Advocacy Committee

Mission

"The mission of the Advocacy Committee is to advance through public policy, federal agency action, and Congressional outreach, the interests of the Research Society on Alcohol (“RSA”) and its members in promoting the acquisition, dissemination, and application of scientific knowledge concerning alcohol’s effects on physical and mental health across the lifespan and their impact on public health and safety. The Committee shall also educate RSA’s members about public policy issues and legislative and regulatory initiatives that may affect their interests as scientists and researchers and engage them in efforts to advance those interests."

Meet the Committee

Advocacy Guiding Principles

As an organization of researchers, RSA unites behind these guiding principles: (1) alcohol is an essential priority and concern for the Nation's public health; (2) continued advances in alcohol science require dedicated federal funding; and (3) the future of alcohol science is dependent on an ongoing, uninterrupted stream of new and emerging scientists. As such, RSA utilizes these guiding principles for engaging with legislators and policy makers.

Alcohol is a Serious Public Health Issue

Alcohol use is a leading preventable cause of death and disability in the U.S. with over 178,000 Americans dying from alcohol-related causes each year. The consequences of alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder on the general health and well-being of our citizens are devastating. The consequences include higher risks for accidents, violence and suicide and for numerous medical diseases and conditions, including dementia, heart disease, several primary organ cancers, and liver disease, all of which contribute to rising healthcare costs and lost economic opportunity. Moreover, prenatal alcohol exposure leads to higher healthcare utilization, lifelong disabilities, and educational and social challenges. Alcohol misuse costs the U.S. over $249 billion each year in healthcare costs and lost productivity, and exacerbates emotional distress on affected individuals, families, and communities.

Any discussion of public health, especially chronic disease, must include the impacts of alcohol. As an organization, RSA strives to communicate the impact of alcohol misuse and related conditions and the importance of continued research investments. Alcohol is a serious public health issue that RSA aims to tackle by education policymakers and the general public.

Dedicated Funding for Alcohol Research is Necessary

For over 50 years, the federal government has recognized the importance of dedicated, focused funding to support alcohol research. The distinct mission of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is to address the unique deleterious health, societal, and economic impacts of alcohol, and NIAAA has consistently translated scientific research for the benefit of public health. RSA shares that mission. The need for an alcohol-focused research agency has only increased in recent years. Deaths related to alcohol far exceed deaths due to drug overdose, and alcohol contributes to 16% of overdose deaths, suggesting alcohol is a critical focal point of public health. It is critical that federal research funds continue to be specifically directed towards alcohol research. RSA is committed to advocating for continued federal financial investments and an agency-wide prioritization of alcohol research, including through NIAAA.

The Future Pipeline of Researchers Must be Protected

A central tenet of RSA is necessity of supporting the next generation of alcohol researchers. The United States is long recognized as a leader in gold standard science. The U.S.’s ability to maintain that standard will depend on strong recruitment and retention of future researchers and scientists. Unfortunately, recent threats to federal research funding and universities may cause young scientists to leave science altogether or seek opportunities elsewhere. Loss of students and young researchers today will directly impact the number of future senior investigators who will train the next generation of scientists. Fewer scientists and slower scientific gains will be devastating to public health and the development of new treatments and cures. Thus, without the support of a future pipeline of high-quality researchers devoted to alcohol research, there will be a greater burden on public health. RSA is committed to supporting an emerging generation of scientists by raising awareness of the impact of today’s policy decisions on future scientists.

Alcohol Use Disorder Resources