Why More Americans Are Cutting Alcohol Consumption

Though January is far behind us, it seems only yesterday that so many of our friends and family were getting ready for Dry January after the holiday months of excess. While it was a strange idea just a few years ago, taking a month’s break from drinking alcohol is now very much mainstream. In 2023, a reported 34% of Americans are consciously trying to cut down on their alcohol consumption for several reasons: that’s about one-third of an enormous population.

Of the people polled in this study, 45 percent said they wanted to go completely sober. Along with this change in the mindset of part of the populous, the rise of a sober night out or sober “bars” has grown in leaps and bounds. Of the polled group, 39% say they wish they had sober bars in their immediate area. Why the urge for change, though? It is a nuanced and many-layered issue and the legion benefits of not drinking. Let’s explore this change in the narrative of America’s love story with “drinks” and see why many Americans are ready to break up with alcohol.

The Why

Culturally, alcohol has always been a part of American social life. Meeting friends for drinks after work, having a mimosa at brunch, a glass of wine with Thanksgiving dinner, meeting a potential romantic interest at your favorite dive bar with the aid of a little liquid courage, a beer at a backyard BBQ, a glass of champagne at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Alcohol has always been a part of our lives and, for most people, in a positive way. In much the same way as many people once believed that smoking was good for their health, consuming a reasonably large amount of alcohol was once considered normal and healthy, even cool. Modern research has proven the various benefits of drinking less (and not smoking at all), and America is sitting up and taking notice in 2023.

Whether going the whole hog and cutting ties with all alcoholic beverages and alcohol in food forever or simply cutting back on the alcohol they consume, Americans are now highly aware of sobriety. In cases where alcohol is problematic, certain institutions may need to be involved in helping remedy the situation. Still, for those who are reevaluating a casual relationship with alcohol, rethinking things are a little simpler. The health benefits are numerous:

• The calories in sweet drinks contribute to an individual calorie count massively. Drinking less means fewer calories to worry about overall.
• Drinking less can equal far better sleep, according to neurologists. Drinking before bedtime contributes to worse sleep, which might seem counterintuitive but is nonetheless true.
• Brain health is increased immensely, but drinking less alcohol improves the health of many organs and overall physical well-being.
• Less drinking also means less chance of an accident due to overindulging! From tripping downstairs to car accidents, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Drinks have never been more expensive in the USA, except perhaps during the time of prohibition. During the last few weeks of 2022, beer prices rose by as much as 10% in some cases, and that was just the cost of beers available for personal purchase. Bars and restaurants tack on a considerable amount to their price, making the cost of alcohol on a night out more than many Americans can stomach in the current inflation situation. Cocktail drinkers have been shocked by a price increase of $1 per drink since cocktails are already some of the most expensive available. The government’s increased taxing of alcohol is no doubt a hugely contributing factor to the issue. The amount of money saved over a month of not drinking is enough to contribute to, at the very least, giving serious thought to the idea.

Increased concerns over mental health and well-being are cited as another reason to reduce drinking. Our college days are long behind us (longer for some than others!), and the idea of drinking until three in the morning and then muscling through the workday on a hangover causes anxiety in the extreme. Younger generations are learning faster than we did. Getting through work, school, and life when hung over or consuming alcohol is often more difficult than anticipated. Alcohol is a depressant that slows down cognitive and nerve function. It alters the mood of all drinkers past a certain point but can be far worse for those who are already neurodivergent or living with mental health issues. The question these people are asking themselves is: is it worth it? The answer is often a clear no.

If you’re considering taking a break from drinking or ending the relationship altogether, there’s never been a better time as an American to try it.