#USA #San Rafael #Alcohol Justice #US Department of Health #Alcohol Impact Study

Alcohol Justice's Call for Action on Alcohol Health Risks

In a recent development, Alcohol Justice has made a compelling appeal to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The organization demands the release of a significant yet suppressed report titled "Alcohol Intake and Health". This pivotal study, which addresses the adverse health effects of alcohol consumption, is crucial for informing upcoming dietary guidelines for Americans set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

On September 4, 2025, Vox reported that HHS had chosen to withhold this critical internal examination of alcohol's health impacts, which revealed a concerning trend: risks associated with drinking alcohol escalate from the very first sip. The study's findings were expected to contribute to revising federal dietary recommendations, which traditionally have not considered the latest scientific evidence adequately.

The HHS's refusal to disclose the report suggests a troubling pattern of data manipulation, as stated by Miryom Yisrael, Executive Director of Alcohol Justice. "The government's role is to evaluate all evidence when offering guidance about alcohol consumption. Their duty is not to cherry-pick data but to provide comprehensive information that safeguards public health and saves lives," she emphasized.

Three key reports published earlier in 2025, each by different government entities, yielded contradictory conclusions regarding alcohol and health:

• - The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) stated that moderate alcohol consumption offers some protection against various health risks.
• - Conversely, the U.S. Surgeon General published findings indicating that alcohol is a carcinogen, with risks rising after just one drink.
• - Finally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) affirmed the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption, including cancer, emphasizing that these risks increase with the number of drinks.

The discrepancy in these reports raises significant questions about the underlying scientific basis for the current dietary guidelines. Carson Benowitz-Fredericks, a public health expert and Alcohol Justice's Director of Research, commented, "The NASEM report is flawed, revealing an overly simplistic scientific approach biased by industry influence. However, obscuring subsequent research does not clear up confusion; it silences important insights that SAMHSA has provided. The government must publish this crucial study to aid public knowledge."

The necessity of releasing the "Alcohol Intake and Health" report becomes even clearer in light of rising alcohol-related mortality rates in the United States. Between 2016 and 2024, deaths related to alcohol consumption have surged by 29%, from 138,000 to 178,000 annually. This alarming increase occurs even as the overall number of drinkers has fallen, illustrating a dire public health crisis. The costs associated with alcohol-related harm in the U.S. are estimated at a staggering $249 billion each year, disproportionately affecting older adults whose alcohol-related deaths have been consistently rising since 2000.

The decline in alcohol consumption among Generation Z stands in stark contrast to this trend, highlighting the importance of clear, evidence-based guidance for responsible drinking. The lack of coherent behavioral recommendations from HHS undermines public health strategies aimed at reversing this disturbing trend.

As Alcohol Justice argues, the USDA has consistently included alcohol consumption recommendations in its dietary guidelines. Historically, these guidelines have suggested a daily allowance of two drinks for men and one for women, framed as "moderate consumption." Nevertheless, emerging evidence suggests that this threshold might indeed be too high, with prior advisory committees recommending reductions to one drink per day. Reports suggest that the upcoming USDA committee may consider eliminating specific recommendations altogether in favor of vague guidelines about moderation, a move many view as an abdication of public health responsibility.

"Research on the consumption of alcohol has been conducted for the benefit of the American people, and it should be disclosed to the public," Yisrael stated emphatically. "Secretary Kennedy, please publish the report."

Alcohol Justice, based in San Rafael, California, is committed to advocating for evidence-based policies that promote public health and safety regarding alcohol consumption. For more information about their findings and to explore FAQs about alcohol's health effects, visit www.alcoholjustice.org.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Carson Benowitz-Fredericks
Phone: (917) 426-6443
Email: [email protected]

Raúl Verdugo
Phone: (310) 689-9401
Email: [email protected]