ISAP: An Overview

The UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (ISAP) was established in 1999 to consolidate research efforts in many areas of drug abuse research at UCLA. Since then, ISAP has steadily established its presence as a major entity in the drug abuse research community, both domestically and internationally. The group continues to advance the knowledge base on drug problems and to improve the delivery of drug abuse treatment services through an array of projects. Through these efforts, ISAP has:

• Continued leading development of medication and behavioral treatments through its role as the Pacific Region Node of NIDA’s Clinical Trials Network, and through the Medication Development Unit for Stimulant Dependence, and the UCLA Clinical Trials Operations.
• Increased international activities through a contract with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to provide training to regional centers around the world in evidence-based drug abuse treatment practices.
• Continued at the forefront of research and treatment development regarding the growing problem of methamphetamine abuse.
• Further established itself as a source for innovative methodological expertise by receiving NIDA P30 funding of the Center for Advancing Longitudinal Drug Abuse Research, which provides training and advises projects on applying longitudinal approaches and methods
• Led in research on drug-abusing offenders through NIDA’s Pacific Coast Research Center for Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies and other criminal justice studies.
• Increased research attention on special populations, including women, adolescents, and gay and transgender populations.
• Confirmed the cost savings to California taxpayers resulting from the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act, which provides treatment to drug-abusing offenders in lieu of incarceration; each dollar spent on treatment garnered nearly $2.50 in cost offsets/savings and $4 in savings for those completing treatment.
• Broadened and strengthened collaboration with service providers to diffuse research-based interventions into practice in community-based settings.
• Confirmed the effectiveness of behavioral approaches (Matrix Model, cognitive behavioral therapy, and contingency management) in treating drug disorders, particularly methamphetamine dependence.
• Continued to expand its imaging/neuroscience program investigating cognitive and neurobiological aspects of substance abuse.
• Increased formal training in NIH-funded research and clinical training programs via the Pacific Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center, as well as in special trainings delivered throughout the nation and the world by ISAP faculty.