Subjects' rights, freedom of inquiry, and the future of research in the addictions

Since the recent passage of regulations concerning subjects' rights and freedom of inquiry, opposition by the public and others to some areas of research in the addictions has prevented its implementation or continuation. Research investigators in the biomedical and behavioral sciences have been placed in the position of defending their work in an adversary climate. The author points out the importance of transmitting to the public, the scientific community, and legislators the investigators' concern that 'subjects' rights' not be viewed only in a legalistic context, but also in the context of not harming the patient.