Sometimes life can feel a bit lonely as a non-drinker, especially when it’s a new identity. It can feel like EVERYONE drinks, and you’re the only one on the planet who chooses not to. In some circles, this perception is not totally inaccurate. Since we tend to hang with people who have similar rates of use as we do, we may be surrounding ourselves with people who do drink a lot.
This confirms our belief that we’re normal, and everyone is drinking, so it is a reinforcing cycle. However, the idea that most people consume “a lot” of alcohol is false. The research consistently highlights that many people choose to drink a minimal amount or abstain from alcohol altogether. Here are some statistics that stay fairly constant over time about the drinking habits of Americans:
- 30% of American adults don’t drink at all.
- An additional 30% consume less than 1 drink per week.
- The top 10% of drinkers consume over 74 drinks a week.
- Drinking 2 glasses of wine each night puts you in the top 20% of American adults.
- The top 10 percent of drinkers account for well over half of the alcohol consumed in any given year.
So next time you’re feeling alone, remember that almost two thirds of Americans have one drink ore less in a typical week. Check out the article below to learn more about drinking norms. If you’re drinking more than you’d like to be, feel free to call and chat with one of our intake coordinators. They can provide you with resources and options. Data from The Washington post.
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Originally posted on April 22, 2018 @ 6:45 am
