Transcripts from
Darla Bardine Chat
Session (08/07/2006)
[8/7/2006 11:28:43 AM] [Entrance] MODERATOR: "Welcome to the
“Silent Treatment: Addiction in America” web chat, where we’ll
discuss addiction issues featured in the “Silent Treatment”
newspaper series and website. It’s my pleasure to introduce Darla Bardine, of the Rebecca Project for Human Rights, to answer
questions on disparity in treatment, specifically among women and in
African American communities. This was the focus of the fourth in a
series of five Public Access Journalism stories examining addiction
treatment and recovery funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
and now appearing in newspapers nationwide. She’s here to help
answer questions on specialized treatment and services, so fire away
by entering your message in box at bottom."
[8/7/2006 11:28:53 AM] [Entrance] Darla Bardine: "Hello Everyone"
[8/7/2006 11:29:44 AM] MODERATOR: "EARLIER
QUESTION FROM ROSS: There is a growing problem of physical addiction
to benzodiazepines and related drugs both legal and illegal use.
Sadly, the problem is all too often created by doctors. Do you feel
there needs to be more education for the medical profession as well
as the public on the risks of long term use and potential abuse of tranquillisers and sleeping tablets?"
[8/7/2006 11:30:57 AM] [Entrance] Darla Bardine: Education is always
an important response when trying to provide information about
potentially damaging substances. As with any mental health problem
we believe in therapeutic therapy to address the underlying issues
contributing to the depression or sleeplessness in conjunction with
any prescriptions the doctor finds necessary."
[8/7/2006 11:31:24 AM] MODERATOR: "What do you
see as the biggest single obstacle facing women looking to get
treatment?"
[8/7/2006 11:32:15 AM] [Entrance] Richard: Darla - You must
have been encouraged to see the Maryland Supreme Court overturned
the Talbot County, MD prosecutions of pregnant women whose babies
tested positive for drugs. Do you think this case or others like it
are the trend going in the right direction or is this kind of
testing and prosecution common nationwide. Thanks"
[8/7/2006 11:32:41 AM] [Entrance] Marsha: "I was wondering
about your thoughts regarding women going into treatment with their
children. I can see and advantage in later stages to have their
children with them and learn parenting, but isn't it better in the
early stages (If they have the luxury) to focus on themselves first
and the reunite with their children after several months in
treatment?"
[8/7/2006 11:32:48 AM] Darla Bardine: There is an overall lack of
appropriate treatment for women in general and mothers in
particular. Women are often dealing with underlying issues of abuse,
domestic violence which results in depression and post-traumatic
stress disorder. These issues need to be addressed during long term
comprehensive treatment."
[8/7/2006 11:34:37 AM] Darla Bardine: Richard, we were encouraged to
see the Maryland Supreme Court ruling. I would like to think this
will become a national trend. However, I think it is too soon to
tell. I know that we will continue working to keep families together
by expanding appropriate treatment."
[8/7/2006 11:36:19 AM] Darla Bardine: Marhsa- What CSAT research has shown is that
children, regardless of age do better when they are in treatment
with their parent. This allows attachment to take place. Likewise, a
mother's success rates greatly increase when their children are
present in treatment with them because they can focus on treatment
knowing that their children are safe, cared for and recieving the
necessary treatment they require."
[8/7/2006 11:37:07 AM] MODERATOR: "For some of
the women in the programs we reported on, there was a cycle of
relapse because of their (unhealthy) relationships (with men) -- what do you do to address
this (in treatment)?"
[8/7/2006 11:39:33 AM] Marsha: "We have been
offered an opportunity to open a small residential program for women
and children. We also currently run a women's program. My thought is
to keep them seperate since there might be many issues for the women
who don't have or can't bring their children into treatment. What
are your thoughts?"
[8/7/2006 11:39:52 AM] Darla Bardine: A factor that does negatively contribute to a
woman's recovery while in treatment is being in treatment with men.
This can often result in a woman choosing a relationship with a man
as opposed to focusing on recovery. When a woman is in long-term
appropriate treatment for women only, her chance of success greatly
increases and the outcome data reflects this fact."
