Topics covered include the biological, medical, epidemiological, social, psychological, and legal aspects of alcohol and other drug use, abuse, and dependence. The journal was established in 1940 as the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol and changed its name in 1975 to Journal of Studies on Alcohol before obtaining its current name in 2007.
The journal explores various aspects of alcohol and other substance use, including biological, medical, social, psychological, and legal perspectives. Initially introduced as the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol in 1940, it was later renamed Journal of Studies on Alcohol before becoming known by its current title in 2007.