Dear Colleagues,

It is with the greatest pleasure that we invite you to attend the 2012 AATOD National Conference to convene April 21-25, 2012 at the Venetian | Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas. We are extremely grateful to the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services/Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services/ Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Agency for their generous sponsorship for this conference.

The 2012 Conference theme, Recovery for Patients, Families And Communities is a triple winner for all involved. By enhancing existing partnerships and creating new ones, we will continue to support consensus on the treatment of, and recovery from, opioid dependence.

For many years, this event has served as a collegial forum for patients, law enforcement officials, medical professionals, behavioral health care providers, family members of opioid dependent individuals, child welfare professionals, policy makers, advocates, and researchers to exchange perspectives, learn about innovations in treatment, and facilitate collaborations that continue to synergize opioid treatment and recovery.

A new era of contemporary clinical practice with a focus on recovery and integration of services is expanding our traditional approach to care. Community and families often play pivotal roles in the recovery of patients, yet their role is often minimized. Through education, we can teach the many merits and holistic effect of life-long recovery as well as how it affects patients, families and communities.

The workshop committee extends an invitation to you to submit a workshop proposal or a poster highlighting your research and/or clinical expertise in the provision of care to those who are opioid dependent. The Call for Presentations seeks proposals for workshops or posters that will emphasize the vast range of innovative activities and programming that address the many facets of health care reform, recovery management treating patients and their families, peer mentoring, and models of community involvement in support of treatment and recovery from opioid dependence.

Building on the success of our 2011 Conference in Chicago, the 2012 Las Vegas Conference will focus upon two very broad policy agendas - Health Care Reform and Recovery. At our "Hot Topic Roundtables," you will also have the opportunity to discuss and debate the issues confronting our programs and patients, and AATOD's efforts to seek consensus and advocate for our field, as science informs policy and practice.

Las Vegas offers something for everyone: theme parks, roller coasters, Broadway shows, concerts, golf, museums, national parks and more. There are also many free attractions, so enjoy the Conference and the City of Las Vegas.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and seeing you in Las Vegas!

Sincerely,

Shirley Linzy, R.N.M.S.
2012 Conference Chair

Susan Storti, Ph.D., R.N.
2012 Workshop Chair