How would you feel if your insurance provider told you that the doctors’ visits and treatment costs for your illness were not going to be covered, or that you would have to pay a high deductible? Many people in our country are being told just that, and the reason is that the illness they have is substance abuse. There has long been a view in the world that substance abuse is a choice, or a character flaw, not a mental illness. Things are changing, however, and more and more research is being done on the complexities of the brain and its reaction to substance abuse. People today are beginning to see that while substance use might start as a decision to try something new, it quickly becomes an addiction that can’t be controlled.

Congress approves Mental Health Parity Act

Congress approved legislation last week that would change the way insurance providers handle claims for mental illness and substance abuse. The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 provides “equity in the coverage of mental health and substance use disorders by ensuring that group health care plans do not charge higher co-payments, coinsurance, deductibles, and impose maximum out-of-pocket limits and lower day and visit limits.” Supporters of this measure include many in the House and Senate, businesses, insurance companies, and physicians. However, a few questions remained and until last week, it was uncertain whether or not the bill would pass before Congress went into recess this year. By attaching it to the Wall Street bailout bill, however, Congress was able to pass it quickly.

Help is needed

Help can’t come soon enough for many Americans struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, mental illness is the leading cause, and substance use is the second leading cause, of disability among adults. Many of these adults are not getting the help they need to recover from their mental illness, and often it is because of the high cost of treatment. Another reason is fear of discrimination from their employer if they do seek treatment.

Equal Coverage for an epidemic

With legislation such as the Mental Health Parity Act, those with a substance abuse disorder can be reassured that their insurers will not be able to set a cap on healthcare coverage for mental illness or substance abuse that isn’t set for other illnesses.

In order to deal with the epidemic of substance abuse, we need more good addiction treatment facilities, more affordable health care to addicts, and more support behind families dealing with substance abuse. Through the passage of this bill, those with addiction should be encouraged to move forward and seek treatment, so that we can work toward decreasing the incidence of drug and alcohol abuse.

Sources

Congresswoman Shea-Porter Hails Passage of Mental Health Parity Act September 24, 2008

Many State Reform Initiatives Are Neglecting Mental Illness, Says Study July 08, 2008

Layton, Lyndsey Congress Approves Mental Health Bill Private Insurers Would Provide More Benefits Sept. 24, 2008

Ault, Alicia Equal Coverage For Mental Health?
Many States Require Parity, and Congress May Order It Nationwide November 6, 2007

Curley, Bob Congress, Bush Approve Addiction and Mental Health Parity Legislation October 3, 2008

Last week Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and their supporters took a stand against the American Beverage Institute (ABI) in an argument over a new bill in California that MADD believes will greatly reduce the incidence of drunk driving. The ignition interlock bill AB2784 would require breathalyzers to be installed in cars after a first conviction of DUI, something MADD says will save hundreds of lives. The alcohol ignition interlock is an electronic device that is linked to the ignition system of a vehicle, and when someone wants to start the vehicle they must first blow into the device with a blood alcohol concentration below a preset level. Studies show that interlock devices are 65 percent effective in reducing drunken driving offenses.

So who wouldn’t want this device mandated for convicted drunk drivers? After all, an estimated 13,000 people were killed last year in drunken driving accidents in our country, and it seems we should do something about it.

It turns out that the American Beverage Institute, a restaurant trade association, is against the penalties this bill would put on first time offenders. According to both MADD and ABI, the greatest threat on our roads comes from drivers with very high blood alcohol concentration and more than one DUI conviction. ABI believes that this bill would target the wrong groups of offenders when what we really want to do is get the “hard core” alcohol abusers off the road.

ABI has some suggestions of their own on how to curb drunk driving, such as putting more patrols out on the roads looking specifically for drunk drivers. By doing this, ABI says, offenders wouldn’t be able to predict where they may get caught, as they would with the sobriety checkpoints that MADD is also campaigning for.

We may debate over the best way to solve the problem of drunk driving, but let’s not let the arguments stand in our way of accomplishing something. MADD has a long history of fighting drunk driving, and their new Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving is another way they are helping to make our roads safer. Even if they are targeting first time offenders as well as seasoned drunk drivers, do we really want anyone behind the wheel that has had too much to drink? And who knows, by implementing stricter penalties for even the first crime, maybe fewer people will go on to be repeat offenders.

