drugabuse.gov/news-events

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/

whitehouse.gov/ondcp

bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov

quick reference/drugs & health

5

6

 18

 19

Smoking Prevention and cessation

HIV/AIDS AIDS.gov

Web: http://www.fda.gov/tobaccoproducts

Web: http://aids.gov

FDA Center for Tobacco Products
RESEARCH

FACTS

FIGURES

DEAR

JOURNALIST

We thank you for your interest in the vitally important

issues of drug abuse and addiction.

Today, thanks to science, our views and responses to addiction have changed 

dramatically. After 30 years of research, as well as the development of exciting 

new imaging technologies, we now know that drug addiction is a disease of the 

brain that affects behavior—a disease that can respond to treatment. 

As the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), I am pleased 

to offer this guide to the important findings that are emerging as a result of 

research on addiction and its treatment. NIDA, part of the National Institutes 

of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, supports 

most of the world’s research on drug abuse and addiction, including basic 

and behavioral science research that addresses fundamental and essential 

questions relevant to drug abuse, ranging from its causes and consequences to 

its treatment and prevention.

The purpose of this guide is to give journalists fast and user-friendly access to 

the latest scientific information. In more than three decades as a researcher, I 

have seen the impact that science and health journalists have had in bringing 

scientific research to the public. It is through information that Americans gain 

hope and understanding. 

I have come to know many of you over the years and remain committed to 

releasing scientific information as quickly as possible for rapid dissemination to 

the public. Please keep this guide nearby as a useful tool and let us know how 

NIDA’s public liaison staff can help you reach your information and deadline 

needs.

Nora D. Volkow, M.D. 

Director 

National Institute on Drug Abuse 
We are committed to bringing timely, 

factual information on addiction and 

treatment to the press and public. NIDA’s 

Public Information and Liaison Branch 

(PILB) is part of NIDA’s Office of Science 

Policy and Communications. Linking 

scientists, the scientific community, 

and the media, PILB supports the rapid 

dissemination of research information 

to inform policy and to improve practice. 

NIDA’s goal is to ensure that science—

not ideology or anecdote—forms 

the foundation of public information 

on drug abuse and addiction.

Visit us online at www.drugabuse.gov

or call the NIDA Press Office at

301-443-6245 for information and 

access to experts, research, news, and 

information. 

This guide was developed by PILB as part 

of the Institute’s mission to close the gap 

between the public’s impressions about 

drug abuse and the knowledge gained 

from scientific research on addiction and 

substance abuse.

NIDA’s Public Information and Liaison Branch:

NIDA’s Link to the Media 

the science of drug 

abuse and addiction: 

the basics
What is drug addiction?

Addiction is defined as a chronic, 

relapsing brain disease that is 

characterized by compulsive drug 

seeking and use, despite harmful 

consequences. It is considered a brain 

disease because drugs change the brain; 

they change its structure and how it 

works. These brain changes can be long 

lasting and can lead to many harmful, 

often self-destructive, behaviors. 

Why study drug abuse

and addiction?

Abuse of and addiction to alcohol, 

nicotine, and illegal substances 

cost Americans upwards of half a 

trillion dollars a year (the combined 

medical, economic, criminal, and 

social impact). Every year, the abuse 

of illicit drugs and alcohol contributes 

to the death of more than 100,000 

Americans, while tobacco is linked to an 

estimated 440,000 deaths per year.

How are drug disorders 

categorized?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of 

Mental Disorders (DSM) is a diagnostic 

manual used by clinicians that contains 

descriptions and symptoms of all 

mental disorders classified by the 

American Psychiatric Association. The 

DSM uses the term “substance use 

disorders” to characterize illnesses 

associated with drug use. There are 

two broad categories: substance abuse 

and substance dependence. Both 

are associated with a maladaptive 

pattern of substance use that leads to 

clinically significant impairment. Drug 

abuse includes such symptoms as:

• failure to fulfill major role obligations;

• legal problems;

• use in situations that are 

physically hazardous; and

• continued use despite persistent 

social or interpersonal problems.

The term dependence includes 

such symptoms as:

• drug taking in larger amounts 

than intended;

• inability to cut down on drug use;

• a great deal of time spent in activities 

necessary to obtain the drug; and

• continued use despite knowledge 

of health or social problems 

caused by the drug.

THE SCIENCE OF DRUG ABUSE 

AND ADDICTION: THE BASICS

1
Dependence may or may not include 

“physical dependence,” defined by 

withdrawal symptoms when drug use 

is abruptly ceased, and “tolerance,” the 

need for more drug to achieve a desired 

effect. The DSM term “dependence” is 

what NIDA refers to as “addiction.”

What is the difference 

between “physical 

dependence,” 

dependence, and 

addiction? 

Physical dependence is not equivalent 

to dependence or addiction and may 

occur with the chronic use of any 

substance, legal or illegal, even when 

taken as prescribed. It occurs because 

the body naturally adapts to chronic 

exposure to a substance (e.g., caffeine 

or a prescription drug), and when that 

substance is taken away, symptoms 

can emerge while the body readjusts 

to the loss of the substance. Physical 

dependence can lead to craving for the 

drug to relieve the withdrawal symptoms. 

Drug dependence and addiction refer to 

drug or substance use disorders, which 

may include physical dependence but 

must also meet additional criteria.

How does NIDA use 

the terms drug abuse 

and addiction?

NIDA defines any illicit use of a 

substance as drug abuse; this includes 

the nonmedical use of prescription 

drugs. NIDA defines addiction as a 

chronic, relapsing disease characterized 

by compulsive drug seeking and use 

despite harmful consequences as well as 

neurochemical and molecular changes 

in the brain. NIDA’s use of the term 

addiction corresponds roughly to the 

DSM definition of dependence. The 

DSM does not use the term addiction.

How do drugs work 

in the brain to 

produce pleasure? 

Nearly all drugs of abuse directly or 

indirectly target the brain’s reward 

system by flooding the circuit 

with dopamine. Dopamine is a 

neurotransmitter present in regions 

of the brain that regulate movement, 

emotion, cognition, motivation, and 

feelings of pleasure. The overstimulation 

of this system, which rewards our natural 

behaviors, produces the euphoric effects 

sought by people who abuse drugs and 

teaches them to repeat the behavior.

Is drug abuse a 

voluntary behavior?

The initial decision to take drugs is 

mostly voluntary. However, when 

addiction takes over, a person’s ability 

to exert self-control can become 

seriously impaired. Brain imaging 

studies from drug-addicted individuals 

show physical changes in areas of the 

brain that are critical for judgment, 

decisionmaking, learning and memory, 

and behavior control. Scientists 

believe that these changes alter the 

way the brain works and may help 

explain the compulsive and destructive 

behaviors of an addicted person.

Can addiction be 

treated successfully?

Yes. Addiction is a treatable, chronic 

disease that can be managed 

successfully. Research shows that 

combining behavioral therapy with 

medications, where available, is the 

best way to ensure success for most 

patients. Treatment approaches must 

be tailored to address each patient’s 

drug abuse patterns and drug-related 

medical, psychiatric, and social problems. 

Does relapse to 

drug abuse mean 

treatment has failed?

No. The chronic nature of the disease 

means that relapsing to drug abuse 

is not only possible but also likely. 

Relapse rates are similar to those 

for other well-characterized chronic 

medical illnesses, such as diabetes, 

hypertension, and asthma, which 

also have both physiological and 

behavioral components. Treatment of 

chronic diseases involves changing 

deeply imbedded behaviors. For the 

addicted patient, lapses back to drug 

abuse indicate that treatment needs 

to be reinstated or adjusted or that 

alternate treatment is needed.

