Study Finds Alcohol Use Falling Among Youth but Rising in Older Americans

Analyzing data from the CDC-run National Health Interview Survey, scientists tracked alcohol habits of more than 114,000 Americans from 2018 to 2024. Nationally, total drinking fell 2% and heavy drinking fell 8% in the latest two-year period, driven largely by a near-6% decline in consumption among Gen Z and a 2% dip among Millennials, with heavy use dropping roughly a fifth in both cohorts. Older adults aged 50 to 64 moved in the opposite direction, registering a 4% increase in overall drinking and a 36% surge in heavy drinking since 2018.

Lead author Dr. Brian Lee attributes the youth decline partly to heightened pandemic-era health warnings, while suggesting that greater disposable income and possible substitution with cannabis may sustain higher intake among older adults. He warns that rising alcohol use in this age group heightens risks of liver disease, cancers, and cardiovascular problems. The findings highlight the need for targeted public-health campaigns aimed at older drinkers.