Editor’s note: This story was originally published here trace one.
Alcohol consumption in the United States has increased significantly in recent years, with an increasing share of adults choosing to drink less or not at all.
Public health experts point to a combination of factors driving this trend, including increased awareness about alcohol health riskThe expansion of cannabis legalization, and changes in social habits as more young people connect online rather than in person.
Changes in cultural norms, broader focus on wellness, and the development of alcoholic beverage labeling requirements It has also played a role in reshaping drinking behavior and consumer choices across the country.
At the same time, the market for alcohol alternatives has grown rapidly.
Internet searches for products such as non-alcoholic beer, zero-proof cocktails and other alcohol-free beverages have increased, reflecting both consumer curiosity and increasing retail availability. Beverage companies have responded by introducing new product lines and meeting the needs of consumers who want the taste and social experience of drinking without the intoxicating effects.
The report, conducted by food and beverage software company Trace One, uses data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to examine trends in alcohol use.
It compares current alcohol use rates across states and examines how those rates have changed over time. Finally learn more about the methodology.
Here are the states that have seen the biggest declines in alcohol consumption.
10. Hawaii
- change from peak year:-9.6 pp
- 10 years of change:-8.2 pp
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2024): 45.0%
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2014): 53.1%
- Share of adults drinking alcohol (peak year):54.5%
- peak year:2012
9. Alaska
- change from peak year:-9.6 pp
- 10 years of change:-8.7 pp
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2024): 50.5%
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2014): 59.1%
- Share of adults drinking alcohol (peak year):60.0%
- peak year:2008
8. South Dakota
- change from peak year:-10.2 pp
- 10 years of change:-5.6 pp
- Share of adults drinking alcohol (2024):54.4%
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2014):60.1%
- Share of adults drinking alcohol (peak year):64.6%
- peak year:2017
7. Minnesota
- change from peak year:-10.2 pp
- 10 years of change:-6.3 pp
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2024):57.5%
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2014):63.8%
- Share of adults drinking alcohol (peak year): 67.7%
- peak year:2008
6. Connecticut
- change from peak year:-10.2 pp
- 10 years of change:-8.1 pp
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2024): 56.7%
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2014):64.8%
- Share of adults drinking alcohol (peak year):66.9%
- peak year:2018
5.Iowa
- change from peak year:-10.3 pp
- 10 years of change:-7.7 pp
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2024):53.2%
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2014):60.8%
- Share of adults drinking alcohol (peak year):63.5%
- peak year:2017
4. Wisconsin
- change from peak year:-10.6 pp
- 10 years of change:-8.1 pp
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2024): 59.5%
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2014):67.6%
- Share of adults drinking alcohol (peak year):70.1%
- peak year:2005
3. Maryland
- change from peak year:-11.1 pp
- 10 years of change:-10.7 pp
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2024):51.9%
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2014):62.6%
- Share of adults drinking alcohol (peak year):63.0%
- peak year:2015
2. Arizona
- change from peak year:-12.8 pp
- 10 years of change:-9.0 pp
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2024): 47.2%
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2014):56.2%
- Share of adults drinking alcohol (peak year):60.0%
- peak year:2005
1. Massachusetts
- change from peak year:-13.3 pp
- 10 years of change:-10.5 pp
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2024):56.1%
- Share of adults who drink alcohol (2014):66.7%
- Share of adults drinking alcohol (peak year):69.5%
- peak year:2013
Methodology
This analysis is taken from data State Estimates from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) On past-month alcohol use among adults aged 18 and older.
“Share of adults who drink alcohol” reflects SAMHSA’s annual estimate of the percentage of adults reporting alcohol use in the past month during the specified survey year.
For each state, the year with the highest recorded share of adults reporting alcohol use – called the peak year – was identified. The percentage-point change between that year and 2024 was calculated to show the magnitude of the decline from each state’s peak.
Since peak years differ across states, a separate 10-year comparison was conducted between 2014 and 2024 to provide an apples-to-apples view of trends over the same time period for all states.
All changes were tested for statistical significance at the 90% confidence level using the z-test (threshold: z > 1.645).