SILENTTREATMENT.INFO
Transcripts from William C. Moyers Chat Session (08/09/2006)

[8/9/2006 11:17:14 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 William C. Moyers, who appeared as a subject in the fifth 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. As a recovery advocate, William travels the country to speak about living with addiction to policy makers, civic groups, churches and schools. His memoir, “Broken,” is due out in September from Viking Publishers. He’s here to help answer questions, so fire away by entering your message in the box at bottom."

[8/9/2006 11:19:22 AM] [Entrance] [William Moyers] "And I say hello to you and everyone else who is interested in today's topic. I am glad to be part of this important public service."

[8/9/2006 11:35:11 AM] [Entrance] [Mick] "Greetings William ......"

[8/9/2006 11:35:25 AM] [Entrance] [ruffian] "Hello Mr. Moyers"

[8/9/2006 11:36:25 AM]  [william moyers] "Hello to everyone, from out here in sunny Arizona"

[8/9/2006 11:36:41 AM] [MODERATOR] "From Mick Carnett, received earlier: William, what particular aspect of the growing "Recovery Advocacy" movement is the most exciting to you personally?"

[8/9/2006 11:37:30 AM] [william moyers] "Hello Mick: What excites me more than anything is what is happening in your state and so many other places, grassroots advocacy is growing, and changing the debate already."

[8/9/2006 11:37:41 AM] [MODERATOR] "From Carol, received earlier: Hello Mr. Moyers. I have heard you speak many times for your Unmask the Stigma talk, which is quite wonderful. I am not in recovery, but i have heard some buzz surrounding your book - I learned that you talk about being in AA. i think it is a good thing, but it seems there is a lot of critisism about that. What will you say to those who think you shouldn't talk about AA? Thanks, good luck!"

[8/9/2006 11:38:52 AM] [ruffian] "where does recovery advocacy entail?"

[8/9/2006 11:39:01 AM] [william moyers] "Hello Carol: Indeed, I do reveal my participation in the program of recovery that has been vital to my life for a long time now. For me not to do so would be like the marathon runner not writing about his or her training program. But remember, I do not speak out for AA or any other recovery group."

[8/9/2006 11:39:15 AM] [ruffian ] "i'm sorry, WHAT does recovery advocacy entail"

[8/9/2006 11:40:25 AM] [william moyers] "Ruffian: RA entails putting a face and a voice to the problems and the solutions of addiction, so that the public can see that addiciton does not discriminate and neither should recovery. How you chose to do it is your decision, but it starts with first and last names, addresses and the personal experiences of all of us."

[8/9/2006 11:40:39 AM] [MODERATOR] "William, you’ve written and traveled to talk extensively about the importance of speaking out about addiction, and I wonder, for those who find it difficult if not impossible to make that first move at home, with friends or at work, how hard was it for you the first time you went public, even on a small scale?"

[8/9/2006 11:40:45 AM] [Entrance] [jeannie villarreal] "Hi William...congratulations on your new book"

[8/9/2006 11:42:18 AM] [william moyers] "Moderator, it was tough at first. It happened the first time at a Rotary meeting in my hometown of St. Paul, where I got up there to talk about the high cost of addiction, but ended up telling my story after I realized the audience was falling asleep hearing the stats, etc. about addiction. They woke up when I said: "Here I am, an addict and alcoholic in long-term recovery."

[8/9/2006 11:42:35 AM] [Entrance] [Ross] "Hi Michael"

[8/9/2006 11:42:39 AM] [ruffian] "So really anyone can get out there and help the public look at the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction differently? With some hope for the future?"

[8/9/2006 11:42:43 AM] [william moyers] "Hello Jeannie: Did you know you were one of the first recovery advocates I ever met?"

[8/9/2006 11:42:45 AM] [Ross] "hi Moderator"

[8/9/2006 11:43:09 AM] [jeannie villarreal] "That is a great honor for me...thank you"

[8/9/2006 11:43:19 AM] [william moyers] "Ruffian: The only definition of failure is not trying. So anything you do to put a face and voice on this issue is worthwhile."

[8/9/2006 11:43:21 AM] [Ross] "Moderator how often are these web chats hosted. is it a once a year thing?"

