LEWISTON, Maine – The Maine Alliance for Drug Treatment Courts will host a local event, “Understanding the Drug Addicted Offender: Science, Assessment and Treatment” from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, June 15, at Bates College, Pettengill Hall.

The program is for social workers, lawyers and others working with those who are drug addicted that interact with the criminal justice system. Three experts will present information about the causes, assessment and treatment for drug addiction.

The speakers will include Dr. Michael Danahy, Ph.D, an organic chemist at Bowdoin College. He will discuss the chemical structure and function of drugs and alcohol on the brain. Dr. Luke Douglass, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist in private practice in Lewiston, will discuss psychological assessments of drug addicted individuals in the criminal justice system as well as issues of both competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility. Dr. M. Ed Kelley, Board Certified and A.S.A.M. Certified in Addiction Medicine and Chief Medical Officer of the Behavioral Services Division at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Lewiston, will discuss current treatment options available for drug addicted individuals.

This program is pre-approved for three General Continuing Legal Education Credits in the State of Maine and is offered in compliance with the Maine Board of Social Worker Licensure requirements for continuing education.

Interested individuals should contact Erika Bristol at (207) 240-1635 for registration information. Early registration post marked by June 8 will be $25 per individual, $30 on site, space permitting.