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

One of the most widely used illegal drugs in the United States is cocaine, and like many other drugs, it comes from a plant that has been used for thousands of years in other parts of the world.  Cocaine comes from the coca leaf, a plant that has a long history in spiritual rituals.

Coca and Andean Indians

It used to be that in the Andean Indian culture, the coca plant was linked to a sacred goddess.  These cultures believed that they had to please the coca goddess in order to have a successful harvest.  The leaves of the coca plant were chewed or smoked to help these natives connect with spiritual beings, as well as provide magical protection and powers.

Traditionally, coca leaves were chewed only by the leaders or royalty.  Over time, however, even lower classes were encouraged to chew the leaves to experience the benefits.  When the Spanish invaded the Incas land, they tried to outlaw the chewing of coca leaves.  But it soon became apparent that the Incas worked better when they were given leaves to chew.  Coca leaves give the user a boost of energy, as well as prevents hunger.  Mood stabilizes and stamina also increases in those that chew coca leaves.

First use of cocaine

Cocaine was first extracted from the coca plant in the 1860s.  At first it seemed to be a miracle drug that was useful in treating depression and morphine addiction, and it was prescribed by many physicians for various reasons.  However, it became evident that there were some serious problems with using cocaine, and it decreased naturally in popularity by the 1920s.

It was still being produced heavily in South America and other areas though, and cocaine made a comeback to the United States in the 1970s and 1980s.  At that time, it was illegal, yet in great demand.  The cost for cocaine was high, and violence became connected to the use and selling of cocaine.  Areas of cities that had many drug dealers became dangerous because of the guns and violence they brought with them.

Cocaine has had a rocky history in the United States.  There has been much controversy about the connection between the United States government and cocaine dealers.  There have been articles and books written about the CIA working with cocaine dealers to help win the war on communism.  Others argue that the aggressive role the U.S. government played in banning the drug actually led to the smuggling of it into our country.

Cocaine today

Cocaine is still being used illegally in our country by many today.  Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system, which increases heart rate and blood pressure.  The user feels a high and a feeling of satisfaction and energy.  Cocaine causes the user to disregard everything else besides the drug, leading to addiction.  For those dealing with cocaine addiction, the best help is most likely a treatment facility that offers detox, as well as long term residential care.

Sources

The History of Cocaine

http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0812715.html

U.S. Drug Plague Of 1980s Was Spurred By Earlier Interventions In Andes March 20, 2009

Ayma, Evo Let Me Chew My Coca Leaves March 13, 2009

If you or someone you love is considering treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction, there are many decisions you may need to make in order to find the right facility. Below are some things to consider when choosing a facility, as well as things to expect once you get there.

First of all, it might be necessary to call a hotline to get immediate help for an addiction. This would be used when a person doesn’t know where else to go for help, or possibly someone is in immediate danger. If this is the case, the individual on the other end of the phone can give you valuable information about immediate treatment options.

Types of Facilities and Programs

If the decision is something that is thought about for a while and discussed, there are many different types of programs that might be useful. The first questions might be whether the facility offers residential, in-patient, or out-patient treatment, or a recovery house or long-term care. Some facilities are gender or age-specific, which might be particularly helpful to adolescents or females who might feel more comfortable in a setting with their peers.

It may be necessary for the treatment facility to have a detoxification program for the individual to rid their body of harmful substances while being monitored by a staff of medical professionals. After the physical dependency of the substance is addressed, the patient can begin counseling and treatment to manage the psychological dependency. Many treatment facilities have different activities to aid in this part of the recovery process. Things such as group therapy and family involvement have proven successful in treatment, as well as the 12-Steps for recovery. Some specialized facilities also provide programs such as equine therapy, recreational activities, cooking opportunities, and other things geared toward giving the mind and body something positive to focus on.

Recovery is an Ongoing Process

It is important for patients to be directed to long-term care to assist them in staying sober in the future. By learning about the risks of relapse and the skills needed to cope with stress and addiction triggers, an individual will be more likely to stay substance-free. A facility should provide follow-up services to give the recovering patient a support base when they move back into their lives. Recovery is an ongoing process. The groundwork is laid when an individual goes through treatment, but recovery continues on as the person is put back into their lives and families and has to effectively put what they learned into practice.

Entering into a treatment facility is a scary thing for most people. The unknown is hard to face. But the right facility can ease discomfort with their caring staff and positive programs. It still won’t be easy, but the goal is for the treatment to be successful. By working with counselors and staff to learn about oneself and taking accountability for the addiction, an individual can actually aid in the recovery process. So while you can expect treatment to be a challenge, it will hopefully be the best thing you’ve ever done.

Sources

T., Buddy Components of Effective Treatment Programs What Makes Alcohol Treatment Programs Work? January 22, 2008

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_rehabilitation

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