September 15-16, 2006 Workshop

On the history of drug abuse and addicition in the U.S.:
"Very good history introduction to tremendous problem."

On neuroscience and public policy:
"Answered many of my basic questions with grace and language and research even I could understand!"

On the public costs of substance abuse:
""

On the effectiveness of treatment:
"This was really good. Her comparison with hypertension really allowed me to better understand the need to keep trying with the substance abuser."
"Great stuff - helped to change my mind/thought process regarding addiction as disease (treated medically etc.) vs. moral failure."

On visiting a treatment center:
"I enjoyed hearing from the people who worked at the treatment center. Also the clients were entertaining. My ideas about methadone have changed."
"Good program information and examples of 'success.'"
"This was great for those who questioned the need for continuing care."

On personal reflections on addiction:
"I was glad this was part of the program."
"Gary was extremely brave and I appreciated the story."

On alcohol and the adolescent brain:
"I wish I had learned this when I had my young children. Excellent insight. I understand more about teenagers. This is valuable for parents and educators."
"Excellent presentation."

On effective policies for drug offenders:
"Great overview - important information regarding focus of interventions."
"Another outstanding program. Pertinent information presented in a reasonable manner with plenty of time for questions makes for an interesting and educational program."

On methamphetimine and its effects:
"Thanks for all the information. This helps bring all this valuable information into perspective. Meth is especially a large problem in the west and this presentation was enlightening especially the brain activities."
"Great information. Presented in a way that allowed for easy learning."

On the economics of treatment:
"Economics is one of the main factors preventing treatment in our state. I liked the presentation for CDA,CEA,SWA. I now understand how to equate cost on the various levels."
"Good for policy arguments regarding cost benefits to treatment."

On investing in treatment to contain other costs:
"Good presenter. Easy to understand and to talk to. Material content appeared duplicative of previous presentation, i.e. government makes a good investment when it invests in treatment."
"This needed more time. Could have been the most important topic - how do we as legislators achieve the result this whole exercise has suggested?"

Overall impressions:
"Well organized, helpful materials, thoughtful, informative speakers. It was great to hear about addiction from an economic, scientific, and political standpoint."
"Best overall group of speakers I have heard at a workshop."
"I learned much that I did not know or understand before. I wish they were available to many other policy people."
" A total change in my knowledge. I also now want to look for quality of treatment programs."

How participants think the workshop will help them with making policy regarding substance abuse:
"I think it may help make better cases for priorities within the budget."
"I rely heavily on our Department of Mental Health to explain the need for these programs. This seminar will assist me to better understand their explanations."
"I don't sponsor legislation. However, I'm much better prepared to speak to issues and policy makers regarding this subject."
"I will look at a more comprehensive approach to these issues."

What participants liked most about the workshop:
"I liked the format and presenters. The information was excellent. I liked the atmosphere and the ability to ask questions any time. Also the easy access to the presenters."
"Brain development/neuroscience presentations, Information to help know what programs are effective - seeing evidence that treatment does work."
"The speakers were all very interesting and informative. I liked the fact that many topics were covered - I would have liked even more."
"Scientific research was great, but the clinic visit transformed my thinking more than anything."

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 Research Institute
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Allison C. Colker, J.D., Esq.
Program Manager
National Conference of State Legislatures
Washington, D.C.

Bonnie Catone
Director of Communications
Treatment Research Institute
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Timothy P. Condon, Ph.D.
Deputy Director, NIDA
Bethesda, Maryland

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

Ted R. Miller, Ph.D.
Principal Research Associate
Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
Calverton, Maryland

Kenneth D. Stark, M.Ed., MBA
Director, Mental Health Transformation Project
Office of the Governor
Olympia, Washington

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

Gary Zarkin, Ph.D.
Director, Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice Research Division
RTI International
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Wednesday, September 13

8:00 Welcome and Introductions
Allison Colker

8:15 A History of Drug Abuse and Addiction in the U.S.
Sue Rusche

9:15 Can Neuroscience Influence Policy?
David Friedman

10:45 Break

11:00 Risky Business: Prevention Cuts, Public Costs, and Industry Profits
Ted Miller

12:30 Lunch

1:30 Substance Abuse Treatment: What Is It? Why Does It Seem Ineffective?
Bonnie Catone

3:30 Visit to a Treatment Center

6:30 Dinner
Speaker, Representative Gary Hansen, Oregon

Thursday, September 14

8:00 Alcohol and the Adolescent Brain: Tastes Great, Less Functioning
Ken Winters

9:30 Break

9:45 Effective Policies for Drug Offenders
Doug Marlowe

11:15 Break

11:30 Methamphetamine: How it Influences the Brain and Behavior of Users and Treatment Implications
Tim Condon

1:00 Lunch

2:00 Economics of Substance Abuse Treatment
Gary Zarkin

3:30 Break

3:45 Expanding Alcohol/Drug Treatment: An Investment in Health Care Cost Containment and Public Safety
Ken Stark

4:30 Evaluations

5:00 Adjourn