Education and understanding around opioids
Understand the ideas. Explore the evidence. Choose where to begin.
How to read this site
Each piece of information is labelled, so it is always clear what published research has reported, what is our reading of it, and what is still an open question.
Findings reported in peer-reviewed scientific literature, with the source given in full.
Our reading of that literature, and what we believe it may suggest.
What we are asking. These are open questions, not answers.
Planned analysis. No results exist for this yet.
Start here
Explore clear, practical information on opioids, testing and the bigger picture — at your own pace.
Read the guides
Plain-language explanations of key topics related to opioids and genetic testing.
Read the guidesA closer look at the research and the supporting information behind it.
Explore the evidenceHelpful questions to discuss with a qualified healthcare professional.
See the questionsEvidence library
Research articles, regulatory documents and supporting analysis — each one labelled, and open to read in full.
How to read this library
An examination of stabilisation in the context of neurotoxic effects that may follow opioid-related genetic damage.
Smith Genetic Research · Date to be confirmed
An analysis proposing two separate and distinct populations among opioid-exposed individuals, with differing biological profiles.
Smith Genetic Research · Date to be confirmed
A closer look at possible genotoxic effects of opioid exposure, drawing on 133,805 patient-day datapoints.
Smith Genetic Research · Date to be confirmed
Two charts: estimates through 2019, and projections through 2024. These are an analysis of publicly available data, not an established outcome.
Underlying figures to be confirmed before publication
The documentary record behind opioid raw-material sourcing and import, drawn from government publications and official filings.
Public record · Every source listed in full on the page
Visual learning
Follow a visual explanation at your own pace, or read the written transcript instead.
Visual guide · Captions · Transcript
Open the visual guideThe project
Smith Genetic Research brings together written explanations, visual learning and supporting context.
Clear, accessible information.
A broader view of the issues.
Resources to help you take the next step.
Live sessions
Dr. Doug Smith holds brief open sessions where the research and the evidence are discussed. Anyone can join, and every session is recorded.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
12:30 – 12:45 PM ET
About fifteen minutes. No registration needed.
Join the next session Add to calendar
The regulatory record
Two Citizen Petitions have been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Both are reproduced in full, with their status shown exactly as it is.
The book
Explore the book for a longer account of the ideas and research discussed in this project.
Explore the bookTesting information
Learn what the test can and cannot tell you, so you can have an informed conversation with a healthcare professional.
What the test is designed to look at.
How the sample is collected and handled.
What the test does not tell you.
Why results should be discussed with a qualified professional.
Taking part
A larger dataset makes a clearer picture possible. Taking part is voluntary, and everything it involves is set out before anyone decides.
Nothing on this site is medical advice. No one should change or stop a prescribed treatment based on anything they read here. Discuss results with a qualified healthcare professional.
The proposed Bill
Learn what the Bill proposes, and how to contact your Congressional Representative or Senator about it.
Explore the proposed Bill Ways to take actionThe Bill proposes stabilising care while further research continues.
It creates a pathway for further investigation into potential treatments.
Readers can use their own voice to contact their representatives.
Nothing on this site is medical advice. No one should change or stop a prescribed treatment based on anything they read here.
Before you begin
Begin with the written guides if you prefer to read, or the visual guide if you would rather watch. Both cover the same ground.
It is for individuals and families affected by opioid use, as well as clinicians, journalists and anyone following the research.
The testing information section sets out what the test examines, what it does not establish, and why results should be discussed with a qualified professional.
Every source is listed in the evidence library, labelled by type so you can see what is published research and what is our own analysis.
