International Conference on Drug Abuse and Addiction Studies
09 - 11 November 2025
Antalya Turkiye - Limak Lara De Luxe Hotel & Resort
About ICODAAS 2025 Chair
Professor Dr. Dr. (h.c.) Marilyn A. Huestis retired as tenured senior investigator and Chief, Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH in 2016 after 23 years of conducting controlled drug administration studies. She was an Adjunct Professor, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD from 1999-2017, and currently is a Senior Science and Policy Advisor for PinneyAssociates, Professor at Thomas Jefferson University, Adjunct Professor, University of New Mexico, Honorary Professor, Barts & London School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, England, and on the Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) Science Advisory Board, and President of Huestis & Smith Toxicology, LLC. Her research program focuses on the neurobiology and pharmacokinetics of cannabinoid agonists, kratom/mitragynine, in utero drug exposure, oral fluid drug testing, driving under the influence of drugs, and identification and quantification of drugs by mass spectrometry. She published 580 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters.
Professor Huestis received a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Mount Holyoke College, a master's degree in clinical chemistry from the University of New Mexico, and a doctoral degree in toxicology from the University of Maryland.
Professor Huestis received a Doctor Honoris Causa from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki in Finland. Other important recent awards include the 2023 CMCR Pioneer in Medicinal Cannabis Research Award, 2023 Mechoulam Award from the International Cannabinoid Research Society, 2021 American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, 2021 National Safety Council Distinguished Service to Safety Award, and the 2018 National Safety Council’s Borkenstein Award among many others. The journal Clinical Chemistry featured her as an “Inspiring Mind”. She currently serves on the World Anti-doping Agency’s Prohibited List Committee, and the National Safety Council’s Alcohol, Drugs and Impairment Division Executive Board.
Professor Huestis served on the National Commission on Forensic Sciences. She is past president of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists, past Chair of the Toxicology Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and past president of The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists.
Keynote Speakers and Symposium Leaders
Keynote Speaker & “Prevention” Symposium Leader
Dr Marilyn Ann Huestis
Keynote Speaker & “Drug Detection” Symposium Leader
Prof Dr H Kaya Suer
Keynote Speech
Title: Bridging the Gap: Integrating Infectious Disease Prevention into Substance Use Intervention Strategies
Overview
Prof. Dr. Kaya Süer’s keynote speech will explore a holistic, integrative approach to prevention, focusing on how infectious disease control can be seamlessly incorporated into substance use prevention programs. The presentation will highlight the interconnected nature of substance use disorders (SUDs) and infectious diseases, emphasizing the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration between addiction specialists, public health officials, and infectious disease experts.
Keynote Speaker & “Treatment” Symposium Leader
Prof Dr Kultegin Ogel
Keynote Speech
Title: Rethinking Addiction Treatment: From Acute Intervention to Long-Term Recovery Planning
Overview
Prof. Dr. Kültegin Ögel’s keynote speech will focus on redefining how treatment systems approach substance use disorders (SUDs). Drawing from decades of clinical and academic experience, he will outline the shift from short-term crisis-focused interventions toward sustainable, long-term recovery planning. The presentation will explore the structural and psychological barriers to continuity in care, the importance of motivation-centered approaches, and how treatment models can adapt to changing patterns of substance use. Prof. Ögel will also discuss the critical role of integrating psychiatric care with psychosocial support in developing comprehensive treatment systems that respond to both individual and societal needs
Symposium Leaders & Trainers
Symposium on Substance Use Disorders & Prevention
Theme: Substance Use Disorders and Sexually Transmitted Infections: What Do We Know About Prevalence and Risk Factors?
This symposium explores the intersection of substance use, infectious diseases, and prevention strategies, featuring expert speakers from genetics, microbiology, and public health. Each session will provide scientifically grounded insights with a strong emphasis on early intervention and harm reduction strategies.
Symposium Leader
Topic: The Intersection of Substance Use and Infectious Diseases: Strengthening Prevention Through Integrated Health Approaches
Overview:
Rather than treating substance use and infectious disease prevention separately, this session advocates for a unified health approach, covering:
-Community-based early intervention programs for high-risk groups.
-Policy-driven strategies such as supervised drug consumption sites.
-Overcoming stigma to improve healthcare access for drug users.
-The integration of addiction counseling, disease screening, and harm reduction into a single framework.
Why It Matters: A holistic prevention strategy can significantly reduce both substance use and infection rates, creating long-term public health solutions.
Prof Dr Kaya H Suer
Symposium Trainer
Topic: Genetic and Neurobiological Risk Factors in Substance Use: Can Early Detection Prevent Addiction?
Overview:
Scientific advancements in genetics and neurobiology have revealed that addiction is not solely a behavioral issue but also has a biological basis. This session explores:
-How genetic predisposition affects addiction risk.
