But some good is coming of it:
"Historically, the prevalence of drinking has been higher in older men than in older women," Breslow said. "It still is, but the gender gap has been narrowing over approximately the past two decades."

Narrowing the gender gap!

Seriously though, run this study for younger americans, my guess is a similar uptick has happened. Alcohol consumption is up across the board, this isn't anything new people have more free time, more disposable income, are fatter and spend more time at home. Add in the craft beer crazy that's made a couple beers a night cool all of a sudden and booze is definitely being consumed more in this country.