National Institute on Drug Abuse IRP

At the forefront of research, prevention, and support for substance use disorders in the Baltimore – Washington, D.C. area.

Our Mission

At the National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program (NIDA IRP), we are committed to transforming lives through groundbreaking research, education, and community engagement. As a leading institution dedicated to understanding and addressing substance use disorders, our mission is to uncover the causes, study the consequences, and develop effective treatments for these complex conditions.

Guided by our dedication to scientific excellence and compassion, we work collaboratively with the communities we serve to promote well-being and resilience. By fostering partnerships, mentoring future leaders, and advancing evidence-based solutions, we aim to reduce the impact of substance use disorders and empower individuals and families to thrive.

Get Involved

Our vision is to build healthier, more resilient communities. By fostering partnerships, offering educational resources, and conducting groundbreaking research, we work to address the challenges of substance use disorders and contribute to lasting change. Join Us in Making a Difference.

Past Events

: Baltimore County African American Cultural Festival

: Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center Wellness Day

: B’More Healthy Expo

: Capital Jazz Festival

: Greater Baltimore Church

: JHU Wellness Day

: Montgomery Goes Purple

: NAADAC

: Ubiquitous Women’s Expo

: Druid Hill YMCA

: Yo Baltimore

: People Encouraging People

NOTE: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal sites. Linking to a non-federal site does not constitute an endorsement by NIDA, HHS, or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on these sites. You will be subject to the destination site’s privacy policy when you follow these links.

Community Partners and Collaborators

Partnering for Change
We actively partner with local schools and organizations to raise awareness about substance use disorders. Through these collaborations, we promote prevention strategies, provide educational resources, and support the well-being of individuals and families affected by substance abuse.

Overdose Reversal Training
We offer free overdose reversal trainings to community members, equipping them with life-saving skills to effectively respond to overdoses. By providing these resources, we aim to create safer, more informed communities.

A Naloxone inhaler

Maryland Poison Center
A part of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. The mission of the Maryland Poison Center is to decrease the cost and complexity of poisoning and overdose care while maintaining and/or improving patient outcomes.
Learn more.

Love and Cornbread
A Baltimore City based nonprofit that serves the residents of Baltimore City. Their mission is to improve food equity and health outcomes in underserved areas of Baltimore City. They provide ready to serve meals and access to health care services. Love and Cornbread collaborates with community leaders and currently partners with Tuerk House to refer for addiction treatment services. Their underlying premise is to treat community members with dignity and respect, offering wholesome nourishment of body and soul.
Learn more.

Helping Hands Empowering & Lifting People (HHelp)
The mission of HHelp is to assist people living with alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder navigate the complex maze of paperwork, procedures and barriers that are often daunting to individuals and families seeking treatment. HHelp was established after Ms. Dawkins experienced a family member who struggled with AUD and SUD and sadly lost their life to an overdose.
Learn more.

ISSAIAH HOUSE, Inc.
Provides men 18 and over who commit to overcoming alcohol and drug addiction, housing, room and board, drug education and life skills. ISSAIAH HOUSE is a level 3 inpatient facility. Their main objective is to provide men, who have the desire and willingness to pursue freedom from alcohol and drug addiction, every opportunity to develop the tools necessary for recovery. They are committed to providing their clients with a safe, supportive, substance free environment and to always treat them with dignity and respect. They encourage their clients to work together in a spirit of unity to rebuild their lives, develop a strong foundation for their recovery, and to become productive members of society.
Learn more.

Upton Druid Heights Strengthening Families Coalition
Works to improve the lives of families and youth living in the Upton/Druid Heights neighborhood. They work closely with Douglas Memorial Community Church and other faith-based organizations in Baltimore.

NOTE: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal sites. Linking to a non-federal site does not constitute an endorsement by NIDA, HHS, or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on these sites. You will be subject to the destination site’s privacy policy when you follow these links.

Podcasts

Advancing the Science of Addiction with the National Institute on Drug Abuse IRP – Hosted by Jimmy Alexander

A Federal News Network Podcast
Sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse

Lorenzo Leggio, M.D., Ph.D.
Download MP3 Audio File (56.6 MB)

Amy Newman, Ph.D.
Download MP3 Audio File (56.6 MB)

Betty Jo Salmeron M.D.
Download MP3 Audio File (54.7 MB)

Lisa Farinelli, Ph.D. and Stephen Thomas. Ph.D.
Download MP3 Audio File (56.7 MB)

Nick Christian, M.D.
Download Part 1 MP3 Audio File (56.6 MB)
Download Part 2 MP3 Audio File (56.6 MB)