These new advances have led to the development of an array of new treatments and evidence-based therapies. However, the efficacy of these therapies for drug addiction has been demonstrated primarily in specialized research settings, with somewhat restricted patient populations. In order to fulfill NIDA’s total mission, advances achieved in drug abuse research centers must reach patients in the community-based settings where most treatment is provided.

Beginning in 2000, in an effort to enhance the delivery of scientifically based treatments to drug abuse patients, NIDA established the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN). The CTN is at the cutting-edge of improving the quality of drug treatment in the United States by introducing scientifically proven treatments in community-based treatment programs. It has enabled rapid, concurrent testing of a wide range of promising behavioral therapies, medications, and their combined use across a range of populations, treatment settings, and community environments. Along with the CTN studies, SSTAR has been involved in pharmaceutical research studies, which has allowed us to be on the forefront of revolutionary drug treatment options.

SSTAR was invited to partner with Mclean Hospital of Harvard University and four other community treatment programs (CTPs) across New England to form what is known as the New England Node. SSTAR is currently involved in many clinical trials and has completed multiple other others to date. These studies not only afford us the professional and intellectual fulfillment of working with the nation’s best academic researchers, but also allow us to provide no cost, cutting-edge treatment to our patients. If you are interested in learning more about research at SSTAR, please email us at: [email protected] You can also click the tabs on the left to find out more about the ongoing research studies here at SSTAR.