Virtual Conference To Explore 'Pitfalls' In Addiction Treatment

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — As the battle against addiction intensifies, fueled by an escalating crisis worsened by the pandemic, the need for treatment has also grown.

To that end, a new virtual conference, "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: the Pitfalls in Navigating Addiction Treatment," is planned for April 5 from 12:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event, organized by HUGS, Inc, the Seafield Center, and The Kenneth Peters Center for Recovery, will explore the complexities of navigating addiction treatment.

"Over the last decade, the number of addiction treatment programs has increased dramatically. With the influx of providers in an often-unregulated field, it has become increasingly complicated to determine which programs are providing quality, ethical care and engaging in moral business practices," organizers said.

The goal of the conference is to educate clients, families, and practitioners about the unethical and illegal practices that exist in the treatment industry, organizers added. It will also provide information on how to evaluate a program. The conference will cover unethical business practices such as patient enticement and brokering; listing theft; unscrupulous marketing tactics; call centers; and insurance over billing and fraud, organizers said.

The full agenda and registration will be available soon.

Experts and keynote speakers include Robert A. Kent, general counsel, Office of National Drug Policy, Executive Office of the President and Dave Aronberg, State Attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit, former Assistant Attorney General, White House Fellow, and Florida Senator.