[8/7/2006 11:42:20 AM] [Entrance] Samantha-Hope: "Why are
there no standards in our corrections system, regarding who treats,
monitors, and provides support of those with addiction related
illness? If federal money is used to treat people, shouldn't there
be standards? I can't think of any other illness that would allow so
many untrained, unqualified people to provide care. It is outrageous
to realize that someone with a highschool diploma, no addiction
treatment training etc can actually hold the future of a woman and
her children in their hands, making judgements on their recovery
process that often returns her back to the prison sytem."
[8/7/2006 11:43:11 AM] Darla Bardine: Marsha- I can refer you to some excellent family
treatment centers who have mothers and their children in residential
treatment living together (i.e. Shields for Families, Inc; LA, CA
and Arkansas Cares, Little Rock, AR). What these treatment programs
usually do is have an age limit for the children they bring in.
Usually children ages 12 and under are allowed to enter the
treatment program with the mother. When older children need to (and
they should be) brought into the treatment process, long-term
outpatient family-based treatment programs have had similar success
rates as long-term residentail family-based treatment programs."
[8/7/2006 11:43:53 AM] Kimmie: "I am a widowed
mother of 5 young boys who is addicted,t hrough no fault of my own to
xanax. No one ever told me how addictive xanax was. I am trying to
de-tox using the internet, seeing as how doctors know next to
nothing about benzo addiction. For heroin and other streer drugs,
there is an awful lot of resources, but for an addiction by
prescription, there is no help at all. Can you understand why?
Thanks, Kimmie"
[8/7/2006 11:45:57 AM] Marsha: "We have a long
term intensive residential treatment program for women and still
find that relationships are an issue whether they be relationships
from the past they are trying to hang on to or new relationships
formed while attending self-help groups. I can't imagine how
difficult it would be for treatment to occur in a co-ed setting."
[8/7/2006 11:46:15 AM] Darla Bardine: Samantha- this is a glaring
issue we have been working to address. Often we have heard about
case-workers being uneducated about the disease of addiction and the
importance of treatment at all, let alone including the entire
family in treatment. We are currently working with some federal
corrections agencies to talk about training social-workers, judges,
etc."
[8/7/2006 11:48:46 AM] MODERATOR: "Kimmie - While
Darla answers your question, try taking at look at
www.silenttreatment.info/treament for resources. I seem to remember
a group that dealt specifically with prescription addiction. If you
like, we can get your email and try to find out more."
[8/7/2006 11:48:57 AM] Darla Bardine: Kimmie- I would suggest seeking expert help in
dealing with your five young boys. I am sorry to hear about their
addiction. I would suggest long-term treatment and detox
administered by a professional."
[8/7/2006 11:50:32 AM] Kimmie: "My boys aren't
addicted, I am. The only help I get is from internet benzo groups.
Why doesn't someone address this problem, as these forums are filled
with hundreds of people??"
[8/7/2006 11:51:53 AM] Darla Bardine: Marsha- treatment norms have been changing over
the past 5-10 years. Not that long ago it was more common to find
co-ed treatment settings as opposed to seperate treatment options
for men and women. Though this trend has been changing it is still
common to find low-income men and women in treatment together,
because they are unable to afford to pay for better quality
treatment."
[8/7/2006 11:52:29 AM] Kimmie: "Professionals
don't know anything about benzo addiction. They think they can de-tox
you in 3 weeks. It takes YEARS to get off of benzos, believe me, I
know. I am right square in the middle of withdrawal and have years to
go before I am through."
[8/7/2006 11:54:10 AM] Marsha: "Yes, Darla, I am
aware of the past history, but I am amazed at how much better single
sex treatment works. It is a "no brainer" as far as I am concerned.
I can't see why this is not a rapidly growing trend."
[8/7/2006 11:54:31 AM] Darla Bardine: Kimmie- I would suggest long term residential
family-based treatment. I know of many family-based treatment
centers that would address your specific addiction, in addition to
provide support and therapy for your family. You can email me to
tell me where you are located and I could refer you to appropraite
treatment or you can tell on this chat."
