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The evolution of addiction research is relatively new and an ongoing practice, with thousands of breakthroughs being discovered each year by experts all over the world. With that, we’re spotlighting 5 of the countless women who’ve contributed to the growing field of addiction medicine and research. Their impact is far-reaching, shifting not just addiction science but female healthcare entirely.

Marty Mann: Founder of the National Council on Alcoholism

Our first spotlight is Marty Mann; a woman with alcohol addiction-turned-substance abuse researcher whose advocacy and own battle against alcohol addiction led to some of the most influential organizations on alcohol abuse research today. With the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, she overcame her addiction and organized the National Committee for Education on Alcoholism (NCEA)—which is today the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD)—as well as founded the Yale School of Alcohol Studies (now at Rutgers).

Her model of addiction is still used in alcohol abuse treatment today, emphasizing that a) alcoholism is a disease and the alcoholic is a sick person, b) the alcoholic can be helped and is worth helping, and c) alcoholism is a public health problem and therefore a public responsibility.

Before her death in 1980, Mann was named as one of the “Ten Greatest Living Americans” by famous WWII broadcast journalist, Edward R. Murrow, and her impact continues to be felt in shaping the public image of alcohol addiction in modern society.

Dr. Nora Volkow: Director of the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Second, we’re spotlighting Dr. Nora Volkow; director of the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and a revolutionary in exploring the science of addiction. Her work has been instrumental in framing addiction as a complex brain disorder, not a willful choice, and pioneered the use of brain imaging to detect how substance abuse affects the brain.

Her numerous accolades include (but are not limited to) receiving a Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service, the International Prize from the French Institute of Health and Medical Research, and the Carnegie Prize in Mind and Brain Sciences from Carnegie Mellon University. Dr. Volkow was also named one of Time magazine’s “Top 100 People Who Shape Our World,” one of “20 People to Watch” by Newsweek magazine, Washingtonian magazine’s “100 Most Powerful Women,” “Innovator of the Year” by U.S. News & World Report, and one of “34 Leaders Who Are Changing Health Care” by Fortune magazine.

Dr. Volkov’s impact on addiction research cannot be understated. Her work in exploring the neurological components that factor into substance use disorders has been monumental in how the field of addiction medicine continues to grow today.

Dr. Ruth Fox: Founder of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism

Third, we have Dr. Ruth Fox; the founder of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism & Other Drug Dependencies (also known as the American Society of Addiction Medicine), and the first medical director of the National Council on Alcoholism—an agency dedicated to alcoholism prevention, research, and awareness. One of her biggest contributions was pioneering research on the use of Antabuse; a medication widely used in modern alcohol addiction treatment.

Her significance to the field of addiction medicine and science led to an honorable endowment fund in her name from the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). The scholarship program aims to help expand addiction science research, equip more healthcare professionals with the tools to treat substance use disorders, and support communities experiencing the devastating impact of addiction.

Dr. Jean Kirkpatrick: Founder of Women for Sobriety

Our next spotlight is Jean Kirkpatrick; former alcoholic and founder of Women for Sobriety—an organization dedicated to the plight of women in recovery and the first self-help organization for this demographic. Her methodology differed from traditional addiction research, taking what she learned from Alcoholics Anonymous and applying it specifically to women with addictions, believing that their needs and experiences are unique in recovery.

Dr. Kirkpatrick become known as an expert in addiction in women, even appearing twice before Senate subcommittees testifying on the special needs of women in recovery. Later, the Moravian College Alumni Association awarded her its highest honor, The Raymond Hauper Humanitarian Award, for her “outstanding service in the cause of human welfare.”

After her death in 2000, Dr. Kirkpatrick’s efforts in amplifying the special needs and challenges of women battling addiction has been instrumental in both the development of addiction as a science, as well as advocacy for women’s health in general.

Dr. LeClair Bissel: President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine

Lastly, we have Dr. LeClair Bissel; a skilled researcher, speaker, addiction counselor, and author whose leadership transformed how healthcare professionals are equipped to treat addiction. Her belief that physicians needed far more medical knowledge to effectively treat substance abuse disorders led to monumental shifts in addiction research, public opinion, and advocacy.

Before her death in 2008, Dr. Bissel received wide acknowledgement for her work, including awards from the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the Elizabeth Blackwell Award from the American Medical Women’s Association—their highest honor for contributions to the cause of women and medicine. Today, she’s regarded as a major pioneer in addiction medicine advocacy.

Conclusion

The contribution of women to addiction medicine research has a longstanding history with hundreds of combined publications printed, several research organizations founded, and dozens of honors accepted. Their dedication to the field shaped not just addiction research in general, but also its impact on women and the unique needs of women battling substance use disorder. We thank these figures for their passion and efforts.

About Master Center for Addiction Medicine

Master Center for Addiction Medicine is a groundbreaking addiction treatment program headquartered in Glen Allen, Va. Based on a vision of comprehensive outpatient care, Master Center was launched in 2016 and now includes locations throughout the Commonwealth.

Master Center offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach rarely seen in the outpatient setting, staffed by experienced addiction physicians, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and peer recovery coaches.

Give us a call today at 804.332.5950 to schedule an appointment or learn more about us.