Addiction and Substance Dependence Research

The Scripps Research Institute undertakes basic biomedical research, primarily in laboratory settings, to learn how the human body operates on all levels. Our discoveries are often licensed to biotechnology or pharmaceutical firms for further development toward a drug or treatment. We do not see patients and very rarely conduct clinical trials. For the latest information on clinical trials throughout the United States, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov . For information on specific diseases, search for associations or organizations dedicated to the disease, for example the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

What Is Addiction?

While exact definition of addiction varies, it is generally considered to be a condition in which an individual persists in use of alcohol or another substance despite problems related to its use. Compulsive and repetitive use often results in tolerance, where more of the substance is needed to achieve the same effect, as well as withdrawal symptoms if use of the substance is cut back or stopped.

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What Is the Impact of Substance Abuse?

Almost everyone knows someone affected by addiction or substance abuse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that each year approximately 40 million debilitating illnesses or injuries occur among Americans as the result of their use of tobacco, alcohol, or another addictive drug. Addiction and substance abuse is not just an individual problem, but one that affects families and communities. NIDA estimates substance abuse costs the United States an estimated $484 billion per year.

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Recent Addiction Research and News at The Scripps Research Institute

• Scientists Uncover Possible Cocaine Addiction Trigger
• Scientists Uncover Previously Unknown Natural Mechanism that Controls Cocaine Use
• NIH Awards Scientists $2.3 Million Grant to Develop New Treatments for Drug Addiction  
• Nationally Known Memory Researcher Appointed to Metabolism and Aging Faculty at Scripps Florida  
• Latest Scripps Florida Collaboration Aims to Reshape Addiction Therapy  
• Team Finds Stress Hormone Key to Alcohol Dependence
• Scripps Florida Scientists Find Blocking a Receptor Significantly Decreases Nicotine Addiction
• Researchers Shed Light on Molecular Pathways of Alcohol Addiction
• Scientists Find Seizure Drug Reverses Cellular Effects of Alcohol Addiction in Models  
• New International Agreement Advances Study of Alcoholism
• A Ghost in the House  
• Scripps Research Team Wins $4 Million Grant to Study Effects of Chronic Marijuana Use  
• Scripps Research Scientists Launch International Conference on Alcoholism and Stress  
• Study Reveals Mechanism Behind Nicotine Dependency  
• Pearson Family Chair to Support Forward-Looking Alcohol and Addiction Research
• Building on Success: Cindy Ehlers Extends Innovative Research on Alcoholism  
• Team Reveals Major Role for Novel Neurotransmitter System in Regulating Drug Intake  
• See also the Scripps Research Pearson Center for Alcoholism and Addiction Research .

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Links for General Alcoholism and Addiction Information

• Centers for Disease Control, “Alcohol and Public Health”
• Medline Plus
• National Clearinghouse on Alcohol and Drug Information
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
• National Institute on Drug Addiction InfoFacts
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
• World Health Organization

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