Midlife Americans aged 50-64 see surge in heavy alcohol consumption

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a diverging trend in alcohol consumption among Americans. While overall drinking levels have declined from pandemic peaks—with Gallup reporting the lowest self-reported drinking in 90 years—adults aged 50 to 64 are bucking this downward trend.

Analyzing CDC data from over 114,000 adults between 2018 and 2024, researchers found that heavy drinking among the 50–64 age group surged by more than 36%. This increase contrasts sharply with Gen Z and Millennials, whose reduced consumption has driven the national decline. By 2024, this midlife cohort had pulled significantly ahead of all other age groups in heavy drinking rates.

Additionally, the research noted that heavy drinking among women rose more than among men during the pandemic and remains approximately 13% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Dr. Brian P. Lee, a co-author and hepatologist at Keck Medicine of USC, noted that the share of women who drink heavily is now slightly higher than the share of men.