Research Update at the Vince Carter Sanctuary
While there has been a lot of activity to open the Sanctuary for clients, the research program has been busy as well. Our "Florida Substance Abuse Surveillance and Epidemiology Database" has cleared the UF Ethics Committee and will be open to survey adult patients in July 2009. All Stewart-Marchman-Act Behavioral healthcare's clients will have the opportunity to voluntarily participate in a survey, which will be added to a national databank. The information will be used by UF Department ofPsychiatry under the direction of Dr. Sara Jo Nixon to develop prevention, intervention, and treatment programming. On the horizon, a team has been assembled to pursue the possibility of conducting research with clients on effectiveness of using virtual reality to help reduce the effects of relapse cues. A computer lab would be established where clients would use virtual reality goggles and work with counselors to experience situations that could cause their relapse. The goal would be to reduce, eliminate, or lessen relapse rates. Sara Jo Nixon, PhD was named President of the Research Society on Alcoholism, a national forum for communication among researchers who share common interests in alcoholism. The Society's purpose is to promote research that can lead the way toward prevention and treatment of alcoholism. Congratulations, Dr. Nixon!