Alcohol dependency is a serious illness that is the result of chronic alcohol abuse. Unlike other substances that may not cause dependence, a person that is an alcoholic can not physically go without alcohol. To quit drinking suddenly, an alcoholic would go through severe withdrawal symptoms and face the risk of death. Alcohol withdrawal should not be taken lightly or done alone. For those with severe alcohol dependency, detox is necessary. This is when a patient is admitted into a hospital setting and, under the watchful care of medical staff, allowed to withdraw from the alcohol.

The Process of Alcohol Detox

Here’s what happens: An exam and test will be done on the patient first to determine any underlying medical problems. Once they have been assed, the patient can begin detox. Symptoms will begin 5 to 8 hours after the last drink and include anxiety, restlessness, nausea, hypertension, and trouble sleeping. As the withdrawal progresses, symptoms get more severe and unpleasant, such as vomiting, rapid heart rate, confusion, and possibly hallucinations and seizures. During this time the patient will be monitored carefully, and while not all symptoms can be relieved, some medications can be used to take the edge off.

Dangerous Detox

The most serious side effects of alcohol withdrawal and the reason for specialized hospital care are delirium tremens. These can show up 72 to 96 hours after the last drink, and they can result in death. When delirium tremens occur, the patient will suffer from fever, hypertension, delirium, and tremors. The patient can die from heart problems, head trauma, and electrolyte imbalance as a result of delirium tremens. Benzodiazepines such as Valium or Ativan can be used to treat the most severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

After Alcohol Detox

Once a patient has successfully detoxed from alcohol, the real work begins. Still under a physician’s care, the person may be reevaluated to see that there are still no hidden medical problems or mental illness. If everything checks out at this point, the person may be moved to outpatient treatment. This would mean that they can go home, but must return for therapy and treatment.

Alcoholism is a disease that affects a person for life, and aftercare is extremely important to prevent relapse. Support groups provide structure and guidance from others that have struggled with alcoholism. Alcoholics Anonymous has successfully helped millions of recovering alcoholics stay sober for years through this method.

Alcoholism is not something that can be cured in a week, and in fact some would say that alcoholism can never be cured, just managed. But those that work hard at it can keep themselves from ever going back to this way of life.

Sources

http://addictions.about.com/od/overcomingaddiction/bb/detox.htm

http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh22-1/38-43.pdf

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050201/495.html

Friday brought the report of yet another tragic death of a talented individual, which appears to be drug related. I don’t want to jump to conclusions but the New York Times is reporting that he was found with a crack pipe, crack and prescription medication.

I could write a lot about this situation since it has become an all to common headline, however I would like to focus on one aspect of this particular set of circumstances. In one of the articles I read, it was mentioned that Adam Goldstein (DJ AM) had just finished filming 8 episodes of a highly anticipated series for a major network, in which he attempted to help kids and their families, struggling with drugs. I happen to know a little bit about this production because I was approached by the show’s producers to assist them in finding individuals to help, as well as assist them with finding treatment for the addicts who wanted help.

This is a role I’ve played countless times for the media and one I enjoy as long as everyone involved id focused on raising awareness and helping those without options. Nine times out of ten the experience is overwhelmingly positive; however, my experience with this particular production company was frustrating and sadly, not unusual. I found them to be largely uneducated about the disease itself and that always poses a problem for all those involved. I was basically asked to identify individuals in crisis and then asked to wait while the casting process was performed. I found this to be a hard pill to swallow for myself and my company. I found that the bulk of the decision making on everything from which subjects to pick for the show to where to place them in treatment was centered around production concerns, logistics and politics, rather than what was in the best interest of the individuals in crisis. I understand there are issues which have to be addressed during the production of a show of this nature, however I believe that this can be accomplished while keeping the subjects’ best interest in the forefront.

I found that the people I spoke with at the production company were largely ignorant to the nuances of the disease, recovery process they were attempting to portray and the proper sequence of events that takes someone from crisis to solution. I realize that sacrifices are made when creating entertainment from crisis, however, I have to ask myself if those directly involved were more thoroughly equipped with information about the disease and recovery process, would they have been able to see that the star of their show was in trouble himself, or did they see it but determine that the show must go on? I am certainly not assigning responsibility to the network or the production company for this tragedy; however, I am just asking some questions that I believe need to be asked about this situation and to the entertainment industry as a whole.

