Alcohol use may have declined since 2022

National data show declines in any and heavy alcohol use since 2022.

By
Andrea Surnit
September 21, 2026
3 min

MDSpire News

Overview

The prevalence of alcohol use among US adults may have decreased from 2022 to 2024, yet it remains at or above prepandemic levels. Notably, the largest reductions were observed among younger adults, particularly those born from 1997 to 2012.

Background

Understanding trends in alcohol consumption is crucial for public health, especially in the context of rising concerns about alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. The National Health Interview Survey provides valuable insights into these trends, allowing for targeted interventions and policy decisions. This study highlights shifts in alcohol use patterns post-pandemic, which may influence future healthcare strategies.

Data Highlights

Year	Any Alcohol Use (%)	Heavy Alcohol Use (%)
2018	Baseline	Baseline
2020	Baseline	Baseline
2022	Baseline	Baseline
2024	XX.XX	XX.XX

Key Findings

Any alcohol use decreased by 1.24 percentage points from 2022 to 2024.
Heavy alcohol use decreased by 0.52 percentage points during the same period.
The largest reduction in any alcohol use was among adults born from 1997 to 2012, with a decline of 3.96 percentage points.
Heavy alcohol use declined by 1.67 percentage points among adults aged 30 to 49 years.
Increases in alcohol use were noted among adults aged 50 to 64 years and Hispanic adults from 2018 to 2024.
Self-reported alcohol consumption may be underestimated due to social desirability bias.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the shifting trends in alcohol consumption, particularly among younger populations. Screening for unhealthy alcohol use remains essential, especially as reported levels have not fallen below prepandemic benchmarks. Continued monitoring and targeted interventions may be necessary to address the needs of various demographic groups.

Conclusion

The findings indicate a national trend toward lower reported alcohol use since 2022, although levels remain concerningly high among certain demographics. Ongoing research is needed to assess the long-term implications of these trends on public health.