Research Review

NIDA Launches Addiction Performance Project for Clinicians

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has announced the launch of its Addiction Performance Project, an innovative continued medical education program designed to help primary care providers break down the stigma associated with addiction. The program includes dramatic interpretation of a family's struggle with addiction, followed by a dialogue among participants aimed to foster compassion, cooperation, and understanding for patients living with this disease.

Of the 23.5 million patients who needed specialized treatment for a drug or alcohol problem in 2009, nearly 90% had not received it. Research suggests that primary care providers could significantly help reduce drug use, before it escalates to abuse or addiction. However, many express concern that they do not have the experience or tools to identify drug use in their patients.

Each performance begins with a dramatic reading of Act III of Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey into Night.

Readings are followed by an expert panel reaction and facilitated audience discussion that fosters compassion, cooperation, and understanding for addicted patients and their families. Addiction Performance Project is part of the NIDA's outreach to practicing physicians, physicians in training, and other health professionals. Performances are free, but seating is limited, and registration is recommended. Attendees do not have to be registrants at the conferences where some performances take place.  For more information on the Addiction Performance Project, or to register for a performance, visit www.drugabuse.gov/nidamed/APP.

— Source: National Institutes of Health