On the other hand, ABI has some good ideas themselves on how to fight drunk driving. By focusing on a long term screening and alcoholism treatment process for offenders, they have shown that they understand the help that people with alcoholism need in order to change their behavior.

And although both sides have their own opinions on the issue, they both have said that education is the key to solving this public safety problem. And like the rest of us in this country, they want to work toward safer roads as soon as possible

Drunk Driving Article Source Material

MADD Supporters Ask Why Some ‘Family-Friendly’ Restaurants Back Pro-Drunk Driving Group Market Watch Sept. 19, 2008

California Breathalyzer Bill Fails to Target Real DUI Problem, Dui Daily

http://www.abionline.org/issues.cfm

Butts, Charlie MADD pushes for ignition interlocks OneNewsNow – Sept. 18, 2008

Lannelli, Nick Authorities Doing More To Fight Drunk Driving Aug 6, 2008

Many in the recovery community claim to be “Clean and Sober” But, what exactly does this mean? Clean refers to living without using drugs. Sober is used in the same context. However, the definition of “Sober,” also reveals a path, and a desired character. A path, and character, prescribed and modeled, by the founders of the 12 Step Fellowships. A path, and character, prescribed for spiritual living. Let us begin with the basics. Following is the dictionary definition for “Sober:”
1. Habitually abstemious in the use of alcoholic liquors or drugs; temperate.
2. Not intoxicated or affected by the use of drugs.
3. Plain or subdued: sober attire.
4. Devoid of frivolity, excess, exaggeration, or speculative imagination; straightforward: gave a sober assessment of the situation.
5. Marked by seriousness, gravity, or solemnity of conduct or character. Marked by circumspection and self-restraint.

The first, and second, parts of the above definition are about abstinence. The other three parts describe attributes. The person that displays these attributes is Sober, not just abstinent from chemicals, not just clean. His, or her, Sobriety is manifested in “all their affairs:”This person practices Sobriety, with a capital S.

This Sobriety with a capital S is manifested in the way people live their lives, not in what they say. Sobriety is life lived in the pursuit of simplicity, and “serenity;” a way of life that avoids “excess.” For excess is the way of addiction. Addiction is excess in everything. Excess in using chemicals, and in exaggerated thinking, and behaving. The addict is addicted to extremes, and drama, as much as he, or she, is addicted to a chemical. To incorporate the above described attributes into a Sober character is the antidote for addiction. And, the acquisition of this character is the foundation of recovery. As well as, the goal of any program, or therapy, that seeks to treat addiction.

To counter the addicted character, an addict must be confronted with a person that has developed a Sober character. A person that is capable of modeling what this character is. That is capable of displaying it in daily living. Capable of showing the addict how life can be lived Sober. Modeling for the addict new ways of dealing with the challenges of life from a Sober perspective.

Then, by observation, and practice, an addict begins to substitute old patterns of thinking, and behavior. Through exposure to a Sober character, they can begin to live “as if” they had this character. By ‘faking it, till they make it,” they get a sense of what Sober life is. When their new behaviors begin to yield responses that reinforce them, they become incorporated into a new pattern of dealing with life. Through this process, a new character is formed.

In the process of this new character formation, the presence of a Sober sponsor, mentor, or therapist is fundamental; the presence of a person that personifies Sobriety. If the sponsor, mentor, or therapist has not internalized, and manifest the attributes of Sobriety, all that the addict is exposed to is another role to play: The role of “recovering person.” Because addicts are adept at role playing, the modeling of a person who is clean, but not truly Sober, will invite the addict to create yet another persona, or mask. Recovery becomes a new way to act, speak, and relate to others, without true change, without authenticity.

Many in the recovering world have adopted the persona of a recovering addict. A person can become “clean,” if this is the price that he, or she, pays for sustaining new friendships, lovers, work, or status. For, they now belong to a community where respect, admiration, business opportunities, and popularity are founded on “clean time.” However; such a person is clean, not Sober. This kind of recovery is dangerous. It is dangerous to those who practice it, and for those who are seeking recovery.

A person with “clean time,” regardless of character development, is in a position to be a sponsor, a therapist, or even to run a treatment center. They can be in a position to dictate the process of addiction treatment. They can place themselves in a position of authority. They can be in a position of power. They can be in a position to do harm.

