The committee began work in 1983 under the auspices of the New Hampshire College and University Council (NHCUC). For ten years, as a program of NHCUC with staff support, the committee, then known as the AOD Committee, met monthly throughout the academic year, developed joint programs, held conferences and trainings, and provided intensive networking opportunities for college staff across many different college services such as student life, residential life, campus security, and the health centers. In 1993, when NHCUC reorganized, the committee established a free-standing nonprofit organization entitled the New Hampshire Higher Education Alcohol and Other Drug Committee.