Mason Delacroix
Alcohol consumption is a topic that has been widely studied, with varying rates of consumption across different countries, demographics, and religions. While alcohol consumption is prevalent in many parts of the world, a significant percentage of adults have never consumed alcohol. In 2010, 48 percent of the world's population aged 15 and older had never consumed alcohol, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This percentage decreased slightly to 44.5% in 2016. The abstention rates vary across different regions, with North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and South Asia exhibiting the highest rates of abstention. Religion also plays a significant role in alcohol abstention, with certain Christian denominations and Islamic faiths advocating for teetotalism, or the practice of voluntarily refraining from alcohol consumption. In the United States, the percentage of adults who drink alcohol averaged 63% in recent years, leaving a notable proportion of adults who have never consumed alcohol.
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What You'll Learn
Religion as a factor in alcohol abstinence
The relationship between religion and alcohol abstinence is complex and multifaceted, with different religious traditions holding varying views on alcohol consumption. While some religions strictly prohibit alcohol, considering it detrimental to spiritual and physical well-being, others incorporate it into their rituals and ceremonies.
In the context of Islam, for example, the consumption of alcohol is prohibited in accordance with Islamic teachings. This prohibition is often a foundational aspect of Muslim identity, reflecting a commitment to faith and religious principles. The Quran references "khamr," meaning "wine," as an incentive from Satan and a cautionary note against its adverse effects. This religious norm plays a significant role in influencing the drinking habits of Muslims, with high religious commitment and abstinence norms associated with a lower likelihood of alcohol use and alcohol use disorders (AUD).
Similarly, within Christianity, there are denominations that advocate for abstinence or prohibitionism, such as the Assemblies of God, which has been committed to abstinence from alcoholic beverages since its inception. They base this conviction on biblical teachings about the abuse of wine and the consumption of strong drinks, as well as ethical principles of love for God and others. Other Christian denominations, like the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association within the Catholic Church, also require complete abstinence from their members.
However, it is important to note that the relationship between religion and alcohol is nuanced. While some Christians promote abstentionism or prohibitionism, others allow for moderate consumption or "moderationism." This includes large bodies of Christians, such as Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Lutheranism, and Anglicanism, where moderationism is the most common position worldwide. Additionally, certain monastic communities like Trappists have brewed beer and made wine.
The interpretation of religious teachings and their influence on alcohol consumption can vary within religious groups and among individuals. For instance, a study found that among Catholic drinkers, those with high religious commitment were more likely to have an AUD if they viewed their religion as promoting abstinence. This highlights the complex interplay between religious norms and individual beliefs.
In summary, religion can be a significant factor influencing alcohol abstinence. Religious norms and commitment differentially relate to alcohol use across religions and individuals. While some religious groups strictly prohibit alcohol, others encourage responsible and moderate consumption. Understanding these nuances is crucial for addressing alcohol-related issues within specific religious contexts.
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Alcohol abstinence rates by geography
Alcohol abstinence rates vary across the world, with several factors influencing these rates. Here is an overview of alcohol abstinence rates by geography:
North America
In the United States, the percentage of adults aged 18 and older who consume alcohol is around 63%, while 36% describe themselves as "total abstainers." Drinking rates increase to 65% when considering adults of the legal drinking age of 21 and older. Among the largest racial and ethnic groups, drinking rates vary, with 68% of White adults reporting alcohol consumption, compared to 59% of Hispanic adults and 50% of Black adults.
Europe
Alcohol consumption in Europe varies across the continent. Countries like Lithuania, Czechia, and Moldova have relatively high consumption rates, with approximately 15 liters per person annually. This equates to about two bottles of wine per person per week, which exceeds moderate drinking guidelines. Other European countries, including Belgium, Ireland, Portugal, France, and Germany, have slightly lower consumption rates, ranging from 12 to 14 liters per person.
A study from 2001 reported varying rates of abstinence among European countries. Among women, Portugal had the highest abstention rate, while Denmark had the lowest. Among men, Italy had the highest abstention rate, again with Denmark having the lowest. A separate study focusing on Scandinavian countries found that Sweden had the highest 12-month abstinence rate for men, while Norway led for women. Interestingly, Finland had the lowest 12-month abstinence rate among the countries surveyed.
Middle East and North Africa
The Middle East and North Africa exhibit relatively low alcohol consumption rates, with alcohol consumption being almost non-existent in several countries. In most nations across these regions, a majority of adults have never consumed alcohol.
Other Regions
While the focus has been on specific regions, it is worth noting that Nigeria stands out as the only country outside of Europe with a notably high rate of alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder.
