Drinking problems among college faculty are discussed, and selective information is presented about alcohol abuse, employee assistance programs, adulthood stages, and futuristic changes in U.S. society. The idea that work obsession and alcoholism can be linked for university professors who have a high need for achievement is discussed. Enabling conditions in the work place that contribute to the onset of drinking problems for academics include: job security and tenure, informal or no supervision, being able to arrange teaching time around a drinking schedule, and the loneliness of researching and writing for publication and the use of alcohol for stimulation. The value of an effective employee assistance program is that many affected employees can be detected between 5 and 10 years before any of the more obvious symptoms of alcoholism are visible. Employee assistance programs provide a range of services related to legal, financial, family, marital, career change, health, and job stress problems besides intervention and educational activities. The use of alcohol in three stages of adulthood is considered. Pressures facing the professoriate include consulting, conferences, keeping up in one's field, and the rewards of greater income and status. (SW)