Theodore Alcorn
Independent Journalist
Independent Journalist
A review of internal records and interviews with a dozen current and former health department staff show what expertise it possesses has long been muzzled or ignored.
Lawmakers concerned about New Mexico’s worst-in-the-nation rate of alcohol-related deaths are focused on revising how the state taxes alcohol.
A generation ago, the state's legislature set alcohol taxes at a few pennies per drink and hasn’t changed them since.
"As an Anglo reporter little versed in this science and history, I had a lot of catching up to do."
Over 73,000 residents who could benefit from treatment to reduce their alcohol consumption are not getting it, more than people addicted to all other substances combined.
Stereotypes about alcohol and Native people are hiding a crisis that’s bigger than any single group.
Alcohol dependence is New Mexico’s biggest untreated substance use problem. Doctors can do more to treat it.
Scientists say policies can help the state cut excess drinking, but lawmakers listen to alcohol interests instead.
Reducing New Mexico’s extraordinary alcohol death rate will require a whole-of-society approach.
When it comes to drinking, how much is too much?