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To booze or not to booze, that is the question (this new survey just asked)

Half empty or half full?
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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Getty Images North America
Half empty or half full?

A examines how people feel about their own alcohol use and drinking habits.

The survey, conducted between Feb. 24 and March 2 of this year, focused on adults in the U.S. aged 21 and older. One major finding is that people continue to drink even when they believe it may not be beneficial to their well-being. It raises the question of what that experience is like!

Three things to know:

  1. According , 57% of drinkers believe that their alcohol consumption does not increase their risk of serious health problems, while 43% think it does — either to a high degree or somewhat.
  2. Despite these beliefs, 41% of drinkers say that recent news regarding the link between will prompt them to reduce their drinking, with 11% indicating they will cut back a lot and 30% saying they will reduce it a little.
  3. The health impacts of drinking have been extensively covered, addressing topics ranging from to . NPR's Allison Aubrey recently . She concluded by offering guidance for people who want to evaluate their alcohol consumption. This includes a called the CAGE questionnaire, which consists of four questions designed to help people determine if they need to manage their drinking habits.


Want to take a break from drinking? and get expert strategies to help set you up for success.


Where have I heard about this lately?

Back in January, former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to the risk of developing seven different types of cancer, including those of the breast, colorectal, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat and voice box (larynx).

He also urged Congress to inform consumers about the risks associated with alcohol consumption and cancer.

Dive deeper with NPR:

  • Want some inspiration on how to have fun without alcohol?
  • From A to Zika, get the latest global health and development news, sent weekly to your inbox, with the newsletter.

Copyright 2025 NPR

Manuela López Restrepo
Manuela López Restrepo is a producer and writer at All Things Considered. She's been at NPR since graduating from The University of Maryland, and has worked at shows like Morning Edition and It's Been A Minute. She lives in Brooklyn with her cat Martin.
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