[8/9/2006 11:44:11 AM] [ruffian] "Sounds good...I'm having some trouble with my connection here, not everything is winding up on the chat log...William, best of luck-"

[8/9/2006 11:44:14 AM] [Entrance] [barbara] "How do you define anonymity? (did I spell that right?)"

[8/9/2006 11:44:15 AM] [MODERATOR] "Hi, Ross, welcome back -- these webchats are a one-time thing, as part of the Silent Treatment public education project, which includes the 5-part series out now."

[8/9/2006 11:44:28 AM] [william moyers] "Let me also say to all of you: you don't have to go "public" in the sense of standing on a street corner or in a Rotary meeting. Just share with somebody in your community who doesn't know that you are in recovery, and you will make an immediate difference."

[8/9/2006 11:45:18 AM] [MODERATOR] "William, how much of a role does relapse play in the shame, embarrassment piece of coming out?"

[8/9/2006 11:45:31 AM] [Entrance] [Renee] "Sharing your story is a vital part of recovery, it is part of the 12th step"

[8/9/2006 11:45:45 AM] [william moyers] "Barbara: Anonymity governs publicity related to the 12-steps. It does not keep me from standing up and speaking out as an addicted person in recovery, who got well because, in my case, I got treatment. I never stand up and speak out as a member of any recovery group."

[8/9/2006 11:46:10 AM] [william moyers] "Renee: There is a personal benefit to my work; it does help me too."

[8/9/2006 11:46:27 AM] [Renee] "12th Step work helps to serve as a reminder of what was received and what can be given"

[8/9/2006 11:47:37 AM] [william moyers] "The shame and stigma of addiction are pervasive, and relapse contributes to all that. While relapse is certainly something I hope never happens, the reality of my illness is that it can, and if it does it is vital to ask for help, again and again and again, if necessary."

[8/9/2006 11:47:40 AM] [Ross] "Thanks for info moderator. Shame it is a one time thing. I think these chats are great."

[8/9/2006 11:48:03 AM] [william moyers] "The group thinks faster than I can write:-)"

[8/9/2006 11:48:12 AM] [MODERATOR] "Ross, Thanks. Maybe we'll try to schedule others next month."

[8/9/2006 11:48:15 AM] [Renee] "lol"

[8/9/2006 11:48:26 AM] [william moyers] "By the way, the 12-steps are so important to recovery, but there are many ways to recover."

[8/9/2006 11:48:54 AM] [william moyers] "I believe that any recovery program that treats people with dignity and respect is just fine."

[8/9/2006 11:49:08 AM] [MODERATOR] "William, in your new book, you share correspondence with your dad while you were trying to get clean … Christopher Kennedy Lawford wrote that expectations for him, as both a Kennedy and a Lawford, were so high that he felt he couldn’t possibly meet them, and that contributed to his quest to become numb. Two questions: Did you feel any similar motivations, and is that common among high-achieving substance abusers?"

[8/9/2006 11:49:10 AM] [ruffian] "ok i think i've got connection issues straightened out...i think these chats are great too...this is a dialogue that should be happening all the time in public forums!"

[8/9/2006 11:49:35 AM] [barbara] "I agree"

[8/9/2006 11:49:53 AM] [Renee] "true "

[8/9/2006 11:50:24 AM] [william moyers] "Addiction is not an excuse. It is an explanation. And so, in my case, having a well-known parent is not why I became addicted, any more than not having a parent is an excuse. In the book, I try to highlight the fact that anyone can get addicted."

[8/9/2006 11:50:43 AM]  [Ross] "William why do you think the recovery message is not getting heard enough. I think the majority of people suffering from addiction are not getting the message and the oportunity to obtain recovery or get into recovery groups. Why is this? Do you agree?"

[8/9/2006 11:51:11 AM]  [Ross] "I agree anyone can get addicted."

[8/9/2006 11:51:45 AM] [MODERATOR] "From Barbara, earlier: Letting you know the Art of Recovery Expo in Phoenix is excited about your appearance on Sept 16th. We thank you for the great work you are doing in support of recovery, treatment and healing."

