Survey responses from 114,352 adults between 2018 and 2024, finding a nearly 2% decline in any alcohol use and more than 8% drop in heavy drinking between 2022 and 2024.
- Generation Z saw alcohol use drop over 5%, while Millennials experienced the largest decrease in heavy drinking, with researchers noting a 17% drop between 2022 and 2024.
- Conversely, adults ages 50 to 64 experienced nearly 4% higher alcohol use and more than 36% more heavy drinking compared to pre-pandemic levels, alarming Dr. Brian P. Lee, hepatologist with Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California.
- Lee cautioned that "the decline in alcohol use is a positive development, but we cannot assume alcohol-related harms will decline automatically," emphasizing continued attention to screening, prevention, and treatment remains critical.
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Telemundo Area de la Bahía 48+17 Reposted by 17 other sources
Americans are drinking less for the first time since the pandemic in 2020, according to Annals of Internal Medicine magazine.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 33%
C 67%
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