Drug Abuse Research: A Shifting Paradigm

• Date: 01 January 2009
• Published date: 01 January 2009
• Author: Sonia A. Alemagno
• DOI: 10.1177/002204260903900117
• Subject Matter: Article

© 2009 BY THE JOURNAL OF DRUG ISSUES

JOURNAL OF DRUG ISSUES 0022-0426/09/01 223-226

__________

Sonia A. Alemagno, Ph.D., is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute for the Study and Prevention

of Violence and Interim Associate Dean of the Graduate School at Kent State University,

Kent, Ohio.

DRUG ABUSE RESEARCH: A SHIFTING PARADIGM

SONIA A. ALEMAGNO

In 1962, Thomas Kuhn wrote “The Structure of Scientif‌i c Revolutions” and

popularized the concept of “paradigm shift.” Kuhn commented that scientif‌i c

advancement is not evolutionary, but involves “a series of peaceful interludes

punctuated by intellectually violent revolutions.” It is during these revolutions

that “one conceptual world is replaced by another.” The presentations of the

researchers at this conference represent the shifting paradigm of drug abuse

research. The presentations at “40 Years of Drug Abuse” Research” will prompt

future researchers to integrate the collective work of distinguished epidemiologists,

ethnographers, neurobiologists, pharmacologists, as well as prevention, treatment,

services, and policy researchers. As the next generation, we are called to use

methods that are both transdisciplinary and translational. A transdisciplinary and

translational future will require next generation drug abuse researchers to apply

knowledge of basic science to prevention or treatment strategies.

INTRODUCTION

When Dr. Zili Sloboda f‌i rst asked me to participate in a panel of “Next

Generation Drug Abuse Researchers” that would take place at a conference

entitled “40 Years of Drug Abuse Research,” my f‌i rst reaction was that there was

nothing more I could possibly say following the thoughts of the most distinguished

researchers in our f‌i eld. The extraordinary achievements of those presenting at this

conference collectively represent the best in the race to implement best practices

in drug abuse research, treatment, and policies. My second reaction was to ponder

the term “drug abuse research” and what the future holds for the next generation.

When entering this f‌i eld more than 10 years ago, I thought I would f‌i nd a clear

focus. Since that time, however, I have found that a drug abuse researcher cannot

go forward without becoming involved in many other realms, such as mental

health, public health, health services, criminology, and public policy.

Ref‌l ecting on change has been an ongoing theme of “40 Years of Drug Abuse