U.S. alcohol consumption drops to a 90-year low, new poll finds

Economic and structural drivers

• Multiple comments tie lower drinking to money and infrastructure, not just attitudes.
• Bars, casinos, and Vegas reported as much more expensive (food, booze, hotels), with price hikes blamed on private equity and tourism downturns.
• Post‑COVID nightlife is described as dramatically quieter in cities like Chicago, NYC, and Berlin; some iconic bars have closed, and nights end earlier.
• Several argue that if/when the economy booms, alcohol consumption will likely rise again, implying the trend may be cyclical.

Substitution to other substances

• Many see alcohol being replaced, not removed: daily or near‑daily cannabis use is said to have surged, plus rising use of nicotine (vapes/pouches), psychedelics, ketamine, etc.
• Debate over whether self‑reported cannabis use simply became more honest after legalization.
• Weed is framed by some as a cheaper, safer “misery suppressant” than alcohol; others highlight driving impairment, heavy daily use, and cognitive dulling.
• Cost comparisons suggest cannabis and other drugs can be cheaper per hour of effect than bar drinks.

Social life, loneliness, and “third places”

• Strong theme that reduced alcohol mirrors a broader collapse in socializing and “third places” (bars, clubs, bowling, churches, parks).
• Car‑centric suburbs, overprotective parenting, smartphones, and pandemic disruptions are blamed for isolating young people.
• Concern that social drinking is being replaced by solo drug use and solo screen time, contributing to loneliness and lower sexual activity.
• Others counter that plenty of non‑alcoholic or non‑drug social activities exist, but acknowledge they’re underused.

Norm shifts and non‑drinking options

• Commenters note it’s becoming more acceptable to not drink, with less stigma and fewer “just one?” pressures.
• Non‑alcoholic beers and cocktails are praised as making it easier to keep bar‑based socializing while cutting ethanol.
• Some lifelong or newly sober commenters describe avoiding alcohol due to addiction risk or past harm.

Health evidence and risk framing

• Conflicting interpretations of research: public‑health messaging now emphasizes “no safe level,” while some recall earlier findings of a “J‑curve” where light drinkers lived longer.
• Several argue that prior results were confounded (e.g., former heavy drinkers in “non‑drinker” groups, socioeconomic status) and that any alcohol is physiologically harmful, with social benefits as the only upside.
• Others are skeptical of absolutist claims, comparing them to past overcorrections on fats, salt, and sunlight, and stress that population statistics don’t neatly dictate individual choices.

Value judgments: good or bad trend?

• One camp welcomes falling alcohol use as clearly beneficial for health and safety.
• Another laments the decline, arguing moderate social drinking meaningfully enriches life, eases social anxiety, and underpins memorable experiences and even “civilization”; they see weed/phones as poorer replacements.