Rutgers Center of Alcohol Studies is teaming up with Ambrosia Treatment Center to fight the growing substance abuse epidemic with science and real-world analysis.
Building on decades of pioneering research, the partnership will test new conceptual models and identify evidence-based best practices for addiction treatment. The goal is to find practical ways to improve client services and outcomes, and serve as a foundation for strengthening addiction education.
“We are very excited to be partnering with Ambrosia to integrate alcohol and drug research with community treatment approaches to find feasible strategies to improve the way the disease of addiction is treated. As the number of drug and alcohol dependent individuals continues to grow, we believe that collaborations such as this one are needed to help society find more answers,” ,” states Dr. Marsha Bates, Acting Director for the Center of Alcohol Studies.
Both entities are known for their leadership in the field of addiction.
The Center of Alcohol Studies was the first interdisciplinary research center in the world devoted to the study of alcohol use, problems and treatment; a model that has been replicated hundreds of times. The Center’s mission now includes a significant focus on drugs other than alcohol in response to growing social and scientific concerns with trends in drug use, abuse and dependence.
Ambrosia is accredited by the Joint Commission and has helped over 10,000 clients with five locations across the country, including a new Beverly Hills rehabilitation center. The company is known for innovation, actively lobbying for legislation and publicly fighting to end the stigma of addiction.
“Research is critical,” stated Jerry Haffey, Ambrosia’s CEO. “By tracking all data points — including seemingly unrelated details like how often a client goes to the gym — we can come up with formulas for each individual that increase the likelihood of their permanent recovery. Rutgers has so much to offer including proven research processes, advanced data modeling and neuropsychological testing. Each evidence-based plan we tailor will now be that much more effective.”
The partnership has already started developing new strategies for measuring the processes of treatment and its outcomes, a first step in understanding how people change during treatment. Ambrosia has several addiction treatment centers in Florida.
Dr. Marsha Bates with Dr. Jennifer Buckman of Rutgers“We aim to improve the lives of those struggling with addiction,” Dr. Bates added.
Drs. Bates is working with Dr. Jennifer Buckman, Interim Director of the Education & Training Division at the Center of Alcohol Studies. Both are funded by the National Institutes of Health to study the use of breathing techniques to reduce addiction cravings and map how alcohol and drug cues affect the brain and trigger relapse. These scientists have been honored for Distinguished Service and Distinguished Scientific Contribution by the American Psychological Association’s Division 50 (Society of Addiction Psychology).
