ADAI News

ADAI Welcomes New Director Susan Ferguson

Dr. Susan Ferguson was named as the new Director of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute in April, 2019, officially beginning her role at ADAI on July 1.

Dr. Ferguson’s research investigates the neural basis of opioid and psychostimulant addiction. Her research uses a multi-level approach, combining molecular biology, anatomy and behavioral neuroscience, to understand the development of behaviors associated with drug reward and addiction, as well as in the processes that underlie decision-making, motivation and impulsivity. In addition, she examines how environmental factors, such as extended exposure to sensory stimulation, modulate the development of these behaviors. She's published more than 130 articles in peer-reviewed journals and other publications.

In addition to her role at ADAI, Dr. Ferguson leads a research lab at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, where she also serves as the Faculty Liaison to the Office of Teaching, Education, and Research. She holds a faculty position in the School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Dr. Ferguson received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and completed her PhD and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Washington.

What Is CBD and Can it Really Help Your Anxiety?

In an interview for the UW School of Medicine's Right as Rain, Dr. Bia Carlini discusses the growing popularity of CBD (cannabidiol), a compound found in marijuana.  Unlike the THC-laced joints and edibles that typically come to mind when you think of cannabis, CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t give you the high you might get from marijuana with standard levels of THC.

Proponents say CBD can instead treat seizures that don't respond to traditional medications, and may help treat anxiety, pain and inflammation. You can find a slew of CBD-infused wellness products everywhere from recreational pot shops to your neighborhood drugstore, hair salon or spa. There are CBD oils, lotions, bath bombs, coffees, candies, and even pet treats.

According to Carlini, a senior research scientist at the UW Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute and affiliate associate professor in the School of Public Health, “. . . when adult cannabis use was legalized in Washington in 2012, it opened a dialogue and curiosity about using a plant that was so vilified in the public. Coupled with an industry that is for-profit, and therefore very interested in mainstreaming cannabis, CBD was brought to people’s attention.”

Read "What Is CBD and Can It Really Help Your Anxiety?" by Angela Cabotaje in Right as Rain.

We're Hiring! Research Scientist Position at ADAI - UW

The Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute at the University of Washington is seeking a RESEARCH SCIENTIST to work on projects related to substance use disorder, primarily opioid use disorder, as well interventions aimed at reducing substance use morbidity and mortality. While projects intersect with traditional drug treatment and health care providers, the major innovation of these projects is to engage high needs people such as those who inject drugs, are homeless, and/or are involved with the criminal justice system in settings with which they already interact.

Projects include development and testing of the impacts of interventions to reduce negative consequences of substance use disorder for high-needs clients not currently seeking substance use-related services. This includes supporting the implementation of evidence based interventions for multiple federal and state funded implementation projects across Washington State via the provision of training, technical assistance, and clinical consultation. These implementation projects could lead to future research projects for which the research scientist may pursue research grants. 

Full description & application: bit.ly/ADAI_ResScientist

Smartphone App to Help Prevent Relapses

A new smartphone app developed in Seattle is aimed at the tens of thousands of Americans who complete intensive drug and alcohol rehab programs. In the months following treatment, risk of relapse is high, and a treatment counselor or sponsor can't monitor clients around the clock. But an always-on smartphone can watch you, coach you, alert someone, and even give rewards.

Developed by WeConnect data scientists and treatment experts based on evidence-based approaches, the idea behind the recovery app is to create a supportive community and incentives for people in drug and alcohol recovery treatment as a way to prevent relapses. The app is marketed to recovery centers and drug courts, which then provide it to patients as part of treatment.  The app tracks how long someone has been in recovery, compiles an inventory of completed treatment activities and provides a way to quickly alert friends and family on a designated call list if the user is in need of help.

Dr. Dennis Donovan, professor emeritus at the UW and former ADAI director, said few of the many available addiction recovery apps have been independently tested for efficacy. However, he foresees situations where they may be very useful.

"Apps like this can provide an opportunity to develop social support networks," Donovan said in an interview with NW News Network. "Many people may find it difficult, or they don't choose to attend things like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous and so on, but can benefit from a social system that can enhance and provide support for their recovery process."

