Contact: Brian Ruberry for National Council
301-948-1709, br@allhealthpr.com

Latest Research on Cycle of Addiction and New Medications

BOSTON, May 1— Sophisticated endorphin blocking agents and other medications that prevent stimulation of the brain’s “reward centers” may offer individuals with addictions new treatment options and increased hope for recovery, according to a presentation at the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare’s 38th Annual Conference, May 1–3, in Boston.

“We’ve learned more about the science of addiction in the last five years than in the previous twenty,” says Paul H. Earley, M.D., medical director of Talbott Recovery Campus in Atlanta, who is presenting “The Neurochemistry of Addiction and the Hope of New Medications” at the conference. Dr. Earley, who is in long-term recovery from addiction himself, says increased understanding of addictions is partly due to advancements in the MRI that pinpoints reward centers in the brain.

Dr. Earley says the progression from impulsive to compulsive drug use defines the progression in a cycle of addiction. The cycle includes three stages: 1) intoxication, 2) withdrawal and negative effect, and 3) preoccupation and anticipation. 

The presentation includes a review of the latest medications in addiction treatment such as Antabuse, Campral, ReVia and Vivitrol, and concludes with a discussion on the potential of future medications and therapies.

“Advances in research have improved our understanding of addictions as an illness and have helped us make tremendous progress in treatment and care, said Linda Rosenberg, President and CEO of the National Council. “Community behavioral health providers nationwide work hard to help those with addiction disorders lead productive lives.”
 
“The Neurochemistry of Addiction and the Hope of New Medications” takes place Saturday, May 3, 11:15 AM -12:45 PM, in the Suffolk Room of the Boston Marriott Copley Place.

Other presentations on addiction include:

“What They Didn’t Teach You About Addictions: Treatment Engagement”
Thursday, May 1, 10:50 AM – 12:20 PM, Regis Room
Presenter: David Mee-Lee, MD, President, DML Training and Consulting, Davis, CA.

“Bridging the Gap From Addictions Research to Practice”
Saturday, May 3, 9:45 AM-10:45 AM, Salon F
Presenters: Westley Clark, MD, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Charlene Le Fauve, PhD, Chief, Co-Occurring and Homeless Activities Branch, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

The National Council Conference is the nation’s largest gathering of mental health and addictions treatment providers and includes more than 100 presentations on topics like emerging treatment technologies for ADHD and traumatic brain injury, and the latest recovery trends and techniques.

Conference highlights include presentations on timely issues such as:
• Emerging Treatment Technologies: EEG, Neurofeedback and Emerging Treatment for ADHD, Addictions and Traumatic Brain Injury
• Children & Youth: ADHD Update, How to Engage Children and Families in Treatment, and Treating Children with Extreme Behavior Disorders
• Treatment is Not Enough: Working with Ex-offenders to Attain and Maintain Employment
• Treating Mental Illnesses and Addiction Disorders Among Returning Troops
 
Among the featured speakers are: James Carville, political strategist; Jim Collins, management educator; Mark McClellan, former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Lorraine Bracco, actress and author; Nic and David Sheff, authors; Christopher Kennedy Lawford, actor and author; and Kitty and Michael Dukakis, co-author of Shock and former Governor of Massachusetts and 1988 Democratic candidate for President, respectively.

PRESS REGISTRATION  
Credentialed media may receive press badges and complimentary registration by contacting Brian Ruberry, 301-948-1709, br@allhealthpr.com

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The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) association of 1,400 behavioral healthcare organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation for mental illnesses and addictions disorders to nearly six million adults, children and families in communities across the country. The National Council and its members bear testimony to the fact that medical, social, psychological and rehabilitation services offered in community settings help people with mental illnesses and addiction disorders recover and lead productive lives.