In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, we are joined by George Koob, PhD, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Dr. Koob talks about his background and career journey, along with major insights made through his research, including regarding alcohol withdrawal. He addresses stigma related to alcohol use (or abstinence from) and offers advice for the next generation of researchers and clinicians in this exciting and dynamic space, with so much potential for expanding knowledge. Dr. Koob shares resources for individuals, family members, physicians, or anyone looking for information related to alcohol use and alcohol use disorder, including Rethinking Drinking and the NIAAA Treatment Navigator. He emphasizes the importance of motivation (e.g., motivational interviewing) rather than confrontation and seeing your doctor, or encouraging your loved one to see their doctor, for a physical as a good first step in addressing any issues related to alcohol use. Dr. Koob finally explains his motivation for continuing his work in this field.

In addition to serving as director of NIAAA, Dr. Koob is also a senior investigator at the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse where he directs the Neurobiology of Addiction Laboratory in the Integrative Neurosciences Research Branch.

As an authority on alcohol use disorder, drug addiction, and stress, he has contributed to our understanding of the neurocircuitry associated with the acute reinforcing effects of alcohol and drugs and the neuroadaptations of the reward and stress circuits associated with the transition to dependence. He has published over 800 peer reviewed papers; mentored 13 PhD students, 85 post-doctoral fellows, and 11 K99’s (Pathway to Independence Award postdoctoral researchers); and authored several books including the Neurobiology of Addiction. He received his PhD in behavioral physiology from Johns Hopkins University in 1972. He did post-doctoral studies at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the University of Cambridge (England). He subsequently held positions at The Salk Institute and the Scripps Research Institute. Dr. Koob is the recipient of many honors, including membership in the National Academy of Medicine (USA) and award of the Legion of Honor (France).

Links:

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Society for Neuroscience – Autobiographical Chapter

Rethinking Drinking

NIAAA Treatment Navigator

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Neurobiology of Addiction

The Healthcare Professional’s Core Resource on Alcohol

American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM’s Patient Resources page for more information.

The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or ASAM management.