Ways to Engage

Annual Public Lecture

Every year the MDT on Addiction invites a speaker to share their personal story of addiction with the public. Former speakers have been William Moyers, Maia Szalavitz, and Andrew Zimmern.

Our community partners

Butler Center for Research, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

The Butler Center for Research supports sustained recovery from the disease of addiction through research, including studies on how to implement effective addiction treatment and recovery approaches into practice. Through several collaborative research projects, researchers at the Butler Center researchers and the Medical Discovery Team work together to advance addiction recovery.

Chris Wivholm Foundation

Through Chris’ story, the Chris Wivholm Foundation works to raise awareness and ensure that fewer individuals lose their lives to addiction. “We are humbled to be a part of the Chris Wivholm Foundation’s hopeful message, and could not be more grateful for their commitment to addiction-related brain research aimed at informing new, more effective therapies for addiction,” says Mark Thomas, director of the MDT on Addiction, and frequent presenter at Chris Wivholm Foundation events.

Twin Cities Recovery Project, Inc.

The Twin Cities Recovery Project offers assistance and support to those suffering from substance use disorder as they transition toward lifestyles of health and productivity. MDT on Addiction member, Dr. Sheila Specker, is participating in a community-based demonstration project with the Twin Cities Recovery Project designed to enhance access to treatment and recovery services for people suffering from addiction.

Recovery on Campus (ROC)

ROC is a community of students in recovery from drug and alcohol use joined by friends who are allies in that journey. ROC helps you feel like you belong to a vibrant college social scene without the drinking or drugs.

Participate in clinical trials and other research

New therapies to treat addiction are desperately needed. However, those treatments will only be possible if people participate in clinical research. By joining a clinical trial, you can help develop treatments that may eventually benefit yourself, a friend, a family member, or someone else. If you’re interested in becoming a research volunteer, we encourage you to learn more about participating in clinical trials, or visit the StudyFinder website to find and connect with a University study that’s right for you.

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Need Help?

Do you or a friend or family member need help? You may find the information below helpful.

For emergencies: Call 911
For non-urgent or non-emergency situations, potential clients may call the University of Minnesota Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic to request an evaluation. Phone: 612-273-8700.
For those who may need a more immediate route to assessment and treatment, Fairview Recovery Services may be an option. Phone: 612-672-2736; website

The Minnesota Department of Health website also has some information on how people with addiction/substance use disorder can get help paying for care.

Make a Gift

Your donation to addiction research at the University of Minnesota could help us link brain-based discoveries to new therapeutic approaches to treat or prevent addiction.