[1] The SSA was originally named The Society for the Study and Cure of Inebriety and was founded in 1884 by Dr Norman Kerr who was the first president.

Its goal is to serve international and interdisciplinary scientific and clinical communication, to strengthen links between science and policy and to stimulate and enhance the quality of debate.

The SSA funds academic fellowships, PhD studentships, Post-doctoral transitional development initiatives, bursaries and travelling scholarships.

[8] The Impact Prize is also awarded annually and recognises the contribution that the winner has made to influencing policy or practice in addiction.

Membership is open to UK and international applications from practitioners, researchers and policymakers with an appropriate academic or professional qualification or experience in the addiction field.