Rockville, MD, March 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Society of Addiction Medicine’s (ASAM) 50th Annual Conference will gather leaders in addiction medicine for timely discussions on addiction treatment on April 4-7, 2019, in Orlando, Florida. Presenter topics include the “big ideas” shaping addiction care including the opioid overdose crisis, research validated addiction treatment, alcohol use disorder, harm reduction, the role of telehealth, nicotine use, current cannabis research, and the qualified workforce needed to treat addiction.
In 2017, an estimated 20.7 million Americans needed treatment for substance use disorder, but only 4 million reported receiving any form of treatment. Addiction is a chronic brain disease. To save lives endangered by this disease, medical professionals, including physicians from all fields and a patient’s entire medical team, need training on the latest science related to addiction. Every spring, ASAM brings the top experts in addiction medicine together to offer an extensive educational opportunity.
“As the nation looks for answers to overcome the addiction epidemic, we need to listen to experts in the medical community for solutions. This year the ASAM 50th Annual Conference, more than ever, offers a valuable opportunity for the leaders in addiction medicine to address the critical issues related to this chronic disease and evaluate astute options for restructuring the addiction treatment landscape.” said Kelly J. Clark, MD, MBA, DFAPA, DFASAM, president of ASAM. “We are excited to explore the latest research and learn about innovative medical and system solutions now available to treat addiction and save lives.”
On Friday, April 5, the Opening Scientific Plenary Session begins the conference with engaging presentations by:
• Nora Volkow, MD, Director, National Institute of Drug Abuse* on “Science Advances in the Prevention and Treatment of Opioid Addiction”
• Bankole Johnson, DSc, MD, University of Maryland, School of Medicine on “Personalizing the Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorders”
• David and Nic Sheff, authors and advocates, on “A New Paradigm Facing America’s Drug Use and Addiction Crisis”
The conference continues with insightful sessions by top leaders covering the latest research in addiction and a diversity of topics. On Saturday, April 6, David and Nic Sheff (father and son from Beautiful Boy) will share their personal journey of addiction and recovery in a special session moderated by Marc Fishman, MD, DFASAM. This session will include poignant clips from the movie, followed by conversation, insights, and personal reflections from David and Nic. The conference will provide high-quality training on addiction medicine to healthcare professionals - expanding their capabilities and improving treatment across the country.
For ASAM’s 50th Annual Conference Full Program, visit ASAM 50th Annual Conference.
To request media credentials for the conference and its sessions, contact Christine Merrifield, Media Relations, at press@ASAM.org.
* References to NIDA, NIH, or Nora Volkow should not be viewed as an endorsement of ASAM, its products or services.
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About ASAM
The American Society of Addiction Medicine, founded in 1954, is a professional society representing over 6,000 physicians, clinicians, and associated professionals in the field of addiction medicine. ASAM is dedicated to increasing access and improving the quality of addiction treatment, educating physicians and the public, supporting research and prevention, and promoting the appropriate role of physicians in the care of patients with addiction. For more information, visit www.ASAM.org
About The ASAM 50th Annual Conference
Every April, ASAM gathers the leading experts in addiction medicine to share their expertise and insights on addiction and addiction treatment. This year, ASAM celebrates its 50th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, from April 4-7, 2019. The presentations and posters presented at this conference represent the latest scientific research on addiction medicine and hold the keys to providing innovative, evidence-based solutions to today’s addiction epidemic.
About Addiction
Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry. It is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death. Addiction can be managed, and treatment is available. To learn more about addiction: https://www.asam.org/resources.