Alcohol Abuse - Present-day drinking trends

On a per capita basis, Americans drink twice as much wine and beer as they did a century ago, and half as much distilled spirits. Where the drinking takes place has also changed. There is less hard drinking in saloons and more social drinking at home and in clubs. The acceptance of drinking in mixed company has made it more a part of social situations than it used to be.

Here are some facts about the current consumption of alcoholic beverages in the United States:

1. • Drinking is more common among men than among women, but the gap is closing.
2. • It is more common among people who are under 40.
3. • It is more common among the well-to-do than among the poor.
4. • Beyond the age of 45, the number of drinkers steadily declines.