Topic
Where Did All the Meth Come From? Strategies and Tactics for Managing the Next Drug Epidemic

Along with the alarming number of annual drug overdose deaths, methamphetamine- related ones have increased by 300%. The recent penetration of methamphetamines into all sectors of the population has resulted in an unprecedented number of overdoses and demand for treatment. Methamphetamine is an addictive and potent central nervous system stimulant with powerful effects on the human mind. Unlike opioids and alcohol, methamphetamine use disorder has no FDA approved pharmacologic treatment. And, as individuals suffering from this disorder flood into treatment settings, many clinicians find themselves unprepared to implement effective treatment strategies. This workshop will address the factors behind the current epidemic while identifying the most effective treatment and policy strategies for addressing this crisis.

Topic
Overview of Early Psychosis Identification and Intervention

Because schizophrenia spectrum disorders are relatively common, affecting approximately 4% of young people, nearly all mental health care providers will encounter individuals experiencing psychosis or its early warning signs. The sooner individuals are identified and receive care following the first onset of psychosis spectrum symptoms, the better their functional and personal outcomes are likely to be. This session provides an overview of early psychosis symptoms across the spectrum from risk symptoms to threshold psychosis disorders. Research- and practice-informed strategies for recognizing, assessing and responding to psychosis spectrum symptoms will be presented in the context of social determinants of health that may impact recognition and referral pathways. Attendees will learn about evidence-based coordinated specialty care programs for early psychosis, and ways to facilitate connection to local care for individuals experiencing early psychosis.

Topic
Ethnoracial Issues and Psychopharmacology

Group research in psychopharmacology tends to focus on differences associated with age and gender. Surprisingly, little research has focused on different ethnoracial groups. This presentation will look at differences in how medications are absorbed, distributed and metabolized across groups. In addition, there are differences in how ethnoracial groups view the value of psychotropic medication, including medication adherence, another area to be discussed within this workshop.