-The role of early genetic screening in preventing substance use disorders.
-How personalized prevention strategies can be developed for high-risk individuals.
Why It Matters: By identifying genetic and neurological risk factors early, we can shift drug prevention efforts from reactive to proactive, reducing long-term substance use rates.
Prof Dr Mahmut Cerkez Ergoren
Symposium Trainer
Prof Dr Meryem Guvenir
Topic: Breaking the Cycle: Preventing STIs in Substance-Using Populations Through Harm Reduction Strategies
Overview:
Substance use significantly increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to high-risk behaviors. This session focuses on preventive interventions, including:
-Integrating STI screenings into drug treatment programs.
-Expanding access to PrEP for HIV prevention.
-Implementing harm reduction strategies such as safe needle exchange & condom distribution.
-The role of vaccination programs (hepatitis B, HPV) for at-risk populations.
Why It Matters: Preventing STIs among people who use drugs requires a public health approach that moves beyond disease surveillance to proactive, real-world interventions.
Symposium Leaders & Trainers
Symposium on Substance Use Disorders & Treatment
Theme: Substance Use Disorders: What Works in Treatment? Clinical Models, Challenges, and Evolving Practices
This part of the symposium focuses on the treatment of substance use disorders, highlighting practical and clinical approaches from psychiatry and psychology. Discussions will center on therapeutic engagement, relapse prevention, and individualized treatment strategies across different care settings.
Symposium Leader
Prof Dr Kultegin Ogel
Topic:
Building Effective Treatment Systems for Substance Use Disorders: Evidence-Based Models and Implementation Challenges
Overview:
Prof. Dr. Kültegin Ögel, one of Türkiye’s leading experts in addiction psychiatry, will present a range of evidence-based treatment approaches for substance use disorders. His session will include motivational strategies, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and structured treatment models. He will also address systemic challenges in implementing these approaches within real-world clinical and institutional settings.
Why It Matters:
Effective treatment of substance use disorders requires more than just clinical knowledge—it demands coordination across systems, consistency in care, and strategies to engage individuals over the long term. Prof. Ögel’s experience offers valuable insights into bridging the gap between treatment planning and successful execution in the field.
Symposium Trainer
Melike Simsek Ogel
Topic:
Therapeutic Engagement in Outpatient Addiction Treatment: Strategies for Motivation and Change
Overview:
Melike Şimşek, Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in the treatment of substance use disorders, will share practical insights from her clinical work. Her presentation will focus on building therapeutic relationships, addressing resistance and denial, and applying psychological strategies to support motivation and behavior change in outpatient settings.
Why It Matters:
Sustained recovery often begins with trust and engagement. By addressing common psychological barriers in addiction treatment, Şimşek’s approach highlights how therapeutic alliance and tailored interventions can enhance participation, reduce dropout rates, and support long-term change in outpatient care.
Symposium Trainer
will be confirmed
Topic:
Medical Management of Addiction: Integrating Pharmacological Treatment and Psychiatric Care
Overview:
A psychiatrist specializing in addiction will present medical strategies for treating substance use disorders, with a focus on medication-assisted treatment (MAT), dual diagnosis, and the management of psychiatric comorbidities. The session will explore how pharmacological and clinical approaches can be combined to create effective, individualized treatment plans.
Why It Matters:
Addiction often coexists with other psychiatric conditions, making integrated care essential for sustainable recovery. This session underscores the importance of tailoring treatment to each individual’s psychological and medical profile, ensuring a more cohesive and long-term approach to care.
Symposium Leader
Marilyn Ann Huestis
Topic:
Advances in Drug Detection: From Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics to Oral Fluid Testing
Overview:
Dr. Marilyn Huestis, world-renowned toxicologist and former Chief of Chemistry and Drug Metabolism at NIDA, will present key findings from her extensive research career. Her presentation will cover cannabinoid pharmacokinetics, oral fluid drug testing, and the use of mass spectrometry in identifying emerging substances.
Why It Matters:
With substance use trends constantly evolving, timely and accurate detection is essential for both public health response and safety policy. Dr. Huestis’s work bridges scientific innovation and practical application, offering tools that support early detection, intervention, and evidence-based decision-making in both clinical and forensic settings.
Symposium Trainer
COL Marisol Castaneto
Topic:
Forensic Toxicology in Military Settings: Detection of Synthetic Cannabinoids and Emerging Substances
Overview:
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Marisol Castaneto, Program Manager of the U.S. Army Forensic Toxicology Program, will share her expertise on the detection of synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, and other novel substances within military contexts. Her presentation will also cover analytical challenges, method development, and the role of expert witness testimony in legal and disciplinary procedures.