Donovan recently stepped down after 25 years as director of the UW's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute. He said that smartphone apps won't be the end-all, cure-all, but may work well as a complement to other treatment.

Read more and listen to the interview at NW News Network.

Opportunity at ADAI through NIDA Summer Internship Program

ADAI’s Pacific NW Node of the NIDA Clinical Trials Network is participating in the NIDA Summer Internship Program in 2019.  Through this program, undergraduates age 18 and older are introduced to the field of drug abuse and addiction research by participating in research internships with NIDA's distinguished scientists at universities across the United States.  Students work with leading scientists for eight weeks during the summer (with pay!)  This is a great opportunity to work with and learn from scientists at the UW and at other universities across the U.S.! 

The intern(s) who come to ADAI in summer 2019 will work with our CTN Node research team, and have opportunities to see how addiction and related issues (opioid use, HIV, sexual risk, etc.) are treated and researched in real world settings.  (See more NIDA internships at UW and WSU).

Eligibility:  This program is designed to enhance the participation of underrepresented populations in science, however all racial/ethnic populations are eligible to apply.  Applicants must be at least 18 years old by May 31, 2019 and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States (no exceptions). Graduating 2019 college seniors are also eligible to apply.   Deadline to apply: Monday, February 11, 2019 (11:59 PM EST).

• Download the brochure
• ADAI/CTN internship opportunity
• Application form

Please let your students know about this excellent opportunity!

New Reports from ADAI Review Treatment & Policy Issues in Washington State

Three recent reports by the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute at the University of Washington address current issues of interest to treatment providers and policy makers in Washington State.  The reports were developed for the WA State Health Care Authority, Division of Behavioral Research (DBHR).

Evidence-based Practices in Washington State. Susan Stoner, UW Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute, September 2018, 63p.  

In law and practice, Washington State has long promoted the use of evidence-based practices in the treatment of substance use disorders and mental health; Washington is recognized as a national leader in evidence-based policy-making.

This report reviews Washington's experience advancing evidence-based practices in mental health and substance use treatment. It presents a brief history of the evidence-based practices movement; touches on how the movement has affected policy-making; describes how policies have been translated into procedures in treatment for children and youth; contextualizes and characterizes where things stand with policies and procedures in the treatment of adults and substance use disorders; identifies key partners in the efforts to advance evidence-based practices in Washington; presents findings from a statewide survey about evidence-based practices; and offers some basic recommendations for the future of EBP.

The Role of Medications in the Treatment of Adolescents and Young Adults with OUD. Caleb Banta-Green and Laura Cooley.  UW Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute, November 2018, 28p.

Diagnoses of opioid use disorder (OUD) among adolescents and young adults have increased substantially in the U.S. over the past 15 years. The use of treatment medications for opioid use disorder has also increased, though recent estimates show that only one in four young adults diagnosed with OUD have received any treatment medications.

The medications buprenorphine and methadone have strong evidence demonstrating their effectiveness; they are considered front-line treatment for opioid use disorder and are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.  This report details the current evidence base for OUD treatment medications, along with expert guidance for prescribers and treatment providers on the use of these medications and supportive services.

Methamphetamine in Washington. Susan Stoner, Jason Williams, Alison Newman, Nancy Sutherland, and Caleb Banta-Green. UW Alcohol & Drug June 2018, 35p. Appendices A-E  

Methamphetamine use is a significant and increasing problem in Washington State. This report presents the scope of methamphetamine use; reviews harms associated with use; describes characteristics of users, their treatment utilization and needs; and reviews current approaches for treating methamphetamine use disorder. Finally, it notes key issues to consider when developing strategies aimed at reducing the use of and harms associated with methamphetamine use in Washington.  The report is informed by participants of a March 2018 meeting of the DBHR/ADAI Treatment Research Subcommittee, which focused on issues around methamphetamine use.

You can find more publications from ADAI on our website: http://adai.uw.edu/pubs/

 

ADAI Small Grants Awards for October 2018 Cycle

ADAI funded 3 Small Grants in the October 2018 cycle. The goal of the Small Grants Program is to stimulate research at the University of Washington by supporting promising pilot projects which may ultimately be developed into full studies with outside grant support.

Congratulations to the recipients!

