On Sat, 04 Jul 2015 21:29:18 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 7/4/2015 8:55 PM, Wayne.B wrote:
On Sat, 04 Jul 2015 20:39:51 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 7/4/2015 8:36 PM, Wayne.B wrote:
On Sat, 04 Jul 2015 20:14:02 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

It's hard for me to accept issuing
addicts narcotics or even booze as a solution.

===

Why not? I think we both agree that success with treatment methods is
a very rare thing. If we view addiction as a character flaw or moral
failing that should be punished, we are doomed to keep repeating the
same old, same old.



It's not an issue of a character flaw or moral issue.
It's a matter of correcting the need of a "feel good",
an "escape" or realistically addressing other influencing factors.

===

That's fine prior to physical addiction. Afterwards, not so much.



Based on the conversations I've had with addicts ... both drugs (heroin)
and booze ... I don't think there is any question that the drugs are
more difficult to detox from and the process takes longer. That said,
I've also seen someone go into an alcohol withdrawal seizure right in
front of me on his forth day of medically supervised detox.

However, following a successful detox period it becomes a choice as to
staying clean for the rest of their lives.

I am no expert by any means and my opinion is based solely on some
personal experience over the past few years in trying to help someone
overcome a serious problem with booze. Countless detox sessions,
professional rehab and counseling at a nationally recognized facility
and a commitment in the VA's alcohol abuse program all failed.

What seems to be working (at least so far) is just some plain talk about
the pressures and reasons he has felt a need to drink to excess over the
years. Some confidence building and making him realize that his life
experiences are not unusual in the bigger scheme of things
and he has nothing to escape from or be embarrassed about. So far he
has chosen *not* to drink anymore.

===

Good work, that's a great outcome.

All we need now is to get you into the inner cities and convince these
kids who are in poverty, from screwed up families, subject to all
kinds of peer pressure, and exposed to professional drug pushers.