June 19–20, 2025 | New Orleans, LA — Nearly 300 experts in substance use disorders convened at LSU Health Sciences Center for the CPDD-RSA-LSU Joint Program, a two-day event spotlighting the latest advancements and collaborative efforts in addressing polysubstance use. Hosted jointly by the College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD), the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA), and LSU Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), the program showcased innovative science, clinical insights, and a unified commitment to improving public health.
Collaborative Momentum
The event opened with remarks from Dr. Nick Gilpin, RSA Program Committee Co-Chair, who emphasized the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. His comments set the tone for a dynamic exchange of ideas that crossed institutional and scientific boundaries.
Focused Sessions Highlighting Emerging Challenges and Solutions
Session 1: Alcohol and Cannabis Polysubstance Use
Leading researchers examined the prevalence and behavioral consequences of combining alcohol and cannabis. The session also addressed impacts on maternal health and proposed early intervention strategies aimed at mitigating long-term harm.
Session 2: Alcohol and Opioid Polysubstance Use
This session delved into the neurobiological underpinnings of alcohol-opioid interactions. Preclinical data and treatment implications were presented, drawing attention to potential targets for therapeutic development.
Session 3: Incretin System and Addiction Therapy
A groundbreaking session on the incretin system, particularly the GLP-1 pathways, explored its promise as a novel target in treating substance use disorders. Moderated by Dr. David White and Dr. Dan Falk, the panel encouraged audience interaction, fostering rich cross-disciplinary dialogue between researchers and clinicians.
Session 4: National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS)
Highlighting real-time data as a critical tool, this session demonstrated how surveillance networks like NDEWS can monitor drug trends and inform both clinical and policy responses. Collaboration and data sharing emerged as central themes.
Closing Remarks and Forward Vision
Dr. Kevin Freeman, CPDD Program Chair, joined Dr. Gilpin to reflect on the scientific highlights and lay out a roadmap for future collaboration. They underscored the urgency of continued innovation and unity across institutions to combat the evolving landscape of substance use.
Building on a Legacy
This marked the first CPDD-RSA joint program since their 2018 partnership with the International Narcotics Research Conference (INRC) in San Diego, reaffirming a longstanding tradition of uniting the research community in the fight against addiction.