Rutgers Addiction Research Center (RARC)

NJ ACTS Special Populations Core Seminar Series: The Role of Confidence in the Hard Problem of Addiction
2023-06-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Many people who have a substance use disorder sincerely want to give up their addiction or not relapse, but they often struggle to do so. Dr. S. Matthew Liao calls this the Hard Problem of addiction because the explanation for this problem seems difficult to find. He first argues that the disease model and certain versions of the choice model of addiction are inadequate for explaining the Hard Problem. Dr. Liao then proposes that paying closer attention to the confidence levels of those with addiction gives us a fuller explanation of the Hard Problem.
Dr. Liao is Arthur Zitrin Chair of Bioethics, Director of the Center for Bioethics, Professor of Global Public Health, and Affiliated Professor in the Department of Philosophy at New York University. He is the author or editor of The Right to Be Loved (Oxford University Press); Moral Brains: The Neuroscience of Morality (Oxford University Press); The Philosophical Foundations of Human Rights (Oxford University Press); Current Controversies in Bioethics (Routledge), Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (Oxford University Press), and over 70 articles in philosophy and bioethics.
Join the Zoom meeting: go.rutgers.edu/bpp89wut

Mental Health America Conference: Next Generation Prevention
2023-06-08 09:30 - 2023-06-10 17:30 | Hybrid Event
The 2023 Mental Health America (MHA) Conference is a weeklong event in Washington, D.C., that will include Policy Institute Day on June 6, MHA Affiliate Day on June 7, and Annual Conference Days on June 8-10. All events will be offered in hybrid format on our custom platform and will include in-person, live-streamed, and virtual sessions with closed captioning.

GSAPP Webinar: Opioid Addiction and Its Treatment: What Every Psychotherapist Needs to Know
2023-06-02 09:00 - 12:30 | Virtual
An unremitting epidemic of opioid use and overdose deaths highlights the need for all mental health therapists, regardless of professional discipline or specialty area, to know how to evaluate, diagnose, engage, treat, and/or refer opioid-using clients they are likely to encounter in office-based practice and other clinical settings. Although medication is often the first-line treatment for opioid dependence, the combination of targeted pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is often more effective than either one alone. This presentation will describe the scope and consequences of opioid use; the clinical pharmacology of opioid drugs, clinical assessment and diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, medications for treating opioid use disorders (including buprenorphine and naltrexone), and a client-centered psychotherapeutic approach that integrates evidence-based behavioral and pharmacological interventions within a harm reduction framework. Lecture material will be interspersed with case vignettes to illustrate the clinical application of this approach.

For more information: click here

Society for Prevention Research (SPR) 31st Annual Meeting
2023-05-30 - 2023-06-02 | Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., 20001, United States
Mark your calendars to attend the Society for Prevention Research (SPR) 31st Annual Meeting held in person May 30 – June 2, 2023. This year’s theme is “The Role of Prevention Science in Achieving Social Justice and Health Equity for All.”
The Society for Prevention Research envisions a wellness-oriented society in which evidenced-based programs and policies are continuously applied to improve the health and well-being of its citizens, fostering positive human development and citizens who lead productive lives in caring relationships with others.
The SPR Annual Meeting provides a unique opportunity to advance this vision by providing a centrally integrated forum for the exchange of new concepts, methods, and results from prevention research and related public health fields; and by providing a forum for the communication between scientists, public policy leaders and practitioners concerning the implementation of evidence-based preventive interventions in all areas of public health.
The conference is now accepting abstract submissions.

BHI Addiction Neuroscience Seminar: Breaking the Addictive Habits: Molecular and Computational Approaches Focusing on Striatum-Pallidal Circuits
2023-05-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Hybrid Event
Breaking the Addictive Habits: Molecular and Computational Approaches Focusing on Striatum-Pallidal Circuits

Doo-Sup Choi, PhD
Professor of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

Friday, May 26th, 2023 at 12 Noon (EST)

Chemistry & Chemical Biology – Room 1209
123 Bevier Rd, Piscataway, Busch Campus

Zoom Meeting Link: Click Here
Zoom Meeting ID: 947 6626 1268; Password: [REDACTED]

Hosted by Dr. Mi-Hyeon Jang, BHI, RWJMS-Neurosurgery

RSA National Advocacy and Public Education Committee Webinar - Maximizing Online Recruitment for Substance Use Research
2023-05-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
RSA National Advocacy and Public Education Committee Webinar – – Maximizing Online Recruitment for Substance Use Research
Led by NAPE committee member, Kalina Fahey, MA, will focus on utilizing social media platforms for participant recruitment, particularly with difficult-to-reach populations.
RSA NAPE Committee’s Social Media Workshop Series: Register here

