Rasmussen: 36% of America rarely or never drinks

[GA Russell]

I find the results of this poll quite surprising. It says that only 9% have a drink nearly every day, while 36% rarely or never drink.

Perhaps growing up in New Orleans skewed my view of America!

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/general_lifestyle/november_2013/38_drink_alcohol_at_least_once_a_week

[jazzbo]

I'm pretty much in the 36%, just not my thing.

I'd think that 9%and 36% both exclude a significant number not answering truthfully or being in denial.

[Jazzmoose]

I agree. As in most polls, the actual takeaway should be "Americans say" not "Americans do". On the other hand, medications have forced me to join the rarely or never crowd myself. (Of course, anyone who knows me would chime in "yeah, but that wasn't the Bud you had trouble with!"

[Rooster_Ties]

My wife and I both drink about once or twice per month. Occasionally 3 times -- but there are times we'll each go two or three months without a drink.

We each had a glass Riesling with dinner the other night -- and we each had a hard cider w/ a 2 or 3 weeks before that. Couldn't tell you the time before.

[ejp626]

I often go years between any alcohol consumption at all. I'm sure it has averaged out to less than 0.5 glass of wine/year. And I never drank beer even in my college days.

[BeBop]

Back in the 70s, I brewed beer. I drank a little and gave the rest away. By 1978, I gave up alcohol entirely. Don't miss it. (Simultaneously gave up meat, fish, poultry and eggs, television and movies. Don't miss them either)

[Tom 1960]

A glass of red wine with dinner every day. Occassionally one before bedtime.

[John Tapscott]

I'm pretty much in the 36%, just not my thing.

I'd think that 9%and 36% both exclude a significant number not answering truthfully or being in denial.

Agree with Lon on both counts.

But I'm in denial, too. I don't buy many jazz recordings. Just once in a while. Really.

[John L]

Damn. You guys make me feel like a drunk.

[T.D.]

I'm in the "never" part of the 36% (have been for over 15 years). But was once a big beer drinker, in the 9%.

Edited November 19, 2013 by T.D.

[Rooster_Ties]

My wife and I both drink about once or twice per month. Occasionally 3 times -- but there are times we'll each go two or three months without a drink.

We each had a glass Riesling with dinner the other night -- and we each had a hard cider w/ a 2 or 3 weeks before that. Couldn't tell you the time before.

I'd probably drink more often, but I've never developed any liking for the taste of beer (of any sort).

I drank in college (who didn't), and a lot more for two years when I bartended shortly after my senior year of college. Also, when I first moved to Kansas City for the first couple years -- hanging out in a couple jazz bars (especially with pool tables! - the Drum Room). But then I met my future wife, and we were both "old fogies in training" even back then (when we were both in our late 20's).

And, as it turned out, being an "old fogie" in training - was good training for being on a jazz forum too!

Edited November 19, 2013 by Rooster_Ties

[Homefromtheforest]

There's an old issue of coda magazine I have in which Albert Mangelsdorff is interviewed and he says something to the effect of "there's nothing wrong with a few beers to heighten the enjoyment of the music" to which I say amen!

I mean how else could you understand free jazz

[danasgoodstuff]

I think 'rarely' varies a lot from person to person...but it's definitely true if my wife who's probably at about the equivalent of a 6 pack per year. I'm more like a 6 pack per week or every other week.

and I'd like to know what the choices inbetween were, that could skew the results...

[PHILLYQ]

50% of all respondents lied, 35% fudged the truth and 15% are tee-totalers!

[John Litweiler]

So 36% of us don't drink at all. I'm another ex-heavy drinker who doesn't drink any more. But the last election should make us question Rasmussen polls.

It used to be said that 80% of the beer-wine-liquor industries' incomes come from chronic alcoholics. That's another "statistic" that it would be interesting to verify or refute. Only 80%?

[Chuck Nessa]

I drink constantly so I can stomach the crap I record and try to sell to other drunks.

[BeBop]

Thanks, Mr. N. I needed a laugh!

[Hardbopjazz]

I only drink for medicinal purposes.

Actually, if I have one drink every 3 months that's a lot.

[Rooster_Ties]

I'm sure if I hung out with a different crowd -- or was more social, generally speaking -- I'd probably drink more. My wife and I are both introverts, and although we eat out a lot - we're also both just cheap enough that we realize what (good) alcohol would do to the bill each time we do eat out. I'm sure (combined) we easily spend $100 more per week eating out than is really necessary -- and if we drank too, that would be another $75/week minimum. We almost never drink at home, because neither of us are really drawn to it enough to bother.

[stephenrr]

If this survey is anywhere near accurate (which I seriously doubt), I'm drinking for several others. I currently have a wine cellar of over 600 bottles, start most evening meals with a rye manhatten (preferably made with 13 year old Pappy Van Winkle or Sazerac), and really enjoy our tri-yearly "drink Steve's cellar" parties in which everyone is encouraged to pick a bttle or two from the cellar. Career-wise I've been a professional enabler for almost 30 years selling investment grade wines either at wholesale or retail. Wine for me is a hobby that got completely out of hand-- much like jazz.

[Jerry_L]

Here's to the man who drinks water pure and goes to bed quite sober.
Here's to the man who drinks water pure and goes to bed quite sober.
He falls as the leaves do fall,
Falls as the leaves do fall,
Falls as the leaves do fall.
He'll die before October.