Nearly 300 experts in substance use disorders convened at LSU Health Sciences Center for the CPDD-RSA-LSU Joint Program, a two-day event spotlighting the latest advancements and collaborative efforts in addressing polysubstance use.

The CPDD Community came together during the Annual Meeting to support a vital program in the New Orleans landscape — Odyssey House — with a heartfelt $1,000 donation . Established in 1973, Odyssey House Louisiana provides holistic and client-centered services in a safe environment that addresses the full continuum of special care needs for the state of Louisiana. OHL’s system...

The College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) proudly celebrates the outstanding individuals honored with the 2025 Awards for Excellence—recognizing their remarkable contributions to the field of substance use disorder research.

The College on Problems of Drug Dependence recently announced the recipients of the 2025 Travel Awards. Each recipient will receive travel funds toward their attendance at this year’s meeting.

Over the past several months,CPDD Public Policy Committee has been at the forefront of national advocacy efforts to advance research in substance use disorders. These initiatives have focused on increasing federal funding, streamlining research regulations, and preparing for shifting political landscapes following the 2024 elections.

CPDD is proud to announce the 2025-2026 President-Elect and new Board of Directors members who will help guide our organization into its next chapter. This group of leaders brings a wealth of experience, insight, and passion to our mission. Each new director offers a unique perspective that will strengthen our strategic direction and help us continue to grow, innovate, and...

CPDD is aware of the Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates, released late Friday night. We are actively reviewing its implications to assess the impact on NIH-funded research, universities, and the broader scientific community.   We recognize the urgency of this issue and the significant consequences of the indirect cost rate cap, particularly in...

CPDD Adds New Resource for Early Career Members to Find Open Psychology PhD Positions Psychology PhD Wiki is a crowdsourced platform designed to provide up-to-date information on available PhD positions in psychology. The site serves as a resource for prospective students seeking open positions and faculty members looking to recruit graduate students for the upcoming academic year.   Faculty members...

CPDD Community Update: Addressing NIH Program Changes and Ongoing Support We understand that the recent announcement regarding the halt of NIH programs, external communications, and travel restrictions has created a great deal of concern and uncertainty within the CPDD community. These changes are likely to impact not only ongoing projects but also future planning and collaborations. We want to acknowledge...

CPDD is excited to welcome Dr. Eric Nestler as a special feature speaker at the 87th CPDD Conference in New Orleans, LA, June 14-18, 2025. Dr. Nestler will share his perspectives on addiction research and offer valuable insights for substance use disorder researchers. This is a valuable opportunity to network with and gain knowledge from one of the leading experts...

Reflecting on Our Achievements: A Parting Message from Outgoing CPDD President Dear CPDD Members, Having recently ended my term as President of CPDD, I wanted to take this opportunity to say what a privilege and pleasure it was to serve in this role for the College. The past year has been a significant one for CPDD as  we celebrated our...

CPDD Renames the Mentorship Award to the Robert Balster Mentorship Award Brentwood, TN – July 30, 2024 – The College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) is proud to announce the establishment of the Robert Balster Mentorship Award, as a tribute to Dr. Robert Balster’s distinguished career as a scholar, exceptional mentor, and long-time CPDD member. This award will now...

CPDD Statement on Psychedelics: Cautions and Support for More Investment in Psychedelic Research CPDD supports expanded federal and private sector investments in clinical studies examining the potential of psychedelic and dissociative medications for the treatment of psychiatric conditions. CPDD cautions against premature and/or hyperbolic misinterpretation of the careful, but limited, clinical research knowledge base as currently indicating quick fixes for...

Brentwood, TN - The College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) is proud to announce the 2024 Awards for Excellence recipients.

Brentwood, TN – The College on Problems of Drug Dependence recently announced the recipients of the 2024 Travel Awards. Each recipient will receive travel funds toward their attendance at this year’s meeting. Congratulations to all recipients. The Stephen G. Holtzman Travel Award for Preclinical Investigators:  This Travel Award was established by family & friends of Dr. Holtzman to honor his memory in tribute to his long-time...

Washington, DC – The College on Problems of Drug Dependence held its annual Advocacy Event on February 27, 2024. More than twenty CPDD members and representatives, representing twelve states, participated in meetings with 32 Congressional member offices. During the meetings, CPDD members advocated for increased substance use disorder research funding for NIDA, NIDA-specific Report language in committee reports accompanying the Fiscal...

CPDD is pleased to announce the results of the 2024 Officers and Board of Directors election. Dr. Kelly Dunn, Chair of the Nominating Committee, thanks the committee members for their time and diligent efforts in developing a strong slate of candidates for the 2024 Election. The newly elected individuals are:2024-25 CPDD President-ElectWendy Lynch, PhD University of Virginia School of MedicineBoard...

CPDD Establishes James L. Sorensen, PhD Memorial Fund Brentwood, TN – January 8, 2024 – The College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) is proud to announce the establishment of the James L. Sorensen, Ph.D. Memorial Fund as a tribute to the late Dr. James L. Sorensen, a visionary leader, distinguished scholar, beloved mentor, and long-time CPDD member. "Dr. James...

The CPDD Executive Office is pleased to announce the researchers who have been selected as the inaugural recipients of the CPDD Early Career Investigator Grant. This prestigious grant, totaling $10,000 each, is a testament to their contributions to the field of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). The esteemed awardees are as follows: Dr. Caitlyn Hood, Ph.D., University of Kentucky Dr. Justin...

  About the New Research Spotlight The Early Career Members Committee (ECMC) has a new Research Spotlight posted.  This Research Spotlight Series is designed to highlight notable members in CPDD and allow them to share their experiences and recommendations on how to be successful in the field of substance use and addictive disorders, particularly with members in training or those...