Welcome to the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs

On behalf of the faculty and staff of the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs (CDAP), I would like to welcome you to our online home. We invite you to browse our web site so you can see for yourself the uniqueness of our programs and our commitment to intellectual discovery.

Recognized internationally for its discovery of advanced treatment options, CDAP is utilizing state-of-the-art tools, such as brain imaging, genetics, behavioral pharmacology and therapies to provide better treatments for alcohol and substance abuse. Approximately 20 basic and clinical scientists work together in a unique way to investigate the causes of and treatments for addictions.

We are especially proud of the fact that situated within CDAP is the Charleston Alcohol Research Center, one of only 14 National Institute of Health (NIH)- funded Alcohol Research Centers in the United States.  The theme of this renowned center is alcohol treatment and treatment implications.

Clinical researchers at CDAP participate in most of the nation’s major clinical trials that are currently ongoing for alcoholism, cocaine abuse, and smoking. We have active support from both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the pharmaceutical industry. Our basic scientists are evaluating how abused substances affect brain chemistry, growth, and neuronal connections. This basic work is providing new insights into addiction as a disease and how to treat it. There is an additional focus on issues of alcohol and drug abuse in women and adolescents.

In addition, one of our missions is the education of health care professionals and the lay public. We are strongly committed to the successful translation of our research findings to the real world and realize that without such technology transfer our mission would be incomplete.

Substance abuse takes a terrible toll on the lives of millions of Americans. We are dedicated in our research efforts to provide cutting edge solutions to the better understanding and treatment of this national health epidemic.

Thank you for visiting us!

The Center for Drug and Alcohol Program's Treatment Philosophy 

disclaimer