Symposium: Forensic Aspects of Addiction - New Horizons in Addiction and the Law-Forensic Aspects of Addiction

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Video Summary

The session "New Horizons in Addiction and the Law" aimed to explore the intersection of addiction treatment and legal systems, emphasizing the need for addiction-trained professionals in the forensic arena. Dr. Larry Westreich began by highlighting the dearth of addiction specialists in legal contexts and outlined the significant legal entanglements those with substance use disorders often face, such as DUIs and criminal acts. He underscored the importance of mentorship and introduced critical points about the philosophical and practical roles addiction might play in legal settings.<br /><br />Dr. Awoon elaborated on the dualism of free will versus determinism in addiction, using legal cases to explore how courts perceive addiction either as a crime devoid of personal agency or as a matter driven by deterministic neurobiology. This debate affects legal consequences and societal views on addiction, influencing manners of intervention and justice.<br /><br />The session also delved into practical implications of workplace substance use and the intersection with legal regulation, highlighting challenges in drug testing and employment, particularly addressing elite athletes and cannabis use in varying legal frameworks, as discussed by Dr. Westreich.<br /><br />Dr. Deborah Pinals provided insights into the impact of substance use on family dynamics, legal perceptions, and healthcare access in prisons. With a significant focus on pregnant women and legal policies related to incarceration, she highlighted evolving legal frameworks and the urgent need for fair treatment access for addicts in the criminal justice system.<br /><br />The panel concluded with discussions addressing the disparities in how race intersects with addiction criminalization, recognizing the ongoing need to bridge gaps between legal systems and healthcare in effectively addressing addiction.

Keywords

addiction

legal systems

forensic arena

addiction specialists

substance use disorders

DUIs

free will

determinism

workplace substance use

drug testing

elite athletes

cannabis use

incarceration

race disparities

criminal justice system

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