American Society of Addiction Medicine Turns 50

A physician for 25 years, Dr. Kathleen Whaley treats patients who face drug addiction in New York State. To augment her work as an MD, Dr. Kathleen Whaley maintains membership in the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).

ASAM will celebrate its 50th anniversary at its annual conference, focusing on innovations in addiction medicine and science. Some 2,300 members are expected to gather April 4-7, 2019, at the Hilton Orlando.

The meeting is designed for counselors, doctors, researchers, students, policymakers, and retired professionals. Participants can learn more about new research and clinical practices, discover new treatment methods, and examine the implications of recent changes in public policy. Members will also have a chance to expand their professional network and earn continuing medical education credits.

The schedule includes social events, such as the Saturday night Fun, Fab, and Fifty Shindig, and conferees can also set aside time to visit Orlando’s famous theme parks. The conference is held in partnership with the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

ASAM Praises Public Health Advisory on E-Cigarettes

The recipient of an MD from Indiana University, Dr. Kathleen Whaley has drawn on her education and her board certification in addiction medicine to care for patients at several medical facilities. Active in her field, Dr. Kathleen Whaley holds membership with the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

In December 2018, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) issued a press release praising a recently announced public health advisory. The advisory, which was issued by Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams, declares that e-cigarettes have become so prevalent among US youth that their use is now considered an epidemic.

With the advisory’s release, parents, educators, and health workers will have access to information explaining the new types of e-cigarette products on the market. In addition, the advisory describes the ways in which these products harm the health of young people.

The advisory follows an April 2018 policy statement from ASAM in which the society expressed the same concerns about e-cigarette use as Surgeon General Adams. To read the ASAM’s policy statement, and to learn more about this rare move from the Surgeon General, visit www.asam.org.