How many people 

die from drug use?

The CDC reports that there were almost 

29,000 unintentional drug overdose 

deaths in the United States in 2009. 

2 3
Relapse rates for drug-addicted patients are compared with those suffering from 

diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. Relapse is common and similar across these illnesses 

(as is adherence to medication). Thus, drug addiction should be treated like any other 

chronic illness, with relapse serving as a trigger for renewed intervention.

Source: McLellan et al., JAMA, 284:1689–1695, 2000.

Comparison of Relapse Rates 

Between Drug Addiction and 

Other Chronic Illnesses

DRUG ADDICTION

40 to 60%

TYPE I DIABETES

30 to 50%

HYPERTENSION

50 to 70%

ASTHMA

50 to 70%

Percentage of Patients Who Relapse

4 5
7

Prevalence of Past-Year 

Drug Use Among 

12th Graders

36.4%

Marijuana/

Hashish

7.9%

AMPHETAMINES

7.5%

Vicodin*

3.8%

MDMA 

(ECSTASY)

4.3%

OXYCONTIN*

2.6%

RITALIN*

1.4%

GHB

0.9%

PCP

1.5%

KETAMINE

2.4%

COCAINE 

POWDER

4.5%

SEDATIVES*

2.4%

LSD

2.7%

COCAINE

(ANY FORM) 

2.9%

INHALANTS 

* nonmedical use

6

2012 MONITORING THE 

FUTURE Survey

Findings from recent Monitoring the Future 

(MTF) surveys indicate that marijuana and 

prescription medications are among the most 

abused drugs by 8th, 10th and 12th graders. 

On the facing page is a graphic that indicates 

past-year drug use among 12th graders: 

7

1.2%

CRACK

0.8%

“ICE”

1.3%

STEROIDs*

4.4%

Salvia

5.3%

Tranquilizers

7.6%

Adderall

1.1%

METHAMPHETAMINE

1.5%

ROHYPNOL

5.6%

COUGH 

MEDICINE*

6

11.3%

Spice/K2

0.6%

HEROIN

1.3%

BATH SALTS
Cocaine 

Cocaine is a short-acting stimulant, 

which can lead abusers to “binge”

(to take the drug many times in a single 

session). Cocaine abuse can lead to 

severe medical consequences related to 

the heart and the respiratory, nervous, 

and digestive systems.

8th 

Graders

10th 

Graders

12th 

Graders

Lifetime 1.9 3.3 4.9

Past Year 1.2 2.0 2.7

Past Month 0.5 0.8 1.1

For more information about cocaine use 

and its health consequences, go to

www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/

cocaine.

Monitoring the Future is updated 

annually. For the latest Monitoring 

the Future statistics please visit www.

drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/

high-school-youth-trends.

Marijuana

Marijuana is the most commonly abused 

illicit substance. This drug impairs 

short-term memory and learning, the 

ability to focus, and coordination. It 

also increases heart rate, can harm 

the lungs, and may increase the risk of 

psychosis in vulnerable individuals.

8th 

Graders

10th 

Graders

12th 

Graders

Lifetime 15.2 33.8 45.2

Past Year 11.4 28.0 36.4

Past Month 6.5 17.0 22.9

For more information about marijuana 

use and its health consequences, go to

www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/

marijuana.

Synthetic Cannabinoids 

(Spice/K2)

8th 

Graders

10th 

Graders

12th 

Graders

Past Year 4.4 8.8 11.3

For more information about synthetic 

cannabinoids and their health 

consequences, go to www.drugabuse.

gov/publications/drugfacts/spicesynthetic-marijuana. 

COMMONLY 

ABUSED DRUGS

Cigarettes 

Nicotine is an addictive stimulant found 

in cigarettes and other forms of tobacco. 

Tobacco smoke increases a user’s risk of 

cancer, emphysema, bronchial disorders, 

and cardiovascular disease. The mortality 

rate associated with tobacco addiction 

is staggering. Tobacco use killed 

approximately 100 million people during 

the 20th century and, if current smoking 

trends continue, the cumulative death 

toll for this century is projected to reach 

1 billion. 

8th 

Graders

10th 

Graders

12th 

Graders

Lifetime 15.5 27.7 39.5

Past Month 4.9 10.8 17.1

Daily 1.9 5.0 9.3

For more information about nicotine use 

and its health consequences, go to

www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/

tobacco-addiction-nicotine.

Monitoring the Future is updated 

annually. For the latest Monitoring 

the Future statistics please visit www.

drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/

high-school-youth-trends.

Heroin

Heroin is a powerful opiate drug that 

produces euphoria and feelings of 

relaxation. It slows respiration and can 

increase the risk of serious infectious 

diseases, especially when taken 

intravenously. Other opioid drugs include 

morphine, OxyContin, Vicodin, and 

Percodan, which have legitimate medical 

uses; however, their nonmedical use or 

abuse can result in the same harmful 

consequences as heroin abuse.

8th 

Graders

10th 

Graders

12th 

Graders

Lifetime 0.8 1.1 1.1

Past Year 0.5 0.6 0.6

Past Month 0.2 0.4 0.3

For more information about heroin use 

and its health consequences, go to

www.drugabuse.gov/

drugs-abuse/heroin.

8 9
Prescription and Overthe-Counter Medications

Prescription medications and some overthe-counter medications are increasingly 

being abused (used for nonmedical 

purposes). This practice can be addictive, 

and in some cases, lethal. Among 

the most disturbing aspects of this 

emerging trend is its prevalence among 

teenagers and young adults, as well as 

the common misperception that because 

physicians prescribe these medications, 

they are safe even when used not as 

prescribed. Commonly abused classes 

of prescription drugs include opioid 

painkillers, stimulants, and depressants.

Commonly abused prescription 

drugs include:

• Opioids are usually prescribed for 

pain relief. Commonly prescribed 

opioids include hydrocodone (e.g., 

Vicodin), oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin), 

morphine, fentanyl, and codeine.

• Stimulants: Methylphenidate (Ritalin, 

Concerta, Focalin, and Metadate) and 

amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine) 

are stimulants commonly prescribed 

for attention-deficit hyperactivity 

disorder.

• Depressants are usually prescribed to 

promote sleep or to reduce anxiety. 

As measured by national surveys, 

depressants are often categorized as 

sedatives or tranquilizers. Sedatives 

primarily include barbiturates 

(e.g., phenobarbitol) but also 

comprise sleep medications such as 

Ambien and Lunesta. Tranquilizers 

primarily include benzodiazepines 

such as Valium and Xanax, but 

also include muscle relaxants and 

other anti-anxiety medications.

Amphetamines

Amphetamines, including 

methamphetamine, are powerful 

stimulants that can produce 

feelings of euphoria and alertness. 

Methamphetamine’s effects are 

particularly long lasting and harmful 

to the brain. Amphetamines can cause 

high body temperature and can lead to 

serious heart problems and seizures.

For more information about 

methamphetamine use and its health 

consequences, go to www.drugabuse.

gov/drugs-abuse/methamphetamine.

Monitoring the Future is updated 

annually. For the latest Monitoring 

the Future statistics please visit www.

drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/

high-school-youth-trends.