For, without the grounding influence of a Sober character, power, money, and status, become tools of the ego. They become tools for exploitation. They become means that allow the clean, but non-Sober addict to indulge in their addictive character traits. Under the guise of recovery, and “helping,” a clean, but non-Sober person can indulge in drama, chaos, blaming, and self-righteousness. They can exercise control over the lives of others, for self-gratification. They continue to act from the basis of their “defects of character,” even if they are not using chemicals. They harm themselves, and others.

The goal of the 12 Step programs, therapy, and all interventions of addiction treatment, is to “remove” these “defects of character;” not to find a new way to manifest them under the disguise of being “clean.” According to the founders of the 12 Step programs, in order to remove these defects of character, a person must engage in a spiritual path, seek a “spiritual solution.” A spiritual solution that is ancient, and Universal. A spiritual solution that has been taught by every spiritual master in history. This solution is to become free from the “bondage of self.”

What is this “bondage of self?” It is the bondage of a flawed self that the addict has constructed through the process of his, or, her life. Once this self became chronic, the addict constructed a character to protect it, to defend it. But, this self, and character are false. They were constructed as protections, and maladaptive strategies for survival. They cover up the true Self: the Self that was created by a Higher Power. So, every true spiritual path seeks the return to this true Self. Every true spiritual path offers a way, a method, and a program, to return to true living; to return to living life on “life’s terms,” to live Sober.

For, in Sobriety, life is again experienced, as it is. When the false self no longer rules a person, its demands for power, money, status, reputation, excess, drama, etc. no longer rule that person’s thoughts and actions. As a result, the person becomes free. The person is free to enjoy simplicity. Free to recognize the mystical of the everyday. And, through this recognition, a free person can find joy, pleasure, contentment, and fulfillment in the ordinary. They can again embrace life with the joy of a child at play, not because everything is perfect, but because it is all part of life; and life is good enough in its own terms. This is spiritual living. This is Sobriety.

This Sobriety is hard to attain. It is not easy to live Soberly in a culture that is increasingly hysterical. In a culture that prizes image above substance. We live in a culture of hysterical “personalities.” A culture of dramatic, “reality” television shows, screeching religious leaders, flashy gurus, “spiritual guides,” and shocking, instantaneous, psychotherapies. It is not surprising that the development of a Sober character is not a modern, or popular quest. However; for a recovering addict it is the essential quest. Just as it was for the suffering addicts that found their salvation in it, and prescribed it to future generations; as all spiritual seekers before them had done. In order for many to stay clean, many have to become Sober.

J. E. Lesende

Sober Definition From Answers.com

Alcohol abuse is defined as the use of alcoholic beverages to excess, either on individual occasions (”binge drinking”) or as a regular practice. Alcohol abusers may not be addicted to alcohol, but their drinking leads to things such as driving while intoxicated, poor performance in job or school, getting in trouble with the law due to intoxication, and continued drinking even though the above situations may have occurred.

Alcohol abuse is different from alcoholism in that abusers do not have the strong cravings for alcohol that alcoholics have, and they are not physically dependant on alcohol. They may, however continuously put themselves in bad situations because of their use of alcohol. Because alcohol abusers do have more control over their drinking habits than an alcoholic does, they may appear to some to simply exhibit poor judgment because of the problems their drinking causes. However, many people who abuse alcohol do eventually become alcoholics.

Side effects

Alcohol abuse can cause problems in the abuser’s family life, in their reputation with law enforcement (DWI, domestic disputes, arguments and fights), with their health (cancer, high blood pressure, liver problems, brain damage), and with their jobs. The abuse of alcohol causes poor judgment, mood swings, and lack of productivity, making it difficult to function in everyday life.

Treatment

Alcohol abuse can be treated, and there are many support groups and treatment facilities to help alcohol abusers and alcoholics get their life back on track. The first step in getting help is for the alcohol abuser to come to the realization that they have a drinking problem. Family members can help make the abuser aware of how their drinking is affecting others by being specific in their conversations about the alcohol abuse. It is easier for an abuser to seek help when they are confronted with the harm their alcohol use causes others.

Once the alcohol abuser resolves to find treatment for their alcohol abuse, they can be encouraged by the hope of successful treatment. The earlier the treatment, the more likely it is to be successful. The more motivated a person is to get treatment for alcohol abuse, the better the chances are for them to remain sober. With the support of family members, co-workers, and friends, an individual is more likely to stay in treatment and overcome the alcohol abuse. Support groups like Alcoholic Anonymous aid in the recovery process by giving patients the opportunity to help each other stay sober.