Earlier this year I attended the Prism awards in Beverly Hills. These awards are given to the entertainment industry for the accurate portrayal of addiction and mental health issues in entertainment vehicles. There are many great shows out there that through their craft are raising the awareness of these issues in the consciousness of their viewers. Shows like A&E’s “The Cleaner” are very cutting edge; however “The Cleaner” is a fictional drama and certainly not reality. When you get into reality realm, it is a different beast altogether. Cops was probably the mother of all reality shows, where the film crew follows the professionals and films whatever happens. They are not involved in the decision making process and they do not cast the subjects. If the entertainment industry wants to do a reality series why don’t they identify a recovery professional and film them doing what they do without interfering, then they can go back to the editing room where it is completely safe and ethical to make decisions. When I need to produce a video, I go to the professionals and follow their guidance, when these production companies want to do a show about addiction shouldn’t they do the same.

Just a thought.

Jim Bevell

CEO TSN

561 577-3174

jimb@tsnemail.com

Most of the time when we think of substance abuse we think of teens or young adults, or even middle aged people. But there are plenty of older adults that suffer with substance abuse. Some of them have been abusing drugs or alcohol for years and never gotten treatment for it while others begin the substance abuse as they age.

Reasons for Substance Abuse by Older Individuals

There are many reasons why a person getting along in years might become caught up in drug or alcohol abuse. First of all, many older people are lonely. Maybe their spouse has died or their friends are in different stages of their lives. Maybe their kids have grown and moved away. Retired individuals can often feel a great sense of loneliness and loss as they deal with the change of being at home alone all day instead of at work.

Sometimes it is illness or injury that causes a person to get involved with drugs. They may have become addicted to painkillers that were prescribed by their doctor, or they may have started to self-medicate with alcohol to deal with the pain of injury or disease.

Many younger people say they turn to drugs or alcohol because of the stress, responsibilities, and pressures of life. Older people often have the opposite situation – their lives have slowed way down, they may be lonely, and they may not be able to do the things they used to do. Any time a person feels depressed or unimportant or unhappy about their life, drugs or alcohol could be the “answer” they turn to.

Harder to Treat

Older adults that do drugs bring their own set of problems when it comes to getting treatment. The drugs or alcohol take a much harder toll on the body of an older person. The slower metabolism of a senior citizen means the substance stays in the body longer and has a greater effect. The substance may react negatively with other prescribed or over-the-counter medications they may be taking for other ailments. It will be harder for these older individuals to go through the treatment process, and detox could really do a number on the body at an old age.

However, it is important for older people to get help for their substance abuse. These older adults often struggle with thoughts of suicide, and many that get caught up in substance abuse do end up following through with suicide. The depression, mental illness, and substance abuse among older individuals are serious things and they need to be treated. There is help out there and senior citizens can successfully overcome these feelings and begin living the rest of their lives as happy, healthy seniors.

Sources

http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/ClinicianHB/05_sensitive.htm

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=8341707&page=1

http://ezinearticles.com/?Baby-Boomers-Addiction-and-Alcoholism-May-Take-Down-Medicare-and-Social-Security-Programs&id=1087785

The baby boom generation has been the subject of many studies over the years. This generation, usually categorized as individuals born between 1946 and 1955, is known for its large size, its love of rock and roll music, and its strong political stances. A new study released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) tells of another, more alarming characteristic. The study reports that 9.4 % of people in the 50-59 age group today have done drugs in the past year. This is an increase of 4% in the last 12 months, the highest increase of any age group.

The report goes on to say that 90% of these baby boomers that use drugs today began using them before they were 30. What this study shows is that people in this age group, that once started recreationally using marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs, are still at it today. While many generations tend to grow out of things like drug and alcohol abuse, this group doesn’t seem like it is going to.

Recreational Drug Use

There are a few reasons that we can speculate as to why some baby boomers still use drugs today in their 50’s and 60’s. First of all, this group was the first one to extensively use drugs for recreation. It was the culture of the 60’s; the pot-smoking, cocaine-trying teens and 20 somethings that felt drugs enhanced their way of living. It was and still is simply the way of life for many.

Prescription Painkillers

Another thing that caused this generation to keep using drugs is that during their life, prescription painkillers became widely available. Drugs had become a quick fix for many things including stress and anxiety, and now pain was solved by powerful painkillers. This generation didn’t have to be convinced to take medicine for pain, leading to the problem of painkiller addiction that so many are suffering with today.

Resistant to Treatment

Thirdly, when baby boomers were younger, it was not culturally acceptable for people to admit to an addiction problem and seek help for it. Because of this, baby boomers kept on doing the drugs or abusing alcohol through the years, never getting help.

