Alcohol use in U.S. hits record low, Gallup Poll finds

The percentage of Americans who say they drink has fallen to a record low, according to a new Gallup poll (Source: “Percentage of Americans who say they drink alcohol hits record low, Gallup says,” NPR, Aug. 13).
 
This year, only 54% of Americans said they drink alcohol, according to Gallup, which has tracked Americans' drinking habits since 1939. That's one percentage point under the previous record low in 1958.
 
Previous research into moderate drinking (one to two drinks a day) found that some alcohol, like red wine, could be good for you.
 
However, the consensus among scientists has evolved, as scientists realized that research showed a pattern of correlation, not causation. For example, people who don't drink could have negative health outcomes because of a preexisting condition, while those who do drink may not have other health problems.
 
After controlling for those factors, scientists now say any amount of alcohol can have negative effects on health, such as increased risks of cancer, depression and anxiety.