Intramural Research Program
What is NIDA?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is dedicated to understanding the causes, consequences and treatment of drug abuse. To meet this challenge, NIDA runs a research facility (Intramural Research Program, IRP) in East Baltimore whose mission is to better understand drug abuse and the many factors which may contribute to this enormous societal problem. We at NIDA understand the personal devastation caused by drug abuse and addiction, as well as its destruction of families and communities. Through research we hope to better understand the causes of this problem and develop new and more effective treatments.
Advances Through Research
Advances in medical science come through research. For example, in the area of cancer, doctors are speaking of cures for some types of cancers, something unheard of 20 years ago, as a direct result of the enormous amount of research that has been done, and continues to be done, with cancer patients. Numerous other examples exist, for example, life-saving organ transplants as well as less dramatic treatments like laser-corrective surgery for some kinds of vision problems. All of these advances in medical treatments are direct results of medical research involving people like you.
We Need You
And this is where we need your help. If we are going to further our knowledge of drug abuse which may lead to more effective treatments, we need persons like yourself to participate in our research program. NIDA has active research studies being conducted on a continual basis and we are always looking for new participants. All studies are reviewed by an Institutional Review Board to ensure that all research is conducted in the most ethical and safest possible manner.
All research volunteers are screened thoroughly, again to ensure your safety. Persons receive a battery of interviews and medical tests including blood and urine tests, an electrocardiogram (measure of your heart), and a complete medical history and physical examination much like you would receive from your family doctor. All of the information is reviewed by a physician who determines your eligibility for a given research study. Results of these medical tests will be discussed with you and you will be informed of any medical conditions we may find. Any information we receive from you is confidential and is protected by
federal law.
Who Can Volunteer?
The kinds of studies conducted at NIDA include research involving cocaine,
marijuana, opiates, and nicotine. Most recently, we have included studies with
adolescents so we may better understand those who may abuse drugs. Research volunteers include persons who may abuse any of these drugs as well as persons who have never used illegal substances. Our hope is that, through research, we can better treat persons afflicted with this disease and, ultimately, prevent the problem from ever occurring. NIDA is very committed to prevention and treatment.
Substance Abuse Training
In addition to research, NIDA also provides training in the area of substance abuse to health care providers and to interested undergraduate and graduate students so that up-to-date information can be available in all communities. Participants in these training programs come from states throughout the country. Through these training programs it is hoped that persons at the community level will better understand this disease so that prevention and early detection of the problem can occur.
So, please, think how drug abuse may have affected you, your family, or your community. Help us help you by considering volunteering for a research study. For further information or to see if you qualify for a study call us at:
(410) 550-1502
or
1-800-535-8254
[Office of the Clinical Director]
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