Drug Abuse Research:
Science for Policy and Practice
Summary of PresentationsModerator: Mr. Daniel Schecter
Assistant Deputy Director/Acting Deputy Director for Demand Reduction
Office of National Drug Control Policy, USA
Dr. Silvia L. Cruz
Professor Titular,
Center for Research and Advanced Studies,
National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico
Dr. Cruz began by noting that basic biomedical research is a key component of efforts to improve our comprehension of drug addiction. As she explained, it allows us to understand better both the mechanisms of action and the health hazards of abused drugs. Although the ultimate goal of basic investigation is to apply the knowledge achieved in the laboratory to humans, she stated that most research is performed using experimental animals. Drug effects are also studied at different levels, she claimed, from nucleic acids to whole organisms. Moreover, based on our knowledge of drug effects, the demand for drugs can be reduced through prevention programs that warn populations about drug hazards. Similarly, it is becoming a common practice to incorporate pharmacological tools into comprehensive drug-abuse treatment programs. Dr. Cruz asserted that basic research can also influence drug production and suggested that a clear example is provided by inhalants. A better understanding of their mechanisms of action could lead to the identification of less toxic substances that would be used in commercial products, she said.
Based on our knowledge of drug effects, the demand for drugs can be reduced through prevention programs that warn populations about drug hazards.
Dr. Cruz also pointed out that research concerning the effects of different drugs of abuse has been done in Mexico for more than two decades. For historical reasons and because of particular interest in her country, she noted that special attention has been paid to two groups of drugs: opioids and inhalants. This research has been strengthened by Mexican-American collaboration. Such interactions, she stressed, are very useful and should be promoted in the future.
