Americans are drinking less alcohol

(KYMA, KECY/CBS) - A new Gallup poll finds that Americans are drinking alcohol at the lowest levels in decades.

Only 54% of U.S. adults said they currently drink, marking the lowest number in the poll's history. The poll also shows that 53% of Americans believe that drinking, even in moderation, is bad for health.

Young adults have shown the biggest drop, with alcohol use falling from 59% in 2023 to 50% today.

Experts say this generation is growing up with more warnings about alcohol's health risks compared to older adults, who may have heard that a glass of wine could be good for you.

Some researchers also note that younger adults may be choosing cannabis over alcohol as it becomes more widely legal.

The decline is more pronounced among women, with 51% reporting that they drink, compared to 57% of men.