Ex-drug czar speaks at symposium
Former White House drug czar Dr. Robert DuPont and other nationally known professionals headline this year's Rocky Mountain Mental Health Symposium.
"Teens and Drugs Today" is the theme for the conference Thursday through Saturday at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish. The symposium seeks to broaden understanding of teen addiction as well as the latest treatments.
Richard Wise, chemical dependency medical director at Pathways Treatment Center, serves as the symposium facilitator, providing introductions, a presentation and then concluding remarks.
"I'm really excited about Dr. Robert DuPont," Wise said. "He's a wonderful communicator."
DuPont kicks off the first session with "The Biology of Addiction" at 8:15 a.m. Thursday. He follows on Friday with "Kids, Drugs and Mental Disorders - A Deadly Mix" and then "Student Drug Testing" on the final day of the symposium.
A psychiatrist, DuPont served as the nation's second drug czar. His success in cutting crime by treating heroin addicts in Washington, D.C., led to federal funding for drug abuse treatment and the shift to a balanced approach combining drug prevention and treatment with law enforcement.
In 2000, DuPont published "The Selfish Brain: Learning from Addiction."
Wise said that book explains what happens in the brain of addicts that keeps them locked in their destructive behavior.
"Addicts reach the point where their brain is changed and they cannot not use," he said.
More recently, DuPont jointly wrote two books on anxiety disorders with his daughters Dr. Caroline DuPont and Elizabeth DuPont Spencer, another speaker at this year's seminar.
Scheduled as the first speaker on Friday, Spencer will discuss cognitive behavioral therapy in teens who also suffer from anxiety and substance abuse. On Saturday, she speaks to the non-medical therapist's role in managing medications for these teens.
A private clinician, Spencer also serves as vice president of DuPont Clinical Research, an organization that conducts trials of new medications for anxiety and depression.
Another well-known speaker, Jerry Moe, presents "Prevention: Begin Before They Start, Do It with Heart" on Friday. He has an international reputation as a speaker, author and trainer on issues for young children from addicted families.
Moe gives his final conference presentation on Saturday called "Celebrate Me Home: Making A Difference One Teen at a Time-Vision for the Future."
Brenda Roche takes charge at the Thursday afternoon optional sessions: "What in the World Are They Thinking" (adolescent brain growth) and "The Highjacked Brain" (effects of methamphetamine on adult brains).
Wise said Mary Haydal, whose daughter died from meth, will appear with Roche.
Wise makes his presentation at the conference at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, on "Teens and Drugs - Tragedies, Trends and Triumphs."
Wise will present state data on what drugs, including alcohol, teenagers are using in Montana. Wise has invited two local teenagers to share their perspective on the problem.
Most regular conference sessions run from 7:45 a.m. to 12:15 or 12:45 p.m. each day. The optional breakout session is scheduled from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Thursday.
Wise encouraged anyone with an interest in teens and drug use to attend the conference. Because of the expense involved in bringing in top professionals, the conference costs $295 for three days for the general public.
"A lay person can get a lot out of it," he said.
Wise said people have the option of attending just one day for $105. Some discounts apply for Northwest Healthcare employees.
Sponsored by Northwest Healthcare, the Rocky Mountain Mental Health Symposium attracts professionals from around the country.
"It's an opportunity to hear nationwide experts from coast to coast - from California to Maryland - without leaving the Flathead Valley," Wise said.
For information on cost and registration, call 1-866-755-4658 or go to the Kalispell Regional Medical Center Web site at www.krmc.org.
Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.