National Institute of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Francis Collins (pictured left) announced recently that plans to proceed with a functional merger of existing research resources at NIAAA and NIDA rather than create a new addiction institute.

After review and consultation with stakeholders, NIH has opted for "functional integration." The phrase signifies an attempt to improve the coordination of its substance use, abuse, and addiction-related research without merging the two institutes.

As background, NCADD has attached the following information:

1. Statement by NIH Director Francis Collins
2. Functional Integration Announcement
3. Draft Scientific Strategic Plan re Functional Integration

Additional information on the plans for functional integration can be found here.

As more details become available NCADD will continue to keep you posted.