It is widely accepted by addiction professionals throughout the country that the first phase of recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism is a medical detox. Detoxification is an essential element of drug treatment as it helps manage medical symptoms associated with drug withdrawal, while assessing and treating any accompanying medical problems. Most drug detox programs will manage drug withdrawal symptoms by designing a protocol for each patient and dispensing the appropriate medications to offset withdrawal. Due to the medical issues that can accompany drug withdrawal, not to mention how compromised a person’s health is, there should be a physician trained in addiction medicine and 24 hour nursing care.

When most people hear the words detox, they automatically think of managing drug withdrawal. While this certainly is the most important aspect of any drug detox, a service equally important is the ability to evaluate every individual as to their need for ongoing treatment. For this reason all centers need to employ clinicians trained in addiction and mental health problems, in conjunction with medical personnel, to evaluate each patient’s individual needs.

Credentials

There are many factors to consider when choosing a drug detox such as; ensuring that you are choosing a reputable and effective program. One way to achieve this goal would be to review the licensure of the program and the credentials of the staff.

Licensure

A program should always be licensed by the state in which they provide services. In Florida for example, it would be the Department or Children and Family Services. Secondly, and most important, is a program should be accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations (JCAHO). This accreditation insures the drug detox maintains certain standards of care as determined the Joint Commission.

Drug Detox Staff Credentials

The physicians providing the drug detox services should be board certified in their particular discipline and secondly credentialed by A.S.A.M., the American Society of Addiction Medicine. This insures the physician has a thorough understanding regarding the disease of addiction and drug detoxification protocol. The nursing staff should consist of Registered Nurses (R.N.) and Licensed Practical Nurses (L.P.N.) both trained in the treatment of drug addiction, alcoholism and the dynamics that accompany the person in drug detox. The clinical staff should as a minimum be master’s degreed or be a Certified Addiction Professional (C.A.P.). They should have experience in the treatment of drug addiction, alcoholism and psychiatric disorders and have spent some time working in a drug detox.

This article was provided by Dan Clark with Recovery Connection Addiction Treatment Helpline at www.recoveryconnection.org

Sometimes it can be hard to understand addiction. If you have never experienced it, it may be hard to sympathize. Some even wonder why drug addicts can’t quit on their own!

Many drug addicts actually feel this way themselves. Especially in the beginning, they feel that they can quit on their own – that they have complete control and power over their addiction. Either out of shame over their addiction or pride in their will, they try to stop without treatment. Long-term resistance usually is not accomplished in these situations.

Long-term drug abuse has long-lasting and significant effects on the human brain. These problems can continue long after the individual ceases using drugs. This can include the continued compulsion to use drugs as a behavioral effect, despite the well-publicized consequences of the habit.

Realizing that drug abuse has such biological effects can explain why that person has such difficulty maintaining their resistance to drug abuse without proper treatment and rehabilitation. Relapse occurrences are especially more common when these biological effects combine with locations and objects that remind one of their past with drugs, running into people from their drug-using days, or even the stress and pressures of family or work.

The important thing to remember is that all of these can be overcome with proper treatment from a professional. Research supports the notion that even the most severely addicted individual can actively participate in a treatment and rehabilitation program. This active participation is crucial to the success of the treatment and encourages the continued long-term abstinence from drugs and addiction.

With proper help, the drug addicted person learns the appropriate strategies for coping with their addiction and cravings. This includes ways to avoid drugs and prevent relapse, as well as dealing with a relapse if such a thing occurs. Behavioral therapy, including psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, and counseling, can be a huge benefit to an addict learning these strategies and the proper behavior. Treatment can also include medications to combat some of the biological effects, like the ones that were discussed above.

The best treatment programs are tailored to meet the needs of the individual, as factors such as age, race, gender, culture, history of abuse, and type of addiction can all contribute to the variables of the addiction. This can include behavioral therapy, medication therapy, or a combination of both.

The drug addict is not alone, and it is important to ensure them that they are not. Through proper treatment and rehabilitation, they can succeed in overcoming this problem.

Alcoholism treatment is needed for many people in the country and around the world. Not surprisingly, there are many untreated people who ignore the warning signs and continue to drink. If you or someone you know is looking for methods to treating alcoholism, you have a lot to choose from. There are many varied ways to approach alcoholism treatment. Many doctors feel that the best method would be a rehabilitation program – this would be a type of inpatient approach.

