Odds-n-Ends in the News

Drying out stigma for problem drinkers:

Researchers say drugs that handle alcoholism as a medical condition will encourage people to seek help.

Dr. Henry R. Kranzler, professor of psychiatry and an alcoholism researcher at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington Connecticut

…said he would like alcoholism and diabetes to be regarded in the same manner — as conditions in which genes, lifestyle choices and biochemistry play a role in causing disease.

Researchers agreed that medications alone cannot cure alcoholism. But they can be a boost to 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and to traditional psychotherapy, which for generations have been the backbones of treatment for heavy drinkers.

Note to reporter Hilary Waldman: Other future trends in alcohol-related care will be growing awareness of alternatives to 12-step programs, alternatives to abstinence, and harm reduction.

Dr. Stanton Peele interviewed by Jeffrey Taylor at wsRadio.com

Jeffrey Taylor is a thoughtful 12-stepper. His bio includes a 40-year span of heavy drinking, ending less than two years ago. He kicked off a weekly internet radio show in June, Cocktails at 5. Just four weeks into this new venture, he interviewed AA alternatives champion Dr. Marc Kern, co-author of Responsible Drinking, the latest guide to the Moderation Management approach. This week, for his seventh show, he snagged Dr. Stanton Peele.

Head on over and listen in. Jeff and Stanton had fun together. Jeffrey’s also written his story, A Gentleman Drunk, the first 7 chapters of which are available online.

Teen drinking problem not improving, despite prevention efforts

Media coverage of drinking issues often doesn’t include getting input directly from drinkers, much less letting teens speak for themselves. Here is an exception:

Drinking is usually a big part of a teenager’s social life…

Getting the alcohol isn’t a problem either, with older friends, and knowing the places that don’t card. One teen says her group of friends go into smaller towns to drink, because it’s safer.”It’s more fun to go to a smaller town cause no one knows who you are , it’s easier to drink than your own hometown,” said the teen drinker…

For many area teens, drinking is a very normal part of their lives, and stopping drinking isn’t an option, so they try to be safe and not get caught.”Kids seem to be careful nowadays, they’re becoming smart about it cause they know cops will pull them over,” said the teen drinker.

If we think we’re going to effect changes in underage drinking, we’re going to have to reconcile with simple observations like these.

Getting Real About Alcohol:

I have a problem with drinking, but I can’t stop. What can I do?

Michele asked (in part):

I have a problem with alcohol. I am a diabetic and should not be drinking.

Frederica Mathewes-Green, whose site lists no counseling credentials and includes no discussion of substance abuse issues, replies:

…you are no longer able to control your consumption of alcohol. This is a serious sin, as well as a serious illness…

You have to stop drinking, and never drink again for the rest of your life. This is the only solution… You need to choose to hold yourself accountable to others, perhaps in an Alcoholics Anonymous group…

Pssst… Ms. Mathewes-Green… perhaps Michele should be encouraged to speak with a medical doctor for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations.

114-Year-Old Ukranian female still drinks strongest alcohol beverages

Yevdokiya … does not suffer from any diseases - she has never been to hospitals, she has never asked for doctors’ help…

Extremely strong drinks do not show negative influence on the woman - she is not an alcoholic at all. She says one should have a very good substantial appetizer after a strong drink Yevdokiya prefers Siberian pelmeni (meat dumplings).