Established in 1989, CASAA has developed an outstanding international reputation as a center for research on the epidemiology, prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug use disorders and the adverse consequences of use. CASAA’s 80 staff, faculty, and affiliated members have the mission of generating, conveying, and applying knowledge to reduce the suffering related to addiction. The center is a multi-million dollar entity.

CASAA investigators have a long history of successful NIH funding. CASAA also supports students at all levels in research and maintains an NIH Institutional Research Training Grant to support pre- and post-doctoral trainees. Finally, CASAA investigators support the research mission of the University through service on university-wide committees and by providing proposal-writing training through a formal annual seminar and individualized mentoring.

CASAA’s work is multidisciplinary and includes collaborations with multiple UNM Main Campus and Health Sciences Center departments as well as with investigators at institutions throughout the US and internationally. The ability to navigate the intricacies of a complex institutional environment is critical. CASAA researchers are leaders in one of UNM's Research Grand Challenges, a University Presidential initiative. The Substance Use Disorders Challenge brings together nearly 100 researchers and community partners in a strategic, coordinated and integrated approach to improve outcomes for communities within New Mexico and to advance UNM’s standing as an incubator for substance use research innovation. The Grand Challenges initiative further enables researchers to work across disciplinary boundaries and provides institutional investments and support for pilot projects that will lead to additional extramural funding.

A full description of the current research of CASAA-affiliated faculty is available at https://casaa.unm.edu/investigators.html.