Research Goals
This strategic plan includes four major goals, which cover the depth and breadth of research necessary to improve the understanding of and to address the effects of alcohol misuse on individuals and society. These goals complement the Cross-Cutting Research Themes, Cross-Cutting Research Programs, and Supporting the Mission sections of this strategic plan.
NIAAA aims to advance research on the brain cells and circuits that underlie and are altered by alcohol misuse, and the complex relationships between alcohol misuse and physiological effects throughout the body.
NIAAA will continue to support epidemiological research to identify and track patterns of alcohol use and misuse, drinking-related outcomes and disparities, and individual and environmental variables that confer risk or resilience.
NIAAA encourages the development, evaluation, and implementation of culturally appropriate individual, family, school, community, and policy-based strategies to prevent alcohol misuse, alcohol use disorder, and related consequences.
NIAAA encourages research to refine diagnosis, enhance treatment, sustain recovery, and ultimately, to reduce the treatment gap for alcohol use disorder and other alcohol-related health conditions.