[8/9/2006 11:51:51 AM] [william moyers] "Ross: The message is finally getting heard more and more. But like any great social movement that results in change, it takes time. Fortunately, we are seeing groups like FAVOR lead the way now, and I am confident the chance will come faster and faster now."

[8/9/2006 11:52:01 AM] [jeannie villarreal] "William...talk a bit more about this recovery movement"

[8/9/2006 11:52:21 AM] [william moyers] "Thanks Barbara. I am in Tucson right now and I hope it is a bit cooler by the time I get to your great city."

[8/9/2006 11:52:40 AM] [barbara]"I plan on turning down the thermostat!"

[8/9/2006 11:53:34 AM] [william moyers] "Well Jeannie, your experience is probably the same as mine; this movement is not unique, we've seen it before over the decades. What makes this different now, I believe, is that it comes from the bottom up, in places like your hometown in CA., in Greenville, SC., in AZ. and in NYC. So there is real traction now."

[8/9/2006 11:54:05 AM] [Ross] "Well it is great to see the recovery movement moving forward and gaining momentum william"

[8/9/2006 11:54:06 AM] [ruffian] "you mention other ways of recovering aside from 12 step...do you think it is important to talk to the public about ways to recover, since 12 step does have a stigma attached to it? "

[8/9/2006 11:54:13 AM] [william moyers] "But let me add this...."

[8/9/2006 11:55:00 AM] [william moyers] "Momentum is the key here, and inclusiveness will build that momentum beyond what any one individual or treatment center or advocacy organization can accomplish on its own. So, find partners and build relationships."

[8/9/2006 11:55:26 AM] [MODERATOR] "Are things like the Recovery Walks and Rides relatively new?"

[8/9/2006 11:56:07 AM] [william moyers] "To me, Ruffian, it is important that we share our personal experiences, whatever they are. If that includes abstinence-based recovery or church groups or even recovery that includes medications, so be it."

[8/9/2006 11:56:12 AM] [barbara] "There are 30 events going on across the country on September 16th "

[8/9/2006 11:56:31 AM] [william moyers] "Moderator: I'm getting a workout here, whew:P"

[8/9/2006 11:56:51 AM] [Entrance] [Leigh] "William - You've been quoted as saying that part of recovery is repairing a "hole in the soul" and the title of your book is "Broken." Do you think these characterizations, which sound more behavioral, diminish the movement to have addiction addressed primarily as a medical condition/disease? Depression, for example, has become more associated with an underlying medical condition and less with character flaws or emotional weakness. Can we ever expect addiction to be seen in that light if victims and the condition are continually referred to in behavioral terms? Thanks and looking forward to your book. "

[8/9/2006 11:56:52 AM] [Mick] "It has to be more than 30 now on 9/16 ..... we are doing 4 just in South Carolina !"

[8/9/2006 11:57:00 AM] [Renee] "yes - September is recovery month"

[8/9/2006 11:57:25 AM] [william moyers] "Moderator: The sheer number of events around the country in September and all year, for that matter, is really extraordinary, and indicative that we "get it" in terms of getting out there and spreading the messsage of recovery."

[8/9/2006 11:57:53 AM] [Ross] "William on the internet I see an enormous growth of oportunity with support groups for all kinds of addiction street drugs, prescription drugs and alcohol. On the down side as anyone with an email account will know there is a massive growth in online pharmacies spamming email accounts with buy cheap xanax buy cheap amphetamine buy cheap vicodin the list goes on. Is the internet helping the movement or harming the recovery movement?"

[8/9/2006 11:58:28 AM] [william moyers] "Leigh: This is a very good question but one that I am not sure in this venue I can answer properly. Can you wait until we get offline? Send me your email address."

[8/9/2006 11:58:42 AM] [jeannie villarreal] "I think the fact that individuals in recovery are beginning to find their voices and that is so important. I think finally it is our time to speak up and speak out about our victories and celebrate that we do recover"

[8/9/2006 11:59:08 AM] [[Ross] "hey Kimmie"

[8/9/2006 11:59:37 AM] [Entrance] [Kimmie] "Hey, Ross"

[8/9/2006 12:00:05 PM] [barbara] "There is a quote from the AA big book" some day we hope that AA will help the public to a better realization of the gravity of the alcholic problem, but we shall be of little use if our attitude is one of bitterness or hostility."

