A new peer-reviewed study reveals that an influential scientific organisation is shaping public views in a misleading way, making alcohol’s health risks appear less serious. The research, published in Addiction on 9 July, examined nearly 300 critiques by the International Scientific Forum on Alcohol Research (ISFAR). It shows that ISFAR frequently praised studies suggesting alcohol had benefits while attacking research that highlighted harm, regardless of quality.
As a result, many people now underestimate alcohol-related harms. Tim Stockwell, senior scientist at the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, explained, “Alcohol’s benefits are exaggerated and the risks are underestimated.”
Alcohol’s Hidden Toll: Alcohol-related harms have increased sharply in Canada. Between April 2020 and December 2022, deaths linked to alcohol rose by almost 18 per cent, and hospital admissions grew by more than 8 per cent. Today, alcohol causes more substance-related harm than any other drug in Canada, except in the Maritimes where it trails only tobacco. Furthermore, alcohol contributes to at least seven cancers, including breast and colon, and it raises the risk of heart disease, stroke and mental illness.
Because of this, experts stress that alcohol is a modifiable risk factor. Peter Butt, clinical professor at the University of Saskatchewan, explained, “Any reduction lowers risk.”
The Moderate Drinking Myth: For decades, the idea that moderate drinking was healthy shaped public opinion. Some studies even suggested that light or moderate drinkers lived longer than people who abstained. However, experts now say those claims were flawed. Many abstainers had already stopped drinking for health reasons, so they appeared less healthy than moderate drinkers. Once researchers corrected this bias, the protective effect disappeared.
Consequently, evidence now points in one clear direction: the more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk, even at low levels. This shift prompted Canada to introduce new guidelines in 2023. The recommendations now advise no more than two drinks a week, compared with the previous limit of ten to fifteen.
Misinformation and Influence: Although science has moved forward, confusion about alcohol’s health risks continues. Experts link this confusion to ISFAR, which promotes alcohol as beneficial. While the organisation claims independence, several of its leaders have long-standing ties with alcohol producers and industry-backed groups. Critics argue that these connections compromise research integrity and harm public trust.
The recent Addiction study concluded that ISFAR’s critiques use tactics similar to those of the tobacco industry. They downplay risks, amplify supposed benefits and influence policy in ways that favour industry. (complete story WRD News)