lightbulb brain graphic
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

  • Complete Our Survey by May 15, 2024

    CAST has been selected as a pilot site for the Anti-Stigma Initiative through the Addiction Policy Forum (APF), a nationally recognized non-profit. We have partnered with APF to deploy a voluntary and anonymous survey to understand the perceptions people have of individuals who struggle with the disease of addiction. Results from the survey will provide valuable insight into the knowledge and attitudes people have towards addiction, as well as to help our community and medical providers identify challenges, barriers, and gaps in these areas. Survey responses requested by May 15th.
  • 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

  • Belly of the Whale: Mental Health & Addiction Conference - April 18th, 2024

    This event is a collaboration between the Spiritual Care Network, ADA Women's Center, and Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) with other local nonprofit organizations. The annual event is a open to the community, mental health professionals, and faith leaders. 

    Location: Moody Methodist Church, Galveston

    Date/Time: Wednesday, April 18, 2024; 8:00AM-3:00PM

    Learn more about the 2024 Belly of the Whale Conference.

  • Sci Cafe, Shattering Stigma: Addiction and Mental Health - April 24th, 2024

    UTMB’s Institute for Translational Sciences and the Sealy Center for Environmental Health & Medicine invite you to participate in a conversation on Shattering Stigma: Addiction and Mental Health.

    Location: MOD Coffeehouse, 2126 Post Office Street, Galveston

    Date/Time: Wednesday, April 24, 2024; 5:30-6:30PM

    This conversation features Kathryn Cunningham, PhD, Director, Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics (CAST), University of Texas Medical Branch; David Houghton. PhD, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch; Emma Tumilty, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Bioethics and Health Humanities, University of Texas Medical Branch; Kimberly Beatty, LCSW-S, Executive Director, ADA Women’s Recovery Center; and Michael Gienger, Pastor, Galveston Central Church.

 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: April 19, 2024 RMG