S.A. PSYCHIATRIST TO HELP SHAPE ADDICTION-TREATMENT POLICY

A psychiatrist at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San
Antonio (UTHSC) has been named head of the American Academy of
Addiction Psychiatry's (AAAP) public policy arm.

In that position, John Pichot will play a role in promoting
accessibility to addiction treatment nationwide, UTHSC officials said.

Pichot will also serve on the organization's board of directors.

AAAP makes policy statements on a number of addiction-related issues,
including medicinal use of marijuana, medical care for pregnant
addicts and harm-reduction programs such as needle and syringe exchanges.

Pichot is also associate director of the South Texas Veterans Health
Care System's substance abuse treatment program.