Report on U.S. Alcohol Consumption Trends and Implications for Sustainable Development Goal 3

Executive Summary

Recent data from Gallup’s annual Consumption Habits survey indicates a significant shift in alcohol consumption patterns and public health perceptions within the United States. These trends show a notable alignment with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), specifically Target 3.5, which aims to strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including the harmful use of alcohol. This report details the decline in self-reported drinking, the growing public awareness of alcohol-related health risks, and changing consumption behaviors, framing these developments as progress toward global public health targets.

Key Findings in the Context of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Trend 1: Decline in Overall Alcohol Consumption

The percentage of American adults who report consuming alcohol has reached a historic low, contributing directly to the SDG 3 objective of reducing harm from alcohol. Key statistics include:

• The proportion of U.S. adults who drink alcohol has fallen to 54%, the lowest figure recorded in nearly 90 years of polling.
• This represents a continued decline from 62% in 2023 and 58% in 2024.
• This sustained reduction in consumption is a positive indicator for public health outcomes and the achievement of SDG 3.5.

Trend 2: Shifting Demographics and Health Awareness

The decline in alcohol use is particularly pronounced among specific demographic groups, reflecting a growing awareness that supports long-term health and well-being goals.

1. Young Adults: The trend of reduced drinking is accelerating among young adults (ages 18-34), with the rate falling from 59% in 2023 to 50% today. This shift in a younger demographic is crucial for establishing healthier long-term societal norms in line with SDG 3.
2. Women: Reported drinking among women has seen a significant 11-percentage-point decrease since 2023, falling to 51%.
3. Political Affiliation: A sharp 19-point drop in reported drinking was observed among Republicans, down to 46%.

Trend 3: Increased Public Perception of Alcohol’s Health Risks

A fundamental driver of behavioral change is public awareness, a key component of preventative health strategies under SDG 3. For the first time, a majority of Americans recognize the health risks associated with moderate drinking.

• 53% of U.S. adults now believe that consuming one or two drinks a day is bad for one’s health, a new high.
• This figure has risen sharply from 28% in 2018 and 45% just a year ago.
• Young adults are at the forefront of this awareness, with approximately two-thirds viewing moderate drinking as harmful. This heightened perception of risk is a critical factor in reducing the harmful use of alcohol.

Trend 4: Reduced Consumption Among Current Drinkers

In addition to a lower overall drinking rate, individuals who continue to consume alcohol are doing so less frequently and in smaller quantities, directly addressing the “harmful use” component of SDG Target 3.5.

• The average number of alcoholic drinks consumed in the past week has fallen to 2.8, the lowest recorded since 1996.
• A record-low 24% of drinkers report having had a drink in the past 24 hours.
• Individuals who view moderate drinking as unhealthy consume significantly less than those who do not, averaging 4.5 drinks per week compared to 6.4 drinks for the non-concerned group.

Conclusion and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

The documented trends in the United States represent a significant positive development for public health and the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal 3. The concurrent decline in alcohol consumption and rise in public awareness of its health risks mirror the successful public health campaigns against tobacco, suggesting a potential long-term shift in societal behavior. These changes, particularly the reduced intake among young adults and current drinkers, directly contribute to achieving SDG Target 3.5 by mitigating the harmful use of alcohol. Continued reinforcement of health information by medical authorities and policymakers will be essential to sustain this momentum and further promote good health and well-being for all.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article is fundamentally about public health. It discusses the trends in alcohol consumption directly linked to changing perceptions of its health effects. The core theme revolves around the “growing belief among Americans that moderate alcohol consumption is bad for one’s health” and the subsequent decline in drinking habits. This directly aligns with the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages by addressing risk factors like harmful alcohol use.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.

  This target is the most relevant as the entire article focuses on the “harmful use of alcohol.” The data presented, such as the “record-low 54% [who] say they consume alcohol” and the fact that drinkers “report drinking less, and less frequently,” are direct measures related to the prevention of harmful alcohol use. The shift in public opinion, where a “majority now say drinking in moderation is bad for health,” is a key driver of this prevention effort.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several quantitative data points that serve as direct or proxy indicators for measuring progress towards reducing the harmful use of alcohol (Target 3.5).

• Prevalence of alcohol consumption: The article explicitly tracks the “percentage of U.S. adults who say they consume alcohol,” noting it has fallen to a “record-low 54%.” This is a clear indicator of the overall reach of alcohol in the population.
• Public perception of health risks: The article measures the belief that “moderate drinking is bad for health,” which has risen to a “new high of 53%.” This indicator measures public awareness, which is crucial for prevention strategies.
• Quantity of alcohol consumed: The article reports on the “average number of drinks consumed over the past seven days,” which is now “2.8, the lowest figure Gallup has recorded since 1996.” This indicator measures the intensity of consumption among those who drink.
• Frequency of alcohol consumption: The data shows that a “record-low 24% of drinkers say they had a drink in the past 24 hours,” while 40% say it has been “more than a week since they last consumed alcohol.” This indicates a shift towards less frequent drinking patterns.

Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.gallup.com