The 42nd American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) annual meeting, held this past April, gathered addiction researchers, providers, and professionals to exchange ideas and information and explore new and innovative science-based addiction treatment models. NIDA International Program director Steven W. Gust, Ph.D., joined his colleagues to participate in two symposiums. The first addressed innovative models of addiction treatment from the international context. The discussion centered on studies in Brazil, India, and the Netherlands, offering an appreciation for the breadth of alternative and innovative approaches being developed for addiction treatment.
The second symposium, focused on marijuana and the public, was designed to present an overview of research, clinical data, and perspectives relevant to cannabis use and abuse, particularly in the context of evolving public perceptions and policies related to marijuana. Dr. Gust presented prevalence statistics on marijuana and participated in the dialogue about the clinical consequences and sequelae of cannabis use and the diverse viewpoints on the topic.