STAT+: 10 charts that explain America’s hidden alcohol epidemic

STAT PlusThe Deadliest Drug 10 charts that explain America’s hidden alcohol epidemic From increased strain on ERs to recent trends in alcohol use, see the data behind STAT’s series Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By J. Emory Parker, Lev Facher, and Isabella CuetoJuly 14, 2026 J. Emory Parker[email protected]Emory is the data editor at STAT. He’s a data journalist with a background in bioinformatics and molecular biology. You can reach Emory on Signal at jaspar.01.Lev Facher[email protected]Lev’s reporting has explored Americans’ deadly hostility to addiction medications, subpar treatment offered in jails and prisons, shifts in the illicit drug supply and consumption behavior, controversies surrounding harm reduction, and recent innovations in addiction medicine. You can reach him on Signal at levfacher.51.Isabella Cueto[email protected]Isabella is a chronic disease reporter writing about how the Trump administration is tackling the nation’s health epidemic — or not. You can reach her on Signal at isabellacueto.03. “The Deadliest Drug,” a multipart series by STAT, spotlights an epidemic hidden in plain sight: excessive alcohol use. Alcohol kills more Americans each year than all illicit drugs combined, and yet health officials, industry leaders, and the public rarely focus on it. STAT reporters Isabella Cueto and Lev Facher examined the epidemic’s human cost and the complex causes — from personal to political — of the most harmful substance use crisis in the U.S. STAT data editor J. Emory Parker amplified many of the findings in data-rich charts. These charts capture the toll, emerging risks, shifting usage, and economic stakes of America’s relationship to alcohol. Advertisement 1. Alcohol-related emergency department visits nearly doubled in the U.S. between 2003 and 2022 Drinking-related adverse events, including emergency room visits, have soared in recent decades. American emergency rooms recorded roughly 5.4 million visits due to alcohol in 2022, and in many states, alcohol-related hospitalizations dwarf those stemming from other substances, like opioids. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In addiction, chronic diseases, HHS, Policy, public health, STAT Submit a correction requestReprints J. Emory Parker Data Editor Emory is the data editor at STAT. He’s a data journalist with a background in bioinformatics and molecular biology. You can reach Emory on Signal at jaspar.01. Lev Facher Addiction Reporter Lev’s reporting has explored Americans’ deadly hostility to addiction medications, subpar treatment offered in jails and prisons, shifts in the illicit drug supply and consumption behavior, controversies surrounding harm reduction, and recent innovations in addiction medicine. You can reach him on Signal at levfacher.51. Isabella Cueto Chronic Disease Reporter Isabella is a chronic disease reporter writing about how the Trump administration is tackling the nation’s health epidemic — or not. You can reach her on Signal at isabellacueto.03. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended The Deadliest Drug July 14, 2026 12 ideas for tackling the U.S. alcohol epidemic The Deadliest Drug July 1, 2026 STAT Plus: Booze schmooze: The alcohol industry, frazzled by headwinds, wields its power behind the scenes Advertisement The Deadliest Drug June 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Even with MAHA, Trump administration has gone soft on alcohol The Deadliest Drug May 19, 2026 STAT Plus: 1 in 8 women drink during pregnancy. Experts dread the consequences STATus Report May 15, 2026 Why isn’t alcohol seen as a public health emergency? Subscriber Picks