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The department is researching neurobiological (neuro-imaging with fMRI and PET is the main research paradigm in this area) and psycho-social factors (e.g. quality of life) which appear to play an important role in the development and control of addictive behaviour (alcohol, nicotine or other drugs). In particular it is investigating the prevention of relapses by using medication and psychotherapy. A second focus deals with the question of prevalence and frequency of substance use disorders, especially in certain high-risk populations. Further aspects of research involve topics such as quality management, education and health economics.
Research, health care and education are being optimised, and developed into a network. Contact persons are GPs, practising psychiatrists, counsellors, self-help groups, other hospitals and local initiatives (e.g. in the field of primary prevention). Addiction prevention in companies is a main focus in a seperated research project. Evaluation is carried out about usage of addictive drugs and handling of problems with addictive drugs.
The department is working in close cooperation with the Department of Psychopharmacology at the CIMH (Prof. Dr. Spanagel). Likewise, the major research topic of this department is substance abuse, especially alcohol dependence. Their pre-clinic studies with rodents focus on the neurobiological and behavioural mechanisms of substance use disorders.
Prof. Mann is also the speaker for the Baden-Württemberg Consortium for Addiction Research. The main research topics of the consortium are public health, education, and new approaches in treatment, and putting these results into practice. It brings together all relevant addiction research centres (Mannheim/Heidelberg, Tübingen, Freiburg) and many providers of treatment. The coordination centre of the consortium is located in the department. The consortium is funded by the Ministry for Education and Research and the federal state of Baden-Württemberg with an amount of circa Euro 1 Mio. a year. |
