@ucbalumnus Interesting read, though I’ll admit to wishing they had sampled more than 1009 adults as I could see that skewing the data. I also wonder how they could do regional studies with so few in each region, but I digress.
One of my lad’s colleges did an anonymous survey of students asking who had consumed even one drink in the past 30 days. 2/3rds had. This means 1/3rd did not. Since the survey was anonymous, there was no reason to lie. Those stats seem to come close to many of the numbers in the Gallop poll. Even among the highest drinking group (>75K or college graduates), 25% hadn’t had a drink within the past week. Normally we’re in that position, though our recent travels would have me answering otherwise. I know in dr offices when they ask about alcohol I put down “minimal” or similar and they often change it to none. For us it’s mainly when traveling for pleasure and/or very special occasions. Annually it works out to less than one drink per week, but I still consider us in the “drinking” group since we aren’t teetotalers.
I think those who do drink regularly assume “everyone does it” mainly because they make that choice themselves. Self selecting inner circles could also make it seem that way.
I remain glad all of my inner circles (family, co-workers, friends) don’t give a hoot one way or another. I like groups where people can feel free to be themselves!