• PI: Vivian Lyons,  PhD Student in Epidemiology and ITHS Fellow; Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, MD, MPH, PhD, Associate Professor, Epidemiology (mentor): Prediction of Chronic Prescription Opioid and Benzodiazepine Use among Trauma Patients: A Statewide Longitudinal Study
  
  
• PI: Benjamin Land, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Pharmacology:  Do Edible Cannabinoids Prevent Morphine Tolerance in a Mouse Neuropathic Pain Model?
  
  
• PI: Beatriz H. Carlini, PhD, MPH, Senior Research Scientist, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute:  Exploring the Potential of "Budtenders" as Harm Reduction Agents: A Study among Cannabis Retail Workers in Washington State

You can read abstracts of these projects here.

The next deadline for ADAI Small Grant applications is March 15, 2019.  Read more about ADAI's Small Grants Program and application process on the Small Grant web page.

Position Open: Director, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, University of Washington, Seattle

The University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute is seeking a new Director.  This is a great opportunity to lead a highly successful and impactful research institute.  ADAI is the home for the Pacific NW Node of the NIDA Clinical Trials Network and the Northwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center.

To apply: http://bit.ly/ADAI_director

ADAI Mission: To advance research, policy, and practice in order to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities affected by alcohol and drug use and use disorder. https://adai.washington.edu/

ADAI Vision:  We believe that harms related to substance use are preventable and treatable, and that research plays a vital role in developing real-world solutions.  ADAI serves as a critical stimulus to develop new research and intervention strategies coupled with information dissemination and policy development to reduce harm to individuals, families, and communities.

The ADAI Director reports to the Executive Director, Health Science Administration (HSA), for administrative oversight.  Matters related to the scientific, health, information, and policy missions are managed and promoted by the Director with support from HSA.  The University of Washington provides an extraordinary environment for discovery, teaching, and service.  The University is recognized as one of the largest, most successful public universities in the world and a wide variety of partnerships are either existing or available to the Director to further the ADAI mission.

While ADAI is not an academic unit, opportunities exist for the Director to pursue joint academic appointment with an academic department depending on interest and alignment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide scientific, policy, information dissemination and practice leadership of ADAI
• Has their own active portfolio of relevant research/evaluation/policy analysis and external grant support
• Facilitate and support ADAI  researchers to acquire and manage external grants and contracts
• Provide mentoring, support, and supervision for the further development of ADAI researchers
• Along with assigned staff, provide general oversight for the ADAI Small Grants Program
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships/partnerships with local, State, tribal, regional, and national organizations and agencies whose work is related to the mission of ADAI
• Facilitate and support involvement of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in ADAI activities
• Responsible for oversight of ADAI administration, personnel and financial operations
• With administrative staff, Prepare and oversee ADAI’s annual and biennial operating budgets
• Oversee ADAI strategic planning efforts
• Attend quarterly Health Sciences Administration (HSA) Directors’ meetings and assure that ADAI and its operation are consistent with HSA policy and procedures
• Represent ADAI within University administrative committees and task forces as requested
• Serve as a reviewer of substance-related Washington State legislation that may affect the University’s operations or finances for the Office of Budget and Planning

REQUIREMENTS:
• Ph.D., M.D., DrPH (or comparable terminal degree) in a field relevant to substance use / addiction
• Strong record of research productivity and/or policy and practice impacts in relevant areas of substance use/ addictions research, as reflected by:
o Record of peer-reviewed publications and national professional presentations
o Record of successful external funding
o Plans to maintain an actively funded program of research, evaluation, policy analysis, or evidence based practice dissemination
• Extensive demonstrated experience working with diverse stakeholders to advance the scientific understanding of addiction in order to impact policy and practice.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE
• Demonstrated skills in program management, particularly in areas related to substance use/addictions research/policy/practice activities
• Experience in recruiting, mentoring, and developing junior research scientists
• Although ADAI is not an academic unit, experience in teaching, training, and mentoring graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows
• Recognition in the field of substance use/addictions research/policy/practice as demonstrated by involvement in professional organizations, editorial board memberships, review or advisory panel memberships
• Evidence of collaboration with other researchers, institutions, or organizations involved in substance use/addictions research/policy/practice at a state, regional or national level

As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs.  For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.

Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Dennis Donovan Retiring as Director of the UW Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute

After twenty-five years, Dr. Dennis Donovan is stepping down as Director of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute at the University of Washington.  He will continue his work in the NIDA Clinical Trials Network as the Co-PI (with Dr. Mary Hatch-Maillette) of the Pacific Northwest Node, as well as selected other activities within ADAI, and the UW, under his new status as Professor Emeritus.

Dennis M. Donovan (aka “Dr. Pun-ovan”) has been the director of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute since 1993 and a UW faculty member since 1981; he has been a Professor in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Adjunct Professor in the UW Departments of Psychology, Health Services, and Global Health.  He also directed the Substance Abuse and HIV/STI Scientific Working Group within the UW’s Center for AIDS Research. Dr. Donovan has been a Principal Investigator of numerous federally funded grants, including NIAAA’s Project MATCH, the NIAAA COMBINE Study, and NIDA’s National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN).  He developed close relationships with members of tribal communities in the Pacific Northwest through their collaborative work developing and implementing the Healing of the Canoe project. He has published more than 300 articles, chapters, and books in the area of alcoholism and addictive behaviors.

Before coming to ADAI, Dr. Donovan was affiliated with the Addictions Treatment Center at the Seattle Division of the Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System for over 20 years, involved in clinical, administrative, training, and research activities. At the VA he directed the Inpatient Treatment Program and Assistant Director of the Addictions Treatment Center. Prior to moving full time to the University of Washington and ADAI, he served as the Associate Director and then Acting Director of the first Center of Excellence in Substance Abuse Treatment and Education (CESATE) within the Department of Veterans Affairs nationally. Among his many contributions within the VA system was the development of the first interdisciplinary fellowship in substance abuse treatment, including postdoctoral clinical psychologists, and post-masters nursing, social work, and occupational therapist trainees. In 2013, he was invited to serve on the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) Committee for an Evaluation of the Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services.

The University of Washington will launch a national search for a new director of ADAI soon; until then, Dr. Caleb Banta-Green, Principal Research Scientist at ADAI, will serve as interim director.

Dennis’s research career and contributions to ADAI and many partner organizations were lauded at a retirement party on August 30, with many Seattle colleagues and friends on hand to wish him well.  (We'll publish photos and some of the best puns in a future post)! Thank you, Dennis, for your decades of good work and good cheer at ADAI. Best wishes, and happy kayaking!

Latest Research Publications from ADAI Staff

Publishing in peer-reviewed, scientific journals is a key part of the research and dissemination activities of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute.

Here are the most recent articles by ADAI researchers:

Serafini K, Stewart DG, Wendt DC, Donovan DM. Perceived parental support and adolescent motivation for substance use change: a preliminary investigation. Addiction Research & Theory 2018;26(3):187-192.

Hartzler B, Dombrowski JC, Donovan DM. Contextual tailoring of empirically-supported behavior therapies to augment combination antiretroviral therapy adherence: Perspectives from the HIV care community. [Presented at 4th Biennial Conference of the Society for Implementation Research Collaboration (SIRC) 2017] Implementation Science 2018;13(Suppl 3):A84

Hartzler B, Dombrowski JC, Williams JR, ... Donovan DM. Influence of substance use disorders on 2-Year HIV care retention in the United States. AIDS Behavior 2018;22(3):742-751.

Venner KL, Donovan DM, Campbell ANC, Wendt DC et al. Future directions for medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder with American Indian/Alaska Natives. Addictove Behavior (2018 in press)

Hirchak KA, Leickly E, ... Donovan DM, Buchwald D, McDonell MG, HONOR Study Team. Focus groups to increase the cultural acceptability of a contingency management intervention for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 2018;90:57-63. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2018.04.014.

Donovan DM, Ifland J. Diagnosing and assessing processed food addiction (PFA). In Ifland, J, Marcus MT, Preuss HG (eds.). Processed Food Addiction: Foundations, Assessment, and Recovery. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2018, p121-136.

Frost MC, Williams EC, Kingston S, Banta-Green CJ. Interest in getting help to reduce or stop substance use among syringe exchange clients who use opioids. Journal of Addiction Medicine 2018 (in press).