Heavy drinking among adults ages 50 to 64 rose more than 36% from 2018 to 2024, researchers found. Alcohol use among American adults has declined for first time since start of COVID-19 pandemic, according to new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine. But researchers are saying encouraging trend is being complicated by sharp and continuing rise in drinking among adults in their 50s and early 60s.
Study found any alcohol use among U.S. adults fell by nearly 2% from 2022 to 2024, while heavy drinking declined by more than 8% over same period. Despite drop, alcohol use remains higher than it was before pandemic began in 2020.
Research was led by Dr. Brian P. Lee, hepatologist and liver transplant specialist at Keck Medicine of USC in Los Angeles, and was based on National Health Interview Survey data from more than 114,000 U.S. adults between 2018 and 2024.
Decline Uneven Across Generations – Gen Z And Millennials Lead Drop
Decline was uneven across generations.
Gen Z adults, ages 18 to 29, saw largest drop in any alcohol use, down more than 5%. Millennials, ages 30 to 49, saw steepest decline in heavy drinking, with 17% drop from 2022 to 2024.
Researchers didn’t examine specific causes but noted sober-curious movement, growing awareness of alcohol’s health risks and substitution of cannabis for alcohol as possible factors.
Sober-curious trend, wellness culture, and health warnings linking alcohol to cancer and liver disease appear to influence younger adults more.
Group That Concerns Researchers Most – Adults 50 to 64
Group that concerns researchers most is adults ages 50 to 64, which reflects mostly Generation X and youngest Baby Boomers. Heavy drinking in this group increased by more than 36% from 2018 to 2024, and any drinking rose by nearly 4%.
This is especially worrying because older adults face greater risk of alcohol-related harm from same amount of alcohol as younger people. Average age of cirrhosis diagnosis is in 50s, and alcohol is now leading cause of liver transplants in United States.
Metabolism slows, medication interactions increase, and liver reserve decreases with age, making same drinking pattern more harmful after 50.
Need For Tailored Prevention – Not One-Size-Fits-All
Study’s authors said alcohol prevention efforts need to be more tailored to specific age groups rather than treating population as whole. “These findings suggest that alcohol prevention efforts need to become more tailored to specific populations,” authors noted. “Different groups are showing different patterns of alcohol use, and understanding those differences could help us develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies.”
For Gen Z and Millennials, messaging around sober-curious lifestyles may reinforce decline. For adults 50-64, screening in primary care, liver health checks, and addressing stress, retirement transitions, and isolation may be more relevant.
Q&A
Q: Is alcohol use really falling in America?
A: Yes, Annals of Internal Medicine study of 114,000 adults based on National Health Interview Survey 2018-2024 found any use down nearly 2% and heavy drinking down more than 8% from 2022 to 2024, first decline since COVID, but still higher than pre-2020.
Q: Which age group is drinking more despite overall fall?
A: Adults 50-64 mostly Gen X and youngest Boomers – any drinking up nearly 4% and heavy drinking up more than 36% from 2018 to 2024, while Gen Z 18-29 any use down 5%+ and Millennials 30-49 heavy drinking down 17%.
Q: Why is rise in 50-64 concerning?
A: Older adults have higher risk of alcohol-related harm from same amount; average cirrhosis diagnosis age is in 50s and alcohol is now leading cause of liver transplants in US per Dr. Brian P. Lee team at Keck Medicine USC.
FAQ
1. How big was alcohol trends study?
More than 114,000 U.S. adults analyzed from National Health Interview Survey 2018-2024, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, led by Dr. Brian P. Lee, hepatologist and liver transplant specialist at Keck Medicine of USC Los Angeles.
2. Why are younger adults drinking less?
Researchers did not test causes but cited possible factors: sober-curious movement, growing awareness of alcohol health risks including cancer and liver disease, and substitution of cannabis for alcohol.
3. What counts as heavy drinking in study?
Study used National Health Interview Survey definitions – typically exceeding weekly limits and binge episodes; specific thresholds vary by sex per CDC, check survey methodology.
4. Is alcohol still higher than before pandemic?
Yes, despite 2022-2024 declines, overall use remains higher than 2018-2019 pre-pandemic levels, indicating partial reversal of COVID-era rise.
5. What should adults 50-64 know about alcohol and liver?
Risk rises with age due to slower metabolism, medications, comorbidities; cirrhosis often diagnosed in 50s; talk to doctor about screening, liver health, and tailored prevention strategies.
Disclaimer; This article for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
