Lena Savoie
Alcohol consumption in the United States has been a topic of interest for many years, with data suggesting that per capita drinking quantities have remained relatively stable since the mid-19th century, averaging around 8 to 9 liters per year. In 2021, per capita alcohol consumption reached 2.51 gallons of ethanol, or approximately 535.5 standard drinks for a person aged 14 or older per year. This increase in alcohol consumption was observed in 37 states and the District of Columbia, with 17 states exceeding the national level by more than 10%. While drinking rates vary slightly by gender and age, with higher rates among younger adults and men, the largest variation is observed across racial and ethnic groups, with White adults reporting higher drinking rates than Hispanic and Black adults. Heavy drinking, defined as consuming more than 7 drinks per week for women and 14 drinks per week for men, was reported by 5.1% of adults in 2018.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average consumption per capita (in liters of ethanol) | 8 to 9 liters per year |
| Per capita consumption of ethanol from all alcoholic beverages in 2021 | 2.51 gallons |
| Percentage increase in per capita consumption from 2020 to 2021 | 2.9% |
| Percentage increase in per capita consumption from 2019 to 2021 | 5.5% |
| Percentage of U.S. adults aged 18 and older who drink alcohol | 63% |
| Percentage of U.S. adults aged 18 and older who are "total abstainers" | 36% |
| Percentage of U.S. adults aged 18 and over who engaged in heavy drinking in 2018 | 5.1% |
| Percentage of U.S. adults who drank alcohol in the past week in 2022 | 66% of men, 61% of women |
| Percentage of U.S. drinkers who consumed between one and seven drinks in the past week in 2022 | 53% |
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What You'll Learn
Per capita consumption in 2021: 2.51 gallons of ethanol
Alcohol consumption in the United States has been relatively constant since the mid-19th century, averaging around 8 to 9 liters of ethanol per capita per year. Notably, the National Alcohol Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, banned the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. However, this period is assumed to have had zero consumption based on reported sales and consumption statistics, although evidence suggests alcohol consumption continued through illicit channels.
In 2021, the per capita consumption of ethanol from all alcoholic beverages in the US was 2.51 gallons, representing a 2.9% increase from 2020 and a 5.5% increase from 2019. This was the largest two-year increase since 1969. State-level data revealed increases in 37 states and the District of Columbia, decreases in 10 states, and no changes in 3 states. When analyzed by US Census region, the Northeast showed a 5.4% increase, the Midwest a 1.6% increase, the South a 3.4% increase, and the West a 2.3% increase.
The 2021 per capita consumption level of 2.51 gallons of ethanol translates to approximately 535.5 standard drinks for a person aged 14 or older in a year. A standard drink in the US is defined as containing 0.6 fluid ounces of ethanol. This amount of alcohol consumption has significant implications for public health and social issues, including health risks, crime, road incidents, and alcohol dependence.
To put the per capita consumption of 2.51 gallons of ethanol into perspective, it is equivalent to about 17.2 bottles of wine per person per year, considering that a standard bottle of wine contains 0.6 liters of ethanol. This amount of alcohol consumption has societal impacts and contributes to social engagement and bonding for many individuals. However, excessive alcohol consumption is associated with negative consequences, including health risks, crime, road incidents, and alcohol dependence.
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Beer is the most popular drink
Alcohol consumption in the United States has historically held an important role in social engagement and bonding. While drinking in moderation can be pleasurable, excessive alcohol consumption is associated with various negative outcomes, including health complications, crime, road incidents, and alcohol dependence.
Per capita alcohol consumption in the United States has increased over the past few decades, reaching 2.51 gallons of ethanol per person aged 14 or older in 2021. This equates to approximately 535.5 standard drinks in a year. Beer has been the most popular alcoholic beverage in the United States for the past decade, with around half of drinkers surveyed in 2022 naming it as their preferred drink.
The popularity of beer in the US can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, beer is widely available and affordable, making it easily accessible to a large portion of the population. It is also often perceived as a more "casual" or "social" drink compared to other alcoholic beverages. Many people enjoy drinking beer while socializing with friends, watching sports, or attending social events. In addition, the US has a strong craft beer culture, with numerous small and independent breweries offering a diverse range of beer styles and flavors to appeal to different tastes and preferences.
Beer's dominance in the US alcohol market is also reflected in the sales data. According to the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, beer sales have consistently accounted for the largest share of the alcohol market over the past decade. However, it is worth noting that spirits overtook beer as the leading category in 2022.
While beer is the most popular drink overall, preferences vary among different demographic groups. For example, men are slightly more likely to drink alcohol than women, with 66% of men and 61% of women reporting that they drink. Additionally, drinking is more common among younger adults, with 60% of 18- to 29-year-olds reporting alcohol consumption, compared to 54% of those aged 65 and older. Among racial and ethnic groups, White adults are more likely to drink than Hispanic and Black adults, with 68% of White adults reporting alcohol consumption.
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63% of US adults drink alcohol
Alcohol consumption is common in the United States, with 62-63% of Americans reporting that they consume alcohol. This is in line with Gallup's average of 63% since 1939, with higher readings of up to 71% recorded between 1974 and 1981. Drinking alcohol is more prevalent among certain demographic groups, including middle-aged adults, those with higher incomes, college-educated adults, and those who attend a church less frequently than once a week.
While the majority of US adults drink alcohol, the specific patterns and quantities of consumption vary. In 2021, the per capita consumption of ethanol from all alcoholic beverages was 2.51 gallons, a 2.9% increase from 2020 and a 5.5% increase from 2019. This equates to approximately 535.5 standard drinks in a year for a person aged 14 or older. Beer has been the most popular alcoholic beverage in the US for the majority of the last decade, but it was recently overtaken by spirits in 2022.
