An annual National Institutes of Health survey showed the decline in under-age drinking continuing, something Oregonians should celebrate.
PORTLAND, Ore. — April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to talk about safe, moderate and responsible alcohol consumption, which the local alcohol sector supports. Thanks in part to industry efforts, according to the National Institutes of Health’s annual Monitoring the Future survey, the 20-year trend of American teens drinking less continued last year.
Consistent with previous years, the annual study found alcohol consumption among America’s teens are at or near record low levels in 2023. Most teens report they have never consumed alcohol – nearly 80% of 8th graders, 64% of 10th graders and 47% of 12th graders. That’s an increase of about 3% for 8th graders, 5.3% for 10th graders and 8.9% for 12th graders compared to last year’s study. The longer-term trend shows declines of 24%, 42% and 35% respectively over the past decade.
“Americans, particularly younger people, are drinking less and exhibiting more moderation in drinking habits – welcome news as the industry promotes responsibility,” said the Oregon Beverage Alliance. “It’s important to know the safe level of alcohol consumption recommended by our federal government and Alcohol Awareness Month is the perfect time for those conversations.”
According to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines issued by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department every five years, it is within a healthy diet and lifestyle for adults to consume 1-2 drinks per day.
Americans are overall drinking less. According to Circana, a reputable national beverage sales data firm, in 2023, beer volume sales were down -5.9% and wine volume sales were down -4.1%. OLCC data supports these national trends are also happening locally. Many local brewers, cidermakers and winemakers are now producing non-alcohol beverages to embrace moderation, without compromising on taste.
Oregon’s Three-Tier System of alcohol distributionwas put in place after Prohibition to ensure public safety and promote moderate consumption of alcohol. The multitude of laws the OLCC enforces are critical to ensuring a clear, traceable, licensed chain of custody for alcohol. Additionally, these laws maintain equal access to the marketplace for beer, cider and wine producers and distributors of all sizes. In moderation, Oregon consumers enjoy one of the widest selections of beer, cider and wine in the country because of our fair and safe alcohol marketplace.
Alcohol generates more than $17 billion in economic activity for Oregon and is the third largest source of revenue for the state, yet only 3% of that revenue goes toward funding mental health and drug addiction recovery and treatment.
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About the Oregon Beverage Alliance
The Oregon Beverage Alliance is made up of local brewers, winemakers, cidermakers, distillers and their supply and hospitality partners creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. Learn more: www.DontTaxMyDrink.org
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