Why It Matters:
Substance use in high-responsibility environments like the military poses serious risks. LTC Castaneto’s work demonstrates how forensic toxicology can be adapted to meet the unique needs of military justice and safety, offering valuable insights for both civilian and institutional detection strategies in evolving drug landscapes.
Symposium Trainer
Dr Kayla Ellefsen
Topic:
Postmortem Toxicology and the Challenge of Emerging Substances
Overview:
Dr. Kayla Ellefsen, Deputy Chief Toxicologist at the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office, will present on the detection of drugs in postmortem settings, with a focus on method development for novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Her session will explore how toxicological findings are interpreted to assist in determining cause and manner of death, especially in cases involving substance use.
Why It Matters:
The increasing complexity of drug-related fatalities requires advanced detection tools and interpretation expertise. Dr. Ellefsen’s perspective from forensic pathology offers critical knowledge for improving accuracy in postmortem drug analysis and understanding the true impact of emerging substances in fatal outcomes.
Symposium Trainer
Dr. Erin Spargo
Topic:
Innovations in Forensic Toxicology: Addressing the Complexities of Poly-Drug Detection
Overview:
Dr. Erin Spargo, Director of Toxicological Services at NMS Labs, will discuss advanced detection techniques used in forensic laboratories. Her presentation will cover controlled substance testing, the complexities of detecting poly-drug use, and findings from her research on MDMA and drug analysis in embalmed tissues.
Why It Matters:
As substance use patterns become more complex, especially with poly-drug combinations, laboratory methods must evolve. Dr. Spargo’s work reflects the intersection of forensic casework and scientific advancement, offering practical insights for improving accuracy and reliability in toxicological detection.
Symposium Leaders & Trainers
Symposium on Substance Use Disorders & Detection
Theme: Substance Use Disorders: What Do We Know About Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Early Detection?
This segment of the symposium will focus on detection strategies for substance use disorders, emphasizing biological, toxicological, and forensic approaches. It will highlight innovative research and practical applications for identifying substance use across various settings, including forensic investigations, clinical diagnostics, public health, and military systems. Presentations will examine advancements in toxicology, novel psychoactive substances (NPS), drug testing technologies, and the challenges of early detection.
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Complete Your Registration
Author Package
Fee: £699
Dates: Check-in: 03 November 2025 – Check-out: 05 November 2025
Duration: 2 Nights
Accommodation: Included
Audience Package
Fee: £599
Dates: Check-in: 03 November 2025 – Check-out: 05 November 2025
Duration: 2 Nights
Accommodation: Included
Audience / Author Package
Fee: £499
Accommodation: Excluded
Includes:
Conference Participation and/or Presentation
2 Lunches
Participation Only (No accommodation)
Publication Opportunities
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Journal
Journal of Drug Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment -J-DUDPT
Editor: Dr. Marilyn Huestis
Dr. Marilyn Huestis has authored over 500 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, with her work cited more than 43,000 times. She is the President of Huestis & Smith Toxicology, LLC, and serves as a Senior Fellow at the Institute on Emerging Health Professions at Thomas Jefferson University.
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Publisher
Emanate Publishing House is a distinguished academic publisher committed to advancing scholarly research and discourse. With a diverse team of experts, Emanate upholds rigorous editorial standards and integrity, ensuring each publication meets the highest quality. Their mission is to foster intellectual growth and contribute meaningfully to global scholarship.
Organisation Committee
About Us
We are proud to announce that ICODAAS is being organized in collaboration with the N-C Anti-Drug Commission (NC-ADC) and the International Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapies Society (CBPis). This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing research and innovation in the fields of addiction studies and behavioral therapies.
For the seamless organization of ICODAAS, we are utilizing the systems and expertise of the Academics Institute, which brings 16 years of experience in managing conferences. Their established infrastructure includes efficient systems for abstract and full-text submission, registration, and payment processing via PayPal, ensuring a smooth experience for all participants.
We are honored to work alongside some of the most esteemed figures in the academic community, including Dr. Marilyn Huestis, who serves as Chair of ICODAAS and editor of the publisher's proceedings and journal. The event features distinguished keynote speakers and expert symposium trainers, further enhancing its prestige and academic rigor.
Our ongoing collaboration with NC-ADC, led by its President, Teyfide Tecel Hatipoglu, has already resulted in impactful academic panels and publications, including a pioneering book that examines Cyprus and the EU. These efforts, in partnership with Emanate Publishing House, have produced unique academic resources available through their platform.
We extend our gratitude to the Academics Institute and all our partners for their invaluable contributions to making ICODAAS a success. Together, we strive to foster academic excellence and create meaningful impact in the field.
Submit Your Abstract / Register as an Audience
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I want to attend the event to learn and earn CPD points without presenting.
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