• Identifying and seeking involvement by high-profile individuals affected by addiction to discuss the scientific basis of the treatment of addictive disorders and the need for new research.

To address these challenges, the committee recommends:

• Consumer and other advocacy groups should be encouraged to strengthen their focus on the need for research on the causes, prevention, and treatment of addictive disorders.

• Liaison relationships and joint activities should be explored among advocacy groups to increase public understanding of addictive disorders. Activities could include meetings of representatives of provider groups, state and local health departments, and established grassroots advocacy groups, to develop cohesive, workable strategies to accomplish change.

IOM (Institute of Medicine). 1995. The Development of Medications for the Treatment of Opiate and Cocaine Addictions. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

IOM. 1996. Pathways of Addiction: Opportunities in Drug Abuse Research . Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

Miller NS. 1991. Drug and alcohol addiction as a disease. In: Miller NS, ed. Comprehensive Handbook of Drug and Alcohol Addiction. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc. Pp. 295–309.

NAMA (National Alliance of Methadone Advocates). 1996. Factsheet [http://www.nama.org]. October.