COMMONLY

ABUSED DRUGS 

(continued)

8th

Graders

10th

Graders

12th

Graders

Opiate Painkillers

OxyContin

Past Year 1.6 3.0 4.3

Vicodin

Past Year 1.3 4.4 7.5

Sedatives1

Lifetime --- --- 6.9

Past Year --- --- 4.5

Past Month --- --- 2.0

Tranquilizers2

Lifetime 3.0 6.3 8.5

Past Year 1.8 4.3 5.3

Past Month 0.8 1.7 2.1

ADHD Medications 

Adderall

Past Year 1.7 4.5 7.6

Ritalin

Past Year 0.7 1.9 2.6

Cough or Cold Medicines3

Past Year 3.0 4.7 5.6

Methamphetamine

Lifetime 1.3 1.8 1.7

Past Year 1.0 1.0 1.1

Past Month 0.5 0.6 0.5

Amphetamines

Lifetime 4.5 8.9 12.0

Past Year 2.9 6.5 7.9

Past Month 1.3 2.8 3.3

1 Also known as “downers” and “sleeping aids.”

2 The most commonly reported drugs in this category are Valium and Xanax.

3 Used with the intent to get high.

10 11
Anabolic Steroids

Steroids, which can also be prescribed 

for certain medical conditions, are 

abused to increase muscle mass and to 

improve athletic performance or physical 

appearance. Serious consequences of 

abuse can include heart disease, liver 

problems, stroke, infectious diseases, 

depression, and suicide. Less serious side 

effects include severe acne.

8th 

Graders

10th 

Graders

12th 

Graders

Lifetime 1.2 1.3 1.8

Past Year 0.6 0.8 1.3

Past Month 0.3 0.4 0.9

For more information about anabolic 

steroid use and its health consequences, 

go to www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/

steroids-anabolic.

Monitoring the Future is updated 

annually. For the latest Monitoring the 

Future statistics on anabolic steroids 

please visit www.drugabuse.gov/

publications/drugfacts/high-schoolyouth-trends.

Inhalants

Inhalants are volatile substances found 

in many household products (such as 

oven cleaners, gasoline, spray paints, 

and other aerosols) that induce mindaltering effects. Inhalants are extremely 

toxic and can damage the heart, kidneys, 

lungs, and brain. Even a healthy person 

can suffer heart failure and death within 

minutes of a single session of the 

prolonged sniffing of an inhalant.

8th 

Graders

10th 

Graders

12th 

Graders

Lifetime 11.8 9.9 7.9

Past Year 6.2 4.1 2.9

Past Month 2.7 1.4 0.9

For more information about inhalant use 

and its health consequences, go to

www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/

inhalants.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption can damage the 

brain and most body organs. Areas of the 

brain that are especially vulnerable to 

alcohol-related damage are the cerebral 

cortex (largely responsible for our higher 

brain functions, including problemsolving 

and decisionmaking), the hippocampus 

(important for memory and learning), and 

the cerebellum (important for movement 

coordination).

8th 

Graders

10th 

Graders

12th 

Graders

Lifetime 29.5 54.0 69.4

Past Year 23.6 48.5 63.5

Past Month 11.0 27.6 41.5

For more information about alcohol 

use and its health consequences, 

visit the National Institute on 

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 

Web site at www.niaaa.nih.gov.

Monitoring the Future is updated annually. 

For the latest Monitoring the Future 

statistics on anabolic steroids please 

visit www.drugabuse.gov/publications/

drugfacts/high-school-youth-trends.

Club Drugs and 

Hallucinogens

Ecstasy (MDMA) produces both stimulant 

and mind-altering effects. It can increase 

body temperature, heart rate, blood 

pressure, and heart-wall stress. Ecstasy 

may also be toxic to nerve cells.

8th 

Graders

10th 

Graders

12th 

Graders

Lifetime 2.0 5.0 7.2

Past Year 1.1 3.0 3.8

Past Month 0.5 1.0 0.9

LSD is one of the most potent 

hallucinogenic, or perception-altering, 

drugs. Its effects are unpredictable, and 

abusers may see vivid colors and images, 

hear sounds, and feel sensations that seem 

real but do not exist. Abusers also may 

have traumatic experiences and emotions 

that can last for many hours. Some 

short-term effects can include increased 

body temperature, heart rate, and blood 

pressure; sweating; loss of appetite; 

sleeplessness; dry mouth; and tremors.

8th 

Graders

10th 

Graders

12th 

Graders

Lifetime 1.3 2.6 3.8

Past Year 0.8 1.7 2.4

Past Month 0.3 0.5 0.8

COMMONLY

ABUSED DRUGS 

(continued)

12 13
resources

Club Drugs and 

Hallucinogens 

(continued)

Rohypnol and GHB are predominantly 

central nervous system (CNS) 

depressants. Because they are 

often colorless, tasteless, and 

odorless, they can be easily added to 

beverages and ingested unknowingly. 

Thus, these drugs have come to 

be known as “date rape” drugs. 

8th

Graders

10th 

Graders

12th 

Graders

Rohypnol

Past Year 0.4 0.5 1.5

GHB

Past Year --- --- 1.4

Ketamine

Past Year --- --- 1.5

Salvia

Past Year 1.4 2.5 4.4

For more information about these and 

other club drugs go to www.drugabuse.

gov/drug-abuse/club-drugs.

Monitoring the Future is updated 

annually. For the latest Monitoring the 

Future statistics on club drugs, please 

visit www.drugabuse.gov/publications/

drugfacts/high-school-youth-trends.

Synthetic Cathinones 

(“Bath Salts”)

“Bath salts” refers to synthetic drugs that 

contain chemicals related to cathinone, 

an amphetamine-like stimulant found in 

the Khat plant. The synthetic cathinones 

in “bath salts” can produce euphoria 

and increased sociability and sex drive, 

but some users experience paranoia, 

agitation, and hallucinatory delirium; 

some even display psychotic and violent 

behavior, and deaths have been reported 

in several instances. These reports make 

“bath salts” a serious and growing public 

health and safety issue.

8th

Graders

10th 

Graders

12th 

Graders

“Bath Salts”

Past Year 0.8 0.6 1.3

For more information about “bath salts” 

use and its health consequences, go 

to www.drugabuse.gov/publications/

drugfacts/synthetic-cathinones-bathsalts.

COMMONLY

ABUSED DRUGS 

(continued)

14
WHERE TO FIND NATIONWIDE 

TRENDS AND STATISTICS

Major sources of data on the extent of 

drug use in the United States include the 

following:

Monitoring the Future (MTF) 

The MTF study measures drug, alcohol, 

and cigarette use and related attitudes 

among adolescent students nationwide. 

Survey participants report their drug 

use behaviors across three time periods: 

lifetime, past year, and past month. The 

annual survey is funded by NIDA and is 

conducted by the University of Michigan. 

Results from the survey are released late 

each fall. For the latest survey results, go 

to: www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/

trends-statistics/monitoring-future

Community Epidemiology 

Work Group (CEWG) 

CEWG provides current descriptive 

and analytical information regarding 

the nature and patterns of drug 

abuse, emerging trends of drug use, 

characteristics of vulnerable populations, 

and the social and health consequences. 

CEWG is a NIDA-sponsored network 

of researchers from 20+ major U.S. 

metropolitan areas and selected foreign 

countries who meet semiannually to 

discuss the current epidemiology of 

drug abuse (www.drugabuse.gov/

about-nida/organization/workgroupsinterest-groups-consortia/communityepidemiology-work-group-cewg).

