Beginning ISAP's Second Decade

The UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (ISAP) was established in 1999 to strengthen drug abuse research efforts and to improve treatment services.  Heading into its second decade in a time of budgetary difficulties, ISAP is well positioned to extend that process. The group continues to advance the knowledge base on drug problems and to improve the delivery of treatment services through diverse efforts. Examples of these ongoing efforts include:

• Continued development of medication and behavioral treatments through ISAP’s role leading the Pacific Region Node of NIDA’s Clinical Trials Network and through clinical trials of medications (e.g., methylphenidate for methamphetamine dependence, and buprenorphine and Probuphine for opioid dependence) and behavioral treatments (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Contingency Management). ISAP also is investigating alternative/complementary approaches such as mindfulness/meditation, drumming, and aerobic exercise for methamphetamine dependence.
• Established ISAP as a source for methodological expertise via the NIDA-funded Center for Advancing Longitudinal Drug Abuse Research.
• Increased international activities through a contract with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (“Treatnet”) to develop regional addiction training centers around the world, as well as clinical research and training efforts in China, Vietnam, and Egypt.
• Increased research attention on special populations, including drug-abusing offenders via NIDA’s Pacific Coast Center for Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies and numerous studies on prison services and post-release services, women, adolescents, and gay, men-who-have-sex-with-men, and transgender populations.
• Hosted research training programs in addiction research methods via the NIDA T32 training grant for pre- and post-doctoral fellows, and numerous international visiting research fellows.
• Increased dissemination of knowledge about substance use disorders and research-based interventions and treatment skills throughout the nation via the Pacific Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center, technical assistance contracts for the State of California and Los Angeles County Mental Health, as well as through other trainings delivered around the nation and the world.
• Broadened and strengthened technical assistance collaboration with government agencies via contracts with Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Prevention and Control and the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs.

ISAP will continue to advance the empirical understanding of substance abuse, develop and evaluate new approaches for the treatment of addiction, and support efforts to reduce substance use and related problems.