The Impact of GLP-1 Medications on SUD Treatment

Event Overview

Join us for an engaging morning of networking and education at the historic 1893 House in Raleigh, North Carolina. This event begins with a meet-and-greet session, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in the addiction treatment and mental health fields. Following this, Dr. Adam Scioli will deliver an insightful presentation on the emerging role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs).

Supported by SANA House

Presentation Details

Title: The Impact of GLP-1 Medications on SUD Treatment
Presenter: Adam Scioli, DO, DFAPA, FASAM, FAOAAM

This course explores the groundbreaking potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) — such as semaglutide and liraglutide — in reducing cravings and relapse risk for individuals with substance use disorders. Dr. Scioli will delve into the neurobiological mechanisms of GLP-1 medications, review the latest preclinical and clinical research, and discuss how these therapies can complement existing approaches like medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The session will also address barriers to access, ethical considerations, and Caron Treatment Centers’ innovative BRIDGE initiative to integrate GLP-1 therapy into recovery care.

Please register below for the lunch, and register for the CEU event here.

Learning Objectives

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

• Summarize current research on GLP-1 receptor agonists and their role in treating opioid and other substance use disorders.
• Describe the neurobiological mechanisms through which GLP-1 signaling influences craving, reward, and relapse behavior.
• Evaluate evidence supporting the use of GLP-1 medications as adjunctive therapies in SUD treatment.
• Identify barriers to access, regulatory challenges, and health equity considerations related to off-label prescribing of GLP-1 medications.
• Discuss strategies for incorporating GLP-1–based approaches into comprehensive, patient-centered recovery programs.

Event Schedule

• 11:45 AM - 12:00PM: Meet & Greet
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch with Mike Gminski
• 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Presentation by Dr. Adam Scioli

Continuing Education (CE) Details

• CE Hours: 1.0 - register here

About the Presenter

Dr. Adam Scioli, DO, DFAPA, FASAM, FAOAAM
Dr. Scioli is a distinguished expert in addiction medicine and psychiatry, with extensive experience in clinical practice, research, and education. He serves as the Chief Medical Officer and Program Director of the Addiction Medicine Fellowship at Caron Treatment Centers. Dr. Scioli is board-certified in psychiatry, neurology, and addiction medicine, and is a fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine. His work focuses on the intersection of addiction and attachment, and he has been a leader in integrating innovative therapies into recovery care.

About Mike Gminski, Duke University Basketball All-American
Mike Gminski, born August 3, 1959, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is a basketball legend whose career spans extraordinary achievements on and off the court. A standout at Masuk High School, he set a state record averaging 41 points per game before excelling at Duke University, where he graduated summa cum laude and became one of the most decorated players in school history. Drafted 7th overall in the 1980 NBA Draft, Mike enjoyed a 14-year professional career, amassing over 11,000 points, 6,500 rebounds, and 1,000 blocks. Post-retirement, he transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a respected voice in college basketball with roles at Raycom Sports, Fox Sports, and CBS. Beyond sports, Mike has dedicated himself to community service, including leadership roles at Duke Children’s Hospital and his current work as a Recovery Advocate for Sana House, where he mentors men in recovery and promotes mental health awareness.

For questions or additional information, please reach out to Todd Whitmer at twhitmer@caron.org or David Lazar at dlazar@caron.org.