National Survey on Drug 

Use and Health (NSDUH) 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health 

Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 

NSDUH (formerly called the National 

Household Survey on Drug Abuse) is 

the primary source of information on the 

prevalence, patterns, and consequences 

of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use 

and abuse in the general U.S. civilian 

noninstitutionalized population, ages 12 

and older.Survey information can be found 

at: www.oas.samhsa.gov/nsduh.htm.

Drug Abuse Warning 

Network (DAWN)

The DAWN report, also prepared by 

SAMHSA, provides information about 

the impact of drug use on hospital 

emergency departments in the United 

States. It reports the number of visits to 

the emergency department that were 

related directly to the use of an illegal 

drug or the nonmedical use of a legal 

drug. DAWN is not a measure of the 

prevalence of use but instead offers 

information complementary to the 

prevalence data found in the NSDUH 

(www.samhsa.gov/data/DAWN.aspx).

15
Treatment Episode Data Set 

(TEDS)

The TEDS system includes records for 

approximately 1.5 million substance 

abuse treatment admissions annually. 

While TEDS does not represent all 

substance abuse treatment activities, 

it comprises a significant proportion 

of all admissions to substance abuse 

treatment programs and includes those 

admissions that rely on public funds. 

Data are reported by sex, age, and race/

ethnicity for each of 15 substance abuse 

categories. TEDS is maintained by the 

Office of Applied Studies, SAMHSA 

(www.samhsa.gov/data/DASIS.

aspx#TEDS).

A wealth of material regarding various 

aspects of drug abuse and addiction 

is available, free of charge, from NIDA. 

Most of the following materials are 

available on the NIDA Web site. In 

addition to these publications, many 

reports—such as the Director’s report 

to NIDA’s National Advisory Council on 

Drug Abuse—are available online. The 

following materials are among those 

available from NIDA.

Please visit www.drugabuse.gov to 

view NIDA’s publications.

NIDA DrugFacts

NIDA DrugFacts is an online series of fact 

sheets on specific drugs, trends in use, 

and prevention and treatment issues. 

The fact sheets are available in English 

and Spanish. They are written for use by 

the general public (www.drugabuse.gov/

publications/term/160/DrugFacts).

NIDA Research Reports

This series of reports simplifies research 

findings for the educated lay public, 

legislators, educational groups, and 

practitioners. The series reports on 

research findings of national interest, 

such as prescription drug abuse, tobacco 

addiction, and HIV/AIDS. Research 

Reports are also available in Spanish 

(www.drugabuse.gov/publications/

term/162/Research%2520Reports).

NIDA RESOURCES

NIDA Notes 

NIDA Notes is the Institute’s major 

vehicle for relaying research findings to 

the field in a timely manner. It covers 

the areas of treatment and prevention 

research, epidemiology, neuroscience, 

behavioral research, health services 

research, and HIV/AIDS. The publication 

reports on advances in the drug 

abuse field; identifies NIDA research 

priorities and opportunities; promotes 

an exchange of information; and seeks 

to improve communication among 

clinicians, researchers, administrators, 

and policymakers (www.drugabuse.gov/

news-events/nida-notes).

NIDA Web Site

Through its online presence, NIDA 

strives to communicate its research 

findings to the wide-ranging audiences 

it serves, which include students, 

parents, teachers, researchers, scientists, 

prevention and treatment practitioners, 

health care professionals, policymakers, 

constituent groups, children and 

adolescents, underserved populations, 

and the general public. 

Most of NIDA’s publications are available 

on NIDA’s Web site: www.drugabuse.gov.

Special features include:

• “What’s New,” a link to the latest 

NIDA materials available online

• NIDA news releases

• Upcoming NIDA-sponsored 

meetings and conferences

• International activities related 

to research on drug abuse and 

addiction

• NIDA organizational units and 

funding information

• NIDA materials available in Spanish

• Public service announcements

Other NIDA sites: 

• easyread.drugabuse.gov

• www.teens.drugabuse.gov

• www.hiv.drugabuse.gov

• irp.drugabuse.gov

• international.drugabuse.gov

NIDA Flickr site to view and download 

images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/

nida-nih/collections/

16 17
OTHER GOVERNMENT WEB SITES FOR 

HEALTH AND SCIENCE INFORMATION

about NIDA

NIH (www.nih.gov)

NIH is the steward of medical and 

behavioral research for the Nation. 

Its mission is science in pursuit of 

fundamental knowledge about the nature 

and behavior of living systems and the 

application of that knowledge to extend 

healthy life and to reduce the burdens of 

illness and disability. NIH is part of the 

U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services (DHHS).

NLM (www.nlm.nih.gov)

NLM is the world’s largest library dealing 

with a single scientific/professional 

topic. It cares for more than 4.5 million 

holdings (including books, journals, 

reports, manuscripts, and audiovisual 

items) and sponsors MedlinePlus, a 

source of up-to-date, quality health care 

information from NLM and NIH.

Healthfinder 

(www.healthfinder.gov)

Healthfinder is a gateway consumer 

health information Web site from DHHS. 

Womenshealth.gov (www.

womenshealth.gov)

Womenshealth.gov provides up-to-date 

and commercial-free health information 

on topics that range from reproductive 

health to healthy aging. Sponsored by 

the Office on Women’s Health, the site 

provides easy-to-understand health 

information, daily announcements, links 

to thousands of free health publications 

and websites, and statistics on women’s 

health.

18
NIDA’S HISTORY

AND BACKGROUND

Research Accomplishments

Keeping an eye on drug use trends 

among teens to guide intervention 

strategies. Substance abuse among 

American youth is a continually changing 

phenomenon. Through the Monitoring 

the Future Survey of 8th-, 10th-, and 

12th-grade students nationwide, NIDA 

continues to monitor these changes 

and identify emerging substance abuse 

problems to better guide effective 

intervention approaches. For example, 

while overall teen drug abuse showed a 

significant decline from the mid-1990’s 

to the mid to late 2000’s, recent years 

have seen an upward trend in marijuana 

use. 

Identifying the molecular sites and 

systems in the brain where every major 

drug of abuse has its effect. Such 

discoveries have led to the development 

and approval of nicotine replacement 

therapies for cigarette smoking cessation 

and new medications like buprenorphine, 

now prescribed by physicians in office 

settings for opiate addiction.

Discovering a new communications 

network that opens the way to novel 

medical therapies. NIDA-supported 

research was pivotal to the discovery 

of a cannabinoid system distributed 

throughout the brain and body and 

composed of the body’s own compounds 

that are chemically related to marijuana’s 

active ingredient. This network promises 

new and novel interventions for a range 

of diseases and conditions, including 

addiction, obesity, pain, osteoporosis, 

multiple sclerosis, and anxiety disorders.

Demonstrating that addiction is a 

treatable disease. Medications and 

behavioral therapies can provide longlasting benefits for people trying to 

overcome addiction, especially when 

used together. Addiction treatment 

promotes continued abstinence, which 

can reverse some of the detrimental brain 

changes caused by addiction, as shown 

in pioneering imaging studies. Successful 

drug abuse treatment also reduces crime 

and other societal costs, including health 

costs, now in the billions.

19
Optimizing research findings to create 

individually tailored treatments. 

Researchers are taking advantage of 

ongoing discoveries from the Human 

Genome Project, identifying genetic 

markers of complex disorders, such 

as addiction. Now, gene variants are 

being discovered that can predict who 

will respond to a medication and who 

will not. These breakthroughs herald a 

new era of individualized therapies that 

will optimize outcomes, promote costefficiency, and relieve suffering.

