“They” in this sentence denotes Americans collectively, not just Americans who drink. Although yes, in actual fact outside the world of grammar, it’s only the alcohol-drinking Americans who are consuming more alcohol, the sentence doesn’t break “Americans” into subgroups in the way that your sentence implies.
“They” in this sentence denotes Americans collectively, not just Americans who drink. Although yes, in actual fact outside the world of grammar, it’s only the alcohol-drinking Americans who are consuming more alcohol, the sentence doesn’t break “Americans” into subgroups in the way that your sentence implies.