Young Americans’ Interest In Alcohol on Decline, Study Finds
By Movieguide® Contributor
A new study reveals that young Americans’ interest in alcohol has declined in the last five years.
In 2018, 34% of adults aged 18–34 believed that alcohol consumption in moderation was bad for their health. In 2023, that percentage jumped to 52%.
“Notable differences between groups include by gender, with women (41%) more likely than men (35%) to view drinking in moderation as harmful to one’s health,” the study said.
Alcohol journalists like the Washington Post’s Jason Wilson have noted that a cultural shift called the “sober curious” movement crept into America. He notes that there could be an abundance of reasons for this.
In recent years, many books on the benefits of sobriety have appeared, as well as “bombshell” studies that prove alcohol contains no health benefits.
In the last few years, mocktails have also become more popular among young people. Mocktail bars (also called dry bars, sober bars and alcohol-free bars) have opened in New York City, Chicago and other American metros.
Relevant Magazine asserted, “Another factor is the changing social landscape. Alcohol consumption is no longer considered a rite of passage or a necessary part of social gatherings. More people are choosing to abstain from alcohol altogether, or to drink in moderation.”
“The decline in alcohol consumption among young adults is good news for public health,” Relevant Magazine wrote. “Alcohol abuse is a major public health problem, and it is responsible for a significant number of deaths and injuries each year. The fact that young people are increasingly choosing to abstain from alcohol is a positive step.”
The trend has moved into Hollywood as well.
Movieguide® recently reported about Danny Trejo’s struggle with alcohol, who encouraged others: “I’m 55 years clean and sober today by the grace of God! I’ve done this one day at a time, and for anyone out there struggling YOU CAN TOO!”
Actors Tom Holland and Bradly Cooper also opened up about their sobriety journeys. They both professed that their lives are much better without alcohol.
Holland said, “If I can do six months without alcohol, then I can prove to myself that I don’t have a problem. And by the time I had got to June 1st, I was the happiest I’ve ever been in my life.”
Movieguide® recently reported on Cooper’s sobriety journey:
While on an episode of RUNNING WILD WITH BEAR GRYLLS, Bradley Cooper opened up about sobriety and how it’s enabled him to play certain roles.
As they were toughing it out in the ice canyons of the Wyoming Basin, Grylls asked Cooper about the roles that have made his career.
“THE HANGOVER was career changing,” Cooper said, as reported by Variety. “I was 36 when that happened, so I was already in the game for 10 years just banging around, so I didn’t get lost in fame.”
“But you definitely had some wild years,” Grylls responded. Cooper said, “In terms of alcohol and drugs, yeah. But that had nothing to do with fame, though.”
“I was lucky,” the actor added. “I got sober at 29 years old, and I’ve been sober for 19 years. I’ve been very lucky.”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
