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These SoCal residents are saying no to alcohol. Here are the biggest reasons why
Several listeners cited the cost of alcohol as a big reason for drinking less.
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Record numbers of people are shunning alcohol for health reasons — are you?
Fewer Americans are reporting that they drink alcohol amid a growing belief that even moderate alcohol consumption is a health risk, according to a Gallup poll released Wednesday. A record high percentage of U.S. adults, 53%, now say moderate drinking is bad for their health, up from 28% in 2015. The uptick in doubt about alcohol’s benefits is largely driven by young adults — the age group that is most likely to believe drinking “one or two drinks a day” can cause health hazards — but older adults are also now increasingly likely to think moderate drinking carries risks. As concerns about health impacts rise, fewer Americans are reporting that they drink. The survey finds that 54% of U.S. adults say they drink alcoholic beverages such as liquor, wine or beer. That’s lower than at any other point in the past three decades. Today on AirTalk, we’re digging into the data with you, the listener! How have your drinking habits changed over time? Do you think social pressures surrounding drinking are easing or changing? We want to hear your experience — or lack thereof — with drinking! Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or you can email us at atcomments@laist.com.
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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Vincent in Ventura, a self-described lifelong wine drinker, said, "I think it comes down to valuing your health."
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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.
"We've changed our perspective in medicine in general."
— Colin in Studio City
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."
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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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"If one person doesn't start the drinking, nobody else will."
— Talia in Sherman Oaks
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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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Listen
34:12
Record numbers of people are shunning alcohol for health reasons — are you?
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
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