[8/7/2006 11:54:47 AM] Jessica: "Darla ,I don't
think that detox is appropriate for someone who is addicted to
prescription drugs especially if they are not abused. Benzo
withdrawal can trigger severe symptoms like epilepsy if dose is
reduced too quickly. Surely something like a counsellor should be
available to the likes of kimmie to help her dose be
reduced/tapered? Should services like that not be made available for
the likes of Kimmie? What are your thoughts?"
[8/7/2006 11:55:12 AM] Samantha-Hope: I think Kimmie has hit the nail on the head,
Addiction Recovery is yet to become a national priority in how we as
a nation respond to this illness, we see virtually everything
available, cheap even to trigger the illness, and so little resource
it seems that real people need to transform their lives from
addicton to recovery...do you agree Darlene? Recovery just appears
to be the "last hope" rather than a focus of our laws, public health
policy, and public attitudes?"
[8/7/2006 11:55:25 AM] Darla Bardine: Marsha- I think that is an
overall lack of standards for treatment in addition a lack of
necessary funding."
[8/7/2006 11:55:36 AM] Kimmie: "I am located in
the suburbs of Chicago, Ill."
[8/7/2006 11:56:24 AM] Kimmie: "Thank you for
acknowledging the problem, Samantha. Whew!!"
[8/7/2006 11:57:47 AM] Darla Bardine: Samantha-Hope - It has
certainly been our frustration to know how much money is spent on
the enforcement and corrections part of substance abuse as opposed
to spending money on prevention and treatment. Numerous studies have
shown the cost-effectiveness of prevention and treatment. However, a
majority of our national policy-makers have yet to make prevention
and treatment their priority."
[8/7/2006 11:58:17 AM] Darla Bardine: Kimmie - There is The Women's
Treatment Center in Chicago as well as Haymarket."
[8/7/2006 11:58:58 AM] Kimmie: "Do you know if
they work with benzo addiction?"
[8/7/2006 11:59:13 AM] Darla Bardine: We believe that it should not be so difficult
for women to access appropriate treatment."
[8/7/2006 11:59:56 AM] Darla Bardine: Kimmie - I know that The
Women's Treatment Center is a program run in conjunction with the
hospital. It has been my experience in visiting family treatment
centers that they work with women addicted to any substance."
[8/7/2006 12:01:05 PM] [Entrance] Richard: "Darla - based on your
experience internationally can you point to any country that's doing
it right and made it a national priority? What lessons can we learn
from the international community on treatment approaches? Is their
data that illustrates the disparity between US addiction treatment
success rates and those overseas?"
[8/7/2006 12:02:01 PM] Kimmie: "I would love to
believe that, I really would, but in my experience every "Treatment
Center" won't accept benzo patients, or if they do, then the center
wants to de-tox you like they would if you were on street drugs.
Doesn't work...doesn't even come close."
[8/7/2006 12:03:20 PM] Darla Bardine: Samantha-Hope - We know on
average that it costs 35,000 per year to incarcerate a mother. We
also know that it costs 30,000 per child per year in the foster care
system. We also know that comprehensive family-based treatment for a
family costs on average $16,000 per year. So for one mother with
three children, it would cost approximately $125,000 for one year,
with outcomes being poor at best."
[8/7/2006 12:05:00 PM] [Entrance] ross: "Kimmie, I am a
volunteer worker in the addiction field here in the UK and the usual
treatment is to gradually reduce the doisage usually by transfering
the client to an equivalent dose of a long acting benzodiazepine
like chlordiazepoxide or diazepam. Maybe you could find a service
that would provide that service for you?"
[8/7/2006 12:06:39 PM] Darla Bardine: Richard- I don't know that any
country has gotten treatment 'right.' I can point to some excellent
examples in the United States of child welfare, family-based
treatment centers and corrections working together. The Women's
Treatment Center in Chicago, IL is one example and Shields for
Families, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA. However, having a relationship at
all between such agencies is far to rare of an occurrence and is a
practice we are working on standardizing."
