The aim of this study was to evaluate the trend in alcohol abuse in Brazil from 2006 to 2013 according to demographic, socioeconomic, and regional characteristics. This was an analysis of cross-sectional studies (VIGITEL, the Risk and Protective Factors Surveillance for Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases through Telephone Interview) that evaluated the Brazilian adult population (≥ 18 years) in the country's state capitals. Sampling was two-stage probabilistic (telephone line and adult resident). Alcohol abuse was defined as ≥ 5 drinks for men and ≥ 4 drinks for women on a single occasion, at least once in the 30 days prior to the interview. Trend analysis was obtained using Prais-Winsten regression. Prevalence of alcohol abuse was 15.6% in 2006 and 16.4% in 2013, with a stationary trend in the entire sample (p = 0.334) and in both sexes. There was an upward trend in the elderly and in the 30-39-year age bracket in both sexes and in women in the Southeast Region of the country. A stationary trend was observed in different groups according to schooling. No downward trends were observed during the period analyzed.