Director’s Letter

Renewing Our Commitment to Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Spring is a season of renewal—a reminder that change and growth are always possible. At the University of Michigan Addiction Center, it also renews our commitment to advancing research, improving treatment, and supporting individuals and families affected by addiction.

Although deaths from other drugs have begun to decline, alcohol-related deaths in the United States continue to rise, underscoring the urgent need to expand prevention, treatment, and recovery support. As April approaches—National Alcohol Awareness Month—it is an important opportunity to raise awareness about alcohol’s impact on the health and well-being of individuals, families, and our communities. This moment calls on researchers, clinicians, community partners, and advocates to deepen our efforts, reduce stigma, and ensure that help is accessible to those who need it.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol or other drugs, please remember that support is available and recovery is possible. With the right care, connection, and compassion, healing can begin at any time. Reaching out can be the first step.

Frederic C. Blow, Ph.D.

Rachel Upjohn Research Professor of Psychiatry
Director, U-M Addiction Center

Life-destroying addiction can start at a corner store

A patient, his doctor and other experts warn of dangers of 7-OH, which is touted as a derivative of kratom and is widely available, but packs far more opioid danger. Dr. Vita McCabe is quoted.

What does cannabis 'rescheduling' mean for science and society?

Federal change could mean more research on a substance that has reached widespread use for self-medication but hasn’t had its benefits or risks examined scientifically. Dr. Erin Bonar and Dr. Mark Ilgen are quoted.

Want to curb cannabis-related crashes? Don’t forget older adults

Among people over 50 who use cannabis, those most likely to drive after partaking are men, people who use daily and those who use for mental health reasons.
Dr. Erin Bonar led this study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

Could AI help doctors spot risky drinking habits?

Having a natural language processing tool scan the full text of health records identified more potential cases of unhealthy alcohol use. Dr. Anne Fernandez helped lead this study.

Contingency Management Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorder Shown to Reduce the Risk of Death

Dr. Lara Coughlin and Dr. Allison Lin's VA study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, made the top 10 ranking for addiction policy papers in 2025, as featured in the Addiction Policy Forum’s special report. Contingency management is a behavioral treatment that rewards individuals for meeting treatment milestones.

Alcohol Awareness Month Community Forum: Hope, Support, and Healing for Families

April 7 at 6:30 PM EST

Ann Arbor Senior Center

Join the U-M Addiction Center & Washtenaw Face Addiction Now (FAN) for a community forum focused on hope, healing, and support. Learn more

Ann Arbor Firecracker 5K

July 4 at 8:00 AM EST

The U-M Addiction Center is the featured charity for this year's Firecracker 5k! Kick off your Fourth of July the Epic Races way: Join us in downtown Ann Arbor for our classic Firecracker 5K: Run, Walk, or Ruck! Learn more

Welcome Our New Providers to U-M Addiction Treatment Services!

The Michigan Medicine Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS) team is growing! We’re pleased to welcome three new providers who bring valuable expertise and a shared commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care. Please join us in welcoming:

Monwabisi F. Makola, MD, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor in Psychiatry

Natalie Madoun, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor in Psychiatry

Mary Kay Hicks, FNP-BC, Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry

Brain development and child health: What we’re learning from the ABCD study


This recording, featuring clinical and research experts Dr. Chandra Sripada, Dr. Meghan Martz, and Maria Dziubinski, discussed key learnings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. Watch here.

Mind Matters: The Intersections of Substance Use, Suicidality, and Bipolar Disorder

This recording features research, clinical, and lived experience experts Dr. Mark Ilgen, Dr. Sarah Sperry, and Lillie B., and was moderated by Dr. Jonathan Morrow.

Michigan Innovations in Addiction Care through Research & Education (MI-ACRE) Advancing Addiction Care Award 
Supporting our mission to help improve addiction prevention and care in our greater community.

Applications are being accepted. This award is designed to support individuals committed to advancing addiction prevention, treatment, education, and research. Its aim is to help foster innovative solutions and initiatives that address addiction care in Michigan and beyond. 
Find out more and apply now!

CRLT consultant finds sobriety and support at U-M
In this University Record inspiring story about addiction supports a U-M staff member received, UMATS therapist and addiction specialist Cayla Yuhn, MSW is mentioned. 
"Today, Stowe is in recovery, her life structured around new routines, community and purpose. She credits her progress to her own willingness to be honest about her addiction — and to the practical and emotional support she found as a U-M employee."

How to help someone, or yourself, in a mental health crisis

Whether it’s suicidal thoughts or actions, an anxiety attack, worsening depression, risky substance use, rage, hallucinations or dangerous impulses, more help is available now.

We invite you to check our new University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS) educational patient brochure