Alcohol exposure largely affects 3 populations: fetuses, adolescents, and adults. These 3 developmental stages are inextricably intertwined such that elevated alcohol exposure at any time increases the probability of exposure at the others. This circular interdependency is called the alcoholism generator. Furthermore, exposure to large amounts of alcohol at these 3 times can cause cognitive dysfunction, largely through mechanisms of alcohol-induced perturbations in neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. Breaking this cycle is key to reducing problem alcohol drinking and the associated sequelae.