[8/7/2006 12:07:12 PM] Kimmie: "Have already
tried that, Ross. Every center, like I said wants to de-tox you
rapidly...which is a recipe for disaster. Believe me, I have
searched high and low and have seen numerous doctors, and no one has
a clue how hard this is. I am doing a slow taper now, bit only with
the help of a benzo support group"
[8/7/2006 12:07:48 PM] Samantha-Hope: I think the "majority" of our policy makers,
have incentive to keep our current system broken. In short, I am of
the strong belief based on advocacy efforts that addiction is too
profitable to too many people in power today. The data, studies, and
resources are there, these folks in congress know as do state
lawmakers, that it is cheaper to properly address the need for
comprehensive, effective, and widely known and available care. My
hope is to see the idustries shoveling in profits, while communities
remained broke and baffled be held accountable too. We certainly see
a willingness to hold addicts and alcoholics accountable today, for
their predictable behaviors, how about the addictive industries?"
[8/7/2006 12:09:05 PM] Kimmie: "Here, Here,
Samantha!!!!"
[8/7/2006 12:11:24 PM] ross: "Samantha, well said!"
[8/7/2006 12:12:03 PM] MODERATOR: "Kimmie - I'm
also going to refer your question to Tom McLellan, a top researcher
who chatted with us yesterday. He would know best place to look for
help."
[8/7/2006 12:12:12 PM] Kimmie: "There are no
support groups that deal with benzo addiction. I never found a "face
to face" group, although I have looked. Like I said, the only
support I get is online with a benzo addiction group"
[8/7/2006 12:12:18 PM] Darla Bardine: There are policy-makers who are working to make
more funding available for family-based treatment. We have been
working with Senator Grassley (R-IA) and Senator Talent (R-MO)in an
effort to make more money available to family treatment. We have
been sucessfull, slowly but surely in securing more funds for
family-based treatment. We also recognize the need to continue and
increase our efforts."
[8/7/2006 12:13:54 PM] Kimmie: "Thank you very
much, Moderator"
[8/7/2006 12:14:25 PM] Darla Bardine: Kimmie - If you feel comfortable providing me
with an email address or phone number I would be committed to
helping you find appropriate treatment. Also, you can contact me at
darla@rebeccaproject.org or call me at 202-265-3911."
[8/7/2006 12:14:26 PM] MODERATOR: "Ross, just
curious, does the UK approach women in treatment any differently
than the U.S.?"
[8/7/2006 12:15:51 PM] [Entrance] Jessica: "I think the same
level of service should be available to all those suffering the
effects of addiction whether it is illegal or alcohol or through the
prescription pad. What we are talking about here is an equality of
treatment issue. Samantha I second what you have said there is too
much money in legal addictions and industries that promote addictive
substances whether it be addictive prescription drugs or alcohol or
tobacco need to be stopped. Kimmie is a perfect example of what
addictive prescription drugs can do to people. People need to be
aware what they are taking is addictive and can cause physical
dependence. The current system seems similar to the denials of the
tobacco industries all too well known claims."
[8/7/2006 12:15:58 PM] Kimmie: "Thanks, Darla, I
have written down the info you have provided"
[8/7/2006 12:17:51 PM] ross: "Hi moderator, I
think from what I have seen once a diagnosis of addiction whether
physical or psychological addiction has been made the treatment is
fairly much the same. I think however there is an element among
professionals and lay people that women perhaps take alcohol drugs
or which ever because they are seen as stereotypically as weak or
emotional. I think over the years this has improved but there is
sure room for improvement still. Is this similar to USA?"
[8/7/2006 12:18:18 PM] Kimmie: "Believe it or
not, even though I am having a rough time tapering, there are people
2-5 years off of benzos who still have major, lasting symptoms. This
just isn't right."
[8/7/2006 12:18:53 PM] Darla Bardine: The government puts labels on these substances
warning that they are addictive and potentially harmfully. It is at
this point that their responsibilty and accountability ends. It is
my belief that something needs to be done about the increasing rate
of addiction to prescription medication."
[8/7/2006 12:19:59 PM] Kimmie: "Maybe if they put
up a skull and crossbones, people would get the drift. Or how about
a warning big enough to read?"
