For the first time, majority of U.S. says alcohol is unhealthy, poll says

Fifty-three percent of Americans say drinking in moderation, defined as one or two drinks a day, is bad for one’s health, according to a Gallup poll released Wednesday. The survey, taken in July, used a random sample of over 1,000 adults from all 50 states. The new numbers marked the first time since Gallup began tracking opinions on moderate alcohol consumption in 2001 that most of those surveyed said it was unhealthy. Nearly 40% believed one or two drinks had no effect on health.

The poll also found that only 54% of Americans drink alcohol, the lowest rate since 1939. The previous low record was in 1958, when the percentage of Americans drinking alcohol fell to 55%.

What other trends did the poll find?

• Young adults drink less than middle-aged or older adults.

• The decline in drinking has been more pronounced in women.

• In the last two years, Republicans’ drinking declined while Democrats’ drinking held mostly steady. Before then, differences in party affiliation didn’t have any strong connection to drinking rates.

• People did not seem to be replacing drinking with use of marijuana or other mood-altering substances.

• Those who do drink are drinking less. They reported consuming an average of nearly three drinks in the week before the poll, the lowest number Gallup has recorded since 1996.

Dig deeper: Read Addie Offereins’ story on how some pregnant women are turning to marijuana to ease symptoms.