In response to the magnitude of alcohol-related problems, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) was established in 1971 with authority to conduct a comprehensive program of research and research training and to foster improved treatment and prevention programs for these problems. This publication gives a brief description of the severity of alcohol abuse and alcoholism in American society, and discusses the mission of the NIAAA and its organization, future directions, and priorities. Major problems associated with alcohol abuse and alcoholism are listed. A section on the NIAAA mission lists eight ways that the NIAAA is working to increase knowledge and promote effective strategies for dealing with health problems and issues associated with alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Other sections examine budgetary resources of the NIAAA and provide brief descriptions of the eight components of the NIAAA. A section on current activities and future directions of the NIAAA provides an overview of NIAAA research activities in the areas of: (1) genetics and molecular biology; (2) biochemistry and metabolism; (3) neurosciences; (4) incidence and prevalence; (5) treatment; (6) alcohol and pregnancy; (7) alcohol-related medical disorders; (8) safety and trauma; (9) behavioral and environmental antecedents; and (10) prevention. Activities of the NIAAA that deal with research training, research dissemination, prevention, and collaboration are also discussed. (NB)