[8/9/2006 12:00:27 PM] [william moyers] "Ross: Without the internet, this experience right now would not be happening. To the extent that the internet allows us to come together for the common good is, in my estimation, very powerful and what is different this time than in past advocacy movements. Remember, there is strength in numbers."

[8/9/2006 12:01:18 PM] [william moyers] "Barbara: You said it. And in fact, over the decades AA has tried to carry the message into the public arena, but in a way that holds true to the vital anonymity tradition, as well as tradition 10."

[8/9/2006 12:02:06 PM] [william moyers] "Jeannie: how is advocacy going in your neck of the woods?"

[8/9/2006 12:02:06 PM] [ruffian] "is there a solution to the fact that so many people are going to jail instead of getting treatment? is that a fair description? how can the war on drugs be turned into a war on addiction, people still have to pay for their crimes, right? or would they be committing crimes if they weren't fueled by disease? "

[8/9/2006 12:03:24 PM] [william moyers] "Ruffian: the war on drugs is a war focused largely on people who are struggling to find help. There is no doubt that this approach hasn't worked, but until the policy makers understand that the most effective way to reduce the supply is to reduce the demand, I fear we won't change policy."

[8/9/2006 12:03:49 PM] [william moyers] "By the way, Ruffian, I like your dog. I figured out who you are, you sneak."

[8/9/2006 12:03:50 PM] [Mick] "The challenge of advocacy in keeping within the traditions is, to me, one of our biggest obstacles to getting the 12 step community on board ....."

[8/9/2006 12:04:24 PM] [Mick] "It constantly amazes me to see the resistance from "old timers" around the tables to what we are doing, considering "that on the AA GSO web site, they have stated: “A.A. members may disclose their identity and speak as ""

[8/9/2006 12:04:40 PM] [william moyers] "So Mick, tell us how you have succeeded in advocacy in SC. I was there a few weeks ago and frankly, I was amazed before I was halfway through the state, if you know what I mean."

[8/9/2006 12:05:18 PM] [Mick] "(by using) recovered alcoholics, giving radio, TV and Internet interviews, without violating the Traditions – so long as their A.A. membership is not revealed.”

[8/9/2006 12:05:46 PM] [jeannie villarreal] "William, I think we are finding much need fuel from Faces and Voices work around the language of recovery. It is giving us a new way to look at our message and to focus on the positiveness of recovery. We are also doing our 5th annual walkathon and 6th annual recovery BBq this year"

[8/9/2006 12:05:48 PM] [william moyers] "To EVERYONE interested in anonymity: it is vital to protecting AA. It should not hinder addicted people in recovery, their families and professionals who work in the field from standing up and speaking out."

[8/9/2006 12:06:15 PM] [Entrance] [NAMA VP] "on the AA GSO web site, they have stated: “A.A. members may disclose their identity and speak as "[NAMA VP] ""Just that you people who are involved in advocacy, keep up the work. I have seen changes come about because of people becoming involved. It is these who are the real heroes in all this. Without advocacy, changes will not come about within the present system." Dr Vincent Dole"

[8/9/2006 12:06:16 PM] [Mick] "Here in SC we were lucky I think, in that one of our first efforts involved a group that included people that were already pretty much "out of the closet" as far as recovery"

[8/9/2006 12:06:28 PM] [Mick => All] "and had some resources available to them ....."

[8/9/2006 12:07:21 PM] [william moyers] "Jeannie: your endorsement of FAVOR underscores my conviction that while we need many groups coming together in this cause, groups like the Johnson Institute, NCADD, NACoA and the Legal ACtion Center, FAVOR is ideally positioned to lead the way."

[8/9/2006 12:07:25 PM] [barbara] "Recovery is something to be proud of, what a life it has given me and now I get to give back."

[8/9/2006 12:07:50 PM] [william moyers] "Dr. Dole, thanks for your support."

