In 2018, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched the Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative®, to find scientific solutions for the opioid public health emergency. The inability to treat pain safely and effectively continues to be a main driver of the opioid and overdose crisis. Therefore, HEAL has two main goals: 

  • Improving the understanding, management, and treatment of pain 
  • Improving the prevention and treatment of opioid misuse and addiction  

HEAL research in pain and opioid misuse and addiction addresses urgent unmet needs across the lifespan – from infants exposed to opioids during pregnancy to teens treated with opioids after a routine medical procedure and adults living with chronic pain. HEAL research covers many areas of scientific promise and concrete strategies capable of providing rapid and lasting solutions to the opioid crisis.

Why HEAL?

The NIH HEAL Initiative is an NIH-wide research effort that combines the power of science and community to address the opioid crisis that is devastating American communities.  

Learn more about HEAL

Opioids and Pain Management

Understand how pain management and the opioid crisis are linked.

Learn more about pain management and the opioid crisis

Making a Difference

HEAL-funded research is making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities across America.

Learn more about HEAL research progress

NIH HEAL Leadership and Staff

Meet the committees, scientists, and staff who are working to end opioid use disorder long-term.

Read more about HEAL staff

Budget and Annual Report

See the budget for NIH HEAL Initiative programs, as well as annual reports on organizational and research progress.

View budget and annual report