The Next Mormons Survey, analyzed at Religion in Public, asked Mormons whether they had consumed alcohol in the past six months. Among temple-recommend holders — the most active subset — only 11% had. Among weekly church attenders, 18%. Among all self-identified Mormons, 25%.
By comparison, roughly 60% of U.S. adults overall report drinking alcohol. Former Mormons in the same survey reported drinking at 62% — essentially identical to the national rate.
Heavy or problematic drinking is even rarer. The Word of Wisdom — the LDS health code prohibiting alcohol — produces measurable behavioral effects, especially among the most engaged members. Low substance use is one factor researchers have identified as contributing to LDS longevity and mental health advantages.
Discussion