Welcome to the Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR)
Decoding addiction and discovering cures
Substance abuse disorders and addiction have a devastating impact on individuals, families and our communities. At CSAR, we are dedicated to advancing our understanding of addiction neurobiology — from molecules to neural pathways to brain circuits to behavior — to uncover how substance use disrupts the brain and contributes to addiction.
Understanding the science behind addiction is key to developing effective treatments. Our team of world-renowned dedicated faculty, researchers and trainees is pioneering research that explores how misused drugs and alcohol alter brain function and behavior.
We have more than 30 faculty members with primary appointments in 11 different departments across the School of Medicine, the School of Pharmacy and the College of Liberal Arts. Our investigators take multidisciplinary approaches, including molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience and behavioral science.
By studying these processes at a basic science level, we aim to identify new approaches to prevent and treat substance use disorders and, ultimately, help create healthier communities. In addition, through our discoveries, we are exploring ways to safely harness addictive drugs and their analogs to treat pain, inflammation, analgesia and associated co-morbidities.
Beyond our groundbreaking research, CSAR is deeply committed to education and training. Through hands-on research experience and mentorship from leading experts in the field, we foster the next generation of scientists who will make transformative contributions to the understanding of addiction and developing treatment.
Collaboration, scientific exploration and innovation drive our mission by using rigorous, cutting-edge studies that can lead to real-world solutions. Together, we are leading the fight against substance abuse and addiction by uncovering new insights and transforming the future of addiction prevention and treatment.
Anjali Rajadhyaksha, PhD
Director, Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR)