CRISM-Quebec-Maritimes: Research on interventions in drug misuse

Substance misuse remains a significant global public health problem which carries a heavy burden for abusers and their families alike. This disorder is indeed associated with suffering and severe health problems in patients, distress among family members, as well as tremendous costs to society. Unfortunately, prevention strategies still need to be effectively implemented and only a minority of addicted individuals receives adequate treatment. Moreover, conventional treatment strategies are often insufficient in treating addiction and no medication is yet available for a number of substances such as stimulants and cannabis. It is now widely accepted that research that could address these needs should involve not only scientists, but also clinicians, policy-makers and affected individuals. While individuals interact with each other at various levels (clinical, administrative), this is rarely as part of a cohesive interdisciplinary group. Substance users are for the most part absent of the knowledge generation and transfer processes. The overarching goal of this Node proposal is to provide a dynamic research environment where partners are engaged to identify crucial needs and priorities, and work together toward the development and implementation of intervention research in the area of substance misuse. The integration of regional research activities will facilitate national and international high quality, integrated, multisite research projects. Initial priorities will focus around development, evaluation and dissemination of interventions along four themes: i) substance-specific and poly-substance use problems; ii) substance misuse and mental health comorbidities; iii) substance misuse and pain; and iv) substance misuse and medical comorbidities.