Advancing Addiction Medicine Research and Practice

The UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (ISAP) is one of the world's leading organizations conducting research on substance use disorders (SUDs) and providing training and guidance on treatment services for SUDs. ISAP investigators anticipated and adapted to changes in the healthcare landscape resulting from implementation of the Affordable Care Act, ensuring that ISAP moves science and practice forward through innovative and relevant research and training. The group continues to advance the knowledge base on SUDs and related problems and to improve the delivery of treatment services through diverse efforts, such as:

• Continuing development of medication and behavioral treatments through ISAP’s role leading the Pacific Region Node of NIDA’s Clinical Trials Network (1999-2015) and through clinical trials of medications (e.g., combination pharmacotherapies for stimulant use disorder,  methylphenidate for methamphetamine use, and long-acting implant buprenorphine for opioid addiction) and behavioral components (e.g., smartphone-based assurance of medication adherence). ISAP also is investigating alternative/ complementary approaches such as aerobic exercise for methamphetamine use disorder, mindful meditation, native drumming, and cell phone text messaging to encourage abstinence.
• Strengthening ISAP as a resource for methodological expertise via the NIDA-funded Center for Advancing Longitudinal Drug Abuse Research.
• Expanding clinical research and training efforts in international sites, including China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Middle East, and greatly increasing coordinated training efforts for visiting scholars and physicians from around the world (e.g., Saudi Arabia, China, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Taiwan, and Vietnam).
• Increasing research focus on special populations, such as drug-using offenders (including related prison-based SUD services and post-release issues), HIV-infected drug-using individuals (including mothers), women, adolescents, and gay and transgender populations.
• Hosting research training programs in SUD research methods via NIH-funded training programs for American pre- and post-doctoral fellows.
• Increasing dissemination of knowledge about SUDs, research-based interventions, and innovative treatment modalities and practices throughout the nation and among Pacific Island nations via the Pacific Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center; increasing dissemination in the State of California and Los Angeles County via assistance contracts supporting delivery of trainings and development of curriculum for addiction medicine education.
• Broadening and strengthening 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.