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

This week, people around the world are joining forces to create awareness for a disorder that affects newborns and children throughout the world – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The week of September 9th has been named FASD Awareness Week, and on September 9th (the 9th day of the 9th month) bells tolled around the world in an effort to remind women not to drink any alcohol during the 9 months of pregnancy.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder refers to the all of the disabilities that are caused in unborn babies by exposure to alcohol. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder, and birth defects due to prenatal alcohol consumption are all included in FASD.

Alcohol and the developing fetus

In a pregnant woman, alcohol passes through the placenta and enters the fetus’ bloodstream, causing the baby’s blood alcohol level to become the same level as the mother’s. But because a fetus cannot break down the alcohol like an adult can, the level remains higher for a longer period of time. Alcohol in the fetus’ bloodstream can cause the fetus to develop abnormally or fail to develop, leading to retardation or even death. The brain cells and nerve cells are particularly at risk for improper development, causing parts of the brain to even be missing in some cases.

Children with FASD may have physical disabilities such as small or large motor deficiencies, or vision and hearing difficulties. Other children will suffer effects on their learning. Mental retardation, learning disabilities, trouble with problem solving, behavior problems, and memory problems are all results of alcohol on a fetus.

As these children get older, they are likely to suffer long-term effects from things such as depression, alcohol and drug use, and trouble with the employment because of the developmental delays they have experienced.

Solutions

We know it’s a problem; now what do we do? FASD is the leading cause of mental retardation in the Western World, but it is also completely preventable. A big push is on now to educate and screen pregnant women for alcohol and drug use, and give them encouragement to prevent this problem.
Many people think that drinking occasionally during pregnancy is ok, but it is important to educate society on the risks of alcohol on the developing fetus. According to a report to Congress from the Institute of Medicine, “Of all the substances of abuse (including cocaine, heroin, and marijuana), alcohol produces by far the most serious neurobehavioral effects in the fetus.” By encouraging health care providers to do routine screenings on pregnant women for drugs and alcohol and educating the public on the issue, there is hope that the occurrence of this syndrome can be reduced.

Article Sources

PA State Health Officials Recognize Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Week The Earth Times Mon, 08 Sep 2008 Pennsylvania Department of Health
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/pa-state-health-officials-recognize-fetal-alcohol-specturm-disorder-awareness-week,531248.shtml

Hines, Lora Prenatal exposure examined August 28, 2008 The Press-Enterprise
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_exposed29.3a89934.html

Armstrong, Colleen Sept. 9 is Fetal Alcohol Disorders Awareness Day Islands Weekly News.com Sept. 09 2008
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isw/news/27930644.html

International FASD Awareness Day The FASD Center September 9, 2008
http://fascenter.samhsa.gov/

Most of us know that alcohol abuse causes conflict and problems in families throughout the country. And you may know that individuals and families spend millions of dollars each year on the effects of the disease of alcoholism. But do we know just how big of an impact on our economy alcoholism has?

When measuring the cost of alcohol abuse in the U.S., we have to consider such things as health services and medical expenses, premature death, loss of productivity, and alcohol related crimes. In total, the U.S. economy loses an estimated $185 billion each year to alcohol-related problems, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.(2)

Drunk Driving Costs

Drunk driving is a sensitive subject to many people because so many lives have been affected by this crime. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes kill someone every 31 minutes and nonfatally injure someone every two minutes. During 2005, 16,885 people in the U.S. died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes, comprising 39% of all traffic-related deaths. (1)

Medical and Social Costs

Alcohol inflicts costs in many other ways as well. Alcohol abusers are medically at risk for liver damage, brain damage, and cancer, as well as causing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in pregnant women. Alcohol is often a factor in homicides and suicides. Crimes caused by individuals influenced by alcohol put a strain on the criminal justice system, and inflict costs for police officers, legal fees, and property repair.

Workplace Costs

Another large portion of the cost to the economy is the impact on employers by their alcohol-abusing employees. Health care costs have already skyrocketed, and because of the increased risk of medical problems with alcoholics, these individuals will incur higher health care costs.

