Drinking dries up amid tough US economy

Published April 17, 2026 6:01am ET | Updated April 17, 2026 6:01am ET



Fewer Americans are consuming alcohol than at any point in recent history, a growing trend that poses another threat to an already shaky economy.

The percentage of U.S. adults who say they consume alcohol has fallen to 54%, according to an August 2025 Gallup poll. That marked the lowest level in the survey group’s 90-year trend.

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