 |
 |
Multimedia
The Road to Recovery 2006 Ask the Expert Series
| Ask the Expert: |
Robert Lindsey
President, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) |
| Topic: |
Helping the Labor Movement Embrace Recovery |
| When: : |
May 2006 |
| Sponsor: |
CSAT |
Get answers to your questions about topics covered in the latest Webcast Helping the Labor Movement Embrace Recovery. Simply submit questions using this anonymous form, and watch for the next Road to Recovery Update to learn when the answers are posted on the Web site.
To view the Webcast, visit http://www.recoverymonth.gov/2006/multimedia/w.aspx?ID=476.
Ask the Expert Transcript
Question: Would you agree if an individual is in the recovery process, outside influences do contribute to relapse? If the person has become gainfully employed in the workplace, is it not the responsibility of the employer also to eliminate or dispose of any possible triggers leading to a relapse?
Robert Lindsey: There is no question that outside influences can and do contribute to relapse. However, the ultimate responsibility for recovery and relapse falls to the individual. And, as part of their recovery, they must work a program that recognizes those triggers and develop a specific plan to avoid relapse. If in fact there are workplace-related issues that can serve as a trigger for relapse, I would recommend that the individual work with the company Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Member Assistance Program (MAP), or counselor to develop the most effective way to handle these workplace-related issues.
Question: Is the Navy SARP program in Florida up to date and staffed well? Can we be assured that our son who is suffering from depression and using alcohol to medicate himself will be encouraged to go forward in his high level position? Is there a stigma attached to his personal records and will his security clearance be in jeopardy? Our son sought out help for himself. We are also concerned after much research that physical fitness does not seem to be used in most programs. Studies have shown that exercise is a tremendous stress reliever. Thank you.
Robert Lindsey: I am pleased to hear that your son made the decision to seek help for his drinking. Just as your son has done, I would recommend that you seek help and support from a local alcohol and drug abuse professional who can assist you in learning more about alcohol problems and ways in which you can be most supportive to your son. In addition to being helpful to you, it will also help you to be more effective in providing support to your son. They may also be able to help you to learn more about the Navy SARP.
Lastly, since I am not familiar with all of the aspects of the Navy SARP, you may want to contact the Navy SARP directly at 850-450-6776 to gain a better understanding of their program. You could ask general questions, without having to identify yourself or your son, about the program and how it affects such things as rank and security clearance. Due to Federal Confidentiality Regulations, the program will not be able to discuss your son's case with you without his written permission.
Question: If someone is once addicted to a substance, are they always an addict, or can they be cured? Are there any instances where they can ever be, say a social drinker again? Or on an even further topic, can a methamphetamine addiction be through a faith-based healing, as I feel that I have been completely delivered from my addiction by faith in Christ and reborn as a new and complete human, thus no cravings for the drug no longer happen. I will have 2 years clean on May 20th of 2006.
Robert Lindsey: First of all, congratulations on being clean for 2 years. I am certain that in your 2 years of recovery you have found that there are many benefits of living your life without alcohol and other drugs. Years of experience have taught us that once someone has developed an addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs that the best and most effective course of treatment and recovery is through continued abstinence. Without question, as you have found, spirituality plays a key role in recovery. Although you indicated that you have no cravings for the drug, continued focus on your recovery, through abstinence, counseling, and support groups are your best strategies to staying clean.
Question: Why is there not more information on addiction and the elderly?
Robert Lindsey: This is an excellent question. I agree completely, there is a growing need for information on alcoholism and addiction among the elderly. In fact, by 2030, one third of the population will be 55 years old and over. And, the abuse of alcohol and drugs affects 8 million older adults in the U.S., which amounts to 17 percent of that population. As we know, growing older can be an exciting time to watch children and grandchildren grow. However, for some, these years can be filled with anxiety, uncertainty, loss, loneliness, and alcoholism and prescription drug abuse have become increasingly common. Frequently, the older person struggles in silence, without family or friends seeing or recognizing the warning signs of addiction. And, when the symptoms begin to appear, the family, friends, and sometimes medical providers see it simply as part of the aging process and not as alcoholism and drug addiction. If you are concerned about a family member or friend, I would encourage you to seek help from your local Affiliate of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) at www.ncadd.org or 212-269-7797.
Question: What is the effect of eating food and/or drinking liquids on drinking alcohol and/or drugs? What is the effect of prescription medication when mixed with alcohol?
Robert Lindsey: Food slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. On an empty stomach, alcohol reaches the brain in a few minutes. After a meal, alcohol can take longer to reach the brain. But, remember that food does not absorb the alcohol, it merely slows the speed at which the alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream.
With regard to your question about the effect of prescription medication when mixed with alcohol, I strongly encourage you to talk directly with your physician or pharmacist about this issue. Remember, alcohol is a depressant drug and you should never mix the use of alcohol with other drugs without knowing what could happen. The effect of mixing alcohol and other drugs, including prescription drugs, varies from medication to medication. Of additional value would be to contact your local Affiliate of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) at www.ncadd.or or 212-269-7797, they can help refer you to a physician who has been certified by The American Society of Addiction Medicine www.asam.org. By virtue of training and experience, the ASAM-certified physician can help answer your question based on the specific medication(s) you are concerned about.
|