Regardless of what treatment you decide to take, it is important to look at the basic “building blocks” of the treatment. Generally speaking, there are three main components to an effective method of treating alcoholism:

First, the individual abusing alcohol must be advised to stop drinking entirely. There is no changing this around – you cannot adjust your drinking, or slow your drinking, or anything even remotely close to it. The definition of an alcoholic includes someone who cannot control their alcohol intake, so if your treatment involves controlling the alcohol consumption, leave and seek better advice. Removal of alcohol is the first and foremost principle behind treating alcoholism.

Second, there must be a form of detoxification involved. Alcohol abuse wreaks havoc on both the mind and the body. Physically, there may be diseases that have been caused by alcohol abuse affecting the body. It is crucial that these diseases are treated before they do further damage. Treating alcoholism is not as simple as flipping a switch to “OFF”. The abuser must be treated medically for the damage that excessive alcohol intake has caused.

Third, and finally, there must be a long-term solution and treatment involved. Alcohol abuse damages the mind and the emotions as well as the body. It is imperative that the mind is treated as well. An alcohol abuser must be taught and shown how to feel fulfilled in life apart from alcohol. Normal life may not feel satisfying immediately upon release from a treatment center. There needs to be follow up and support offered to the recovering alcoholic to prevent relapses back into alcoholism.

Treating alcoholism is a long and very involved process, but if done correctly and including these components, treatment can be incredibly effective and successful. Keep these in mind the next time you or someone you love is considering treatment for themselves or someone else. Following these guidelines can ensure a strong approach to treatment.

If you feel your friend or family member is steeped in a dangerous addiction, staging an intervention can be an effective way to get that person to seek help. The key is it has to be done well. Here are a few tips to ensure that you put together an effective intervention:

Plan it out.

Go to the people around him or and speak to them privately about the idea of an intervention. You want the people closest to him, who care about him, and who he cares about as well. Even if you do not like someone who he cares about, it’s important to let these biases be put aside for the purpose of this. If he doesn’t care about the people confronting him, it won’t work. He has to respect these people, and value their opinions. The threat of these people walking out on him needs to have great impact. Keep the group on the smaller side: no need to invite the whole, extended family. Try to keep the number in single digits, if you can. A more intimate group will be more effective. It also has to be clear that this intervention is a surprise, to keep the addict from avoiding the situation.

Seek additional help.

It may be beneficial to talk to an interventionist, who can guide you through the intervention process and, if requested, be present during the intervention. Having an addiction specialist present can help moderate the group if the group does not know what they are doing.

Prepare in advance.

With or without the interventionist, the group should meet beforehand to lay out how they will approach the addict and what they will say to him. Treatment options should be researched in advance, so that help can be suggested and offered immediately. It may be good for everyone to have a speech or something to say written out beforehand, so that everyone’s impact can be felt on the person. That way, everyone can adjust their speeches if they sound too blaming, rather than loving. The tone of the intervention is extremely crucial. Everyone then also should offer an ultimatum to push the addict to action. It may be difficult to do this for many, but it is one of the keys to an effective intervention. Preparing in advance can also clue in the group to any rejections or resistance that the addict may show towards the group.

Be careful during the intervention.

Keep the atmosphere positive. You want the addict to know you are here to help, not to blame. Also, keep the discussion about “I” and not “you.” By doing this, you are speaking about your feelings, and not pointing fingers. This person will be defensive, so don’t insult or berate him. If the interventionist is there, he can help talk through the objections.

Take immediate action.

Following the intervention, the addict will either admit it or deny it. If he admits it, escort him to his place, help him pack a bag, and take him to a treatment center for admission. If he denies it, unfortunately, the ultimatum’s consequences must begin immediately. Hopefully, the lack of his loved ones supporting him will prompt him to take action in a few days.

A policy brief by the Justice Policy Institute confirms what Substance Abuse Professionals have already known.

http://www.justicepolicy.org/images/upload/04-01_REP_MDTreatmentorIncarceration_AC-DP.pdf

Publication Year: 2004

Publisher

Justice Policy Institute
4455 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite B-500
Washington, dc 20008
Phone: 202-737-7270
Website: http://www.justicepolicy.org/
Email: info@justicepolicy.org