Absences are another issue for employers. Because of poor health, hangovers, or other alcohol related problems, alcohol abusers are more likely to miss work than many of their co-workers.

Finally, loss of productivity is a strain businesses have to manage with employees that abuse alcohol. Even if an alcoholic is present at work and not drinking, their performance at work can often be compromised by hangovers, health complications, lack of focus, or psychiatric issues.

Treatment and Prevention

A smaller portion of the cost on the economy is the money that is spent on the treatment and prevention of alcoholism. Estimates indicate that corporations spend less than 0.1 percent of their total healthcare bill on treatment, but businesses end up paying much more for the consequences of untreated alcohol abuse.(2) New approaches need to be made in order to successfully admit into treatment those affected by alcoholism. We need to keep in mind that alcohol abuse hurts not only the individual or the family, but businesses and society as well. We must encourage alcohol abusers and alcoholics to find the right treatment program for their success.

(1) Effects of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse June 2007 Health A to Z

(2) Alcohol Abuse Costing U.S. Economy $185 Billion Each Year Apr 17, 2007

(3) Seven Tools to Lowering the Business Costs of Alcohol Problems Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol Problems

(4) Cray, Dan Alcohol Abuse Saps Nation’s Economy, Researchers Say USC News
05/03/93

A huge debate erupted this past week over the legal drinking age in the United States. The debate was sparked by John McCardell (former Middlebury College President) and his Choose Responsibility organization’s call to discuss this issue. More than 100 college presidents are now on board with the initiative, which asks the public to consider a lowering of the legal drinking age.

McCardell and his supporters argue that the current drinking age of 21 encourages young college students (who are going to drink anyway) to hide their drinking; putting them more at risk than if the drinking age was lowered. Supporters of the initiative agree that college officials and parents have a hard time teaching 18-20 year olds about safe drinking when legally this age group isn’t supposed to be drinking. By bringing the issue out into the open and making drinking legal at 18, these supporters believe that they can more effectively educate this age group about making responsible choices about alcohol.

Supporters of lowering the drinking age also argue that 18-20 year olds are allowed to vote and serve in the military, and forbidding them to consume alcohol seems hypocritical and degrading.

Choose Responsibility plans to continue to push for this discussion throughout the country, and they have come up with a plan on how this will all work. The “Amethyst Initiative” is the group’s alcohol education program, which allows for drinking licenses to be issued to 18-20 year olds who successfully complete the program, similar to drivers’ education. Teens who drink before they turn 18 would lose their right to apply for the alcohol license.

Not everyone is convinced. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has lead the way for the critics, claiming that these college officials on the list of supporters are taking the easy way out instead of enforcing laws on their campuses. MADD has called for these college presidents to remove their names from the list and partner with law enforcement to come up with real solutions.

Also taking a stand against the initiative is the National Transportation Safety Board, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, who say that lowering the drinking age would “jeopardize the lives of more teens”. These organizations maintain that increasing the drinking age to 21 in the 70’s and 80’s has nationally saved 1000 lives a year.

Critics of lowering the drinking age say that the way to handle alcohol abuse in 18-20 year olds is to enforce the 21 drinking age and have stricter consequences for adults and establishments providing alcohol to individuals under 21. Another key issue according to these opponents is that colleges need to seriously consider the environment found on their campuses and work to do away with the “college is for drinking” attitude found all too often.

The timing is significant for this whole debate. A 1984 federal law restricts a state’s access to federal highway funds if it sets a drinking age lower than 21, which quickly lead to all states raising their drinking ages to 21. This law is up for reauthorization next year, and there will be much more discussion until that time.

Enos, Gary A. Drinking age law vaults into debate Addiction Professional 8/21/2008

The Right Age for Drinking editorial Washington Post.com August 24, 2008

Henson, Scott The case for lowering the legal drinking age Dallas News.com August 23, 2008

Pope, Justin College presidents spark debate on drinking age Associated Press August 22, 2008

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.

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.