Decreasing the spread of HIV.

Through the development of treatments 

for injection drug use (IDU), NIDA 

has contributed to the decline in IDUassociated HIV infections. Innovative 

community-based research shows 

that drug abuse treatment reduces risk 

behaviors leading to HIV transmission; 

thus, drug abuse treatment is HIV/AIDS 

prevention. 

Changing the course of drug abuse 

treatment in this country. NIDA engages 

in myriad efforts to “translate” the 

results of basic and clinical research 

for real-world use. Our goal is to get 

research-based treatments into the hands 

of providers in community treatment 

centers, the criminal justice system, and 

physicians’ offices. To that end, NIDA 

has established collaborative networks 

of researchers and practitioners, Federal 

agencies, and State substance abuse 

directors to integrate research findings 

into drug abuse treatment settings 

nationwide.

NIDA Outreach and 

Education Activities 

NIDA Notes, a newsletter that 

disseminates research findings to 

100,000 professionals worldwide..

Marijuana: 

Facts for Teens

and Marijuana: 

Facts Parents 

Need to Know, 

two of NIDA’s 

most popular 

publications. 

Preventing Drug 

Use Among 

Children and 

Adolescents: A 

Research-Based 

Guide, which 

describes the 

most successful 

concepts for 

preventing drug 

abuse among 

young people.

Mind Over Matter

series for grades 

5 through 9. The 

series, complete 

with a teacher’s 

guide, highlights 

the effects of 

drugs on the brain 

and encourages 

the study of 

science. Spanish 

translation also 

available. 

Brain Power! 

The NIDA 

Junior Scientist 

Program, 

for use in 

K-5th grade 

classrooms.

Principles of Drug 

Addiction Treatment: 

A Research-Based 

Guide, developed 

for use in local 

communities. The 

guide describes the 

most successful 

concepts for 

treating people with 

drug abuse and 

addiction problems. 

Principles of Drug 

Abuse Treatment 

for Criminal Justice 

Populations: 

A ResearchBased Guide, 

summarizing 

proven 

components 

for successfully 

treating drug 

abusers who have 

entered the criminal justice system.

Drugs, Brains, and Behavior—The Science 

of Addiction discusses the reasons that 

people take drugs, why some people 

become addicted while others do not, 

how drugs work in the brain, and how 

addiction can be prevented and treated. 

The booklet is designed to educate 

the public and to reduce the stigma 

surrounding drug addiction.

Revised

 national institute on drug abuse national institutes of health

NIH Publication No. 04-4212(B)

Printed 1997

Reprinted 1997, 1999, 2001

Second Edition October 2003

Preventing Drug Use

among Children and Adolescents A Research-Based Guide

for Parents, Educators, and 

Community Leaders

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health

Second Edition

In Brief

National Institute on Drug Abuse

20 21



NIH Publication No. 06-5316

Printed July 2006

National Institutes of Health

U.S. Department of Health

and Human Services

Principles of Drug Abuse 

Treatment for Criminal 

Justice Populations | A Research-Based Guide national institute on Drug Abuse

tx_criminaljustice_FINAL.indd 34-35 7/6/06 4:16:02 PM
Seeking Drug 

Abuse Treatment: 

Know What 

to Ask offers 

guidance in 

seeking drug 

abuse treatment 

and lists five 

questions to ask 

when searching 

for a treatment 

program.

For copies of any NIDA publications, 

contact DrugPubs via 877-NIDA-NIH or 

drugpubs@nida.nih.gov.

Drug Abuse and 

HIV: Learn the 

Link campaign to 

educate young 

people about 

the connection 

between 

substance abuse and HIV infection. 

Spanish language version available.

www.hiv.drugabuse.gov

“NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug 

Abuse,” an interactive Web site that 

includes information about various 

drugs of abuse and their consequences. 

Included in the website is PEERx, a place 

where teens can find interactive videos 

and other tools to help them make 

decisions about prescription drugs based 

on real-life situations they encounter at 

school and in life. 

www.teens.drugabuse.gov

Easy-to-read 

website on drug 

abuse provides 

plain language 

information 

on neuroscience, 

drug abuse 

prevention and treatment and is also 

a resource for adult literacy educators:

easyread.drugabuse.gov.

Family Checkup, an 

online resource 

that equips parents 

with researchbased skills to help 

keep their children 

drug-free: 

www.drugabuse.gov/family-checkup.

NIDA joins with HBO, the Robert 

Wood Johnson Foundation, and the 

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and 

Alcoholism to produce the Emmy Awardwinning documentary Addiction. The film 

explores drug and alcohol abuse through 

the eyes of those who suffer from this 

devastating disease, with the added 

perspective of scientific and clinical 

experts working to better understand 

and treat it.

Addiction Science Awards, the first NIH 

awards given at the Intel International 

Science and Engineering Fair, the world’s 

largest high school science fair.

National Drug Facts Week (NDFW), a 

health observance week for teens aimed 

to shatter the myths about drugs. Drug 

Facts Chat Day, held during NDFW, 

provides an online opportunity for 

students from around the country to 

ask questions about drugs and to have 

them answered by top NIDA scientists. 

drugfactsweek.drugabuse.gov.

The Blending Initiative, in partnership 

with the Substance Abuse and 

Mental Health Services Administration, 

accelerates the dissemination of 

research-based treatment findings 

into community-based practice. 

Blending Products can be found at 

www.drugabuse.gov/blendinginitiative.

22 23
glossary

NIDAMED, NIDA’s outreach to 

medical professionals, provides tools 

and resources to screen patients for 

tobacco, alcohol, illicit, and nonmedical 

prescription drug use, including an 

interactive online drug abuse screening 

tool: www.drugabuse.gov/nidamedmedical-health-professionals

NIDAMED Centers of Excellence for 

Physician Information Program provides 

scientifically accurate information 

on substance abuse, addiction and 

its consequences to help meet the 

educational needs of medical students, 

residents and medical school faculty: 

www.drugabuse.gov/coe/.

NIDA (along with the Office of National 

Drug Control Policy) launches online 

training tools for health care providers 

on proper prescribing and patient 

management practices for opioid 

analgesics (painkillers): www.drugabuse.

gov/nidamed/etools. 

24
COMMONLY USED TERMS 

IN ADDICTION SCIENCE

A

Addiction: A chronic, relapsing disease 

characterized by compulsive drug 

seeking and use and by long-lasting 

changes in the brain. 

Amphetamine: A stimulant drug with 

effects that are similar to cocaine. 

Amyl nitrite: A yellowish oily volatile 

liquid used in certain diagnostic 

procedures. Illegally diverted ampules 

of amyl nitrite are called “poppers” 

or “snappers” on the street. By 

inhaling its vapors, abusers seek to 

enhance a sexual experience.

Anabolic/androgenic steroids: Male 

hormones, principally testosterone, 

that are partially responsible for the 

tremendous developmental changes that 

occur during puberty and adolescence. 

Male hormones have androgenic and 

anabolic effects.

Anabolic effects: Accelerated growth 

of muscle, bone, and red blood cells; 

decrease in body fat; and enhanced 

neural conduction. 

Analgesics: A group of medications that 

reduce pain.

Androgenic effects: Changes in primary 

and secondary sexual characteristics.

Anesthetic: An agent that causes 

insensitivity to pain and is used for 

surgeries and other medical procedures.

Axon: The fiber-like extension of a neuron 

by which the cell carries information from 

the cell body to the axon terminal. 

