Winter 2023 eNewsletter
Director's Letter
Dear Friends,

Greetings and Happy New Year. As I reflect on 2022, our team continued to make progress in addiction research, treatment, and education. With 2023 upon us, I think about how the field can best support individuals beyond recovery from drugs and/or alcohol.

For many, recovery does not necessarily bring with it improvements in all areas of life. Many continue to struggle with loneliness, sleep problems, and a range of other issues. It is my hope that the field can continue to shift its perspective and broaden the concept of recovery to include an emphasis on one's overall health and well-being.

For those who are struggling – I would like to offer you hope. Now is the time to (or continue to) seek help, answers, and resources. We’ve compiled a number of resources to help you on your journey. We also offer state-of-the-art treatment at U-M Addiction Treatment Services. Let’s make 2023 the year we provide unwavering support for ourselves, and our loved ones, including those in recovery. 


Sincerely,
 
Professor & Director, U-M Addiction Center
News Highlights
Fatal Drug Overdoses Among U.S. Seniors Have Tripled Since 2000
Dr. Frederic Blow was quoted in a New York Times article concerning the implications of drug use among older adults. Dr. Anne Fernandez discusses the increases in overdoses among older adults and the role of alcohol as a major contributor to overdose deaths in this U.S. News & World Report article.
Is Mind-Altering Ayahuasca Safe? No, But Folks Who Try It May Not Care
Dr. Erin Bonar was quoted in U.S. News & World Report on ayahuasca's perceived side effects. Learn more
Dr. Maureen Walton Recognized for Outstanding Mentorship
Dr. Maureen Walton is one of the 2022 Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research (MICHR) Outstanding Mentorship Awardees. Learn more
New Award to Help Prevent Adolescent Alcohol Use
Multiple PIs Dr. Maureen Walton and Dr. Erin Bonar have been awarded 5-year funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to study brief interventions that help adolescents avoid problems from early alcohol misuse. Learn more
Research Highlights
Smoking & Drinking Means Higher Surgery Risks, but Health Coaching Before Surgery Could Help
Those who both smoke cigarettes and have multiple alcoholic drinks a day face worse surgical outcomes – but a study led by Dr. Anne Fernandez found that talking about risks before surgery could help. Read more
Inequality linked to differences in kids’ brain connections
Dr. Mary Heitzeg and Dr. Chandra Sripada published results from the ABCD study that shows that socioeconomic factors, including at-home enrichment, are associated with widespread differences in children’s brain connections. Read more
Getty Images
Faculty & Fellow Spotlight
Retirement Congratulations!
Dr. Brower joined the University of Michigan faculty in 1986. He was the founding executive director of the University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services, and he established the ACGME-accredited Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program. Dr. Brower was awarded tenure in 1994 and earned a promotion to professor in 2008. He is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a Life Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
Meet Samantha Perez, D.O.
Dr. Samantha Perez is an Addiction Psychiatry Fellow at the University of Michigan. Her areas of clinical interest lie at the intersection of mental health and substance use, particularly treating those with dual diagnosis in higher-level of care settings. Learn more
Events
Join us on March 8th at 7:00 pm at the Michigan Theater to hear the unforgettable story of a former NBA athlete’s journey to sobriety. Reserve your free ticket here.
Managing Alcohol Use Disorder in Primary Care Workshop Series
Tune in to this virtual workshop series, beginning February 16th, featuring Dr. Anne Fernandez, Dr. Jessica Mellinger, and Dr. Scott Winder. Learn more
Education & Resources
Mind Matters Addiction Community Education Series
Listen to experts from our treatment clinic, U-M Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS), discuss important topics related to addiction and recovery. Learn more
U-M Addiction Center Resource Guide
The U-M Addiction Center resource guide includes free online support groups, 24-hour helplines, and other important recovery and mental health-related resources. Learn more