Research Institute On Addictions Transferred To UB

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Research Institute on Addictions (RIA), formerly a component of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), became part of the University at Buffalo today at ceremonies held at the institute, 1021 Main St.

RIA is recognized internationally for its research on the development of substance abuse problems and the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. The institute pumps $8.1 million a year in external research funding into the local economy, in addition to expending a state budget of $3.1 million.

RIA was established at the university in 1968 and became part of OASAS about a decade later.

Speaking at the ceremonies, UB President William R. Greiner noted, "The Research Institute on Addictions, a recognized international leader in substance-abuse research and treatment, plays a vital role in substance-abuse prevention efforts in Western New York.

"It is a pleasure to welcome RIA back into the UB community; its research interests are a natural match for those of our UB faculty, as we know from the collaborations already underway," he added. "We look forward to a highly productive relationship between RIA and UB in the future -- one that will benefit the region's residents as well."

Gerard J. Connors, Ph.D., RIA director and UB professor of psychology, said of the transition: "We are delighted with our merger with the university, and are excited about the new opportunities that will result for both RIA and UB."

Connors said the institute would continue to focus its research on alcohol and other substance use and abuse, and that it has expanded its emphases to include compulsive gambling.

"Today's celebration represents the end of four years of dedicated work and a 'new beginning' for RIA, the University at Buffalo and OASAS," added Paul S. Puccio, OASAS executive deputy commissioner.

"With this transfer to the State University, New York State will realize the opportunity to build upon the excellent addictions research reputation of RIA, strengthening multi-disciplinary research endeavors at the university, and significantly enhance its competitive position in seeking grants. Further, the affiliation between OASAS and UB will build new opportunities for academic and practitioner training and education, which ultimately will be of great advantage to the citizens of the state. This is a great new beginning for us all."

Sen. Dale M. Volker (R,C-Depew), senior member of the Western New York delegation to the state Legislature, noted that the transfer "makes for an exciting future for RIA and the University at Buffalo.

"I am confident this renewed relationship between such prestigious institutions will pay great dividends in the fight against substance abuse," Volker added.

RIA will function as a free-standing research institute within UB, reporting to David J. Triggle, Ph.D., UB provost. It will retain its identity and remain at its present location. Administration of RIA's grants will be transferred from the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene to the SUNY Research Foundation.

Current RIA research includes investigating alcohol use in early marriage; parenting and infant development in alcoholic families; ways of reducing DWI recidivism; skills training for parents of adolescent drug abusers, and heavy drinking, drug use, and blood-to-blood transmission between sexual partners in the transmission of hepatitis C.

RIA scientists recently began two projects on addictive gambling, one involving a nationwide survey of gambling behavior and alcohol use, and the second evaluating coping skills in individuals who have partners who are pathological gamblers.

The 126 RIA personnel currently employed by the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene will become SUNY Research Foundation employees. The 44 RIA employees on the state payroll will be transferred to SUNY.

The proposal to transfer RIA to UB was passed by the SUNY Board of Trustees last year, and was followed by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Greiner and Jean Somers Miller, OASAS commissioner. The state Legislature passed a transfer bill in August.

The merger brings RIA back to its roots. The institute was established at UB in 1968 by the state Department of Mental Hygiene to conduct research into alcoholism and potential treatments. Cedric Smith, Ph.D., UB professor of pharmacology and toxicology, was RIA's first director, serving until 1979. Through a series of changes in administration, both at UB and at the state level, RIA moved under the administrative jurisdiction of OASAS, although the two institutions maintained close research and educational ties.

This collaboration has resulted in various joint research programs, the most ambitious of which is a five-year study of the relationship of alcohol use and chronic diseases, funded by an $8 million federal grant awarded in 1993 jointly to RIA and the UB Department of Social and Preventive Medicine.