Axon terminal: The structure at the end 

of an axon that produces and releases 

chemicals (neurotransmitters) to transmit 

the neuron’s message across the synapse. 

B

Barbiturate: A type of CNS depressant 

often prescribed to promote sleep. 

Behavioral treatments: A set of 

treatments that focus on modifying 

thinking, motivation, coping mechanisms, 

and choices made by individuals.

Benzene: Used as an inhalant—a volatile 

liquid solvent found in gasoline.

Benzodiazepine: A type of CNS 

depressant often prescribed to relieve 

anxiety. Valium and Xanax are among 

the most widely prescribed medications. 

Bind: The attaching of a 

neurotransmitter or other chemical 

to a receptor. The neurotransmitter 

is said to “bind” to the receptor. 

Brainstem: The lower portion of the 

brain through which the forebrain sends 

information to, and receives information 

from, the spinal cord and peripheral 

nerves. Major functions located in the 

brainstem include those necessary for 

survival, e.g., breathing, heart rate, blood 

pressure, and arousal. 

25
Buprenorphine: A mixed opiate agonist/

antagonist medication approved by 

the Food and Drug Administration 

in October 2002 for the treatment 

of opioid addiction (e.g., heroin).

Butane: An inhalant—a volatile 

substance found in lighter fluid.

Butyl nitrite: An illegal substance that is 

often packaged and sold in small bottles, 

also referred to as “poppers.” Like other 

organic nitrites, it is used primarily as a 

sexual enhancer.

C

Cannabinoids and cannabinoid 

receptors: A family of chemicals 

that bind to specific (cannabinoid) 

receptors to influence mental and 

physical functions. Cannabinoids that 

are produced naturally by the body are 

referred to as endocannabinoids. They 

play important roles in development, 

memory, pain, appetite, among others. 

The marijuana plant (Cannabis sativa)

contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol 

(THC) that can disrupt these processes, 

if administered repeatedly and/or in high 

enough concentrations. 

Cannabis: The botanical name for the 

plant that produces marijuana. 

Carcinogen: Any substance that 

causes cancer. 

Cardiovascular system: The heart and 

blood vessels. 

Cell body (or soma): The central structure 

of a cell (e.g., neuron) that contains the 

cell nucleus. The cell body contains both 

the genetic information and the molecular 

machinery that translates the information 

into proteins that determine the function 

and regulate the activity of the cell. 

Central nervous system: The brain and 

spinal cord. 

Cerebellum: A large structure located 

in the back of the brain that helps 

control the coordination of movement 

by making connections to other parts 

of the CNS (pons, medulla, spinal cord, 

and thalamus). It also may be involved in 

aspects of motor learning. 

Cerebral cortex: The outermost layer of 

the cerebral hemispheres of the brain. 

It is largely responsible for conscious 

experience, including perception, 

emotion, thought, and planning. 

Cerebral hemispheres: The two 

specialized halves of the brain. In righthanded people, the left hemisphere is 

specialized for speech, writing, language, 

and calculation; the right hemisphere 

is specialized for spatial abilities, face 

recognition in vision, and some aspects of 

music perception and production. 

Cerebrum: The upper part of the 

brain consisting of the left and right 

hemispheres. 

CNS depressants: A class of drugs 

that slow CNS function (also called 

sedatives and tranquilizers), some of 

which are used to treat anxiety and sleep 

disorders; includes barbiturates and 

benzodiazepines.

Coca: The plant, Erythroxylon, from which 

cocaine is derived. Also refers to the 

leaves of this plant. 

Cocaine: A highly addictive stimulant 

drug derived from the coca plant that 

produces profound feelings of pleasure. 

Comorbidity: The occurrence of two 

disorders or illnesses in the same person, 

either at the same time (co-occurring 

comorbid conditions) or with a time 

difference between the initial occurrence 

of one and the initial occurrence of the 

other (sequentially comorbid conditions).

Co-occurring disorders: When 

two disorders or illnesses occur 

simultaneously in the same person, they 

are co-occurring comorbid disorders.

Crack: The slang term for a smokeable 

form of cocaine. 

Craving: A powerful, often 

uncontrollable, desire for drugs. 

Cyclohexyl nitrite: An inhalant. Like other 

nitrites, it acts primarily to dilate blood 

vessels and to relax muscles and is used 

mainly as a sexual enhancer. It is usually 

sold in small bottles, often mislabeled 

as “video head cleaner,” “room odorizer,” 

“leather cleaner,” or “liquid aroma.”

D

Dendrite: The specialized branches 

that extend from a neuron’s cell body 

and function to receive messages from 

other neurons.

Dependence: Physical dependence is a 

physiological state that can occur with 

regular illicit or prescription drug use 

and results in withdrawal symptoms 

when drug use is abruptly discontinued. 

Dependence is also the term used for 

addiction in the Diagnostic and Statistical 

Manual of Mental Disorders.

Depressants: Drugs that relieve 

anxiety and produce sleep. Depressants 

include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, 

and alcohol. 

Detoxification: A process that enables 

the body to rid itself of a drug while 

simultaneously managing an individual’s 

withdrawal symptoms; often the first 

step in a drug treatment program. 

Dopamine: A brain chemical, classified 

as a neurotransmitter, found in regions 

of the brain that regulate movement, 

emotion, motivation, and pleasure. 

Drug: A chemical compound or 

substance that can alter the structure 

and function of the body. Psychoactive 

drugs affect the function of the brain. 

Drug abuse: The use of illegal drugs 

or the inappropriate use of legal drugs. 

The repeated use of drugs to produce 

pleasure, alleviate stress, and/or alter 

or avoid reality. 

Drugged driving: Driving a vehicle 

while impaired due to the lingering, 

intoxicating effects of recent drug abuse.

E

Ecstasy (MDMA): 

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine 

(MDMA) is a mood- and perceptionaltering drug that is chemically similar to 

hallucinogens and stimulants.

Endogenous: Something produced by 

the brain or other parts of the body. 

26 27
Ether: A volatile liquid with a 

characteristic odor. Was used as 

a medical anesthetic, but ether’s 

highly flammable properties 

limit its current usage.

F

Fluorinated hydrocarbons: Gases or 

liquids commonly found in refrigerants, 

fire extinguishers, solvents, and 

anesthetics. Freon is one class of 

fluorinated hydrocarbons.

Forebrain: The largest division of the 

brain, which includes the cerebral cortex 

and basal ganglia. It is credited with the 

highest cognitive functions. 

Frontal lobe: One of the four divisions 

of each cerebral hemisphere. The frontal 

lobe is important for decisionmaking, 

planning, and judgment. 

G

Generational forgetting: Term to 

describe when the knowledge of adverse 

consequences experienced by a particular 

generation or population is lost by a 

younger cohort.

H

Hallucinations: Perceptions of something 

(such as an image or a sound) that does 

not exist in the real world. Hallucinations 

usually arise from a disorder of the 

nervous system or as an effect of a 

hallucinogenic drug, such as LSD.

Hallucinogens: A diverse group of drugs 

that alter perceptions, thoughts, and 

feelings. Hallucinogenic drugs include 

LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin (magic 

mushrooms). 

Halothane: An inhalant—a medical 

anesthetic gas.

Heroin: A synthetic opioid related to morphine (diacetyl morphine). It is more potent than morphine and is highly addictive. 

Hexane: A hydrocarbon volatile liquid 

found in glue or gasoline.