The future of baby boomers might cause some concern in our country today. Baby boomers may require more medical care as they age because of the toll the drugs have taken on their bodies. Add this to social security and health care concerns because of the large size of this population and it causes some to worry that our system won’t be able to support all the baby boomers as they get older.  

Time will tell how serious the problem of baby boomers aging will be. With a large focus in our country of help and treatment for substance abuse, many people in their 50’s and 60’s are now beginning to get treatment. We need to encourage treatment for everyone with an addiction. It’s never too late to ask for help.

Sources

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=8341707&page=1

http://ezinearticles.com/?Baby-Boomers-Addiction-and-Alcoholism-May-Take-Down-Medicare-and-Social-Security-Programs&id=1087785

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/planning-to-retire/2009/08/20/baby-boomers-still-using-illegal-drugs.html

The entire idea of recovery simply to learn how to incorporate positive behaviors and principles into one’s lifestyle, so that when a real life situation arises, we are able to handle it, first and foremost without the use of a drug and ideally with a degree of dignity. It’s like a blueprint for life. We practice it repetitively and consistently in all our affairs, so that when something major arises, we can be ready at a moment’s notice to summon all that we have learned. Life on life’s terms means that when life shows up, we take it as it comes and don’t run from our problems by using a substance.

Dealing with life on life’s terms is not something addicts and alcoholics are accustomed to. In my active addiction, I used any excuse I could to continue using. Any “difficult” situation in life became an opportunity to justify my next high. In recovery, I’ve been able to learn new and constructive ways to deal with life. It started by practicing simple levels of responsibility to manage basic daily stressors like jobs, bills and traffic. In the past year, putting recovery into practice has allowed me to navigate some of life’s more serious challenges like the death of a loved one, illness in the family and difficulties in some personal relationships.

At TSN, we place a very high value on the gift of recovery. We realize that recovery is so much more than simple abstinence from drinking or drugging. When a sick and suffering addict or alcoholic becomes ready to embrace recovery, they find entirely new levels of freedom. Their lives are transformed. People that were once the source of chaos, pain and discord in their homes are able to become loving sons, daughters, spouses, parents and friends. Their recovery becomes a source of hope and joy, not only for themselves, but for their loved ones and others around them still suffering from addiction.

Life is never going to be perfect or without its challenges. Recovering from alcoholism or drug addiction can sometimes be a long road. At TSN, we are here to make sure that journey starts on the right foot and that any addict or alcoholic seeking that freedom gets the best available assistance in creating a solid foundation for their recovery.

For the past fourteen years, I have been attending the Labor Assistance Professionals annual conference. This is an opportunity for many internal members and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) staff to get together to share their experience and wisdom, but most importantly, solidarity!   Last week, I attended my sixteenth Conference.

For LAP background information (ex. New York City chapter was the foundation/founders of  the Labor Assistance Professionals  in 1991) and reference, you might want to check out their website (http://www.laborassistanceprofessionals.com)…has some nice historical information as well as a mission statement.

When I was first introduced to the New York (and later) Boston membership, I knew this was an organization I wanted to be part of, not only because their mission statement is right on, but because of the caring, concerning people who will do anything to help one of their members or their family! Recovery is such an important piece of the equation with all the “brothers and sisters” who participate yearly in this conference.

Let me share with you a personal experience and why I am so passionate about this organization.  In 2001, I was sent to  New York City  to assist the FDNY during 9/11.   The members of a certain firehouse had taken a terrible blow; losing six of their “brothers”  in the attack.  I spent a good deal of time discussing the horrible situation with the Fire Captain and the impact it was having on his crew.  The Captain of house had already performed a needs assessment and related to me the emotional burden of the grieving families and how important it was, historically, for the firehouse to help the families of a member who were killed in line of duty.  That being realized, the Captain explained if I really wanted to help their firehouse, their crew and their families, “get me a bus to bring all families to funerals”.  Through my friends in Labor Assistance Professionals, I contacted the NYC Transport Workers Union and explained my challenge to Ted Mapes, the union MAP (Materials Approval Process) coordinator.   Realizing that this was a time of desperate need, without any hesitation, Ted provided that firehouse with a City bus and driver to assist all the families of the fallen firefighters.  Just like that!

Through our “brothers and sisters” in Labor Assistance Professionals,  we have connections in just about every city and town in America.  Whatever is needed  (getting someone into treatment, providing transportation to and from meetings, detox centers, hospitals, etc.) …they are always there to help.

To all, I say “THANK YOU” for the opportunity to belong and rejuvenate!

