Poland records highest adult alcohol abstinence rate at 23%

A CBOS poll conducted between 9 and 19 April 2026 found that 23 % of adult Poles now report total abstinence from alcohol, the highest level recorded by the research centre. This marks a seven‑point increase since 2019 and a record high in the institute’s surveys.

The study of 944 respondents cites health concerns (57 %) and a lack of desire (51 %) as the main reasons for not drinking. Among 18‑24‑year‑olds, 79 % say they do not need alcohol, and 97 % believe socialising can be enjoyable without it. Six out of ten Poles consider any amount of alcohol harmful, while 88 % overall agree that fun is possible without a drink.

Wine has become the most popular beverage, chosen by 32 % of respondents, overtaking beer (30 %) and vodka (13 %). Gender differences persist: about one‑third of men report drinking at least weekly, compared with only 7 % of women.