Hippocampus: A seahorse-shaped 

structure located within the brain that 

is considered an important part of the 

limbic system. One of the most studied 

areas of the brain, the hippocampus 

plays key roles in learning, memory, and 

emotion. 

Hypothalamus: A part of the brain that 

controls many bodily functions, including 

feeding, drinking, thermoregulation, and 

the release of many hormones. 

I

Ingestion: The act of taking food or 

other substances into the body through 

the mouth. 

Inhalant: Any drug administered by 

breathing in its vapors. Inhalants are 

commonly organic solvents, such as 

glue and paint thinner, or anesthetic 

gases, such as nitrous oxide. 

Inhalation: The act of administering a 

drug or combination of drugs by nasal 

or oral respiration, as well as the act of 

drawing air or other substances into the 

lungs. Nicotine in tobacco smoke enters 

the body by inhalation. 

Injection: A method of administering a 

substance, such as a drug, into the skin, 

subcutaneous tissue, muscle, blood 

vessels, or body cavities, usually by 

means of a needle. 

Intravenous drug use: The act of administering drugs directly into blood vessels 

using a hypodermic needle and syringe.

L

Limbic system: A set of subcortical brain 

structures that are involved with feelings, 

emotions, and motivations. It is also 

important for learning and memory. 

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide):

A hallucinogenic drug that acts on the 

serotonin receptor. 

M

Marijuana: A drug, usually smoked 

but sometimes ingested, that is made 

from the leaves of the cannabis plant. 

The main psychoactive ingredient is 

delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

Medication: A drug that is used to 

treat an illness or disease according 

to established medical guidelines. If 

the medication contains one or more 

controlled substances, it must be 

prescribed by a licensed physician. 

Methadone: A long-acting synthetic opioid agonist medication that is effective in 

treating opioid addiction and pain.

Methamphetamine: An abusable, potent 

stimulant drug that is part of the larger 

class of amphetamines. 

Methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta):

Methylphenidate is a CNS stimulant. It 

has effects similar to, but more potent 

than, caffeine and less potent than 

amphetamines. It has a notably calming 

and “focusing” effect on patients with 

attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, 

particularly children. 

Myelin: Fatty material that surrounds 

and insulates axons of most neurons to 

ensure a high level of electrochemical 

conductance.

N

Neuron: A nerve cell. 

Neurotransmission: The process 

that occurs when a neuron releases 

neurotransmitters into the synapse to 

communicate with other neurons. 

Neurotransmitter: A chemical produced 

by neurons to carry messages from one 

nerve cell to another.

Nicotine: The addictive drug in tobacco. 

Nicotine activates a specific type of 

acetylcholine receptor. 

Nitrites: A special class of inhalants 

that act primarily to dilate blood vessels 

and to relax the muscles. Whereas 

other inhalants alter mood through their 

effects on brain physiology, nitrites are 

used primarily as sexual enhancers. (See 

also amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite.)

Nitrous oxide: An inhalant. A medical 

anesthetic gas, often used in dentistry, 

that is also called “laughing gas” and is 

found in whipped cream dispensers. 

28 29
Noradrenaline: A neurotransmitter that is 

made in the brain and influences, among 

other things, the function of the heart.

Nucleus: A cluster or group of nerve cells 

that is dedicated to performing a distinct 

function(s). Nuclei are found throughout 

the brain but are called cortical fields in 

the cerebral cortex. (See “cell body” above 

for definition within a cell.)

Nucleus accumbens: A brain region 

involved in motivation and reward. 

Nearly all drugs of abuse directly or 

indirectly increase dopamine in the 

nucleus accumbens, contributing to their 

addiction properties. 

O

Occipital lobe: The portion of the 

cerebral cortex located at the back of the 

head that includes the visual cortex. 

Opiates (or opioids): Controlled 

substances most often prescribed for 

the management of pain. They are 

natural or synthetic chemicals based on 

opium’s active component “morphine” 

that work by mimicking the actions 

of pain-relieving chemicals produced 

in the body, such as enkephalin and 

endorphin, which are also referred 

to as endogenous opioids.

P

Parietal lobe: One of the four subdivisions 

of the cerebral cortex, it is involved 

with sensory processes, attention, and 

language. 

Polyneuropathy: A neurological disorder 

that occurs when many peripheral nerves 

throughout the body undergo permanent 

change or malfunction simultaneously. 

Prescription drug abuse: The intentional 

misuse of a medication outside of the normally accepted standards of its use. 

Prescription drug misuse: Taking a 

medication in a manner other than that 

prescribed or for a different condition 

than that for which the medication is 

prescribed.

Psychedelic drug: A drug that distorts 

perception, thought, and feeling. This 

term is typically used to refer to drugs 

with hallucinogenic actions like those of 

LSD. 

Psychoactive: Having a specific effect on 

the brain. 

Psychoactive drug: A drug that changes 

the way the brain works. 

Psychotherapeutics: Drugs that have an 

effect on the function of the brain and 

that often are used to treat psychiatric 

disorders; can include opioids, CNS 

depressants, and stimulants. 

R

Receptor: A large molecule that 

recognizes specific chemicals (normally 

neurotransmitters, hormones, and similar 

endogenous substances) and transmits 

the message carried by the chemical into 

the cell on which the receptor resides. 

Relapse: In drug abuse, relapse is 

the resumption of drug use after 

an attempt to stop taking drugs. 

Relapse is a common occurrence in 

many chronic disorders, including 

addiction, that require frequent 

behavioral and/or pharmacologic 

adjustments to be treated effectively. 

Reuptake: The process by which 

neurotransmitters are removed from 

the synaptic space by being “pumped” 

through transporters back into the axon 

terminals that first released them. 

Reuptake pump (transporter): The 

large molecule that actually transports 

neurotransmitter molecules back into the 

axon terminals that released them. 

Reward: The process that reinforces 

behavior or increases its likelihood of 

recurrence. It is mediated at least in 

part by the release of dopamine into the 

nucleus accumbens. Human subjects 

report that reward is associated with 

feelings of pleasure. 

Reward system (or brain reward 

system): A brain circuit that, when 

activated, reinforces behaviors. The 

circuit includes the dopaminecontaining neurons of the ventral 

tegmental area, the nucleus accumbens, 

and part of the prefrontal cortex. 

Route of administration: The way a 

drug is put into the body. Drugs can 

enter the body by eating, drinking, 

inhaling, injecting, snorting, smoking, or 

absorption through mucous membranes. 

Rush: A surge of pleasure (euphoria) 

that rapidly follows the administration 

of some drugs. 

S

Sedatives: Drugs that suppress anxiety 

and promote sleep.

Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that 

regulates many functions, including 

mood, appetite, sleep, and sensory 

perception. 

Stimulant: A class of drugs that 

enhances the activity of monamines 

(such as dopamine) in the brain, 

increasing arousal, heart rate, 

blood pressure, and respiration, 

and decreasing appetite; includes 

some medications used to treat 

attention-deficit hyperactivity 

disorder (e.g., methylphenidate 

and amphetamines), as well as 

cocaine and methamphetamine. 

Sudden sniffing death: A type of 

death that can occur when inhaled 

fumes fill up the cells in the lungs with 

poisonous chemicals, leaving no room 

for the oxygen needed to breathe. This 

lack of oxygen can lead to suffocation, 

respiratory failure, and death.

Synapse: The site where presynaptic 

and postsynaptic cells communicate 

with each other. 

30 31
Synaptic space (or synaptic cleft): The 

intercellular space between the 

presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons 

where neurotransmitters are released. T

Temporal lobe: The lobe of the cerebral 

cortex at the side of the head that 

integrates visual and auditory perceptions. 

