Not sure about grabbing that beer? You're not alone. Americans are reaching for alcohol at record lows, according to a new Gallup survey.

The survey, out Aug. 20, found the number of Americans who say they drink alcohol sits at 54% for the second consecutive year − and health concerns appear to be a major factor.

"Fifty-one percent of U.S. adults now believe drinking one or two alcoholic beverages a day is bad for one’s health," the survey results noted. "The figure is essentially unchanged from last year’s record-high 53%."

In 2001, only 27% considered moderate drinking bad for one’s health, according to Gallup.

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[+] -29 points 1 day ago (5 children)

I dunno... I used to drink pretty heavily (several drinks per night) and then cut back to less than one drink per month. Never felt a single ill effect.

I understand that's anecdotal, and I'm sure some people do have dts and withdrawal, but I doubt every person who quits drinking will suffer severe side effects, just like I don't believe anyone has ever hallucinated pink elephants from drinking too much.

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  • [–] 24 points 1 day ago* (2 children)

    Your very first sentence is very correct. "I dunno…" Yeah. You don't. You followed it up with a bunch of "I, me, my" and can't understand that someone may have a different issue than you.

    I don't drink daily. I'm a binge drinker. I convince myself that it will only be a few this weekend and go on a bender every time. I can't stop lying to myself. I keep telling myself I'll quit next weekend and do it all over again. Cut back? I cut back every week.

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  • [–] 9 points 1 day ago

    We are the same.

    I did 11 months last year and thought I could "reintroduce". It was good at first, I still kept my Fri Sat rule but then it crept and as I watched my weight loss regain and my control loosen it wasn't so good.

    Now I'm just trying to avoid going back to my lowest which is like major blackouts and no sleep. Puking.

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  • [–] 6 points 1 day ago

    Unfortunately it will probably get worse before it gets better. I wasn't even a heavy drinker, but when I started seeing shadows jumping and little flicks of light out of the corner of my eyes, that's when I called it quits. Turns out that's a symptom of alcohol withdrawal.

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  • [–] 17 points 1 day ago (2 children)

    You're an idiot spreading an admitted anecdote. Use your phone and look it up before you spread your ignorance to other people.

    Alcohol and benzo withdrawal can be incredibly dangerous and medical professionals should be consulted whenever possible.

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