Drug-Free NJ: Rise of Poly-Substance Overdose Deaths Webinar
2023-05-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
The number of drug overdose deaths involving multiple substances have increased significantly in recent years. State and national experts will discuss current trends and what to expect in the future.
For more information and registration: Click here

Drug-free NJ Learning Series: The Rise of Poly-Substance Overdose Deaths
2023-05-25 11:00 | Virtual
The number of drug overdose deaths involving multiple substances have increased significantly in recent years. State and national experts will discuss current trends and what to expect in the future.
Registration: Click here

28th GI Symposium: Gastrointestinal and Liver Disorders: Developments in the Past Year
2023-05-20 07:30 - 14:00 | Westin Newport, Jersey City, NJ
New developments in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) and liver disorders are complex and ever changing, with new research, clinical trials, techniques, and treatments rapidly altering the field. These advances present challenges for practitioners who are involved in managing patients with these disorders and who must stay abreast of this new information and its application in clinical practice.
Specialists in the field of gastroenterology will provide useful information and wisdom that comes from varied experiences in treating GI and liver disorders. The latest clinical research findings and their application to clinical practice will be discussed. Topics presented will highlight the latest diagnosis techniques, management strategies, and research developments that impact the care of patients with GI and liver disorders.
Armed with the information from this activity, practitioners who provide care for or co-manage patients with GI and liver disorders can make timely diagnostic treatment and referral decisions in the context of patient choice and resources within their communities. In addition, participants will be able to prepare the patient for what to expect from recommended tests, consultations and treatment plans.

Registration Fees

Physician
$59

Other Healthcare Professional
$49

RBHS/RWJBarnabas Health Faculty/Staff
$39

Resident/Fellow in Training/Healthcare Student (with letter)*
Complimentary

NJPN Annual Addiction Conference 2023: Engage & Empower
2023-05-18 09:00 - 2023-05-19 16:00 | Virtual
For 23 years, NJPN has connected professionals with the latest science, research, and innovations in advancing the field of addiction at the Annual Addiction Conference. As always, we strive to offer a balanced program with a carefully curated selection of workshops on current and emerging issues across the continuum of care.
The agenda for ENGAGE + EMPOWER will feature a diverse series of workshops that span prevention, treatment, and recovery support.

Athletics Behavioral Health & Sport Psychology Team Spring Didactic Series - Substance Use: Marijuana and Performance
2023-05-11 09:30 - 10:30 | Virtual
Athletics Behavioral Health & Sport Psychology Team Spring Didactic Series
The RU Behavioral Health & Sport Psychology team, along with the Big Ten mental wellness initiative, emphasizes the promotion of mental health amount student-athletes, coaches, athletic administrators, and staff. In addition to developing innovative support services, the team is committed to spreading awareness and knowledge about athlete mental health to the Community its at large through this didcdic series.
Topic: Substance Use: Marijuana and Performance
with Jordan Get, Ph.D.
Location: Smithers Hall, Room 200 and Zoom
Time: 9:30-10:30 AM EST

Psychiatry Grand Rounds - Where There’s Smoke There’s Psychotic Like Experiences
2023-05-11 09:00 - 10:30 | Hybrid Event
Provided by Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Department of Psychiatry
Thursday, May 11, 2023
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
LIVE – Hybrid Event
Please Join us in Rm C203- UBHC Conference Room for light breakfast/refreshments.
—
Mehvesh Khan, M.D.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow, PGY-V
Rutgers RWJ Medical School, University Behavioral HealthCare
Emmanuel Sanchez, M.D.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow, PGY-V
Rutgers RWJ Medical School, University Behavioral HealthCare
Shawen M. Ilaria, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Assistant Program Director, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Join Zoom: https://rutgers.zoom.us/j/92822153006?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID 928 2215 3006
Password 389511

National Prescription Take Back Day
2023-04-30

RSA National Advocacy and Public Education Committee Webinar - Tales From Twitter: Using Social Media to Disseminate Alcohol Research
2023-04-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
National Advocacy and Public Education Committee Webinar – Tales From Twitter: Using Social Media to Disseminate Alcohol Research
Led by NAPE committee member, Walter Roberts, PhD, will discuss how scientists can use Twitter to promote their research findings and engage with other researchers on “academic twitter” He also will provide practical tips on running an organizational Twitter account, drawing on his experience as the social media editor at Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports.
RSA NAPE Committee’s Social Media Workshop Series: Register here

