Understanding, curing alcoholism one donation at a time: 8/15

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Understanding, curing alcoholism one donation at a time

The stigma surrounding alcoholism not only affects individuals suffering from the disease, but can also affect research efforts. Institutions investigating alcohol and drug abuse typically receive fewer donations than those researching diseases such as cancer or diabetes. In an effort to de-stigmatize a disease that affects so many people, the Diane Beever Trust has donated $500,000 to the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs (CDAP).

The funds will be used in a variety of ways to support research and preventive education regarding alcoholism, foster better understanding of the reasons why people drink excessively and to discover new ways to prevent and treat alcohol-related conditions.

“It is gratifying that the Beever Trust saw fit to provide money for cutting edge research in alcoholism,” said Raymond Anton, M.D., CDAP director. “There is hope that others will follow suit to support the search for the cause, prevention, and treatment of this devastating illness.”

Research areas could include:

Investigations into the genetic basis of alcohol effects and alcohol use disorders;

Finding ways of preventing and treating ‘high risk’ individuals;

Conducting pioneering brain imaging studies in adolescents and young adults who might be vulnerable to developing alcohol use disorders; and

Extending outreach and educational efforts to inform the general public about the causes, progression, and treatments for alcohol use disorders.

Friday, Aug. 15, 2008
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