The Brief

The verdict is in: fewer Americans are drinking alcohol.

A record high percentage of U.S. adults — 53% — now say even moderate drinking is bad for their health, up from 28% just 10 years ago. That's according to a recent Gallup poll. The uptick is largely driven by young adults, but older adults are increasingly likely to think moderate drinking carries risks.

AirTalk, LAist 89.3's daily news program, opened up the phones to listeners. We asked you how your drinking habits have changed in recent years, the biggest reasons behind the shifts, and whether social pressure to drink is easing up.

Health matters

According to the poll, two thirds of Americans see even moderate drinking as harmful. And indeed, AirTalk listeners reflect that stance.

Many people credit healthier living with their reasons for drinking less alcohol.

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Rinke Dohmen

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Vincent in Ventura, a self-described lifelong wine drinker, said, "I think it comes down to valuing your health."

He credits the internet and our availability to see pictures of people's damaged livers from alcohol as one of the reasons for increased awareness.

Colin, a physician in Studio City, said it used to be the recommendation that a glass of wine a night was a good thing, but that's no longer the standard recommendation. Drinking affects sleep, cognition, liver disease and more.

"We've changed our perspective in medicine in general," he said.

A couple other listeners referenced the rise in medications that suppress appetite, like Ozempic, as a big factor for cutting back on drinking.

Friends and family who quit

If the people around you stop drinking, are you more likely to as well? Some of our listeners say, "Yep."

Felicia in South Pasadena, a millennial, said all of her peers drink less, but have increased their marijuana use.

Russ in Huntington Beach, whose son and daughter-in-law gave up alcohol for health reasons, said it's influenced him and his wife.

"In an effort to spend more quality time with them, we try not to drink at all when we're with them," he said.

Talia in Sherman Oaks, a recent college grad, said, "If one person doesn't start the drinking, nobody else will," referring to her friend group.

Sarah in Culver City said, "If you're the person at dinner that's going to have a glass of wine, there's going to be a lot of judgement."

If your friend isn't drinking, will you?

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That drink costs how much?!?

"I think we need to address the fact it's just too expensive for most people to go out," said Bobby of Pasadena, adding that people need to spend their money on other things with the rising cost of living.

People wait in line to order a drink.

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Talia in Sherman Oaks, the recent college grad, also said a big deterrent for her is cost.

"I paid $20 for a drink the other day and that's like wild as a new graduate," she said, adding that the availability of non-alcoholic options makes it easier not to drink anyway.

Alex in Glendale, a manager and buyer at a Wine and Spirits store in Glendale, said, "On a retail end, if you're 35-50, you simply can't afford to budget for alcohol the same way as five years ago."

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