Drug Abuse Research: A Shifting Paradigm

Abstract

In 1962, Thomas Kuhn wrote “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions” and popularized the concept of “paradigm shift.” Kuhn commented that scientific 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.