The Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Public Health

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol consumption has a significant impact on public health, contributing to chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and social issues.

• Government regulations, public awareness campaigns, and policy changes can impact alcohol consumption trends.

• Non-alcoholic beverages and sober curiosity are both becoming more common, a development that is reshaping drinking culture, particularly among younger generations.

• Recent studies have showcased the harms of alcohol and the benefits of reducing consumption.

• The availability of alcohol-free alternatives and health-focused policies is anticipated to continue to increase in 2025.

Alcohol has been a part of social, religious, and cultural traditions worldwide for centuries. As part of family dinners and religious celebrations alike, alcohol consumption is normalized in most places around the globe. 

This type of moderate drinking is generally considered relatively harmless for some people, but the truth is excessive drinking has significant public health consequences. From personal health impacts like liver disease and addiction to social effects, including car accidents and domestic violence, alcohol-related harm affects countless individuals, families, and communities.

With a growing awareness of these risks, many people are reevaluating their drinking habits. Recent years have seen the increased popularity of non-alcoholic beverages and "sober curiosity" movements, signaling a shift in attitudes toward alcohol. As this awareness grows, accompanied by new studies showcasing the harms of alcohol and public health policies designed to reduce these harms, it’s crucial to examine how alcohol consumption affects public health and what the future may hold.

Alcohol use has widespread implications for the physical and mental health of individuals and families, as well as societal health in general. Some of the most significant concerns include:

Chronic Diseases and Physical Health

Excessive alcohol use is one of the leading causes of chronic illness, contributing to:

Mental Health and Addiction

In addition to the negative impacts it has on physical health, alcohol abuse is strongly linked to mental health disorders, including:

Social and Economic Costs

Beyond the harm it causes to individual mental and physical health, alcohol consumption also affects broader society:

The non-alcoholic beverage industry is experiencing rapid expansion as more consumers are choosing non-alcoholic alternatives, in part likely due to growing awareness of alcohol-related harms. Some factors impacting this growth include: 

The Sober Curious Movement

Younger generations, including Millennials and Gen Z, are leading the shift away from alcohol. Social media movements like "Dry January" and "Sober October"  highlight the benefits of a sober lifestyle while encouraging temporary abstinence.

The growing popularity of non-alcoholic alternative beverages is connected to broader wellness trends, including clean eating and mental health awareness. People who take a break from drinking may enjoy improved sleep, energy levels, and cognitive function, all of which incentivise a further break from drinking.

As a result, the market for non-alcoholic adult beverages is growing rapidly. According to The Economist, the global market for non-alcoholic drinks was $20 billion in 2023, growing by roughly 20% in 2023, compared with 8% for alcoholic beverages.¹⁰ Major breweries and distilleries are responding to this growth by investing in alcohol-free products to meet consumer demand.

As we look toward the future of alcohol consumption in 2025 and beyond, there are a few trends and policy changes that experts anticipate shaping the landscape of alcohol consumption:

Stronger Government Regulations

The FDA has proposed new labeling requirements for alcoholic beverages, including health warnings similar to those on tobacco products.¹¹ This will help consumers make an informed decision about alcohol before consuming. In addition, some states, including New Mexico¹², are considering increased taxation on alcoholic beverages to fund public health initiatives, with the added side effect of reducing consumption due to the increased cost of alcohol.

Expansion of Alcohol-Free Social Spaces

As non-alcoholic lifestyles become more common, and the sober curious movement grows, so called "sober bars" and alcohol-free social clubs are growing in popularity. Offering alternatives for socializing without drinking, these spaces welcome people to gather in community without the social lubricant of alcohol. In addition, some reports suggest that many concert venues and sporting events are increasing their selection of non-alcoholic options, so the sober and sober curious have more options in these spaces.

While the impact of alcohol on public health remains undeniable, attitudes toward drinking are evolving. With increased awareness about the damage alcohol can cause, pro sobriety policy changes, and a growing market for non-alcoholic alternatives, individuals and communities are rethinking their relationship with alcohol, lessening its impact on public health.

As we move into 2025, organisations within both the government and the public health sector writ large are expected to continue advocating for responsible drinking, harm reduction, and healthier lifestyle choices. Whether through government action, industry innovation, or personal decisions, many observers hope that we may be making progress towards creating a world where alcohol consumption is more mindful and its health risks are better managed.

Podcasts

• "The Sober Curious Podcast" – Ruby Warrington explores the benefits of reducing alcohol intake. (Listen Here)

• "Public Health on Tap" – Experts discuss alcohol regulations and harm reduction strategies. (Listen Here)

Videos

• "Alcohol and Your Brain" – An educational explainer by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (Watch Here)

• "The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Drinks" – BBC’s feature on alcohol-free social spaces. (Watch Here)

Reports

• CDC Report on Alcohol-Related Deaths and Disease (2025). (Read Here)

• NIH Study on Alcohol Reduction Benefits (2025). (Read Here)

• Market Trends in Non-Alcoholic Beverages (2025). (Read Here)