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Is Drinking Culture Dead?
Party time for an Irish lass like myself looks a little different this year. I recently spent my thirtieth birthday in Dublin, Ireland cheersing with the best of them. As you can imagine, the drinks were flowing. Guiness and Jameson and ales, oh my! However, a closer look would reveal something more unexpected. Plenty of glasses sparkling with ginger ale and diet soda. Foaming glasses of beer poured from a spout marked 0% alcohol. Is the age of alcohol dying? It’s certainly not thriving.
Alcohol consumption in America has hit a new low…and I’m not surprised. Only 54% of adults currently say they consume alcohol which is a drastic fall from the 71% in 1981. The American public is noting the rising health concerns and choosing a route of prevention. I’ve definitely thought of it myself. Drinking can have its obvious downsides like increased anxiety, digestive upset, poor sleep, reduced muscle production, and the various physical and mental “yucks” that follow a night out. I’m in my thirties now…I don’t need another excuse to feel like crap!
If this isn’t enough, I’m also overwhelmed by the sad but relatable thought that cutting out alcohol is a hell of a lot cheaper than paying for expensive medical treatments as a result of chronic alcohol use. In fact, it’s a two-for-one kind of savings! My long periods of sobriety (marathon training, chronic illness, etc.) have always highlighted the prosperity of abstinence. No alcohol meant less body fat, less inflammation, and more money in my pocket. Who would be mad about that?
Don’t get me wrong, drinking is still a big part of our culture, but today’s resources provide so many better options for escapism and celebration. Many big name companies are creating non-alcoholic versions of their products so you can enjoy their taste without the negative side effects. Mocktails are abundant in bars. We have endless options of fizzy, sweet, tart, juicy, spicy liquids that keep our hands full and treat us in a way that our bodies can enjoy.
While I’m excited to see companies responding to the changing culture by providing options, I do wonder where this will take us. Many of our social events are still surrounded by alcohol which can be annoying at minimum (people who don’t like to drink) and devastating at maximum (pregnancy, health conditions, alcoholism, etc). Money talks! The less we spend on alcohol and the more we invest in alternatives the more the market will respond in favor.
We know that consistent alcohol consumption can put us at risk for so many health problems. So, here’s to a new generation of people avoiding that risk altogether. Grab a virgin daiquiri, put your feet in some grass, and enjoy a hangover-free summer.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/693362/drinking-rate-new-low-alcohol-concerns-surge.aspx
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