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The holidays are often a time of increased social gatherings, which also means there may be an increased opportunity for altered states with the help of alcohol or cannabis. Both substances have a history of helping ease potential holiday stress or increase merriment. But how are Americans approaching sobriety–or the lack thereof–this holiday season? CivicScience has the latest data on the sober curious, as well as cannabis and alcohol users this year.
Let’s (Not) Raise A GlassÂ
As the data show, sobriety is up this year, with 48% of U.S. adults indicating they do not plan to consume alcohol or cannabis over the upcoming holiday season. Compared to the 42% who were abstaining in 2022, that’s a drop of six percentage points in just two years in alcohol and/or cannabis intent.
Additionally, with 42% of drinkers this year indicating that they’re sober-curious (up from 33% in 2022), the data suggest that fewer Americans will celebrate the holidays with alcohol this year.
Answer our Poll: Do you tend to consume more alcohol during the holidays?
What’s In Your Cup?
Of course, just because some Americans are drinking less doesn’t mean that alcohol is off the menu entirely. This year, beer has outpaced wine as the most popular holiday drink among drinkers. Eggnog has also risen in popularity, taking third place.
Stress and Sobriety Do Not Go Hand in Hand Â
Perhaps not surprisingly, there is a correlation between stress and cannabis and alcohol users. Those who indicate they’re more stressed, as well as those who plan to travel for the holidays this year, are the most likely to consume cannabis or alcohol–perhaps hoping their altered states will improve the experience.
Spending and Substance Use Â
This year, another correlation exists between spending and substance use. Those who plan to spend the same or more on holidays this year are the most likely to use alcohol, and those expecting to have more debt six months from now are the most likely to use cannabis or alcohol.
Health Matters  Â
While there are many reasons to make dietary choices, it seems that overall health may be one factor impacting the decision to consume cannabis or alcohol. Those who say they are ‘not very healthy’ right now are the most likely to abstain this holiday.
Here are additional insights on this year’s holiday alcohol and cannabis consumers:
- Adults aged 25-34 are the most likely to consume overall, and those aged 35+ are the most likely to abstain, with Gen Z adults aged 21-24 not too far behind. Â
- Cannabis is the most popular among those earning less than $50k, while alcohol is the most popular among those earning more than $100k.
- Among those ‘very curious’ about a sober lifestyle, current usage is nearly evenly split between cannabis (26%) and alcohol (28%). Â
- Liberals are more likely to consume, while conservatives are more likely to abstain.
The holidays are far from dry this year, as most Americans still plan to get a buzz. However, the steady shift away from alcohol and cannabis consumption suggests that for a variety of reasons, Americans may demonstrate more interest in sober celebrations in years to come.
