Controversy: Mandatory Organ Donation, No Exceptions. March 26, 2008
Posted by Bob Aronson in Mandatory organ donation.11 comments
I am looking forward to the response to this blog because of all the controversial ideas we have tackled, this may generate the most heated discussion. And — discussion is what I want to generate in my quest to increase the number of organ donors. Please read, tell your friends about this blog, ask them to read and comment and, of course, comment yourself. Your thoughts are important to other readers. Bob Aronson
In a recent blog, I suggested that we fire UNOS and adopt an entirely new system. I suggested a program of presumed consent combined with some kind of financial incentive. There are many options we can consider besides the combination I suggested. Among them are:
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Maintain the status quo of depending on “altruistic” organ donation
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The LifeSharers concept – organ donors should receive organs first
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Requiring people to make a choice when they renew drivers licenses
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Presumed consent. Instead of our current “opt in” system, we would adopt one where people are presumed donors unless they “opt out.”
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Payment for organs, either on a regulated basis or based on and regulated by the marketplace.
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Mandatory organ donation. No choice in the matter. When you die, your organs will be taken if they are healthy and acceptable.
This blog concentrates on one controversial option — mandatory donation. So who supports such an un-American sounding idea? Consider mandatory donation for a second, is it fair for us to condemn others to death because we want organs that are of no use to us, to be buried with us? If someone could make the case that a cadaver has use for its organs I am sure they could attract a great deal of support. To this point, though, I have not heard of any physician, scientist, ethicist or philosopher that makes that case. Heavens, even the POPE is an organ donor.
Consider this: Aaron Spital, and James Stacey Taylor (Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York; and 
Department of Philosophy, College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey) have written a persuasive paper on the subject of mandatory organ donation. http://cjasn.asnjournals.org/cgi/content/full/2/2/300. Their proposal is simple:
”We propose that the requirement for consent for cadaveric organ recovery be eliminated and that whenever a person dies with transplantable organs, these be recovered routinely. Consent for such recovery should be neither required nor sought.”
Language like this is likely to have a negative impact on most Americans so if this proposal is going to be considered by anyone the language must be sandpapered. Telling Americans they are required to do something does not usually meet with much cooperation unless, like taxation, vaccinations, autopsies for criminal investigations and the military draft, it can be shown to be necessary. But this blog is not about language so let us consider the thoughts behind the idea.
A recent Washington Post article suggests that UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) has artificially inflated the number of people who need organs in order to make the situation look worse than it is. I am not going to argue that point now — maybe later. What is important here is this; no matter what UNOS does to the numbers they cannot hide the fact that there is a far greater need for organs than what is available at any given time. That is an undeniable fact! Even UNOS’ massive fudging does not change that.
The paper by Spital and Taylor goes on to say:
“We believe that the major problem with our present cadaveric organ procurement system is its absolute requirement for consent. As such, the system’s success depends on altruism and voluntarism. Unfortunately, this approach has proved to be inefficient. Despite tremendous efforts to increase public commitment to posthumous organ donation, exemplified most recently by the US Department of Health and Human Services sponsored Organ Donation Breakthrough Collaborative many families who are asked for permission to recover organs from a recently deceased relative still say no. The result is a tragic syllogism: nonconsent leads to nonprocurement of potentially life-saving organs, and nonprocurement limits the number of people who could have been saved through transplantation; therefore, nonconsent results in loss of life.”
Let me add that while in the majority of states it is the law to follow the organ donation desires of the deceased as stated on their driver’s license, some hospital officials insist on telling families they have a choice in the matter. Many of those families then, deny recovery of organs, and someone or several someones somewhere die as a result. Even laws have proven to be ineffective because some medical professionals insist on ignoring the law and giving families a choice anyway. Whether that provider attitude is one of ignorance or arrogance is beyond me. Think of the position in which that puts an Organ Procurement Organization (OPO). There is no way, even though organ recovery would be legal, that the OPO can insist on donation when a grieving family has been advised that they have a choice and as a result decides against donation (this is not speculation, it happens more often that you would imagine). But I digress; let us talk more about the Spital and Taylor paper.
“Routine recovery would be much simpler and cheaper to implement than proposals designed to stimulate consent because there would be no need for donor registries, no need to train requestors, no need for stringent government regulation, no need to consider paying for organs, and no need for permanent public education campaigns.”
