Alcohol Justice Urges HHS to Publish Vital Research on Alcohol-Related Harm

Urging Transparency: Alcohol Justice's Call to Action

In a recent statement, Alcohol Justice has voiced its strong discontent over the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) decision not to release a crucial report related to alcohol consumption and its health effects. The group believes that withholding this data is detrimental to public health, especially when the nation grapples with rising alcohol-related mortality rates.

The Controversial Report

The report in question, titled "Alcohol Intake and Health," was part of a series of studies conducted by various governmental entities at the beginning of the year. This particular report indicates a disturbing trend: the health risks associated with alcohol consumption increase with every drink, which contradicts some previously published findings that suggested moderate drinking could be protective against all-cause mortality. Alcohol Justice argues that this suppression of information amounts to "data shopping"—the selective use of research that supports predetermined conclusions while ignoring robust scientific evidence.

Miryom Yisrael, Executive Director of Alcohol Justice, underscored the government's responsibility to consider all available evidence in forming alcohol-related health guidelines. He contends that the HHS's failure to release the report undermines public health and safety by perpetuating misinformation.

A Pattern of Suppression

The demand for transparency comes in the wake of various conflicting reports released in January 2025. Notably, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) suggested that moderate drinking could reduce mortality, while the Office of the Surgeon General highlighted alcohol's carcinogenic risks. Alcohol Justice notes that the latter report echoes findings from the unpublished report, emphasizing that the risks of alcohol-related diseases rise with initial consumption.

Carson Benowitz-Fredericks, Research Director at Alcohol Justice, criticized the NASEM report for exhibiting signs of flawed science influenced by industry interests. Instead of burying studies that do not align with favorable results, the agency should confront emerging evidence from varied perspectives.

Growing Concerns Over Mortality Rates

The alarming figures surrounding alcohol-related deaths cannot be ignored. Between 2016 and 2024, the number of alcohol-related fatalities surged by a staggering 29%, reaching over 178,000 annually. This statistic paints a bleak picture against the backdrop of declining drinking rates among younger generations. Alcohol Justice stresses that this growing discrepancy necessitates clear, evidence-based behavioral recommendations to help current drinkers navigate their choices.

Furthermore, the economic burden of alcohol-related harm has escalated, costing the U.S. approximately $249 billion each year. Many older Americans are disproportionately affected, indicating the urgent need for reliable data to inform health policies that truly protect public health.

Call for Comprehensive Guidelines

For decades, the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans have included recommendations on alcohol consumption, typically advocating for two drinks per day for men and one for women. However, recent evidence suggests that even these amounts may be excessive, prompting calls from previous advisory committees to lower these limits. Worryingly, sources suggest that upcoming guidelines may avoid specific recommendations, opting instead for vague advice about "drinking in moderation."

Alcohol Justice argues that this trend reflects a troubling shift, marking a retreat from the responsibility of health authorities to educate and protect the public. They insist that access to high-quality information is a fundamental right of the populace, highlighting that the suppressed research was intended for the public's benefit.

Yisrael implores Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to act on this pressing issue by releasing the report and restoring public trust in health guidelines. As Alcohol Justice continues to fight for transparent and science-driven policy in the alcohol sector, the organization emphasizes the need for comprehensive and evidence-based guidelines that prioritize health and safety for all Americans.

For additional information and updates, visit Alcohol Justice's website.