Nora D. Volkow, M.D., became Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health in May 2003. NIDA supports most of the world’s research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction.
Dr. Volkow’s work has been instrumental in demonstrating that drug addiction is a disease of the human brain. As a research psychiatrist and scientist, Dr. Volkow pioneered the use of brain imaging to investigate the toxic effects and addictive properties of abusable drugs. Her studies have documented changes in the dopamine system affecting, among others, the functions of frontal brain regions involved with motivation, drive, and pleasure in addiction. She has also made important contributions to the neurobiology of obesity, ADHD, and aging. Read more.
Director's Perspective from NIDA Notes
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Seek-Test-Treat-Retain To Stop the Spread of HIV (February 2013)
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The Present and Promise of mHealth (July 2012)
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Research Focuses on Groups With High Smoking Rates (April 2012)
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Substance Abuse Among Older Adults (December 2011)
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NIDA's Drug Abuse Research Advances Science as a Whole (November 2011)
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NIDA's Funding Priorities To Remain Constant (July 2011)
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Physical Activity May Prevent Substance Abuse (March 2011)
Testimony to Congress
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Dangerous Synthetic Drugs (September 25, 2013)
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Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Request (March 20, 2012)
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Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Request (May 11, 2011)
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Prescription Drug Abuse (September 22, 2010)
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Featured Publication
Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction
As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior.
Brookhaven National Laboratory WBNL Video
Chemistry celebration: FDG: Contribution to Our Understanding of Addiction
Friday, October 19, 2012 | Presented by Nora D. Volkow
Rockburn Presents
"Rockburn Presents: Dr. Nora Volkow," Cable Public Affairs Channel, By Ken Rockburn, September 2, 2012
Interviews with NIDA Scientists
NIDA scientists and grantees bring brain science to life in these video interviews conducted at NIDA's 2011 Frontiers in Science mini convention at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Washington, D.C.