I want to be clear that I am taking no position here. I, as a blogger, am trying to be as objective as possible but I see no suggestion in the paper we are discussing, that the deceased not be treated with respect. To the contrary, the burial services I am sure, could continue to be the same as they have always been and in an open casket funeral, there would be absolutely no evidence that the person was missing his/her organs. Furthermore, I see nothing in the Spital and Taylor paper that suggests any change in operating room or care procedures. The people who care for the patient and the people who recover organs do not work together until there is a declaration of death by independent physicians.
Like most Americans, my initial reaction to any governmentally mandated regulations about my body is extremely negative, but I believe that a non-emotional discussion that focuses on the logic of the concept could be helpful in terms of leading us to doing what is right for both donors and recipients.. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to keep a conversation concerning life and death and one’s body parts from becoming emotional. It is an emotional issue. I do think, though, that a national discussion of all the options is absolutely necessary. A real discussion where all sides are heard and considered.
If you do not like being told what is right and what is wrong then you should be a little tired of UNOS telling you that for the last 24 years. They have not allowed or encouraged any public discussion of the options to their “altruistic” and failed effort. Who are they to tell you what you can and cannot do with your body? Think about it.
Your comments are welcome and encouraged whether pro or con.
PEACE
Think Outside the Bottle March 25, 2008
Posted by Bob Aronson in alcohol and drugs.add a comment
In honesty, I must admit I borrowed the title of this blog from my friend Dr. Marvin Seppala MD, a psychiatrist who specializes in addiction and who is the medical director, CEO of Beyond Addictions in Beaverton, Oregon. Marv is an exceptional human being and one I am proud to know.
Recently I wrote a blog on my addiction to alcohol and other substances and how they may have ruined my heart. After years of suffering with heart disease and finally being placed on the national transplant list, I was given a new heart on August 21 of 2007. If there had been no organ available, I would probably be dead by now. Because I got a new heart I assumed God had a reason for wanting me alive. I believe that reason is to use what I know to help others — to promote organ donation and sobriety.
I learned a lot from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) but two things stand out. One is that confession is good for the soul and for the psyche and the other is that it is my duty to carry the word to others who are suffering. That’s what the 12th step says. This blog is meant to accomplish three things. The first is to carry the word, the second is to promote organ donation and the third is to reduce the number of people on the transplant list by reducing the number of people who need new organs.
Judging from the number of “hits” my blog on substance abuse has had and the number of times it has been reprinted, the subject must be one of great interest. Well, it should be. I couldn’t find exact numbers but I’ll bet that a significant number of people on the transplant list, while no longer using, have done great harm to their organs because of substance abuse. Raising awareness of substance abuse and the fact that treatment works just might help reduce the number of people who need a transplant. When I say, “Treatment works,” I not only mean formal treatment but also attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings. I went through treatment a couple of times before it finally stuck in July of 1982. I have not had a drink since then and my life has changed completely. Since treatment I developed a highly successful business as a consultant, travelled the world and loved every minute of it. Most importantly, though, I regained the respect and love of my family. Had I not quit drinking I would either be dead or in jail.
I cannot speak about any substance abuse other than mine. I know this, when you are abusing you know you are abusing. When you are abusing you will do things your sense of morality would not normally allow you to do. When you are abusing you are driven by your bassist instincts. When you are abusing you don’t eat right, you treat people poorly and you become the person you least admired when you were sober.
My dad, God bless him, was a good man and I loved him. He worked hard and did his best to provide for his family, but for most of my life, he was a drunk. He treated his family with disdain and did his best to separate himself from us. Subsequently I know very little about him. We never had any kind of a “talk.” When he drank, he got mean. I won’t go into detail but my mom, in particular, suffered most of the effect of his meanness. He hid bottles everywhere, in the rafters of the basement ceiling in cubbyholes in the garage, and in many other places. I swore I would never be like my dad. I grew up to be almost exactly like him.
I began drinking seriously at age 15 and didn’t stop for long until I was 43 years old. I hid bottles everywhere. I used to have a special briefcase that I always carried. I bought it because it would not only hold my papers but was big enough to carry a quart of vodka as well. When I worked mornings as the on-air anchor for a radio network in Minnesota, I would get to work early, hide my bottle in the bottom of the wastebasket in the men’s room and cover it with paper towels. Whenever I needed a drink I just got up and headed for the bathroom. Being as I worked from 4 AM to 9 AM there weren’t many people around so I was free to drink as much as I wanted and I did. I never took a my bottle home with me, it was always empty at the end of my shift. I’m sorry to say that for most of the time I worked there I was under the influence. How I did a four-hour on the air program every morning is beyond me. I only know that I am ashamed of myself for doing that to my employer.
