Anytime I share content on alcohol, I want to make it clear that drinking alcohol is a personal choice.
I come from a place of zero personal judgment.
For years, I enjoyed pairing wines with food and learning about their origins and production.
However, the more I learned about the toll alcohol metabolism took on the body, the more I questioned my decision to drink.
What is important to me is that you understand the data and dangers of alcohol consumption so that it is a conscious, intentional decision if you choose to drink.
In today's newsletter article, we will review the most recent data on Americans' alcohol consumption, a high-level overview of the dangers of alcohol, and my personal thought process when it comes to alcohol.
Gallup asked participants whether they drink alcoholic beverages such as liquor, wine, or beer, or whether they are a total abstainer.
And this year's results, from interviews conducted in July, show something striking:
54% of U.S. adults say they drink alcohol — tying last year for the lowest share Gallup has ever recorded, lower than any point in nearly 90 years of tracking.
That number has fallen fast. As recently as 2023, it was 62%. Before this three-year decline began, drinking rates had held at 60% or higher every year from 1997 through 2023.
Not only are Americans drinking less; the perception of alcohol is changing.
The percentage of people who believe drinking is good for your health is trending down to only 6%.
51% of Americans now say having one or two drinks a day is bad for your health.
In the US, one-third of alcohol deaths are acute (motor vehicle crashes, poisonings/overdose, suicide, and homicide). For adults aged 23-34, poisonings and motor vehicle accidents are the leading alcohol related causes of death. Alcohol is the leading risk factor for death in males aged 15-49 globally.
Finally, cardiovascular disease. Heavy drinking is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and cardiomyopathy.
Why Drinking Didn't Make Sense For Me
I want to share my personal thought process when it comes to drinking.
Once I had a further understanding of the data and effects around alcohol, it simply didn't make sense.
I made a conscious effort to watch what I eat, exercise consistently, prioritize sleep, and then drink alcohol, which hindered all of the above.
Weeks after quitting drinking, I noticed how great my body felt.
Every day was the same, whether a weekday or weekend day.
Similar to watching a good movie or reading a good book, it was such a positive experience in my life that I wanted to share it with friends and family.
So my challenge to you: if it's something you have been considering, stop drinking for 30, 60, or 90 days and take note of how your workouts, sleep, and mood change.
If you continue to drink, at least you are aware of the data and not blindly doing so.
My favorite quote in this arena:
"Sobriety delivers everything alcohol promises."
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* Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should consult their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
