The stated  mission of NIDA is "to lead the Nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction".

NIDA was formed in 1974, and in October 1992 it became part of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. The Institute is organized into divisions and offices, each of which plays an important part in programs of drug abuse research.

Recent scientific breakthroughs have revolutionized our understanding of drug abuse and addiction. Most of these advances, which have dramatic implications for how to best prevent and treat drug addiction, have been supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). NIDA supports over Eighty-five percent of the world's research on the health aspects of drug addiction and abuse. NIDA supported science addresses the most fundamental and essential questions about drug abuse, ranging from the molecule to managed care, and from DNA to community outreach research.

For Thirty years, NIDA has been exploring the biomedical and behavioral basis of drug abuse.

The National Institute On Drug Abuse is a goldmine of information a well their website is well worth a visit. There is specific information about the following " drugs of abuse".

Acid-LSD, Alcohol, Club Drugs, Cocaine, Ecstasy-MDMA, Heroin, Inhalants, Marijuana, Methamphetamine, PCP-Phencyclidine, Prescription Medications, Nicotine-Smoking, Steroids and much more.