I also was mean. While not violent I was verbally abusive. My family suffered and I know it. Unfortunately, I knew it then, too, but because of the influence of alcohol, I didn’t care. I would find any excuse to get out of the house at night so I could meet my drinking “friends.” It turns out that these “friends” disappeared once I sobered up. My family, for some reason I’ll never understand stood by me. I will be forever grateful.
During the time I was a practicing alcoholic I drank at least a quart of Vodka a day, sometimes two quarts. And — often I used both alcohol and drugs. I have no idea how I functioned and made a living. Many people told me they never suspected that I drank too much or at all for that matter.
To make a long story short I developed dilated cardiomyopathy and eventually needed a heart transplant. I am one of the lucky ones who got a new heart and a new life, but not everyone can expect to get an organ. The shortage far exceeds the number of donors.
I know this is an unusual blog but it does relate to the need for organ donors because so many people would not need organs if they would take care of themselves. If you drink too much, you know it. If you abuse drugs, you know it, if your behavior is bad, you know it and you also know you need help. I’m writing this blog so that if you are abusing alcohol or drugs, you also know you are killing yourself. You are destroying many of your organs. You may need a transplant and you may not get one. There are not enough organs.
With the help of some wonderful people at a treatment center and years of attending AA meetings, I have remained sober and happy for 26 years. You can do it too.
According to a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report, “Substance abuse is the nation’s top health problem, causing more deaths, illness and disabilities than any other preventable health problem today. Additionally the Johnson report indicates that of the more than 2 million deaths each year in the United States, about one in four is due to abuse of alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs. The economic cost of the abuse is estimated at more than $414 billion a year.” http://www.infoimagination.org/ps/drug_war/articles/substance_abuse.html In
In conclusion, if you are abusing substances you must stop. You can do it. There is help! Sure there is pain and discomfort when you stop your addiction, but consider the pain and discomfort of cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, alcoholic cardiomyopathy or any one of a number of other diseases.
If you are the spouse or significant other of someone who is a substance abuser, there is help for you, too. Alanon is nationwide; there are meetings in every city. The meetings are held to help you, not the substance abuser. You’ll learn how to cope and how to survive and maintain your dignity. For more information visit: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/english.html.Or for additional information on substance abuse and treatment visit: http://www.samhsa.gov/treatment/treatment_public_i.aspx
We are all praying for you whether you are the abuser or someone affected by the abuse.
PEACE
Let’s Fire UNOS And Start All Over Again March 22, 2008
Posted by Bob Aronson in UNOS & Organ Donation.3 comments
Washington Post, March 22, 2008 – A third of patients on transplant list not eligible
Today we learned from the Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/front.htm) that UNOS, (the private not for profit company that holds the government contract to coordinate organ donation and organ transplants), is playing games with the wait list. The Post says that a third of the patients on the list are not eligible for transplants and questions whether those people should be on the list. UNOS says, “Many patients are inactive for only short periods because of temporary complications or other issues that are often resolved.”
The point here is that UNOS has been caught fudging the numbers. If UNOS fudged the numbers what else have they fudged? Or, what else has UNOS lied to us about? I believe that this is just another piece of the puzzle that shows UNOS can’t be trusted? Even former UNOS board members don’t trust the organization. Included in the Washington Post story is this interesting tidbit: “The wait list is dishonest,” said Donna L. Luebke, a nurse who said she was rebuked by UNOS officials when she complained about the list near the end of the three years she served on the organization’s board of directors. “The public deserves to know the true numbers.”
Readers please don’t be misled by this story. No matter how you torture the numbers they will still confess to the fact that the gap between available organs and the people who need them is wide and growing and that’s because of UNOS’ failure to adopt policies that would significantly increase organ donation. Let me offer you an example of how UNOS has approached the entire organ donation effort.