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Alcohol abstinence rates by race
Alcohol abstinence rates vary across different racial groups. According to a Gallup poll from March 2025, 68% of White adults aged 18 and older reported drinking alcohol, while 59% of Hispanic adults and 50% of Black adults said the same. This indicates that 32% of White Americans, 41% of Hispanics, and half of Black Americans abstain from alcohol. The same poll also found that 66% of men and 61% of women reported drinking alcohol, with a slight variation between genders.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) for 2013 provides further insights into racial demographics and addiction rates among adults in the United States. It reported that in 2016, the average past-year addiction rate for Americans aged 12 and older was 5.6%. However, ethnic minorities may face higher rates of addiction than national averages suggest due to various factors, including poor living conditions, limited access to specialized care, and elevated social, economic, emotional, and environmental risk factors.
According to the 2023 NSDUH, an estimated 62.5% of people aged 12 and older drank alcohol in the past year. This included 63.9% of males and 61.2% of females. Breaking this down further by race, 45.3% of American Indian or Alaska Native people, 48.3% of Asians, and 57.1% of Black or African Americans drank alcohol in the past year.
While Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults were not included in the 2023 NSDUH estimates due to a small sample size, previous surveys have indicated higher rates of alcohol-related harm within this community. From 2001 to 2005, alcohol-attributed deaths accounted for 11.7% of all Native American deaths, more than twice the rate of the general US population. Native Americans are also overrepresented in national estimates of alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths and suicides.
In summary, alcohol abstinence rates vary across different racial groups in the United States, with White adults reporting higher drinking rates than Hispanic and Black adults. Ethnic minorities, including Native Americans and Hispanics, may face higher rates of addiction and alcohol-related harm, indicating a greater need for targeted alcohol treatment programs within these communities.
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Alcohol abstinence rates by age
Alcohol consumption is known to vary by age, with older Americans becoming more likely to drink and younger Americans less likely. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 84.9% of adults aged 18 and older reported consuming alcohol at some point in their lifetime. This equates to approximately 218.7 million people.
However, when narrowed down to specific age groups, the rates differ. For instance, 60% of adults aged 18 to 29 say they drink alcohol, while the rate increases to 71% for those aged 21 to 29. Similarly, 70% of 30- to 49-year-olds consume alcohol. The rate decreases slightly for those aged 50 to 64, at 64%, and further declines to 54% for individuals 65 and older.
Trends over time reveal that the rate of alcohol consumption among younger adults, aged 18 to 34, has declined by 10 percentage points over the past two decades, dropping from 72% to 62%. In contrast, the percentage of drinkers among older adults, those 55 and older, has increased by 10 points during the same period, rising from 49% to 59%. This shift has resulted in middle-aged adults, aged 35 to 54, becoming the leading alcohol consumers, with a drinking rate of 69%.
It is worth noting that alcohol consumption also varies across racial and ethnic groups within different age categories. For example, in 2021-2023, 57% of non-White 18- to 34-year-olds consumed alcohol, compared to 66% of White young adults. Additionally, according to the 2023 NSDUH, an estimated 16.9% of youth aged 12 to 17, or about 4.4 million individuals, reported drinking alcohol in the past year.
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Global alcohol abstinence rates
Alcohol abstinence rates vary across the world, with several factors influencing the likelihood of someone choosing to abstain from alcohol. Religion, for instance, is a significant factor. A 2011 report by the WHO noted that countries in North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and South Asia had the highest rates of abstention, with these regions representing large populations of the Islamic faith, which preaches abstinence. The Eastern Mediterranean Region, consisting of Muslim countries in the Middle East and North Africa, has the lowest alcohol consumption rates globally, with 87.8% of lifetime abstainers.
In the United States, the percentage of adults aged 18 and older who consume alcohol averaged 63% over the past two years, while 36% described themselves as "total abstainers." A further breakdown of these statistics reveals that 66% of men and 61% of women drink alcohol. Drinking is more common among younger adults, with 60% of 18- to 29-year-olds consuming alcohol, compared to 54% for those 65 and older. Additionally, White adults (68%) are more likely to drink than Hispanic adults (59%) or Black adults (50%).
According to a 2014 WHO report, abstinence is highly prevalent worldwide, and any decrease in abstention levels could significantly impact the global burden of alcohol-related diseases. Globally, in 2016, 44.5% of adults had never consumed alcohol, and this rate was even higher in 2010, at 48%.
Teetotalism, or the practice of voluntarily abstaining from alcohol, has become increasingly common among younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Zers. A study published in April 2023 revealed that 45% of no-alcohol beer consumers in the US were millennials, and this figure climbed to 61% by April 2024.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health, published by the WHO in 2011, 45% of adults are lifetime abstainers. Another source states that in 2016, 44.5% of adults had never consumed alcohol.
According to the 2023 NSDUH, 84.9% of adults aged 18 and older reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lifetime. This means that 15.1% have never drunk alcohol. Another source states that 63% of US adults aged 18 and older say they drink alcohol, while 36% describe themselves as "total abstainers".
Yes, there are demographic differences. A 2014 WHO report found that countries in North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and South Asia had the highest rates of abstention. Religion is thought to play a big role, with large populations of the Islamic faith in these regions. Within the US, there are also differences. For example, Asian-Americans are three times as likely to have never drunk alcohol as non-Hispanic whites.
