STAT launches investigative series on alcohol epidemic killing 178,000 Americans annually

STAT has begun a new investigative series that examines the United States’ ongoing alcohol crisis, which the outlet says results in roughly 178,000 deaths each year.

The reporting team traveled nationwide, speaking with more than a hundred researchers, clinicians, public‑health officials, patients, industry representatives and lawmakers, and they reviewed scientific studies, treatment guidelines and lobbying records.

Their findings point to a systemic failure across the medical system, public‑health agencies, the alcohol industry and government, which together have allowed the problem to persist and grow.

The series is being released for free and is intended to draw attention to the issue and encourage policymakers to act, especially as the current administration is described as missing a chance to address the epidemic.