AKINSO: The National Institute on Drug Abuse has unveiled its first consumer publication dedicated to explaining the science of addiction.  The 30 page full color booklet, “Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction”, explains in layman’s terms how science has revolutionized the understanding of drug addiction as a brain disease that affects behavior. Dr. Timothy Condon, NIDA’s Deputy Director, said this new publication will help reduce the stigma attached to addictive disorders. 

CONDON: Well this booklet explains the scientific research that NIDA has supported over the last 20 or 30 years and how this research has really revolutionized our understanding of drug addiction essentially as a brain disease that results in compulsive behavior.

AKINSO: The new publication was introduced during a press briefing for the upcoming HBO documentary called Addiction. Dr. Condon said the timing was fortunate.

CONDON: This is very fortuitous that it’s coming out around the same time as the HBO documentary that NIDA has been apart of. We think this will be a very important adjunct to information for the public; the lay audience to help them understand the science behind the disease of addiction. 

AKINSO: The 90 minute documentary airs Thursday March 15th. It was produced in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and NIDA, and will explore many elements of drug and alcohol addiction through the eyes of those who are addicted and the experts working to better understand and treat this disease. If you’re interested in a copy of the booklet visit www.drugabuse.gov. This is Wally Akinso at the National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Maryland.