If you were a member of a tribe that waved sheets in the air to prevent thunderstorms, how many times would you have to get drenched and hit by lightning before you’d think, “I’m all wet and scorched again, maybe we had better find a better solution.” My guess is no more than twice. Well, our friendly sheet wavers at UNOS are keeping the softer side of Sears in business. They’ve been buying all of Sears’ sheets since 1984. Anytime anyone complains that the current organ donation system is ineffective, UNOS sends its heavy thinkers out to wave a new batch of sheets while simultaneously issuing a Press Release that says, “See, we’re on top of it, we’re taking action. We have a greater thread count in the sheets this year.” “Oh,” our leaders say, “We can see that you are trying really hard. Maybe bigger sheets will work better next year, let’s renew your contract and give you even more money” and almost immediately thousands of sewing machines in Guatemala and China begin to hum as Sears happily seeks to fulfill the latest UNOS order for super large sheets — this years model has handles.
In the meantime the gap between the number of people who need organs and the number of available organs continues to increase and the number of people who die waiting for an organ gets ever larger — every year, despite the size of the sheets, the thread count, the number of people waving them and the new 2008 handles.
For twenty-four years UNOS has continued the same disastrous organ donation policy while absolutely refusing to try any other approach to solve the problem. They won’t even conduct a simple, controlled trial in small section of a small city. They just hold bioethics meetings so they can develop grounds on which to reject everything that doesn’t include a sheet. Almost every option suggested to them is “unethical, undoable, or too expensive.” Besides, what would they do with all their sheets? (I’m sure that my hometown of Chisholm, Minnesota (population under 5,000) would welcome a trial in any section of town. Lakeview would be good, it’s across the lake and a little isolated from the city. Let me warn you, though, these hard working iron miners are too smart to fall for the sheet trick.)
Oh glorious leaders of UNOS, ye without the courage to change or the blessing of vision (they don’t even have the blessing of hindsight), heed the words of Mark Twain, “Loyalty to a petrified opinion never yet broke a chain or freed a human soul.” Or as George Bernard Shaw said, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” Indeed, we have been subjected for twenty-four long years to not only petrified opinion but also to cowardice, fear of change and indifference to human suffering. 100,000 have died while the people in charge of organ donation keep waving sheets in the air.
Listen to me now UNOS — Listen to me!!! I was on the transplant list and was one of the few lucky ones to get an organ (heart). I know first hand what the desperation is like — what it is like to be chair bound — unable to function. I know what it is like to pray each night that I will wake up in the morning. I know what it is like to be on 22 medications every day, medications that cost as much as $50-100 a pill and more. And – finally, I know what it feels like to be dying while the organization that is supposed to help refuses to seriously consider any method other than their failed “altruistic” approach to organ donation. Have you no compassion? How can you watch 100,000 people die and still wave your damned sheets? When will you show us that you care?
We hear your message UNOS, it is quite simple, “There are too many on the list and not enough organs, so if you are on the list you are probably going to die.” What a great public relations program that is. Listed people may not have a lot of clout but we do have some intelligence and we are not fooled by your nonsense. We see the numbers –over two million people die every year in the U.S. and last year there were only 8,024 deceased donors. Doesn’t that fact give you bureaucrats a clue? It’s bad enough that your efforts are inadequate but because of your intransigence OPOs, state legislatures, and others who want to do the right thing are hamstrung by policies that offer them little more than a new supply of the latest model sheets. You are telling them that you don’t want real help, you only want to preserve your petrified plan while telling us that we are going to die and you aren’t going to do anything about it.
Why do you steadfastly support a system that has been proven ineffective twenty-four times, people are dying and I, for one, hold you UNOS, responsible. You know the system doesn’t work, you know that more and more people die each year, you know that the list of donors doesn’t come close to matching the number of people who need organs and yet you refuse to try anything new. In my book that is reckless negligence. The people at UNOS are afraid to admit they were and are wrong about how to increase organ donation. They fit Einstein’s definition of insanity better than any group of people I’ve known. Akhenaton(an Egyptian pharoh (1380-1362 BC), the predecessor of Tutankamen, and husband of Nefertiti) said, “True wisdom is less presuming than folly. The wise man doubteth often, and changeth his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubteth not; he knoweth all things but his own ignorance.” I submit that the people who make organ donation policy fall into the category of the “obstinate fool.”
The dying people on the transplant waiting list have no way of speaking for themselves. First, they are in the end stages of a disease and very sick, additionally they have no political clout, no money, no organization and little chance of living because some self-centered control freaks believe the issue is about them rather than patients. They argue the ethics of change and maintain the status quo while people who are dying desperately need change from the status quo. Is twenty-four years of failure to provide enough organs ethical? Is doing nothing while people die ethical? Why don’t you study that, bioethicists?