[8/9/2006 12:08:10 PM] [MODERATOR] "Are recovery advocates also working to get out the numbers of people in recovery? Although that would be hard considering those numbers are few and far between."

[8/9/2006 12:08:21 PM] [ruffian] "i read that too, on the AA website..it also says that an AA member has a choice and a right to break his own anonymity, even though the group as a whole may or may not support that decision..."

[8/9/2006 12:08:51 PM] [jeannie villarreal] "Pat has worked hard to keep this national org, Faces and Voices a organization that is dictated by the grassroots organizations it represents"

[8/9/2006 12:09:18 PM] [william moyers] "Moderator: Some day I hope we can get an accurate count of people and families in recovery, and I'd like to see us do this through a march on Washington, DC in a couple of years."

[8/9/2006 12:09:45 PM] [barbara] "What a great idea! I'm there"

[8/9/2006 12:09:50 PM] [ruffian] "can dogs come to the march! i'm in... i bet we could do it"

[8/9/2006 12:10:26 PM] [jeannie villarreal] "Faces is working towards a recovery march in Sept 2010 in DC"

[8/9/2006 12:10:29 PM] [william moyers] "And back to anonymity, Ruffian: it is vital to remember that breaking anonymity is a personal choice, but in no way should compromise anybody else's anonymity, or the general welfare of the group."

[8/9/2006 12:10:40 PM] [jeannie villarreal] "and yes...dogs are welcome :-)"

[8/9/2006 12:10:49 PM] [ruffian] "i agree"

[8/9/2006 12:10:52 PM] [ruffian] "hooray!"

[8/9/2006 12:11:16 PM] [william moyers] "A march on DC is probably years away, but it will take years to organize it, so I hope FAVOR or a rainbow of groups will take this on sooner rather than later."

[8/9/2006 12:11:22 PM] [barbara] "there were dogs walking at the San diego event last March! "

[8/9/2006 12:11:23 PM]  [Mick] "I for one have never - to the best of my knowledge - broken my "anonymity" .... on the flip side, I don't think there is anyone in my life that does not know I am in long term recovery"

[8/9/2006 12:11:41 PM] [william moyers] "Jeannie: thanks for the update...didn't know this:O"

[8/9/2006 12:11:41 PM]  [NAMA VP] "Jeannie, Pat works extremely hard and is an excellent example of how the community can be mobilized to accomplish something we all agree on like the RCSP re instatement that she is responsible for coordinating"

[8/9/2006 12:12:11 PM] [jeannie villarreal] "Nama...absolutely"

[8/9/2006 12:12:12 PM]  [william moyers] "And let's remember, everyone, that change starts in your community, with you."

[8/9/2006 12:12:17 PM] [MODERATOR] "For those who will be reading these as archived chats, and want to know: How does one go about starting a local recovery advocacy group?"

[8/9/2006 12:12:39 PM] [william moyers] "I think Pat or Jeannie or Mick can answer this better than I can."

[8/9/2006 12:12:48 PM] [Kimmie] "That is a question I would like to know, also"

[8/9/2006 12:12:57 PM] [Mick] "One suggestion, start at www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org and see what is already happening in or around you"

[8/9/2006 12:13:20 PM]  [william moyers] "In a moment I will tell you the four steps of action I encourage my audiences to take."

[8/9/2006 12:13:28 PM] [ [Mick] "someone on the (FAVOR) board is on board as your contact, and there is a map of the US on the site"

[8/9/2006 12:13:31 PM] [Ross_2006] "That is a good question Moderator. how does one start up a local advocacy group and or local support group? William do you have any recommendations. I run an online support group."

[8/9/2006 12:13:36 PM] [ruffian] "it seems the larger picture is really about not putting a face on addiction anymore, everyone seems to know what that looks like...girls partying, guys passed out - folks strung out etc...we need a face and an identity to recovery...that's the big picture, more help, more choices and options...in the end, more hope - right?"

[8/9/2006 12:13:48 PM] [william moyers] "The four action steps: First, if you are a person in recovery, share that with someone who does not know it in your community."

