The five pillars of alcohol studies

The first Center of Alcohol Studies, which defined the field as it evolved, was built on five pillars, summarized in this iconic poster.

The original 32×25-inch poster, painstakingly handwritten at an unknown date, lists the five divisions of the Yale Center of Alcohol Studies as research, publication, education, therapy, and special services.

The multidisciplinary fields of research include physiological, psychological, cultural, legal, educational, economic, and medical aspects of alcohol. However, reading further suggests that the different divisions of the Center frequently overlapped, in keeping with the complex and entangled nature of the subject matter. For instance, although the Education Division was in charge of the Summer School of Alcohol Studies, the Treatment Division, called Therapy, also conducted training as well as research.

The Research, Therapy, and Education divisions were also extensively supported by the Publication Division and Special Services, from providing resources to consulting directly with researchers and practitioners.