I, personally, support a program of presumed consent where everyone in the U.S. would be a presumed organ donor unless they have opted out of the system. Additionally I support incentive payments for organ donors. Most certainly the devil is in the details but smart people can work it out. We need to start all over again with people of vision, courage and compassion.
We need a new approach and once we have it we should cancel the UNOS contract and repeal or amend the 1982 act that created this problem. We must stop the dying and UNOS is not the organization to do it. Please, readers, join me in this effort, comment on this blog and perhaps we can form a movement that will give hope to those who have suffered so long. Together we can change the system.
There are people and organizations that are trying. These forward thinkers know what needs to be done. We need to get them and people like them together to develop a new approach. While you may not always agree with them, we need more visionary thinkers like Dr. Richard Darling of the Fair Foundation http://www.fairfoundation.org/, Dave Undisof LifeSharers http://www.lifesharers.com/, Arthur J. Matas, former President of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and Arthur Caplan, Ph.D.; Director, Center for Bioethics, University of Pennsylvania . It is from these kinds of people that we will get the solutions to end this shameful crisis.
One thing for sure, UNOS is the problem, not the solution.
PEACE
Alcohol May Have Ruined My Heart. How Much Do You Drink? March 4, 2008
Posted by Bob Aronson in alcohol and drugs.6 comments
Let us start this blog with a fact. I, Bob Aronson, am an alcoholic. I was treated for chemical dependency in 1982 and have had no relapses. My drug of choice was Vodka but in lieu of the Russian national drink, anything would do as long as it had alcohol or any other mind-altering substance in it. I really liked alcohol; it released me from my inhibitions and demons and made me forget. For example – I do not remember the entire Carter Administration. At the time, I was the communications director for a Minnesota Governor and, they tell me, I worked with and met President Carter on several occasions. I honestly don’t remember much about those years. My behavior during that time was deplorable. At least I think so, but I can’t really remember a lot of it.
As far as my body is concerned, the worst thing about my drinking was that the drug combined with my chain cigarette smoking (I dumped that addiction in 1991) was probably responsible for developing cardiomyopathy and then needing a heart transplant. Imagine a 68-year old man with a history of 3 or more packs a day of cigarette smoking, at least a quart a day of Vodka and currently with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) got a heart transplant on August 21, 2007 at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Florida. I remember all of that and every day in my prayers, I promise my donor that I will take very good care of his heart. The best part of the story is that I was only on the transplant wait list for 13 days and my recovery was comfortable thanks to the compassionate and skilled people at Mayo. That’s my honest disclosure statement.
I know I am extremely lucky; you don’t have to tell me that. I, too, wonder how I got a heart when so many people on the list have been waiting for years and most of them are much younger than I am. I fully understand all the matching criteria that must be completed prior to a transplant. I am still amazed, though, amazed and thankful. I figured that if God decided to keep me around for a while it must be because there was something he wanted me to do. I hope promoting organ donation is what he wanted because that is what I have chosen to do and I am committed to giving it my best effort until I can no longer type or think.
So what’s the point of this blog? I’m writing it to warn people, especially the young, how dangerous alcohol consumption can be. And — yes, this is about organ donation and transplantation. If you drink too much or use drugs, you are probably going to damage your precious organs. That means two things. 1) You may not be able to donate your organs and 2) you become more likely to need a transplant. Right now the organ supply is much less than the demand. One solution to the problem is to make sure we all lead healthier lives. If we do that we just might have enough organ donors someday (unless the altruistic approach changes and I hope it does)..
I understand the effects of alcohol. Drinking can kill you! I know, I was dead a couple of times because of my drinking. Even if you don’t think you drink much, each beer or drink causes damage to your body. According to a student study at Bryn Mawr College: http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f01/web1/chew.html
“Due to the irritant action of alcohol, high consumption increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, tongues, and esophagus. There is also the risk of liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Heavy drinkers are also at risk for coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.”
And – there’s this from SAMHSA’s (U>S. Dept of Health & human services National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information) web site. http://www.samhsa.gov/
“Though alcohol affects every organ of the body, it’s most dramatic impact is upon the liver. The liver cells normally prefer fatty acids as fuel, and package excess fatty acids as triglycerides, which they then route to other tissues of the body. However, when alcohol is present, the liver cells are forced to first metabolize the alcohol, letting the fatty acids accumulate, sometimes in huge amounts. Alcohol metabolism permanently changes liver cell structure, which impairs the liver’s ability to metabolize fats. This explains why heavy drinkers tend to develop fatty livers. The liver is able to metabolize about ½ ounce of ethanol per hour,,,,”
And, the Women’s Heart Foundation has something to say as well: http://www.womensheartfoundation.org/content/HeartDisease/alcohol_and_heart_disease.asp
“Most people don’t think of alcohol as a drug…but it is. Alcohol abuse has destroyed more lives, broken apart more families, caused more diseases and contributed to more auto fatalities than any other drug. It is the major contributing factor in the growing epidemic of domestic violence.”
