It’s been a minute: NPR

According to the Pew Research Center, 79% of New Year’s resolutions are about one thing: health. It’s Been a Minute kicks off 2025 with a short series called “new year, new me.” We address some of the big questions and cultural confusion around our health and wellness.

This week, many Americans are starting the year by cutting out alcohol and quenching their thirst. But overall, alcohol is becoming less popular: According to Gallup, the number of Americans who drink it has fallen to 58%, the lowest figure since 1996. And 41% of Americans who drink say want to drink less. Is alcohol on its way out? And what would it mean to live in a more sober culture? Brittany Luse is joined by writer and journalist Ana Marie Cox to discuss how people rid alcohol from their lives and the lessons she’s learned as a recovering alcoholic.

This episode was produced by Liam McBain. It was edited by Jessica Placzek and Jasmine Romero. Engineering came from Becky Brown. Barton Girdwood is our main producer. Our executive producers are Jasmine Romero and Veralyn Williams. Our Vice President of Programming is Yolanda Sangweni.