Narcotics research, rehabilitation, and treatment. Hearings, Ninety ...

476sponsoring the developinent and evaluation of narcotic antagonists, such ascj'Clazocine and naloxone, and longer-acting narcotic substitutes such as L-alphaacetyl-methadol.A longer acting narcotic substitute would greatl.y decrease thecost of a maintenance program and allow the patient to live a more normal life.We are also supporting research into the development of a nontoxic removableimplant which can deliver an antagonist drug such as cyclazocine slowly into thepatient's system over a period of time so that the need for repeated medicationwould be markedly reduced. While these treatment approaches are promising, itis far too early to assess their ultimate safety and efficacy.With regard to prevention of drug abuse, the Institute together with otherFederal agencies is sponsoring a public information and education eiTort. Informationand education alone, however, will not be sufficient to prevent drug abuse.In many instances, drug abuse stems from motives and social conditions whichare not readily affected b}" education. Prevention efforts must include, therefore,broad programs of social reform and psychological help to allow meaningful,satisfying lives for adolescents as well as adults. Prevention efforts must, ofcourse, also include efforts to limit the suppl}' of illicit drugs and the diversionof legal drugs into illicit channels.Question 9. Would more money for research in these areas hasten the discoveryof effective cures and treatment?Answer. Yes; it is highly probable that additional funds would have thisresvilt.In recent years there have been two major developments which increase thelikelihood of "payoff" in the treatment area from additional research. The firstof these is that an increasing number of competent scientists are now availableto vmdertake research in the drug abuse area. In the past, few skilled investigatorswere available to undertake studies in this area.Second, recent research work in several basic fields now has increased thelikelihood of significant breakthroughs in the near future that may well havesubstantial implications for treatment programs. For example, the work ofDr. Julius Axelrod, the Nobel laureate, in the NIMH intramural researchlaboratories, on Dopamine; and that of Dr. William ^Martin at the NIMH AddictionResearch Center in Lexington, Ky., on tryptamine, represent significantprogress in our understanding of basic neurological processes underlying narcoticaddiction.Question 10. What role in research do you believe should be played by privateindustry and private scientific organizations such as the National Academy of SciencesResearch Council?Answer. Apart from the research efforts of pharmaceutical companies, whichare for the most part focused on commercially feasible compounds, roles forprivate industry in drug abuse research are only beginning to emerge. The NIMHwould encourage the participation of private industry in this area.Several private foundations have expressed interest regarding roles theymight play in narcotic addiction and drug abuse research. On May 26 SecretaryRichardson and representatives of other Federal agencies will be meeting withfoundation executives to explore this matter in greater detail.Staff of the NIMH have initiated discussions with the Division of BehavioralSciences of the National Academy of Sciences regarding a role for the Academyin evaluating the impact of the NIMH drug information and education program.The Academy has expressed interest in this project but no formal agreementshave as yet been reached. In addition, the National Academy of Sciences recentlybrought together a panel of experts in drug abuse research to advise iton possible roles for the Academy regarding heroin and related drugs. The Academyis considering undertaking activities through its Divisions of MedicalSciences and Behavioral Sciences but has not as yet reached linal decision regardingthese activities and has not made them public.Question 11. What system have you developed to prevent a recurrence of the problemsthat now exist with regard to the lack of information on marihuana? We understandthat so little is known about marihiiana that it has been necessary to increase thefimding in marihuana research from $1.5 million in 1969 to $3 .3 million in 1971 while