Book excerpt: Presents the latest research findings on and introduces new research techniques for the study of the effects of alcohol on glial cells. Includes reviews of research findings and techniques used to study astrocytes, oligodendroglia, and microglia; findings on the influence of alcohol on glial cells during development; the role of astrocytes in alcohol-induced damage of the neuroimmune system; the role of glial cells in alcohol-induced neuropathology; the involvement of astrocytes in hepatic encephalopathy; new imaging techniques capable of separating glial and neuronal images in alcohol-induced brain atrophy; and information on alcoholic-induced disturbances in neurosteroid production by glial cells.