Presentations

Dr. Ruth Potee gives thoughtful, well researched talks on addiction, substance use, and the development of the teenage brain to audiences of parents, students, medical professionals, teachers, school counselors, emergency medical workers, courthouse staff, law enforcement, correctional officers, and the general public. While her repertoire of presentations is large, she is also willing to develop new talks on a case-by-case basis. All presentations are tailored to location and audience. Dr. Potee also leaves plenty of time for Q&As.

Physiology of Addiction

An overview of how substances and addictive behaviors impact the brain and how the brain is injured by prolonged exposure to these substances and behaviors.   This talk focuses on the three predisposing factors that put individuals at risk for addiction:  genetics, early exposure during brain development and history of childhood trauma.  

Length:  1.25 hours plus Q & A

Adolescent Brain Development

This talk is good for student bodies or as an in-service training tool for teachers and staff. There is a focus on normal risk taking behaviors of the developing brain.  There is also a focus on the impact of marijuana on the adolescent brain acutely and long term.  The teacher and staff training version will spend time on the impact of childhood trauma on students in the classroom.

Length:  Student version 45 minutes with 15 minute Q & A

Length:  Teacher version 1.5 hours with 30 minute Q &A

Alcohol Use Disorder and Treatment

This is intended for clinicians (NPs, PAs, MDs, therapists, etc) in both the out-patient and in-patient settings. It covers the scope of the problem and the missed opportunity in the medical setting to address AUD.  It also details out-patient withdrawal protocols and medical management of AUD long term.  

Length:  55 minutes with 10 minute Q & A

Correctional Health and Addiction

This talk focuses on the missed opportunity of treating addiction within a correctional facility.  Over 80% of inmates in the county and state system have substance use disorder yet evidence-based treatment is not provided.  This is a talk that is intended for those in public health, addiction medicine, and correctional health.  However, it is a talk that could push those in elected office, corrections, and the criminal justice system to shift their thinking.  

Length: 1.5 hour with Q & A 

Grand Rounds for Medical Professionals

A one-hour version of Physiology of Addiction, Alcohol Use Disorder, Marijuana Use Disorder can be done for Grand Rounds to medical and nursing staff

Length:  A rapid paced 1 hour with Q & A

Law Enforcement, Court Staff, Correctional Officers

Physiology of Addiction with focus on work provided in our courthouses and correctional facilities.  The best evidenced treatment will be presented and there will be longer discussion time to allow for exploration of some of these contentious issues.  

Other Talks

Dr. Potee has given talks designed to meet the needs of EMTs, disaster relief workers, labor and delivery nurses, addiction and treatment staff, and other groups.  Talks are always designed to meet the specific needs of the audience.