During its 25 years of existence, the National Institute on Alcohol Ab
use and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has been influenced by many individuals and
organizations. Among those shaping NIAAA's missions and their impleme
ntations, the Institute's directors played and continue to play a pivo
tal role. In return, the position as director of NIAAA had an impact o
n these men and their careers. Alcohol Health & Research World contact
ed the former and current directors to record their personal recollect
ions and impressions of the alcohol field and NIAAA's role in it.