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[HEALTH] · United States · 5 sources

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Part of situation: U.S. alcohol consumption and retail sales decline (9 clusters)

U.S. alcohol consumption shifts as heavy drinking surges in older adults

alcohol consumption trends heavy drinking public health New Jersey fatalities generational drinking habits

New research indicates shifting alcohol consumption patterns across different age groups in the United States. While overall alcohol use has declined for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, levels remain above pre-pandemic figures. Younger generations are leading the decline, with Gen Z alcohol use dropping by over 5% and Millennials reducing consumption by approximately 17% between 2022 and 2024.

In contrast, adults aged 50 to 64 have seen a significant increase in consumption. A study led by the University of Southern California/Keck Medicine found that alcohol use in this demographic rose by nearly 4% from 2018 to 2024, while heavy drinking within this group surged by more than 36%.

Regional data highlights specific safety concerns in New Jersey. Despite an 8.4% decrease in adult alcohol consumption in the state, alcohol-related fatalities have risen. New Jersey reported a 29.06% surge in alcohol-impaired road fatalities over the last decade, the 10th highest increase in the United States.

Entities

Brian P. Lee · Keck School of Medicine of USC · National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism · New Jersey · University of Southern California

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [● 2 SOURCES] Alcohol use declined by more than 5% among Gen Z adults, and Millennials saw a reduction of approximately 17% between 2022 and 2024. offthepress.com · nypost.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] Among adults aged 50 to 64, alcohol use increased by nearly 4% and heavy drinking increased by more than 36% between 2018 and 2024. offthepress.com · nypost.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] New Jersey experienced a 29.06% surge in alcohol-impaired road fatalities, ranking 10th highest in the U.S. over the last decade. wpgtalkradio.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Alcohol-related fatalities in New Jersey have risen despite a decrease in alcohol consumption in the state. wpgtalkradio.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The research utilized self-reported data from 114,352 U.S. adults via the National Health Interview Survey from 2018 to 2024. offthepress.com · nypost.com

Sources

New Jersey Seeing A Troubling Surge In Alcohol Related Deaths [wfpg.com]
Excessive drinking falls [libertyunyielding.com]
Heavy drinking surges among one age group of Americans — as other generations cut back [offthepress.com]
New Jersey Seeing A Troubling Surge In Alcohol Related Deaths [wpgtalkradio.com]
Heavy drinking surges among one age group of Americans — as other generations cut back [nypost.com]