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Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for December 11, 2019
The Number of the Day columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
December 11, 2019: Forty-seven percent (47%) of American adults consider alcohol to be either an extremely serious (18%) or very serious (29%) societal problem.[1]
For 36% of Americans, the problem strikes close to home. They say that drinking has caused problems in their family. That number has been fairly consistent in the 21st century.[1]
However, it was much lower in earlier times. At the end of World War II, just 15% said alcohol had caused problems in their family. And, in 1974, just 12% expressed that view. It wasn’t until 1999 that the number seeing drinking as a problem in their family reached 30%.[1]
It is impossible to know how much of this growth is due to an actual increase in problems, a growing willingness to recognize and admit the problem, or shifting societal norms.
Yesterday’s Number of the Day noted that 65% of Americans consume alcohol at least occasionally. Of that group, 18% sometimes drink more than they should.
Here is a chart from Gallup showing this data going back to the middle of last century:[1]
Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology.
- December 10, 2019 –65 percent of American adults drink alcohol
- December 9, 2019 –76 percent of companies will host a holiday party this year
- December 6, 2019 –40 million Americans provide unpaid care for the elderly
- December 5, 2019 –13.2 million Americans experienced unemployment last year
- December 4, 2019 –90,126 governments in the United States
- To see other recent numbers, check out the archive.
Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day is published by Ballotpedia weekdays at 8:00 a.m. Eastern. Click here to check out the latest update.
The Number of the Day is broadcast on local stations across the country. An archive of these broadcasts can be found here.
Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
Ballotpedia is the nonprofit, nonpartisan Encyclopedia of American Politics.
See also
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