NIDA's New Theater Project Educates Clinicians on Addiction

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) this month launched the Addiction Performance Project, a theater-based continued medical education program focused on breaking down the stigma associated with addiction.

The program includes dramatic interpretation of a family’s struggle with addiction, followed by a dialogue among participants aimed to foster compassion, cooperation, and understanding for patients living with this disease.

Of the 23.5 million patients who needed specialized treatment for a drug or alcohol problem in 2009, nearly 90 percent had not received it. Research suggests that primary care providers could significantly help reduce drug use, before it escalates to abuse or addiction. However, many express concern that they do not have the experience or tools to identify drug use in their patients.

“Primary care providers can play such a vital role in screening for drug abuse, said NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow. “Yet, for many providers, discussing drug abuse with their patients is beyond their comfort zone. NIDA’s Addiction Performance Project is a creative way for doctors to earn CME credit while breaking down the stigma associated with drug addiction.”

Each performance begins with a dramatic reading of Act III of Eugene O'Neill's “Long Day's Journey into Night.” Performances feature well-known actors and actresses such as Blythe Danner.

Readings are followed by an expert panel reaction and facilitated audience discussion that fosters compassion, cooperation, and understanding for addicted patients and their families.

The next performance will be May 6 in Phoenix. Performances are free, but seating is limited, and registration is recommended. Attendees do not have to be registrants at the conferences where some performances take place. For more information on the Addiction Performance Project, or to register for a performance, visit http://www.drugabuse.gov/nidamed/APP.