Our Mission POLARIS
The NorthStar Node operates under seven key guiding principles, collectively referred to as POLARIS.
POLARIS
The NorthStar node’s seven guiding objectives:
1) Partner with our communities to meet their needs.
2) Evaluating models addressing co-Occurring SUD and medical and psychiatric conditions.
3) Using principals of a Learning health system to conduct pragmatic trials.
4) Using Artificial intelligence and other data sciences approaches to enhance SUD research and care.
5) Reaching understudied populations to ensure SUD research is relevant to diverse populations.
6) Using Implementation science to test the integration of evidence-based SUD practices into general medical settings.
7) Testing innovative Strategies for SUD treatment.
Our Approach
The NorthStar node of the CTN provides the infrastructure and research agenda needed to collaboratively address current and emerging SUD issues and advance research in the field.
Who We Are
The Northstar Node is an integral part of the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network, dedicated to transforming the landscape of addiction treatment through groundbreaking research and clinical trials. At the core of our mission is the commitment to advancing the understanding and management of substance use disorders. Our team, led by distinguished experts in the field of addiction medicine, including Dr. Gavin Bart, MD, PhD, collaborates with a network of clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals. Together, we work towards integrating the latest scientific findings into practical, effective treatment strategies that address the complexities of addiction.
Our approach is multidisciplinary, embracing the diverse perspectives and expertise required to tackle the challenges of addiction. We engage in rigorous research, exploring the pharmacokinetics of drugs like methadone, the genetic factors influencing addiction treatment outcomes, and innovative methods to improve clinical care for those struggling with substance use disorders. By collaborating with leading healthcare and academic institutions, the Northstar Node fosters a collaborative environment where knowledge and experience are shared and leveraged to make significant strides in addiction medicine. Our goal is not only to enhance current treatment modalities but also to pave the way for new, more effective approaches in the ongoing battle against addiction.