RIA’s “Diversity In Addictions” Seminar Series To Highlight Obesity, Gambling And the Rave Culture

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) will present national experts speaking on the topics of obesity, gambling and the rave culture during its Spring 2000 Seminar Series entitled "Diversity in Addictions."

Each lecture in the three-part series will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the institute at 1021 Main St., Buffalo. The series is free and open to the public.

It will open on March 10 with a lecture by David B. Allison, Ph.D., entitled "Environmental and Genetic Influences in Obesity." Associate research scientist at the Obesity Research Center of St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York, Allison has authored more than 150 scientific publications and edited three books. He has received National Institute of Health grants and serves on the Council of the North American Association for the Study of Obesity.

The series will continue on April 14 when Rina Gupta, Ph.D., will speak about "Gambling as an Addiction." Gupta is an assistant professor in school/applied psychology at McGill University in Montreal, a child psychologist in private practice and school psychologist at Selwyn House School. An expert in the field of youth gambling, Gupta has published in several journals and is director of the clinical intervention program for youth problem gamblers at McGill University.

The series will conclude on April 28 with a discussion of the "Mechanisms of Hallucinogens and Stimulants Used in Rave Culture" presented by Richard A. Glennon, Ph.D. A graduate of the UB School of Pharmacy, Glennon is vice chair of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. His honors include the School of Pharmacy's Instructor of the Year Award, the Virginia Commonwealth University's Distinguished Scholar Award and the American Pharmaceutical Association's Research Achievement Award. He has published more than 200 journal articles, as well as numerous book chapters.

For further information about the lecture series, call Kathleen Weaver at RIA at 887-2585.