LITTLE ROCK – The Center for Addiction Research at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has received a $4.5 million grant to continue studies on substance abuse and computerized treatment.

The studies focus on treatments for outpatients who are dependent on opioids, such as heroin and oxycontin, or dependent on both opioids and cocaine.  The goal is to enhance the efficiency of treatment. Among the interventions studied is the use of computerized programs to encourage abstinence from drugs and risky behavior.

The five-year grant was awarded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health. People interested in participating in the studies may call 501-526-7969. All calls are confidential.

While involved in the trials, participants will be prescribed buprenorphine, a new medication proven to assist opioid-dependent patients. UAMS has one of only three outpatient clinics in the state providing prescription medications for heroin dependence. The Center for Addiction Research is part of the UAMS College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry.

“Information from these studies may result in less expensive treatments for substance abuse and make those treatments more available,” said Warren K. Bickel, Ph.D., Wilbur D. Mills chair of alcoholism and drug abuse prevention, professor of Psychiatry, director of the Center for Addiction Research and lead researcher for the studies. “This project will improve our state’s public health by increasing opportunities for opioid-dependent individuals to receive  treatment in Arkansas.”

UAMS is the state’s only comprehensive academic health center, with five colleges, a graduate school, a medical center, five centers of excellence and a statewide network of regional centers. UAMS has more than 2,200 students and 660 residents and is the state’s largest public employer with almost 9,000 employees. UAMS and its affiliates have an economic impact in Arkansas of $4.3 billion a year.

UAMS centers of excellence are the Arkansas Cancer Research Center, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy and Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute.