STAT+: Booze schmooze: The alcohol industry, frazzled by headwinds, wields its power behind the scenes

STAT PlusThe Deadliest Drug Booze schmooze: The alcohol industry, frazzled by headwinds, wields its power behind the scenes In lawmakers’ haunts, nonprofits’ celebrations, and now TikTok, companies shape opinions By Isabella Cueto and Lev FacherJuly 1, 2026 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.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. Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article Len Lichtenfeld had a long-overdue apology to make. He was haunted in late 2024 by an exchange with a New York Times reporter almost a decade earlier, during which Lichtenfeld defended the American Cancer Society’s official stance that a drink or two a day was safe, even for cancer prevention. There was mounting evidence to the contrary, which he knew from epidemiologists on staff, but didn’t mention. Lichtenfeld left something else out, too: Behind the scenes, the American Cancer Society was raking in millions of dollars from the alcohol industry through an annual New York City gala, the details of which are reported here for the first time. Advertisement Lichtenfeld, an oncologist who was then deputy chief medical officer at ACS, told STAT he felt indirect pressure to keep those donors happy. “It stayed with me, because I knew it was a conflicted situation,” he said. In 2020, he was laid off from ACS as part of broader budget cuts, and the society separately changed its advice to say abstaining from alcohol is best for cancer prevention. Executives told STAT the shift in messaging was the result of a regularly scheduled update of nutrition guidelines. But they acknowledged that staff epidemiologists had pushed for a stronger alcohol statement since the late 2010s. Advertisement “It was the right thing to do in 2020,” William Dahut, chief scientific officer at ACS, told STAT. “The whole committee endorsed strongly where we stand now.” Despite the society’s eventual turnabout, Lichtenfeld’s interaction with the reporter “weighed heavily” on him, because it exemplified how special interests can trickle into public health messaging, he said. The United States’ attitude toward alcohol, its deadliest drug after tobacco, and the source of its most neglected addiction crisis, is a prime example. STAT’s investigation finds the alcohol trade has been enormously successful at using allies and money to its benefit, smothering proposals that might cut into its profits. Leveraging tactics that evoke the tobacco industry’s playbook, the industry has inserted itself into health philanthropy, federal science, and all levels of politics and policymaking. 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, Congress, public health, STAT Submit a correction requestReprints 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. 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. Recommended The Readout June 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Investors double down on Bain-backed startup Politics June 30, 2026 STAT Plus: The loophole in Trump’s obesity drug deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk Advertisement A STAT Investigation June 29, 2026 5 takeaways from STAT’s investigation into microhospital operator Nutex Health The Readout June 29, 2026 STAT Plus: Talawar bets bispecific approach can shake up eczema market A STAT Investigation June 29, 2026 STAT Plus: The ERs that can turn patients away — and are reaping millions Subscriber Picks