On June 1, NIDA hosted a free screening of the film Addiction Incorporated in Lipsett Ampitheater, Bldg. 10. It tells how Dr. Victor DeNoble, a former Philip Morris research scientist, became one of the most influential whistleblowers in history, testifying before Congress about his findings on the addictive nature of nicotine.
Members of the tobacco industry attempted to suppress his findings, which finally came to light during congressional hearings in 1994 and ultimately resulted on passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009.
The event was introduced by NIDA director Dr. Nora Volkow, followed by brief remarks from Charles Evans Jr., director and producer of the film. DeNoble, Volkow and Evans then joined Dr. David Shurtleff NIDA acting deputy director, and Dr. Paul Mele-a former Philip Morris researcher with DeNoble who was also featured in the film-in answering questions from the audience.
Queries ranged from how to talk to children about the dangers of tobacco/drug addiction to how art can be used to transmit public health messages.
For information about the movie visit www.addictionincorporated.com.