Translational Research
Making Addiction Science Easier to Understand
In all of its activities, the Betty Ford Institute attempts to translate and disseminate scientific findings to promote a more informed public view of addiction as a brain disease, to remove the stigma against the addicts who suffer from it, and to foster and shape future research agendas.
Helpful Information and Tools
Our Newsletters
- For professionals who work with kids - "Planting Seeds"
- About a variety of the latest addiction research - “Sci-Mat”
How do we bridge the gap between science and practice?
Science has finally established alcohol and other drug addiction as a brain disease. Yet, public denial of this truth remains rampant.
- Tens of thousands die needlessly every year from substance use disorders.
- Families suffering because of addiction are riddled with feelings of rage, sorrow, bewilderment and shame.
- Alcohol and other drugs play a major role in crimes of theft, domestic violence, rape, child maltreatment, homicide and suicide.
- Substance abuse and addiction cost federal, state and local governments at least $467.7 billion in 2005. The total financial impact on the nation is, of course, much greater.
It is no longer ethical or acceptable to ignore this national crisis
- Research findings about the disease of addiction must be translated into language that both physicians and the general public can understand.
- Changing how people think about addiction to alcohol and other drugs will change the current climate of stigma, misunderstanding and denial.
- Changes in attitudes about addiction will cause changes in behavior…individually and across the nation.
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