I think alcohol today is like cigarettes in the 1980s. Its popularity is declining amidst mounting evidence of its damaging health effects, much like cigarettes were in the 1980s.

I'm writing this right after Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, said that alcohol use had been directly linked with at least seven types of cancers. What's especially worrying is the fact that this affects all drinkers, not just heavy drinkers. This report comes at a time where — especially for young adults — alcohol sales are already declining, causing major brands to release non-alcoholic drinks.

I'm seeing the shift play out in real time. I don't drink. Many of my friends don't either. I can see alcohol's value in a social setting, but I'm also seeing more and more people my age opt for wine and charcuterie house parties or non-alcoholic socials instead of frat parties or blackout drunk Friday nights. But maybe I live in a bubble. After all, I am a Computer Science major at a small private school.

The most glaring change I've seen is how others perceive alcohol. In the summer before my freshman year, I was forced to complete an online module about refusing peer pressure to drink.

But once I went to a few events with alcohol, I realized that the modules greatly exaggerated the peer pressure. People would ask if I wanted a drink, but only about 1 out of 10 people actually would actively exert any pressure.

Like cigarettes, I don't think America will ever fully stop drinking. There seems to be an unmet opportunity for the next late night gathering place, though. Late-night cafes or diners are both trying to fill this gap. I'm just hoping that, unlike e-cigs replacing traditional cigarettes, a more healthy alternative replaces alcohol.

---

Find more of my thoughts on Twitter (@ethanweii).