Alcohol Research Publication Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The original print publication as it debuted as an “experimental issue” in fall 1974.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Alcohol Research: Current Reviews (ARCR), an open-access, peer-reviewed journal published by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). 

While the journal has evolved over time, its mission remains unchanged. ARCR is committed to making relevant scientific developments accessible to alcohol researchers and other interested audiences such as health care practitioners, educators, policymakers and more. 

In 1974, NIAAA first published the journal as an experimental issue called Alcohol Health and Research World. Over the years, the journal has evolved. Its name has changed twice—to Alcohol Research & Health in 1999 and then to the current Alcohol Research: Current Reviews in 2012. Its format has also changed. 

A view of the current journal, now published online on a rolling basis. ARCR’s influence (as measured by its Journal Impact Factor) has risen steadily over the years.

While earlier editions contained primary research, the journal now focuses exclusively on review articles. Additionally, while the journal began as a quarterly print journal, ARCR is now published online on a rolling basis, thereby increasing accessibility, and reaching a larger number of readers around the world. 

For information about how to access previous issues of the journal, visit https://arcr.niaaa.nih.gov/about-arcr.

ARCR’s influence (as measured by its Journal Impact Factor) has also risen steadily over the years. The journal is now ranked first among 38 journals in the Social Sciences Citation Index “substance abuse” category. 

The journal’s successes have only been possible through the work of many dedicated individuals. Federal and contract staff, past and current members of its editorial advisory board, authors and peer reviewers have all worked toward the goal of publishing high-quality articles that provide insight into the field of alcohol research and its progression over the past half century.  

ARCR will celebrate its 50th anniversary throughout 2024, highlighting major milestones. To stay current: 

•  Subscribe to the email listserv (https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNIAAA/subscribers/qualify), which shares updates and new article releases 
•  Follow and engage via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcohol-research-current-reviews/
•  Check the ARCR News & Notes web page https://arcr.niaaa.nih.gov/news-and-notes.