NYSPA Division on Addictions Conference - Courage and Collaboration in Substance Use Psychotherapy
2023-04-28
The Division on Addictions of the New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA) and the Concentration in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling at The New School for Social Research are pleased to announce our first in-person conference in 4 years!
April 28th, 2023
A full-day event
Scandinavia House
58 Park Ave.
New York, NY 10016

Drug-free NJ Learning Series: The Collateral Impact of Opioid Misuse
2023-04-27 11:00 | Virtual
The effects of opioid misuse and addiction go beyond the physical and mental impact on the person using various forms of opioids, including prescription painkillers, heroin and fentanyl. Experts will outline the societal impacts , such as impaired driving and domestic abuse, during this webinar.
Registration: click here

SSW Webinar: The Dynamics of Addiction, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
2023-04-27 09:30 - 12:30 | Virtual
It is clear that all forms of abuse are destructive. This webinar will address the interrelationships between addiction, domestic violence and child abuse and the devastating impact they have on all involved. We will explore the values of maintaining dysfunction and what it takes to interrupt the process. The increased concerns over stress in the hostile home environment will also be discussed.

nstructor:
John Kriger, MSM, LCADC, CPS

Date:
Thursday, April 27, 2023

Time:
9:30 am – 12:30 pm ET

Location:
Zoom (Interactive Webinar)

BHI-sponsored graduate student symposium: Neuron RECEPTR
2023-04-27 08:00 - 2023-04-28 17:00 | CABM Room 010 + atrium
Neuron RECEPTR – Rutgers External Convention for Exceptionally Promising Trainee Research
The Neuro RECEPTR is a two-day symposium (April 27-28, 2023) at Rutgers University, featuring graduate students and faculty talks. This symposium is designed to connect graduate students with faculty looking for postdocs. If interested in participating in this symposium, please apply by Monday, January 30th, 2023. If selected, Rutgers will pay for all your expenses: flight, two night-accommodation, and food. Scientists from diverse backgrounds and life experiences bring different perspectives, creativity, and individual enterprise to address complex scientific problems. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
The final schedule with candidate names/talk titles are posted on the website (above) and also here.

INSPIRE Scientific Teaching Seminar with Dr. Erich Jarvis
2023-04-25 11:00 - 13:00 | Dean’s Conference Room, Research Tower, Busch Campus, 675 Hoes Lane, West Piscataway, 08854
The INSPIRE (IRACDA New Jersey/New York for Science Partnerships in Research & Education) Postdoctoral Program at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) is hosting a scientific teaching seminar on Tuesday, April 25, from 11:30 am – 1 pm at Rutgers-Piscataway in the Kessler Teaching Building East Lecture Hall.
The seminar will be delivered by Dr. Erich Jarvis. Dr. Jarvis is a professor at Rockefeller University and HHMI scientific investigator. He uses song-learning birds and other species as models to study the molecular and genetic mechanisms that underlie vocal learning, including how humans learn spoken language. Dr. Jarvis is interested in how their brains, and ours, have evolved to produce this complex behavior. He also leads the Vertebrate Genomes project and is a primary contributor to the Human Pangenome Reference Consortium. Dr. Jarvis has published more than 200 research articles and is the recipient of prestigious NIH and NSF awards that celebrate his amazing contributions to his field and science as a whole.
Join us to connect with INSPIRE postdocs and faculty from across disciplines and schools and explore potential innovative collaborations. Students, postdocs, and faculty from all campuses are encouraged to attend.
Register to reserve a spot. Lunch will be served immediately after the seminar for RSVPs received by April 12, 2023.

EASS Webinar - Data Blitz: Influence of a Negative Affect Induction on Self-Reported Cannabis Use Variables & Mindfulness Oriented Recovery Enhancement as an Adjunct to Methadone Treatment
2023-04-20 12:30 - 13:30 | Virtual
The Emerging Addiction Science Seminar (EASS) Series
April 20, 2023 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Data Blitz
Register here

This session will focus on:
Examining the Influence of a Negative Affect Induction on Self-Reported Cannabis Use Variables by Brianna Altman, Ph.D.
Mindfulness Oriented Recovery Enhancement as an Adjunct to Methadone Treatment for Opioid Use by Nina Cooperman, Ph.D.

