June 14-18, 2025 | New Orleans, LA – The 87th Annual Scientific Meeting of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD), brought together a vibrant community of scientists, clinical researchers, representatives from industry, academia, and government as well as others from clinical settings. With 1,297 attendees from 35 countries, the conference served as a dynamic forum for sharing cutting-edge research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and exploring innovative approaches to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders.
A Program Full of Impressive and Thought-Provoking Science
The Annual Meeting delivered a truly remarkable scientific program: featuring over 1,000 unique learning opportunities that spanned the full spectrum of addiction research. From pre-clinical studies exploring the neurobiological underpinnings of substance use disorders to innovative clinical trials testing new treatment modalities, the program offered something for every attendee—whether a seasoned researcher, clinician, or early-career scientist.
Attendees engaged with research and thought leaders through symposia, poster sessions, workshops, and plenary talks that not only showcased groundbreaking data but also fostered critical dialogue on the future of addiction science and public health.
President’s Keynote
Dr. Christopher McCurdy’s presentation on kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) offered a compelling exploration of this complex botanical, bridging its traditional roots with its emerging role in modern science. Attendees walked away with a deeper understanding of kratom’s pharmacological profile, its potential therapeutic applications—particularly in the context of substance use disorders—and the nuanced risks associated with its use.
Addiction NeuroBurst Track
This year’s inaugural Addiction NeuroBurst Program was a resounding success. The intimate setting and targeted focus on addiction neuroscience research for neuroscience researchers proved an engaging forum for learning, discussion, and innovation. The Program Committee is excited to continue the Neuroscience track again next year in Portland.
Early Career Members Committee Poster Competition Winners
We’re excited to recognize the outstanding early-career researchers who were selected as winners of this year’s ECMC Poster Competition. Congratulations to Anika Holton (NIDA) and Jeffrey Rogers (SDSU/UCSD Joint Program in Clinical Psychology) for their work on Exploring Neural Correlates of Alexithymia in Healthy Individuals: Implications for Substance-Using Populations; Damaris Albores-Garcia (Cinvestav) for her study on Effects of Naloxone, 5’-GNTI, and Atipamezole on Fentanyl-Xylazine Lethality in Mice; and Bryan Jenkins (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) for his research on A Multidimensional Model of the Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome in Male and Female Rats. We applaud their contributions to advancing the field and thank all participants for their exceptional work!