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Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics

CASTing light on cures for addiction at UTMB

Welcome to CASTEducating the next generation of scientists and building research capacity in substance use and mental health disorders to reduce health and societal burdens and destigmatize addiction

The Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics (CAST), formerly the Center for Addiction Research (CAR), recognizes that addiction is a disease and fosters collaborations with basic and clinical scientists and community/industry partners committed to improving the health of this vulnerable population.

  Read more about CAST at UTMB

Contact Us

Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics
Phone: (409) 772-3093
Email:  CAST@utmb.edu 
Mailing address:
301 University Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77555-0615

 News


News

  • New CAST Website Launched

    In January 2024, we unveiled an upgraded website dedicated to facilitating communication and information sharing for the Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics (CAST). Formerly known as The Center for Addiction Research (CAR), which was established in 2004 as a key institutional center promoting discovery and translational research in addictive processes, CAST underwent a rebranding in 2023.

    Created as a coordinating force for research in the etiology and pathophysiology of addiction, CAR's success prompted a name change to the Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics (CAST) in spring 2023. This rebranding highlights our commitment to treating addiction as a disease, showcasing breakthrough scientific approaches in overcoming neuropsychiatric disorders, and emphasizing that our discoveries are paving the way for innovative therapeutics. Ultimately, our mission is to provide hope, save lives, and enhance productivity through impactful scientific advancements. Explore the new CAST website to stay informed and engaged with our transformative work.

  Events

Events

  • Hidden in Plain Sight: The Truth about Vaping & Fentanyl - March 18th, 2024

    Galveston County parents night to raise awareness of types of vaping devices, health concerns, and youth vaping trends and risks, as well as fentanyl and xyalazine
  • St. Vincent’s Winter Family Health Fest - Jan 27th, 2024

    Raise awareness of opioid overdose, fentanyl, and other illicit drugs
  • Yaga’s Chili Fest - Jan 13th, 2024

    Distribute free Narcan, raise awareness of opioid overdose, fentanyl, and other illicit drugs

 Momentum Networks


Diagram describing three networks where human/animal, chemical/molelecular and clinical/population components interact

Three Momentum Networks (MNs) have been developed to advance and integrate profiles of knowledge in translational studies toward personalized treatment. The first MN discovers mechanistic drivers of dysfunctional neural processing that initiate and sustain disorders (“cell to human”). The second MN employs this knowledge to advance toward personalized cognitive and medication therapies. The third MN emphasizes the translation of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) sciences into clinical, population, and public health strategies, harnessing health analytics to accelerate precision medicine and clinical health advances.

  Read more about our Mission & Objectives


Last Updated: March 12, 2024 RMG