BHI Plenary Seminar: “Efficiently Irrational” with Dr. Paul Glimcher
2023-04-20 12:00 - 13:00 | CABM, Room 010, Busch Campus, Piscataway
“Efficiently Irrational”
Connecting findings across disciplines suggests that observed choice behavior reflects a precise optimization of the trade-off between the costs of increasing the choice mechanism’s precision and the declining benefits that come as precision increases. Under these constraints a rationally imprecise strategy emerges which works towards optimal efficiency, rather than towards optimal rationality. This approach rationalizes many of the puzzling inconsistencies of human choice behavior, explaining why these inconsistencies arise as an optimizing solution in biological choosers.
Paul Glimcher, PhD
Julius Silver Professor of Neural Science.
Professor of Neuroscience and Physiology.
Professor of Psychology and Economics.
NYU School of Medicine.
In person: CABM, Room 010, Busch Campus, Piscataway

Join Zoom Meeting: https://rutgers.zoom.us/j/91417550396?pwd=[REDACTED]
Zoom Meeting ID: 914 1755 0396; Password: [REDACTED]
Join by phone: +1 646 558 8656

ACTS 2023 Translational Science Conference
2023-04-18 08:00 - 2023-04-20 17:00 | Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, 20009
Join the Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) in person in Washington, DC for Translational Science 2023, the leading meeting for trainees, junior faculty, and senior scientists in translational science and clinical research. From April 18-20, learn from experts in the field how to innovate translational science for research, explore research from a variety of fields of study, build your professional community, and explore the Nation’s Capital.
Register now to be a part of a national community of top translational science and clinical researchers. This April, join us in Washington, DC to experience the future of translational science and clinical research as we explore “Innovating Translational Science for Research”. Register early to save — the early bird rate ends Monday, February 13.

RWJMS Psychiatry Grand Rounds: Buprenorphine Dosing and Risk of Diversion in NJ DOC
2023-04-13 09:00 - 10:30 | UBHC Building, 671 Hoes Ln. W., Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States
PSYCHIATRY GRAND ROUNDS
Provided by Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Department of Psychiatry
Thursday, March April 13, 2023
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
LIVE – Hybrid Event
Please join us in Room D203 at UBHC or via zoom.
Light refreshments provided
https://rutgers.zoom.us/j/95200522015?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID 928 2215 3006: Password 389511

Clinical and Legal Implications of Biomarkers for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

William McBride, DO
Forensic Fellow
Buprenorphine Dosing and Risk of Diversion in NJ DOC

Tracy Martin, MD
Forensic Fellow
Donald (Rusty) Reeves, Md
Director of Psychiatry, Rutgers – University Correctional Health Care
Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Forensic Psychiatry Training Director, Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Anthony Tamburello, MD, CCHP
UCHC Statewide Associate Director of Psychiatry
Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers–Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

GSAPP Center for Psychological Services - RU Ready to Quit Smoking Support Meeting
2023-04-12 18:00 - 19:00
RU Ready to quit smoking? GSAPP’s Center for Psychological Services (CPS) is here to offer support to all students, faculty, and staff. Join their meeting on Wed., April 12th at 6:00PM; it is completely cost-and judgement-free!
To register: https://buff.ly/43fEhZB

CCNP Webinar: Active Learning Impairments in Substance Use Disorders when Solving the Explore-Exploit Dilemma: Longitudinal Stability, Symptom Prediction, and Replication
2023-04-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
CCNP Seminar: Active Learning Impairments in Substance Use Disorders when Solving the Explore-Exploit Dilemma: Longitudinal Stability, Symptom Prediction, and Replication
Ryan Smith
Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa

Active Learning Impairments in Substance Use Disorders when Solving the Explore-Exploit Dilemma: Longitudinal Stability, Symptom Prediction, and Replication
Computational modeling is a promising approach for parsing behavioral processes and dysfunctions in individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), but it is unclear how much these processes change during the recovery period. In this talk, I will describe a study in which we assessed baseline and 1-year follow-up data on a sample of healthy controls (HCs; N = 48) and treatment-seeking individuals with one or more SUDs (alcohol, cannabis, sedatives, stimulants, hallucinogens, and/or opioids; N = 83) who completed a standard ‘three-armed bandit’ task designed to assess explore-exploit behavior. I will also describe a pre-registered replication study with a new sample of 168 individuals with SUDs and 99 HCs. Computational models – based on the notion of active learning – were fit to behavior on the task. Relative to HCs, participants with SUDs were found at baseline to show slower learning rates in response to negative outcomes and less precise action selection. We then repeated these analyses when the same individuals returned and re-performed the task 1 year later to assess the stability of these baseline differences. We also examined whether baseline modelling measures could predict symptoms at follow-up. Bayesian analyses indicated that: (a) group differences in learning rates were stable over time (posterior probability = 1); (b) relationships between model parameters at baseline and follow-up were all significant and ranged from small to moderate (.25 < ICCs < .54); and (c) learning rates and/or information-seeking values at baseline were associated with substance use severity at 1-year follow-up in stimulant and opioid users (.36 < rs < .43, .002 < ps < .02). Differences in learning rates for losses replicated in the second sample, and model parameters could jointly differentiate specific substance disorders when combining samples. These findings suggest that processing dysfunctions involving learning to arbitrate between exploration and exploitation may show some stability throughout the recovery period. At the same time, individual computational differences at baseline had some predictive value for changes in substance use severity. Taken together, these results suggest active learning models may allow measurement of trait dysfunctions that could have predictive utility for substance use severity.