The consumption of alcohol can have significant health, social, and economic impacts. Excessive alcohol use is associated with various health complications and an increased risk of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease. In 2020, the estimated healthcare costs due to alcohol abuse in the US were around $27 billion annually. Additionally, alcohol consumption is linked to social issues such as crime and road incidents, as well as negative outcomes for individuals, including alcohol dependence and increased risk of interpersonal violence.
To address the potential harms associated with alcohol consumption, measures such as screening and brief behavioral counseling have been recommended. For example, the US Preventive Service Task Force suggests screening adults for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care settings and providing counseling for those whose drinking exceeds certain limits.
While drinking alcohol is common in US society, it is important to recognize the potential risks associated with excessive consumption. Understanding these risks can help individuals make informed choices about their alcohol intake and seek support if needed. Additionally, it can inform public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing alcohol-related harms and promoting healthier drinking habits among US adults.
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Heavy drinking is defined as >7 drinks/week for women and >14 drinks/week for men
Alcohol consumption, especially in excess, is linked to a range of negative outcomes, including health complications, crime, and road incidents. While social drinking or moderate alcohol consumption can be pleasurable for many, heavy drinking is defined as consuming more than the recommended limit and can lead to alcohol dependence and other harmful consequences.
In the United States, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy drinking based on the number of drinks consumed per day or per week. For women, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 4 or more drinks on any day or 7 to 8 or more drinks per week. This equates to binge drinking, which is when a woman's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches the legal driving limit of 0.08%. For men, heavy drinking is defined as consuming 5 or more drinks on any day or 14 to 15 or more drinks per week. Binge drinking for men also occurs when their BAC reaches 0.08% or higher.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, adults can choose not to drink or to limit their alcohol intake to one drink or less per day for women and two drinks or less per day for men. These guidelines are not averages but daily limits to promote health and prevent chronic diseases. The guidelines also recommend that men and women who regularly drink should not exceed 14 units of alcohol per week to keep health risks at a low level.
Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to various health complications and an increased risk of many diseases, including liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease, and different types of cancer, such as breast cancer and esophageal cancer. The cost of health complications from alcohol abuse in the United States was estimated to be around $27 billion per year in 2020.
It is important to note that the definition of heavy drinking may vary slightly depending on the source or organization providing the guidelines. Additionally, the risk of alcohol-related harm depends on a combination of factors, including the amount, speed of consumption, and frequency of drinking. "High-intensity drinking" is another term used to describe drinking at two or more times the binge drinking threshold, such as consuming 8 or more drinks on an occasion for women or 10 or more for men.
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Drinking rates vary by age, race, and income
Drinking rates in the United States vary across different age groups, races, and ethnicities.
Age
According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 224.3 million people aged 12 and older (79.1% in this age group) reported consuming alcohol at some point in their lifetime. This includes 111.1 million males (80.1%) and 113.2 million females (78.1%). The survey also found that 61.4 million people aged 12 and older (21.7%) reported binge drinking in the past month. The share of binge drinkers was higher among males (33.6 million or 24.3%) than females (27.8 million or 19.2%).
The percentage of drinkers across age groups has changed over time. While younger adults were once the biggest drinkers, they have grown closer to older adults in their drinking habits. According to Gallup, the drinking rate among younger adults aged 18 to 34 has declined by 10 percentage points over the past two decades, from 72% to 62%. In contrast, the drinking rate among older adults aged 55 and older has increased by 10 percentage points, from 49% to 59%. Middle-aged adults, aged 35 to 54, maintain the highest drinking rate at 69%.
Race and Ethnicity
The NSDUH survey also revealed variations in drinking rates by race and ethnicity. Among those who had consumed alcohol at some point in their lifetime, the survey found 144.3 million White people (84.7%), 24.5 million Black or African American people (70.5%), 11.9 million Hispanic or Latino people (22.9%), 10.9 million Asian people (62.2%), 890,000 American Indian or Alaska Native people (66.5%), and 1.4 million people of two or more races (22.2%).
Similarly, the survey found differences in binge drinking rates across racial and ethnic groups. Among those who reported binge drinking in the past month, there were 250,000 American Indian or Alaska Native adults (22.6%), 1.9 million Asian adults (11.6%), 283,000 Hispanic or Latino youth (4.2%), 1.4 million Hispanic or Latino adults (22.9%), 85,000 Black or African American youth (2.4%), and 36,000 youth of two or more races (3.9%).
According to the CDC's National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in 2018, non-Hispanic white adults (6.4%) were more likely to engage in heavy drinking than non-Hispanic black (2.9%), Hispanic (2.6%), and non-Hispanic Asian (2.0%) adults.
Gallup's findings also indicate that non-White Americans are less likely to use alcohol than White Americans across all age groups. In 2021-2023, 57% of non-White 18- to 34-year-olds drank alcohol, compared to 66% of White young adults.
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Frequently asked questions
The per capita consumption of ethanol from all alcoholic beverages in the US was 2.51 gallons in 2021, which equates to 535.5 standard drinks in a year for a person aged 14 or older.
Per capita alcohol consumption in the US has increased in the past couple of decades. In the long run, per capita drinking quantities have been relatively constant, averaging around 8 to 9 liters per year.
The percentage of US adults aged 18 and older who drink alcohol averaged 63% over the past two years, while 36% described themselves as "total abstainers."
Drinking is more common among younger adults, with 60% of adults aged 18 to 29 saying they drink, compared to 54% for those aged 65 and older.
Drinking varies slightly by gender, with 66% of men and 61% of women saying they drink alcohol.
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