[8/9/2006 12:14:06 PM]  [Mick] "and don't hesitate to call or e-mail FAVOR, Pat, Dannie and Maria are all more than willing to help"

[8/9/2006 12:14:15 PM]  [jeannie villarreal] "Facesandvoices.org has a lot of information on how to start an advocacy group and your area. In addition, Johnson Institute (www.johnsoninstitute.org) has a recovery ambassador workshop that give you step by step to how to begin."

[8/9/2006 12:14:25 PM] [william moyers] "Two: if you are the family member of a person who has struggled with addiction or also experienced the promise and possiblity of recovery, share that with someone in your community who doesn't know it."

[8/9/2006 12:14:52 PM] [jeannie villarreal] "Ruffian....YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!"

[8/9/2006 12:15:26 PM] [william moyers] "Three: If you are a professional who works in the field of addiciton treatment, start to talk about your success, and go a step further and explain to your alumns how they too, can put a face on recovery."

[8/9/2006 12:15:34 PM] [ruffian] "i'm an adult puppy of an alcoholic, we learn these things! "

[8/9/2006 12:15:42 PM] [Mick] "and Four ......."

[8/9/2006 12:16:40 PM] [william moyers] "And four: engage the media. Invite the media to your public events promoting recovery. Invite them to your treatment center if you work at one. Write letters to the editor when stories stigmatize our illness or write letters when the media do a good job of explaining addiction and recovery."

[8/9/2006 12:17:00 PM] [william moyers] "Hello Dan."

[8/9/2006 12:17:12 PM] [ruffian] "so william, when does your book come out?"

[8/9/2006 12:17:36 PM] [MODERATOR] "by all means, please write letters if you felt Silent Treatment portrayed addiction in an honest way."

[8/9/2006 12:17:41 PM] [Dan Griffin] "Hi William et al - just had some time to drop in on the conversation. Trying to "catch up" with the reading."

[8/9/2006 12:17:55 PM] [william moyers] "My book will be out in the middle of September. But I believe copies will be floating around at the big event in Phoenix earlier in ths month."

[8/9/2006 12:18:08 PM]  [ruffian] "excellent!"

[8/9/2006 12:18:43 PM] [barbara] "Yes they will be available at the Art of Recovery Expo, everyone if you can make it to the event. A book signing too."

[8/9/2006 12:18:45 PM] [Mick] "William - Do you know anywhere to get REALLY good coffee ? *G*"

[8/9/2006 12:19:26 PM] [william moyers] "And regarding my book, one more thing: this is my story, but what I have learned about recovery and recovery advocacy is that so many of us share the same story really, and so in the end I pray the book inspires others to stand up and speak out, to help others who are struggling to realize they are not alone."

[8/9/2006 12:19:54 PM] [william moyers] "Mick: The best (sober) coffee dealer I know is you."

[8/9/2006 12:20:20 PM] [ruffian] "we need someone and something to identify with...the timing is perfect"

[8/9/2006 12:20:20 PM]  [Ross_2006] "lol william"

[8/9/2006 12:20:30 PM] [Mick] "Hey, life's too short to drink bad coffee ....."

[8/9/2006 12:20:48 PM] [william moyers] "To Everyone: one thing about us recovery advocates is that we have boundless energy, don't we. But you've exhausted me, almost. Anyone got any last words of wisdom?"

[8/9/2006 12:21:17 PM] [ruffian] "woof...just for today"

[8/9/2006 12:21:27 PM] [Mick] "Enjoy your retreat time ....."

[8/9/2006 12:21:30 PM] [MODERATOR] "William -- your book is going to be serialized in People magazine, no? Talk about reaching the general public ..."

[8/9/2006 12:21:47 PM] [barbara] "A huge thank you. this has been inspiring for me."

[8/9/2006 12:22:03 PM] [Dan Griffin] "I never quite figured out how to read this thread and I am sure it was good. A day late and a dollar short"

[8/9/2006 12:22:22 PM] [ruffian] "thank you for talking to us william - we need more people like you standing up for us!"

[8/9/2006 12:22:34 PM] [william moyers] "Moderator: You asked, and since I try to live an honest program, I must admit that People magazine will be featuring the book, for better or worse, in an edition that will be out around the 12th of September. Disclaimer: there will be no nude photos in the article."