Tetrahydrocannabinol: See “THC.”

Thalamus: Located deep within the brain, 

the thalamus is the key relay station for 

sensory information flowing to the cortex, 

selecting important messages out of the 

background noise produced by the many 

signals entering the brain. 

THC: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; 

the main active ingredient in marijuana, 

which acts on the brain to produce its 

effects. 

Tobacco: A plant widely cultivated for 

its leaves, which are used primarily for 

smoking; the N. tabacum species is the 

major source of tobacco products. 

Tolerance: A condition in which

higher doses of a drug are required

to produce the same effect achieved 

during initial use; often leads to physical 

dependence. 

Toluene: A light colorless liquid 

solvent found in many commonly 

abused inhalants, including model 

airplane glue, paint sprays, and 

paint and nail polish removers.

Tranquilizers: Drugs prescribed to 

promote sleep or to reduce anxiety; 

this NSDUH classification includes 

benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other 

types of CNS depressants.

Transporter: A large protein on the 

cell membrane of the axon terminals. It 

removes neurotransmitter molecules from 

the synapse and transports them back 

into the axon terminal that released them. 

Trichloroethylene: A liquid used 

as a solvent and, in medicine, as an 

anesthetic and analgesic. It is found in 

cleaning fluid and correction fluid. V

Ventral tegmental area: The group of 

dopamine-containing neurons that make 

up a key part of the brain reward system. 

These neurons extend axons into the 

nucleus accumbens and beyond to the 

prefrontal cortex. 

Vesicle: A membranous sac within 

an axon terminal that stores 

neurotransmitters and releases them 

when needed. W

Withdrawal: Adverse symptoms that 

occur after chronic use of a drug is 

reduced or stopped.

contacts

32
For more information

on these subjects: Contact:

Science of drug abuse and 

addiction; nicotine addiction; 

substance abuse prevention 

and treatment; illicit drugs and 

their medical consequences; 

prescription drug abuse; the 

link between drug abuse and 

HIV/AIDS; and the annual 

Monitoring the Future Survey 

(8th, 10th, and 12th graders)

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

NIDA’s mission is to lead the Nation in bringing the 

power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction.

This charge has two critical components. The first is 

the strategic support and conduct of research across a 

broad range of disciplines. The second is ensuring the 

rapid and effective dissemination and use of the results 

of that research to significantly improve prevention, 

treatment, and policy as they relate to drug abuse and 

addiction. NIDA works with a variety of government 

and private-sector institutions to further scientific 

knowledge about drug abuse and addiction.

NIDA Press Office: 301-443-6245

E-mail: media@nida.nih.gov

Web: http://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events

Science of alcohol use, 

addiction, and abuse; 

drunk driving; and fetal 

alcohol syndrome

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse

and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

NIAAA is the primary National Institutes of Health 

(NIH) Institute conducting and supporting research 

on the causes, consequences, prevention, and 

treatment of alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and other 

alcohol-related problems. NIDA and NIAAA often 

collaborate on research and communications projects 

regarding the concurrent use of alcohol and other 

drugs; however, NIAAA is NIH’s primary source for 

information on alcohol-related issues. 

NIAAA Press Office: 301-443-3860

Web: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov

WHO TO CALL FOR WHAT

National Institutes of Health

within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

33
Science of mental health 

prevention and treatment

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

NIMH is the primary NIH Institute conducting 

research on mental disorders. NIMH and NIDA often 

collaborate on research, as comordibity is common 

(about 6 in 10 people with substance abuse problems 

also have co-occuring mental illnesses); however, 

NIMH is NIH’s primary source for information on 

mental health research. 

NIMH Press Office: 301-443-4536

E-mail: NIMHpress@mail.nih.gov

Web: http://www.nimh.nih.gov

Other Relevant Agencies Within DHHS

For more information

on these subjects: Contact:

National Survey on Drug 

Use and Health, Treatment 

Facility Locator, and 

Treatment Block Grants 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Services Administration (SAMHSA)

SAMHSA conducts the National Survey on Drug 

Use and Health that is published every autumn. 

SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention 

provides national leadership in the development of 

substance abuse programs and services through 

prevention and treatment block grants. SAMHSA’s 

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment provides a 

nationwide treatment facility locator (including a 

national toll-free referral number) and maintains a 

list of methadone treatment centers by State as well 

as information on physicians authorized to prescribe 

buprenorphine. SAMHSA and NIDA work closely 

together to integrate the latest on addiction science 

into community-based programs. 

SAMHSA Press Office: 240-276-2130

Web: http://www.samhsa.gov

Safety and efficacy 

of medications

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

FDA assures the safety and efficacy of medical 

drugs and produces education programs that 

advise consumers on how to take medicines safely. 

FDA and NIDA share information on scientific and 

communications programs related to safe medicines. 

FDA Press Office: 301-827-6250

Web: http://www.fda.gov

Smoking prevention 

and cessation

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health works on a 

range of issues related to tobacco use, including 

promoting youth prevention and helping current 

smokers quit. In addition, CDC’s National Center 

for Health Statistics is an excellent source for 

national health statistics, including data about 

substance abuse. 

CDC Press Office: 202-395-6618

Web: http://www.cdc.gov/media/ 

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/

FDA Center for Tobacco Products

The FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) 

oversees the implementation of the Family Smoking 

Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Some of the 

Agency’s responsibilities under the law include 

setting performance standards, reviewing premarket 

applications for new and modified risk tobacco 

products, requiring new warning labels, and 

establishing and enforcing advertising and promotion 

restrictions.

CTP press office: 1-877.CTP.1373, option 2

Web: http://www.fda.gov/tobaccoproducts

34 35
AIDS.gov

HHS collaborates with departments and agencies 

across the Federal government to (1) expand visibility 

of timely and relevant Federal HIV policies, programs, 

and resources to the American public; (2) increase 

use of new media tools by government, minority, and 

other community partners to extend the reach of HIV 

programs to communities at greatest risk; and (3) 

increase knowledge about HIV and access to HIV 

services for people most at-risk for, or living with, 

HIV.

AIDS.gov press office: press@aids.gov

Relevant Offices Outside DHHS

36

When your story

is the science of addiction,

NIDA is your source.

NIDA Press Office

301-443-6245

media@nida.nih.gov

Latest news from NIDA

www. drugabuse.gov/news-events/news

HIV/AIDS

Office of National Drug Control Policy 

(ONDCP)

ONDCP is a component of the Executive Office 

of the President. ONDCP shares information 

and collaborates with NIDA on a variety of 

addiction science issues; however, ONDCP is 

the chief office setting the policies, priorities, 

and objectives for the Nation’s drug control 

program. 

ONDCP Press Office: 202-395-6618

Web: www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 

within the U.S. Department of Justice

The DEA enforces the controlled substances 

laws and regulations of the United States. 

Although the DEA shares information with 

NIDA on drug supply issues, questions 

concerning investigations into drug trafficking, 

the diversion of pharmaceuticals, or drugrelated criminal activity should be referred to 

the DEA press office. 

DEA Press Office: 202-307-7977

Web: http://www.dea.gov

Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)

BJS is an invaluable resource for 

data related to drug abuse and 

crime. BJS shares its data with 

NIDA as part of NIDA’s ongoing 

initiative to provide effective drug 

treatment within the criminal 

justice system. 

BJS Press Office: 202-514-2007

Web: http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/