A new Gallup poll shows that 67% of Americans consider themselves "drinkers," the highest level in 25 years. Gallup says the number of drinkers remains "remarkably stable" but we have to disagree. The gap between the low of 55% and a high of 71% is pretty sizable. Interestingly, one look at the graph shows a real correlation between times of crisis and turmoil and high drinking rates. 1945 - 46 were highs - presumably GIs coming home celebrating but also coping with the toll of the war - as were the 1970s, which were economically difficult, not to mention reeling from Vietnam and Watergate. In the midst of the Clinton boom, drinking rates were lower, while with the arrival of George W. Bush, 9/11 and uncertainty, the rate hovered in the mid-60s. Not surprisingly, the current recession has pushed the percentage up though not to the 1978 peak. Not yet anyway.
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