Bizzell CEO Contributes Chapter to The ASAM Principles of Addiction Medicine

Anton Bizzell, M.D., CEO of The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) celebrates the publication of the fifth edition of The ASAM Principles of Addiction Medicine.  The publication is the go-to textbook in the specialty field of addiction medicine, with the fifth edition providing core knowledge by “blending scientific principles underlying addiction with the practical essential of clinical addiction medicine.” The chapter, Ethical Issues in Addiction Practice was co-authored by Dr. Bizzell, H. Westley Clark, MD, JD, MPH, CAS, FASAM and Anthony Campbell, RPh, DO.

Dr. Bizzell brings significant experience within the health care community having served as a medical officer for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).   The chapter itself, details core ethical principles, aspects of dealing with denial, establishing an ethical stance, and potential future developments that could stimulate unprecedented paradigm shifts that may influence health care decision-making that would impact the disenfranchisement underlying health disparities in addiction treatment.

“It’s always an honor to be asked to participate in developing a narrative for something I’ve always been very passionate about,” Dr. Bizzell said in a statement.  “Its one thing to manage programs and work with people addressing addictive behaviors nationwide, but to be able to contribute to the field, and educate others is equally as rewarding. “

The ASAM Principles of Addiction Medicine Fifth Edition may be ordered through the publisher Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and includes a fully searchable online app version of the text and appendices and review questions. Phone orders dial 1-800-638-3030.

Bizzell CEO Appointed to COPE’s Governing Body

The Coalition on Physician Education in Substance Use Disorders’ (COPE) Executive Committee recently announced the appointment of Anton C. Bizzell, M.D., CEO of The Bizzell Group (Bizzell), to COPE’s governing body.  The designation adds to Dr. Bizzell’s rich history in the field of health education as he has served as a Medical Officer with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), as well as in the Office of Translational Research and Education at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), providing support for research and educational projects addressing physician and other allied health professions’ continuing education.

COPE was formed in 2010 to sustain and expand on the accomplishments of a series of White House Conferences on Medical Education in Substance Abuse, sponsored in 2003, 2006, and 2009 by the Office of National Drug Control Policy in the Executive Office of the President.  The organization’s overarching goal is to improve the education of medical students in the areas of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use disorders – ranging from problematic or risky use to addiction.  Another goal is to help medical students receive appropriate training to develop the skills they need to prevent, screen for, diagnose and manage substance use disorders in their patients, regardless of the location or specialty in which they ultimately practice.

As a member of COPE’s governing body Dr. Bizzell will have a hand in supporting the organization’s current activities including administration of medical school surveys and sponsorship of regional Medical Education Summits which are designed to identify specific needs and respond to opportunities for enhancing teaching about substance use disorders in the undergraduate years.  COPE also produces an e-newsletter, which is distributed to more than 3,000 readers, and maintains a website that offer news and resources to medical educators.

To learn more about COPE visit: www.cope-assn.org.

Bizzell CEO Named Opening Speaker at Annual REMBA Conference for Trauma and Addictions

The Department of Human Development and Services at North Carolina A&T State University will hold its 8th Annual Rehabilitation of Racial and Ethnic Minorities with Behavioral Addictions (REMBA) conference.  The two-day conference will convene on Thursday – Friday, April 10th and 11th at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.  Dr. Bizzell will serve as the opening speaker on Friday, April 11th from 9 am – 10 am to discuss practices related to treatment of behavioral addiction and trauma.

The conference, entitled Building a Network of Recovery in Communities, will address the growing needs of people of color who have been affected by trauma and addictions – an area of expertise for Dr. Bizzell.  The goal is to share data focused on the unique needs of people of color with behavioral and/or process addictions, including alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, sexual addictions and criminal offense.

Yearly, approximately 200 attendees participate – including Rehabilitation Counselors, Agency Counselors, Human Service Personnel, Human Resource Professionals, Administrators and Students interested in learning more about the topics at hand.

Bizzell Supports Responsible Healthcare Provider Prescribing Education

By: Anton C. Bizzell, M.D.

December 10, 2013 – Opioid analgesics have become controversial drugs that are widely used for the management of moderate to severe pain, but are widely abuse and diverted for non-medical purposes. While there has been a marked decrease in the use of some illegal drugs, data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) show that nearly one-third of people aged 12 and over who used drugs for the first time in 2009 began by using a prescription drug non-medically.

Addressing the prescription drug abuse epidemic is a top priority for The Bizzell Group (Bizzell). Our staff designs, develops, and delivers specialized training and technical assistance for health care providers—from physicians to psychologists, social workers, substance abuse treatment staff, and peer counselors. We understand which tools and resources are the most effective for reaching and communicating with multiple specialized audiences including adults, teens, teachers, and medical professionals. In addition, we support the development and dissemination of sound educational programs for not only health providers, but also for the American public and other stakeholders.

“We provide comprehensive programs of support for efforts to reduce the burden of prescription drug use, misuse, and abuse on the American people”, says Anton Bizzell, MD, Bizzell’s CEO. “Currently, we are offering technical assistance and training that includes developing education courses for physicians, developing educational materials for dissemination, conducting literature reviews and analyses, developing and compiling best practices materials, and providing logistical support for meetings across the U.S”.