OBJECTIVES:

Data from the 1984, 1990, and 1995 National Alcohol Surveys were used to investigate whether declines shown previously in drinking and heavy drinking across many demographic subgroups have continued.

METHODS:

Three alcohol consumption indicators--current drinking (vs abstaining), weekly drinking, and weekly heavy drinking (5 or more drinks in a day)--were assessed for the total US population and for demographic subgroups.

RESULTS:

Rates of current drinking, weekly drinking, and frequent heavy drinking, previously reported to have decreased between the 1984 and 1990 surveys, remained unchanged between 1990 and 1995. Separate analyses for each beverage type (beer, wine, and spirits) and most demographic subgroups revealed similar temporal patterns.

CONCLUSIONS:

Alcohol consumption levels, declining since the early 1980s, may reach a minimum by the 21st century. Consumption levels should be monitored carefully over the next few years in the event that long-term alcohol consumption trends may be shifting.