Research Group on Drug and Alcohol Abuse

The 16 principal investigators involved in substance use disorder research represent 4 schools and, collectively, are responsible for 28 grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIAAA and NIDA), including a T32 training grant from NIDA. The preclinical pharmacology group includes investigators and trainees from the Departments of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Psychiatry.

These highly collaborative researchers investigate a wide range of topics in the area of substance use disorders using a variety of species, techniques, and procedures. Currently funded projects investigate opioids, “bath salts”, benzodiazepines, stimulants, nicotine, THC, and alcohol in experiments using mice, rats, and nonhuman primates. Regular group activities include twice-weekly joint laboratory meetings, a twice-monthly Addiction Journal Club, and a once monthly Addiction Seminar Series.

Pre- and post-doctoral trainees attend monthly “chalk talks” presented by scientists from UTHSA and elsewhere, as well as weekly seminars, grand rounds, and journal clubs. These investigators are part of the Addiction Research, Treatment & Training Center of Excellence that hosts an annual international scientific meeting entitled “Behavior, Biology & Chemistry: Translational Research in Addiction.”