With more than 87,000 deaths by drug overdoses reported in 2024, it is critical that we continue to learn and develop strategies that save lives.

As the addiction crisis evolves, so do the strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery.

For professionals working in addiction treatment and behavioral health, the place to network, grow professionally and — most importantly — help those struggling with addiction and mental health issues is the West Coast Symposium on Addictive Disorders. The educational program at this year’s event, to be held May 29-31 in Palm Springs, California, addresses the evolving landscape of our field. 

With more than 87,000 deaths by drug overdoses reported in 2024, it is critical that we continue to learn and develop strategies that save lives. West Coast Symposium is a powerful opportunity to expand your clinical knowledge and stay on top of emerging trends. 

2025 Program

This year’s agenda focuses on the latest evidence-based practices, from psychedelics and GLP-1s to harm reduction and trauma-informed care — delivered by the field’s top thought leaders. West Coast Symposium is by far my favorite conference and it’s where I introduce anything new at the Infiniti Group or any of my treatment centers.

Emerging trends covered this year include:

• Contingency Management: An Evidence-Based Behavioral Intervention for Treating Stimulant Use Disorder
• Sobriety (with an asterisk): Use of Cannabis, Psychedelics, and Supplements During Early Recovery
• Harnessing Ketamine: A New Frontier in Addiction Therapy
• Possibilities of GLP-1s for Addiction Treatment
• AI as a Strength Multiplier in Behavioral Health: Tools for Growth and Mastery

Clinicians know that the key to effective treatment is addressing the root causes underlying substance misuse. To this end, this year’s program has sessions on repairing family dynamic injuries, addressing adolescents’ developmental traumas, understanding and treatment approaches for harm reduction, and cravings management and anti-craving meds.

Experiencing West Coast Symposium

We are returning to the La Quinta Resort in Palm Springs for the 16th year. With more than 1,600 participants, West Coast Symposium is a powerful forum for networking with peers, experts, and industry supporters. Attendees can earn CE/CME credits through immersive sessions, panels, and training. 

The conference provides exhibitors and sponsors multiple opportunities to generate leads, strengthen their brand identity, develop thought leadership and conduct market research. 

This year we have a big surprise in AI. I can’t say much about it yet, but I hope you will join us next month in Palm Springs. 

For more information or to register, visit the West Coast Symposium website.

Chad Carlsen is the CEO of Infiniti Group, LLC., and has worked in the behavioral health field since 2000. He is co-founder of Hope by the Sea, a drug and alcohol treatment center in Orange County, California, and is celebrating its 20th year in business.