APA will be presenting a special series of scientific ses-sions at this year’s annual meeting in collaboration with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

"Alcohol Research: Achievements and Promise" will feature more than 20 sessions designed to bring the latest research findings to practicing psychiatrists. Lectures, symposia, forums, workshops, and clinical and educational consultations comprise the series.

This series of presentations will provide an unparalleled opportunity for annual meeting attendees to learn about the latest advances in the neuroscience, genetics, and epidemiology of alcoholism, as well as ways in which these findings are impacting treatment.

Alcohol use disorders and alcohol-induced disorders represent one of the most common sets of syndromes encountered by psychiatrists. This is particularly relevant in light of increased appreciation of how frequently they occur in conjunction with other psychiatric disorders, complicating treatment and impacting treatment compliance.

A special highlight of the series will be a lecture featuring former Senator George McGovern, this year’s recipient of APA’s Patient Advocacy Award. Since the 1994 death of his daughter, Terry, as a result of alcohol abuse, McGovern has worked hard to focus attention on alcoholism and provide information to families affected by this disease. One of the most notable of his activities was the creation of the Terry McGovern Foundation.

Sheila B. Blume, M.D., chair of APA’s Committee on Treatment Services for Addicted Patients, serves on the Board of Directors of the foundation.

In developing this series, the Scientific Program Committee invited APA’s Council on Addiction Psychiatry to assume a leading role and collaborate with NIAAA officials.

"APA is to be complimented for making this opportunity available to its members and those attending its annual meeting," commented Richard Suchinsky, M.D., vice chair of the Council on Addiction Psychiatry. "The impact of disorders related to the misuse of alcohol on many systems in our society, including health care, criminal justice, child welfare, transportation, and others too numerous to mention cannot be underestimated. The economic costs, as well as the cost in human suffering consequent to alcohol abuse and addiction, make this one of the major public health issues our country faces."

In addition to Suchinsky, special recognition goes to Geoff Laredo, NIAAA’s director of policy, legislation, and public liaison; Sheldon Miller, M.D., chair of APA’s Council on Addiction Psychiatry; and Beatrice Edner, staff liaison, for their efforts to develop the series.