Location/Logistics

Wednesday, April 12th, 10-11am EST
Zoom link: https://princeton.zoom.us/j/6397147065

FYI, abstracts for previous talks are posted on the CCNP website: ccnp.princeton.edu. A list of upcoming seminars, job announcements, and other info about CCNP are available there as well.

SSW Webinar: The Opioid Crisis in NJ: Current Trends and Evidence-Based Treatment Options
2023-04-12 09:30 - 12:30 | Virtual
This interactive webinar will discuss the latest developments and trends regarding natural opiates, semi-synthetic opioids, and synthetic opioids. Participants will be able to identify national and local NJ trends with regards to prescribing practices and new legislation, opioid overdoses and trends with opioid use. Participants will be able to distinguish the difference between which drugs are considered naturally occurring opiates, which are considered semi-synthetic opioids and which are considered synthetic opioids. Participants will be introduced into the assessment of and treatment of Opioid Use Disorders via the DSM 5 criteria, the latest nationally recognized medicated assisted treatment and the non-medication assisted treatment approaches when working with clients. Participants will be able to identify three different medicated assisted treatments (MAT), and discussion of medicinal marijuana being added as an MAT option. Webinar participants will be introduced to a harm reduction treatment paradigm and will be able to identify at least 3 different harm reduction principles when working with clients. Finally, participants will engage in an interactive case that will develop throughout the webinar and have different objectives (e.g., assessing a proper level of care, and then incorporating a harm reduction treatment orientation with the client in regards to their MAT decision process).

Instructor:
Glenn Duncan, LPC, LCADC, CCS, ACS

Date:
Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Time:
9:30 am – 12:30 pm ET

Location:
Zoom (Interactive Webinar)
Online Live Webinar, Online, NJ

For more information and registration: Click here

SSW Webinar: What's Eating You? The Psychology of Eating
2023-04-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
This webinar focuses on understanding the psychological processes underlying humans development of eating behaviors and the adoption of both healthy and maladaptive cognitions and behaviors concerning food, eating, and our bodies. Issues to be addressed include: food choice, the development of food preferences, motivation to eat, cultural influences on eating patterns, weight-regulation, body image, dieting behaviors, obesity, eating disorders, and the treatment of unhealthy and clinical eating problems. The psychology of eating will be emphasized, and psychological problems associated with eating will be highlighted.

Instructor:
Katherine Glick, LPC, LCADC, CCS, ACS, MAC

Date:
Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Time:
10:00 am – 1:00 pm ET

Location:
Zoom (Interactive Webinar)

ECHO Series: Buprenorphine Induction in the Age of Fentanyl
2023-04-07 12:30 - 13:00
This ECHO series is focused on best practices and current thinking in a safe space for peer-to-peer learning and open dialogue. Led by medical experts and psychiatrists from the New Jersey Medical School and Rowan Medicine, discussion topics include understanding specific substances, integrating substance use disorder treatment in primary care settings, and medication-assisted approaches.

More information: click here

National Alcohol Screening Day
2023-04-07

The Partnership for a Drug-Free NJ Learning Series - Alternatives to Opioids
2023-03-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
This webinar will focus on the many alternatives that can be used instead of opioids for treating pain. Presenters will also touch on recent updates to CDC guidelines for prescribing opioids.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, learners should be better able to:
1. Describe the prescription drug and opioid abuse epidemic in your community
2. Identify pathways for development of addiction in patients exposed to opioids
3. Recommend pharmacologic and other alternatives to opioids for treating pain
4. Work with your care team to address the epidemic of opioid addiction and the rising levels of misuse and abuse and deaths including diversion, harm reduction, and signs and symptoms
FREE Webinar registration: CLICK HERE