[8/9/2006 12:22:58 PM] [barbara] "For better"

[8/9/2006 12:23:08 PM] [ruffian] "that's why it will be in people, and not US weekly right?"

[8/9/2006 12:23:11 PM] [ruffian] "lol"

[8/9/2006 12:23:21 PM] [Ross_2006] "William I asked Pat this yesterday but will ask you. I feel the powers that be do not take enough interest in recovery from addiction. It seems to be that for those that break the law through addiction end up in jail before being given a chance at a recovery program. Then when it comes to legal addictions like alcohol and particularly pharmaceutical prescription drug addiction it is rarely spoken of as the government and country makes money from these legal addictions. We have the money to fight wars and the money to put a man on the moon surely the governments can do more? What do you think?"

[8/9/2006 12:23:46 PM] [william moyers] "Thanks Ruffian: we need more people like everyone who took the time to take part in this important dialogue today. I urge everyone to stay the course. Change is the law of life, said JFK. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.:-)"

[8/9/2006 12:23:53 PM] [MODERATOR] "Dan -- this will be archived on www.silenttreatment.info so you can come back and read later."

[8/9/2006 12:24:13 PM] [Kimmie] "Ross posed a good question"

[8/9/2006 12:24:13 PM] [barbara] "See you in September!"

[8/9/2006 12:24:28 PM] [jeannie villarreal] "Thanks, William...you are my inspiration. I know you book will be a great hit!!!"

[8/9/2006 12:25:12 PM] [Mick] "Looking forward to the four or five new speeches ..... vaya con dios, William ...."

[8/9/2006 12:26:39 PM] [ruffian] "thanks everyone, see you at the march! bye now"

[8/9/2006 12:26:44 PM] [Dan Griffin] "Ross- to answer your question - there is a (somewhat) quiet revolution happening in the courts system and in states around the country many, many addicts are not being sent to jail or prison - they are being given the opportunity to recover. They are called drug courts and it is perhaps the most important thing to happen to the court system since the creation of the juvenile justice system. Right William? :)"

[8/9/2006 12:26:46 PM] [william moyers] "Ross: the powers that be don't pay attention because they don't think they need to, at least not until and when we let them know that addiciton, treatment and recovery issues matter to their constituents. Alcohol is legal, but it is the most used and abused DRUG in America, and it is our responsiblity to explain this to those policy makers. Remember, we should not be intolerant of alcohol when it is used responsibly. But it kills more people than any other drug in this country, and we must explain that is as much an issue as meth or internet drugs or anything else."

[8/9/2006 12:27:28 PM] [william moyers] "And to Dan: you are the expert in Minnesota on these issues as they relates to the criminal justice system, and what you know can be of great benefit to others."

[8/9/2006 12:28:38 PM] [william moyers] "Thanks to everyone for taking time out of your busy day to take part in this event. And thanks to what each of you is doing in your community. You are helping to not only change the debate, but save lives too. Stay the course."

[8/9/2006 12:29:13 PM] [Dan Griffin] "We are trying to get the courts in all states hooked up with the recovery community organizations and Pat is doing a fantastic job of getting the word out and making the connections. William is right - the time for change is upon us and his book will be a great light for the effort."

[8/9/2006 12:29:40 PM] [Dan Griffin] "Sorry to join so late - look forward to reading your book William"

[8/9/2006 12:29:54 PM] [Ross_2006] "I partly agree William. I think there is more to it than that. The ties with pharmaceutical companies financial ties and ties with governments around the world are very strong and the reasons alcohol and pharmaceutical companies form ties with the government is not the for the benefit from the society. I am from the UK but I believe the USA constitution is we the people, not we the corporations."

[8/9/2006 12:30:37 PM] [Ross_2006] "oh is chat over ok ... thanks for the chat William and good luck with your book and spreading the message of recovery."

[8/9/2006 12:29:32 PM] [MODERATOR] "I think we've exhausted William and 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 our last chat – with Dr. Sharon Levy, who will talk about new and effective addiction treatment for children and teens, same time, same url."

[8/9/2006 12:29:51 PM] [william moyers] "Thank you for including me."