Jack Stem's Addiction Prevention Education Consulting Services
Looking for a speaker for your next meeting? Contact Jack about a session on chemical dependency in the anesthesia provider, RN, or other health care provider! jack@jackstem.com or call 513-833-4584
$0.06 spent on prevention, treatment and research. SIX CENTS out of One Hundred Dollars is spent on treatment!!! What is wrong with this picture!?!
Source: Califano, Joseph; National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse."Shoveling Up: The Impact of Substance Abuse on State Budgets,"January, 2001.
Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.
NEW!!!A study by several universities has shown that "huffing" can not only cause death directly as a result of the chemical's effects on the body, but can also lead to suicidal thoughts in teens. Read the full story here.
September is Recovery Month. Everyone in recovery should seriously consider becoming involved in some sort of function that helps promote recovery AND educates the cucumbers of the world about the disease of addiction, how to prevent it, and that it CAN be TREATED SUCCESSFULLY!! Nothing will ever change when it comes to prevention and treatment of this chronic, progressive, and ultimately fatal disease (if not recognized early and treated appropriately). If a family member was dying of cancer, would cost and fear keep you from getting them help? NO WAY! So why is it those are 2 of the biggest reasons people are allowed to continue sinking in this disease? It's time to speak out and become active advocates of recovery. Follow these links to see how! FACES AND VOICES OF RECOVERY, Behavioral Health Recovery Management,
I am currently reading this amazing book by Mr. Moyers. He describes the insanity, isolation, and hopelessness of the drug addict/alcoholic very well. At the same time, he also let's us see how his struggles and final willingness to stop doing things "his way" leads him to his spiritual awakening and recovery one day at a time. Mr. Moyers also discusses the need for the conspiracy of silence to end, and for this disease to be seen as what it truly is...A DISEASE!
June 13, 2007
Propofol (Diprivan) is popping up as another drug considered to have "little to no abuse potential" that is being abused. A survey sent to 120 anesthesia training programs (all MD training programs) with 21 (17.5%) programs having at least one incident of propofol abuse. There were 24 reported incidents overall. Of the 120 programs surveyed, 71 responded (59% response rate). The rate may actually be higher since 49 programs did not respond to the survey. If the incidence is considered just for those programs that did respond, the rate becomes 29%. Read articles in the June, 2006 issue of "Anesthesiology News" and the May 2007 issue of the same publication for more information. One article stated, "Of those discovered abusing propofol, one-half were discovered when they were found dead from an overdose," .
June 7, 2007
I learned of the death of another colleague last evening. A CRNA in his early 40's, with a wife and 3 children. I don't know all of the circumstances involved, but I do know the silent desperation addicts live with when they are using or in early recovery. The shame and guilt associated with this disease is a powerful deterrent, making it extremely difficult for the addict to reach out for help. Because our society refuses to face this deadly disease head-on, changing the way addiction is seen and treated will be difficult. Even the health care community refuses to deal with this disease.
I'll write more as I have time to digest what has happened. I'm leaving for the long drive from Cincinnati to Akron. The celebration of "Founder's Day", in honor of Bill W., Dr. Bob and the birth of AA, takes place in Akron, Ohio. It's hard to believe that the birth of AA took place 72 years ago, and society STILL doesn't accept addiction as a disease. So it goes on. As politicians, police, and the medical community continue to ignore this problem, refusing to change the way they see this disease, friends, parents, children, and colleagues will continue to suffer and die.
Alone.
Desperate.
Trapped.
Trapped by ignorance, fear, discrimination, and political correctness.
Please remember those friends, family and colleagues who have paid the ultimate price for our ignorance and refusal to look this disease called addiction head-on. It is my pledge as the owner and CEO of APECS, that I will do all in my power to take the message of recovery to all in a position of authority, and to never forget those who have come before us...Jan, Rusty, Bernadette, and all others.
Jack Stem
Contact Information:
If you have any questions or would like me to speak to your group, please contact me by regular postal service, phone, or email.
Looking for a speaker for your next meeting? Contact Jack about a session on chemical dependency in the anesthesia provider, RN, or other health care provider! jack@jackstem.com or call 513-833-4584