Mike

Michael Blackburn, CEAP, LADC-1, BRI-II

Vice President

mikeb@tsnemail.com

It’s the beginning of another season of football, and another pro sports player is in trouble with substance abuse. In the history of sports, there have been countless athletes abusing drugs and alcohol, but it seems that the problem may be getting worse as time goes on.

The NFL season is starting up again. Fall is in the air, kids are heading back to school, and athletes are being suspended for substance abuse. Last week, it was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ safety Tanard Jackson that was caught for some sort of substance abuse and suspended for four games. Jackson will leave quite a void in his team as he serves out his suspension, but his team is not the only one that is struggling to fill positions because of substance abuse. Charles Rogers has had problems with marijuana and was recently suspended form the Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titan Chris Davis was recently charged with a DUI, and those are just the ones that have made recent headlines this season. Some of the athletes are able to get help and get back into the game, such as Miami Dolphin running back Ricky Williams, who reportedly still remains clean. We could name many other pros that have had their careers put on hold while they dealt with substance abuse. Even a great like Michael Irvin was a user and Brett Favre battled with prescription painkillers for a time.

The Hazards of being a Pro Football Player

One of the downfalls of these pro football players is their wealth. Money can buy almost anything, including a lot of drugs. The temptations are all around these players, they have easy access to the substances, and with stressful careers and the pressure to succeed, sometimes it becomes pretty easy for them to fall into substance abuse. They have so much free time during the off season to do things like drugs that they get hooked then and can’t stop once they start playing again. And given the apparent climate in pro sports for substance abuse, peer pressure can affect even these guys. Everyone is doing it.

Many of these players, like all of us, fall into denial. They may not be willing to give up their career to get treatment, and there are probably plenty of teammates and agents that are willing to look the other way also, in order to keep their success going.

Unfortunately, these players are not only jeopardizing their own careers or lives, but pro sports athletes also have quite a bit of influence on today’s youth. When these kids see their heroes get involved with something like drugs or alcohol abuse, it makes it a little more difficult for them to say no.

Sources

http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/sports/local_story_234235635.html

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog/entry/view/29305/charles_rogers_liked_weed_and_pills_a_lot

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/238954-t-jacked-tanard-jacksons-indiscretion-puts-the-bucs-in-a-bind 

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7016145877?Bucs’%20Safety%20Tanard%20Jackson%20Suspended%20Four%20Games:%20Substance%20Abuse%20Violation

I just returned from an executive retreat in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina. What a blessing!  I spent a lot of time just sitting on the porch staring at the most unreal view. When I look at a picture of that view now, my first thought was that I really spent a lot of time up there doing nothing. Then it suddenly occurred to me that I actually spent a lot of time connecting with the people who are most important to me, my family, my colleagues and their families. What could be more important than that? In a world that is filled with deadlines, strategic planning, crunching numbers and trying to bring in the next project, sometimes my priorities get clouded.

I am fortunate to be involved in an occupation where people’s lives are impacted on a deep and meaningful level, but it is easy to get lost in the mundane details and lose sight of the bigger picture. I remember when I first got into recovery many years ago, I had this epiphany one day when I was getting all upset about something so insignificant, I can’t even remember what it was now, but it suddenly dawned on me to ask myself this question, “Is what I am so upset about right now going to matter in 100 years?” The answer of course was no. What if I could always live my life that way? How many things would I have done differently?

When I returned home my little girl started school for the first time. As her mother and I dropped her off at her classroom I was suddenly hit with the fact that my little baby girl has grown up so much. It seems like the last four years have passed in just the blink of an eye. I ask myself now how much of those past four years have I spent worrying about something I had no control over? How much of that time have I spent trying to force some person, place or circumstance to follow my will? How much time have I spent on things that will be totally irrelevant in 100 years? If I spend time with my daughter, I can develop her self esteem so that she can impact her children’s lives,  and so on. That certainly will matter in 100 years.

TSN has the same opportunity. If we invest the bulk of our time in our clients’ lives, they can have a positive impact on others, and so on. I can’t change the media and their bloodlust, I can’t change politicians and their twisted behavior, but every day I am blessed with the opportunity to impact at least one 4 year old girl’s life in a positive way and fortunately, the opportunity to impact many lives in a positive way. So next time you catch yourself frustrated or angry over something, ask yourself, “Will this matter in 100 years?” Chances are good that it won’t, but if it will, do what you can about it and move on; if it won’t, don’t spend another minute on it. Go find yourself some little kid or some hurting human being and do what you can to have a positive impact. At the bare minimum, find a porch and enjoy the view.

