Addiction Research Unit/University at Buffalo: ARU Focus

Addiction Research Unit

Department of Psychology/University at Buffalo

ARU Focus: A Re-alignment for the New Millennium

For over 25 years the work of the principal investigator (P.I.) had focused on examining the biological and behavioral effects of opiates (e.g., heroin, morphine), psychomotor stimulants (e.g., amphetamine, cocaine), and other drugs (e.g., caffeine, nicotine) by conducting basic scientific research. Much of this work involved animal models of drug addiction and studying the reinforcing effects of abused drugs. Recently the P.I. has shifted his focus from basic biobehavioral research to the application of the knowledge and experience gained from this research. The current focus of the Addiction Research Unit is on:

Drug-Regulation Policy Advisory
Harm-Reduction Outreach Program
Addiction Technology Transfer Initiative

Drug-Regulation Policy involves the development and advocation of rational drug control policies based on scientific evidence (e.g., eliminating the discriminatory laws for possession of “crack” and “powder” forms of cocaine, advocacy of the medical use of marijuana).

Harm-Reduction Program involves the development, application, and assessment of strategies for reducing the harm from licit and illicit psychoactive drug use (e.g., needle-exchange programs, educating drug users).

Addiction Technology Transfer involves the application of basic research findings for better drug education and clinical treatment programs (e.g., course instruction, program consultation, Internet resources).

*For more information, follow the links below . . .*
Drug-Regulation Policy Advisory	Harm-Reduction Outreach Program	Addiction Technology Transfer Initiative