June 2006 Workshop

On the introduction to pharmacological terms:
"I enjoyed Jack's use of common every-day analogies to help a science-challenged reporter like me understand."
"Good basic intro, mixed of humor, made it easy to follow, remain engaged."

On the hisory of drug abuse in the U.S.:
"Sue's presentation was very informative on the development of drug laws in response to rates of use."
"Again, very informative; a lot of important data made easily digestible."

On the neurobiology of addiction:
"Excellent primer on neurobiology of addiction - presented in an easily accessible way."
"Informative - relevant comparison of addiction to other physical diseases."
"Excellent! Enjoyed the science more than I expected."

On adolescence and addiction:
"I'll get a full column out of this one alone."
"Interesting - this is kind of info that informs, even surprises readers - and it's easily understood."

On the personal side of addiction:
"Talk about relevancy - a true addiction story from a first person point of view - a perfect presentation for this program."
"Susan's courage and generosity to share her own story of addiction was invaluable. It provides the perfect "real-world" balance to the science and policy discussions."

On the treatment of addiction:
"Chuck's presentation really helped by moving the basic science we learned on Friday into real-world treatment of addicts. His description of medicines and discussion of that controversy were very informative."
"Outstanding presentation of data - well structured - excellent knowledge of related issues for those who asked questions."

On the effectiveness of addiction treatment:
"One of the more interesting and relevant lectures. I learned the level of availability of treatment options and what the problems are. I can definitely see this relating to the readers."
"Good humor; puts information in easily accessible terms for lay people. Liked his use of 'obvious' questions to use as straw men to drive learning. His focus on evidence-based care and onus for outcome on PROVIDERS very valuable."

On treating the offender population:
"Very good overview of criminal justice system-based coerced treatment. Great description of treatment outcomes, especially after McLellan's more positive view."
"Enjoyed this discussion immensely, mostly because he is very blunt about all the gray areas involved and the debate over alternatives."

On the effectiveness of substance abuse prevention:
"Good conversation, good story ideas."
"Great speaker - appreciated his willingness to engage in Q&A."

Overall impressions:
"The program was even more intense than I expected and gave me a lot of good information. I appreciated the quality and variety of speakers."
"Got a good understanding of biology as it pertains to drugs and behavior."
"The program met my expectations - surpassed my expectations - providing me with a depth and breadth of understanding."
"A privilege to learn from the leading researchers in the field. Excellent effort to get real story out through informed media. Thanks."

How participants think the workshop will help them with their reporting on substance abuse:
"I better understand why addicts are the way they are. Prior to the conference, I definitely thought, 'Why can't they just stop?'"
"I now have a greater understanding of addiction as a disease, just like hypertension or congestive heart failure, that is dangerously misunderstood."
"Thought I was informed - but I only knew enough to be dangerous. Thanks for helping me - and my readers - out."

What participants liked most about the workshop:
"Speakers were engaging and authoritative and provocative."
"Small setting, diverse group (geographically, age-wise). Appreciated the professionalism and expertise."
"Chances to ask so many questions. The resources and sources were amazing."
"Quality/credentials of speakers/presentations. Location. Atmosphere."

Sue Rusche
Co-Director
Addiction Studies Program for Journalists
Chairman, President, and CEO
National Families in Action
Atlanta, Georgia

A. Tom McLellan, Ph.D.
Director, Treatment Institute
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Douglas B. Marlowe, J.D., Ph.D.
Director, Section on Criminal Justice Research
Treatment Research Institute
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Charles P. O'Brien, M.D., Ph.D.
Kenneth Appel Professor
Vice Chair of Psychiatry
University of Pennsylvania

Chris Ringwalt, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist and Center Director
Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Susan Rook
Recovery Advocate
Faces and Voices of Recovery
Alexandria, Virginia

Rochelle "Shelly" Schwartz-Bloom, Ph.D.
Professor of Pharmacology
Duke University Medical Center
Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology
Durham, North Carolina

Jack W. Strandhoy, Ph.D.
Professor
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Ken C. Winters, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Director, Center for the Adolescent Substance Abuse Research
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Friday, June 16

8:00 Welcome and Introductions
David Friedman and Sue Rusche

8:15 Introduction to Pharmacological Terms
Jack Strandhoy

9:15 A History of Drug Abuse and Addiction in the U.S.
Sue Rusche

10:15 Break

10:30 The Neurobiology of Addiction I
David Friedman

12:00 Lunch

1:30 The Neurobiology of Addiction II
Shelly Schwartz-Bloom

3:00 Break

3:15 Adolescence, A Major Risk Factor for Addiction
Ken Winters

4:45 Evaluations

5:15 Adjourn

6:30 Reception

7:00 Dinner
Speaker - Susan Rook

Saturday, June 17

9:00 The Treatment of Addiction
Charles O'Brien

10:30 Break

10:45 Is Addiction Treatment Effective?
Tom McClellan

12:15 Lunch

1:30 Treating the Offender Population
Doug Marlowe

3:00 Break

3:15 Prevention: What Works, What Doesn't
Chris Ringwalt

4:45 Scientifically Reliable Information About Drugs
Sue Rusche

5:15 Evaluations

5:30 Introduction to CPDD Mentors

6:00 Adjourn