If I were back in Boston, this would be an event I wouldn't miss. The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT presents "On Addiction," a major conference that will bring scientists together with clinicians, public policy makers and former addicts to confront a disease that affects more than 22 million Americans every year (NOT including nicotine addiction?!) Long viewed as a psychological weakness, addiction is now recognized as a disease caused by complex chemical reactions in the reward circuitry of the brain. Understanding these fundamental processes on the cellular and molecular level may yield key insights into potential addiction treatments and cures. Monday, May 8, 8:45-4:45 pm. (Photo: The reward pathway)

Topics for discussion include:
-Neuroscience and the challenge of undoing addiction.
-The addicted brain: What distinguishes the true addict from the habitual user?
-Brain disorder or character flaw? Public ignorance and the stigma of addiction.
-New treatments for the compulsive behaviors that underlie drug and alcohol abuse.

Moderated by Ira Flatow, National Public Radio