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Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 2024-2028

Goal 2: Identify Patterns, Trends, and Public Health Impact of Alcohol Misuse

Updated: February 2025

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’s Long-Term Vision

To gain a complete understanding of the patterns and trends of the burden and likelihood of alcohol misuse to inform the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of alcohol-related problems.

Epidemiological research is key to addressing the public health impact of alcohol misuse. Identifying and tracking patterns and trends in alcohol use and related harms convey the scale and burden of alcohol misuse in the nation. Although significant changes in patterns of drinking behavior and consequences have occurred over time, it is important to acknowledge that population-level averages may not reflect the public health impact of alcohol misuse among various sociodemographic groups. It is important for epidemiology research to focus on alcohol misuse and related consequences among populations that experience health disparities, as well as the general population.

Epidemiological research also plays a critical role in identifying factors that influence the initiation of alcohol use and the progression to alcohol misuse, including heavy drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Knowledge of risk factors associated with alcohol misuse can inform prevention and intervention efforts. Similarly, epidemiological studies can reveal factors that protect against alcohol misuse and consequences. This information can be used to develop prevention strategies that focus on health promotion.

Goal 2 research topics are integrally linked to the Cross-Cutting Research Themes. Examples of NIAAA research priorities in this area include the following objectives.

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