Adam T on addictions and prisons

Over the course of the poster presentations, it was interesting to note the similarities in presentation and subject matter as well as public response to the posters of Addiction and Prison. The Prison presentation was a little clearer in how people are selected to be housed in prisons. When you commit an act that is outlined in a body of law as unlawful, you have the potential of being hauled off to prison. In Addiction’s presentation, to be labeled an addict depended on conflicting criteria, ranging from genetic theories to psychoanalytic principles. This contrasts to criminality, where the label criminal depends upon a black and white outline of legal/ illegal. However, what was similar between the two posters was where each presentation outlined theories (past and present) commenting on prevention of each topic. Each poster presented ways in which to treat addiction and actions of illegality; embedded in theories of treatment is that of prevention. It was interesting to note that genetics has supplied rhetoric to both topics in their commentary on prevention and cause.

Another aspect talked about was the monetary factor that surrounded prison and addiction. There is plenty of money spent and profited in both realms. What was very interesting was the discussion taking place during the Q&A part of the presentation. There were more than a few comments made that attached “industrial complex” to the end of each topic, using the oft-quoted “military industrial complex” model to espouse the possibility that science was being produced so as to benefit certain entrepreneur. Maybe this is the conspiracy theory template that will replace UFO’s, assassinations, and government cover-ups.

Robin--for Adam Tapper (whom Blogger seems to hate and won't let him post)