Jim Bevell

CEO TSN

561 577-3174

jimb@tsnemail.com

Alcohol is one of those substances that can be used in moderation with very little adverse effects, or it can be abused in large amounts. And, many people over time that abuse alcohol also become addicted to it. There is a difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence, or alcoholism.

Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse is often seen among young people and college students, who binge drink at parties or bars. Any time someone consumes too much alcohol and gets drunk, the potential is there for alcohol abuse to occur. The large amount of alcohol in the body impairs judgment, distorts thinking, and increases aggression. Those people that abuse alcohol may put themselves in danger because of their use of alcohol and may get into trouble with the law, or may take part in high-risk behavior such as drunk driving. But alcohol abusers are not alcoholics, and they remain in control of their drinking habits. They are not physically dependent on alcohol and can go for days or weeks without a drink. Sooner or later, though, they will abuse alcohol again, and many alcohol abusers eventually end up being alcoholics.

Alcoholism

Alcoholics, on the other hand, have developed a dependence on alcohol through continual use of the substance. They lose control over their alcohol intake until their bodies physically need it in order to function. Their need for alcohol will usually increase over time, until they have built up a tolerance for it and a strong craving for it. Their addiction eventually becomes so bad that they can’t live without alcohol, and if they try to quit cold turkey or even abstain for one day, they suffer serious withdrawal symptoms. Alcoholics can often be found drinking in the morning to relieve withdrawal side-effects. Those that are dependent on alcohol may often drink alone, sneak more drinks in when others aren’t watching, and drink to cope with life’s problems. Alcoholics have a hard time staying sober on their own, and the process of getting clean is actually dangerous if the person’s body is extremely dependent on alcohol.

Treatment for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Because of the dangerous withdrawal symptoms associated with alcoholism, medical detox is necessary to ensure the patient’s safety. Once the body is clean from alcohol, a person with alcoholism or alcohol abuse will need therapy and counseling to help them work through the psychological aspects of their drinking. They will need to examine the reasons why they drink and resolve other issues in their life before they can stay sober. Support groups are a great way to help those recovering from alcohol abuse or dependence to stay sober.

Sources

http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/ospp/securityguide/Eap/Alcohol.htm

http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/effect/a/aa000510a.htm

http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/briefs/addictions/hb041208.htm

Addiction is such as harsh word, and it carries with it a number of negative implications. For example, some people categorize an addict as someone that doesn’t care about themselves, their family, or life in general. Or, an addict is the homeless person down the street. Or, addicts just don’t try hard enough at life. But addiction can happen to anyone –doctors, lawyers, pastors, housewives, college students – and people shouldn’t be too quick to categorize.

Perhaps you’re struggling with thoughts of addiction. Maybe you know deep down that you are addicted to something. These thoughts may be your first step toward recovery. No one likes to admit that they have an addiction problem, but until the issue is brought to light, the grip of the addiction will continue to grow stronger and stronger.

Physical Addiction

There are actually two ways a person can be addicted to a substance. First, and more clearly, a person can be physically addicted. This is when their body has built up such a tolerance and actual dependence on the substance that if it doesn’t get it, the body suffers withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol and heroin are examples of substances that cause great physical addiction and are hard to stop without great pain and suffering.

Psychological Addiction

The other way a person can be addicted is psychologically. This is often harder to manage. A person that is psychologically addicted has severe cravings and an uncontrollable desire to obtain the substance, and will often go to great lengths to get their hands on it. An example of this is cocaine. Cocaine does not produce very severe withdrawal symptoms, but a person that is addicted to it cannot seem to pull themselves away. The intense cravings that go along with withdrawal are hard for an addict to overcome. The drug becomes necessary in their life, and they will do anything to get it.

Symptoms of Addiction

So how can you tell if you are addicted? Where is that fine line between recreational use of alcohol and addiction, or between pain management and addiction to painkillers? While most addicts know they have an addiction problem, it might happen so gradually that they honestly don’t know they’ve gone so far. If an addict would take a step back and look at their life, they may find the following to be true:  They have built up a tolerance for the substance, so that more of it is needed to get high. They may have the desire to quit, but are unsuccessful. They will spend more and more time trying to get the substance, including illegal behavior. They will give up things that were once important to them if it stands in the way of using their substance. They will continue to use the substance even after being made aware of its impact on their life and their loved ones’ lives.

If addiction has become part of your life, remember that it can be treated. With proper help, addicts can get sober and start living a life free from their addiction.

Sources

http://www.ehow.com/about_5087236_signs-drug-addiction.html

http://www.nida.nih.gov/Published_Articles/Essence.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183/DSECTION=symptoms