[8/7/2006 12:20:31 PM] Samantha-Hope: I think it is great when we find those
"willing" to get involved, my hope is that advocacy will go beyond
just the funding component, we need to see this issue as civil
rights issue with rights and protections- one good example, women
and alcohol, we are more likely as women in recovery to need to be
screened for breast cancer, as a result of past heavy drinking, yet,
at several years ago, I stumbled upon this research, I was floored,
never had anyone advised me, or any other women I knew in recovery
of our exposure to higher risks for breast cancer, and the need for
earlier screening. While it is a small issue, it simply speaks to
the indifference shown to alcoholics/addicts - alcohol when used as
directed by the product for 10% or so of American women-produces
much greater risks of breast cancer 40%--yet who is responsible for
informing women of this? To add insult to it all, I realized these
companies had invested in breast cancer advocacy campaigns, and were
funding it thru their sales...truly reflects the insanity of policy
with legal drug sales today and their accountability."
[8/7/2006 12:21:41 PM] MODERATOR: "Ross, Darla
can answer this much better than I, but the terms "emotional" and
"weak" often are applied to anyone -- male or female -- who becomes
addicted. Women, I think, are considered only slightly weaker."
[8/7/2006 12:23:40 PM] Darla Bardine: Ross- In the USA many of the women sufferring
from the disease of addiction are also mothers. This fact results in
stygmatizing both the parent and children. Different organizations
have been working to dispel the myths about addiction. What our
organization in particular has focused on has been educating
policy-makers and the public about why women use drugs (95% of women
suffering from the disease of addiction have a history of sexual or
domestic violence). It is to self-medicate to the pain, depression
and post-traumatic stress disorder that women turn to drugs. By
allowing and enabling parents to share their truth and stories,
policymakers and the public have responded positively and gain
greater insight about women and addiction."
[8/7/2006 12:24:50 PM] ross: "Oh I couldn't agree
more that that stereotype is given to both male and female. I think
there still is a biased to that line of thinking among professionals
towards women a bit more so than men but yes it applies to both
sexes. There sure is a lot of ignorance of addiction. The thing is
it is the addiction usually that makes the person weak. Very often
people say to me I used to be so confident I used to enjoy life
before these pills or alcohol etc."
[8/7/2006 12:25:16 PM] Samantha-Hope: That is to all...im just a
real chat goof ;)"
[8/7/2006 12:25:55 PM] MODERATOR: "Been there,
done that :-)"
[8/7/2006 12:26:18 PM] Kimmie: "We call ourselves benzo brains:-)"
[8/7/2006 12:27:43 PM] ross: "Hi Darla, Yea the
stigma surrounding addiction is horrible. I think it is a lack of
education and a lack of understanding. Also it is the media.
Newspapers and news stations only report of the crazed crack head
that killed 4 people or the alcoholic who abused a child etc making
out people addicted to be animals which is certainly not the case.
Imagine if the news media portrayed an ethnic minority in the same
light! "
[8/7/2006 12:28:05 PM] MODERATOR: "We're getting
ready to close up. Any more questions for Darla?"
[8/7/2006 12:28:23 PM] Darla Bardine: Ross- I completely agree with
you and hope that others will join us in working to dispel myths and
help families heal."
[
[8/7/2006 12:29:08 PM] Kimmie: "Thank you so
much. I have enjoyed this chat."
[8/7/2006 12:29:26 PM] ross: "And I forgot to say
yes often people self medicate which is true for abuse or other
traumas. Often this requires dual treatment counselling for the
abuse and for the addiction. Both need to be treated, not one."
[8/7/2006 12:29:45 PM] ross: "thanks darla"
[8/7/2006 12:30:00 PM] Darla Bardine: Thank-you everyone. I hope you
will all feel welcome to contact me at any time."
[8/7/2006 12:30:03 PM] Jessica: "I think the
problem with addictive prescription drugs is partly the doctor
doesn't want to admit to causing the problem of addiction."
[8/7/2006 12:30:08 PM] Jessica: "bye all"
[8/7/2006 12:30:25 PM] MODERATOR: "We’re just
about out of time. Thanks so much for joining us. This chat will be
archived if others would like to check it out later. Thanks again,
and come back tomorrow for Pat Taylor of Faces & Voices of Recovery,
same time, same url."
[8/7/2006 12:30:53 PM] Samantha-Hope: Thanks guys for a great
discussion!" |
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