2023 Conference Program Book

PM WORKSHOPS Workshop Descriptions

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

How Basic Science Can Inform Intervention: New Advances that Promise to Revolutionize Addiction Prevention & Treatment Danielle Dick, PhD Rutgers Addiction Research Center Director & Professor of Psychiatry The field of genetics is rapidly advancing, and personalized medicine promises to change the way we approach prevention, intervention, and treatment. What does this mean for the field of addiction? In this talk, Dr. Dick will provide an update on what we know about the genetics of addiction, how new advances are having an impact on our ability to prevent and intervene in substance use disorders, and how you can apply this knowledge now to help individuals and families. Highlighting National Data on Adolescent Health and Well-Being Kathleen Ethier Director, CDC Division of Adolescent and School Health Young people in the United States are collectively experiencing a level of distress that calls on us to act. Findings from the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report highlight concerning levels of violence, poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adolescents. Results show significant disparities in these experiences for certain groups of youth: female students and LGBTQ+ students are experiencing more violence, poor mental health, and suicidality than their peers. They are also using more substances. Proven, school-based strategies can offer the support young people need to reduce substance use and experiences of violence and improve mental health. This session will review key findings from the latest national Youth Risk Behavior Survey data and discuss school-based strategies that can help promote adolescent health.

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