Press Releases

Caron Treatment Centers Opens First-Of-Its-Kind Medical Research Center

Studies focus on genetic risk, therapeutics for addiction treatment and relapse prediction

Wernersville, PA – June 7, 2022 - Caron Treatment Centers, a leading, internationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to addiction and behavioral healthcare treatment, research, prevention, and addiction medicine education, will officially open The Fran and Doug Tieman Center For Research on its Pennsylvania campus on June 7^th.

The Fran and Doug Tieman Center for Research, named for Caron’s former President and CEO, is the first-of-its-kind to be located at a nonprofit addiction treatment facility with a focus on medical research. Caron has a demonstrated track record of success in medical research. However, the revamped building, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and labs, will now offer much-needed space to facilitate more studies. It will also allow for recruitment of individuals interested in participating in research from outside Caron.

The focus of the Center for Research includes crucial components of substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery such as identifying genetic markers associated with increased risk for addiction, relapse prediction and repurposing medications approved by the FDA to treat other diseases.

“All it takes is a glance at the headlines to see the abysmal state of mental health and substance use disorder in America,” said Bradley F. Sorte, Caron’s President and CEO. “We can’t afford to wait. We need research now more than ever to significantly expand solutions to these chronic health issues so we can prevent unnecessary tragedies and significantly improve outcomes for individuals and families.”

The Center for Research will also focus on expanding academic partnerships to foster research and train healthcare professionals to apply the most up- to- date, evidence-based treatments in their practices. The Center for Research is also establishing a pipeline program to engage high school and college students interested in pursuing careers in research and healthcare.

Dr. Joseph Garbely, DO, DFASAM, FAPA, is the Chief Medical Officer and the Executive Vice President for Medical Strategy, Education and Research at Caron Treatment Centers. Dr. Olapeju Simoyan, MD, MPH, BDS, FAAFP, FASAM, is the Founding Executive Director of Research. Dr. Erin Deneke, Ph.D., is Caron’s Senior Director of Research.

“Addiction is a disease of the brain so it’s important for us to understand the biological mechanisms involved,” said Dr. Simoyan. “Just as with cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, research is essential to advance our field.”

To date, Caron raised $7.9 million to fund ongoing research and the new building, through the generosity of individual donors, family foundations and local businesses. Caron’s Board of Trustees collectively donated more than $2 million.

“Research done well requires proper funding, precision, patience and diligence,” said Dr. Garbely. “By making this investment, we can substantially improve our understanding of relapse, increase treatment options and identify tools and markers to make addiction a significantly more preventable and treatable disease.”

Caron Treatment Centers
Caron Treatment Centers is an internationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to addiction and behavioral healthcare treatment, research, prevention, and addiction medicine education. Headquartered in Wernersville, Pennsylvania, our mission is Recovery for Life. For more than 65 years, we have helped thousands of individuals struggling with substance use disorder and their families begin to manage this chronic, treatable disease. Caron provides a continuum of care for teens, young adults, women, men, and older adults. Caron’s signature programming provides concierge treatment for executives, healthcare professionals and older adults. In addition to the Pennsylvania campus, Caron provides services in Palm Beach County, Florida, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and New York City. Caron accepts several major insurance plans and provides financial assistance for those who qualify. For more information, please visit caron.org or @CaronTreatment.