So perhaps this missive has motivated you to ask questions of yourself (in the dictionary missive is defined as a letter from an official – well, I am an official – an official drunk. I am a drunk now and always will be. As long as I remember that I won’t use alcohol or drugs).
Back to the motivation. Hazelden Foundation, one of the premier chemical dependency treatment centers in the world, is near the twin cities in Minnesota. They not only treat addictions but they also do a lot of research. You’ve probably seen Hazelden material. Their website http://www.hazelden.org/ has a great deal of very useful information. Browse it and you will see what I mean. One item in particular is a short test to help you understand what your drinking habits mean. The test is confidential and you can remain anonymous. http://alcoholscreening.org/AS/index.aspx?CID=86
The following excerpts are from the website below. I urge you to go to Dr. Dunlap’s site and read all of it – twice! By: Michaele P. Dunlap, Psy.D, Clinical Psychologist. http://www.oregoncounseling.org/ArticlesPapers/Documents/ETOHBIOFx.htm The brain, liver, heart, pancreas, lungs, kidneys, and every other organ and tissue system are infiltrated by alcohol within minutes after it passes into the blood stream. The strength of the drink will have a significant effect on absorption rates, with higher concentrations of alcohol resulting in more rapid absorption.
BODY SYSTEMS AND EFFECTS
The Liver: hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperuricemia (as in arthritis or gout), fatty liver (which may lead to hepatitis or cirrhosis), and hyperlipemia (build-up of fats sent to the bloodstream; which leads to heart problems).
Central Nervous System: When alcohol acts on the CNS, intoxication occurs, affecting emotional and sensory function, judgment, memory and learning ability. Smell and taste are dulled.
The Blood: capillaries break, create red eyes in the morning, or the red, blotchy skin seen on the heavy drinker’s face. Blood vessels can also break in the stomach and esophagus leading to hemorrhage, even death.
The Gastrointestinal Tract:: In time, the drinker’s overworked pancreas may stop producing insulin and diabetes can result. Conversely, a person with a family history of diabetes may be more vulnerable to problems with alcohol.
The Muscles: One outcome is cardiomyopathy (sluggish heart) which is common in alcoholics. Another outcome, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), or “holiday heart,” is often treated in emergency wards after several days of party drinking. Muscle aches are a common symptom of excessive-drinking “hangovers.
“The Endocrine System: This system controls the body’s hormones and includes the pineal, pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands, and the ovaries or testes. Prolonged use of alcohol can cause infertility in both men and women.
Special Concerns of Women: Female drinkers reach higher blood alcohol levels (BAL’s) faster because of less water and more fat in the body and because of differences in digestive enzymes. Women develop alcohol-related disorders such as brain damage, cirrhosis and cancers at lower levels of drinking than men.
FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME (FAS) and FETAL ALCOHOL EFFECT (FAE): Women who drink during pregnancy risk the development of both mental and physical defects in their children. Effects on the child can include: growth deficiencies; poorly formed bones and organs, heart abnormalities, cleft palate, retarded intellect, delayed motor development, poor coordination, behavior problems, and learning disabilities.”
And so, my blog. There are a number of comedians who make fun of people with drinking problems, we all laugh and that is just fine. I sure don’t mind. But don’t let the laughter mask the problem. I ruined a good part of my life, did significant damage to my health and to relationships with my family, friends and the people I worked for not to mention those I offended but can’t remember. The disease of alcoholism is cunning (the big book) and lethal. I used to say, “I can quit drinking anytime I want to,” and I would, for maybe two weeks at a time. Then I would say, “See, I did it” and my car would automatically turn into the parking lot of the nearest liquor store. All I can say is, “Please watch your consumption of alcohol. I don’t preach abstinence I preach caution. Explore some of the sites I have noted here and learn more about the subject. Parents especially need to be aware.” All of the sites I mentioned can be extremely helpful. Ok…it’s time for a drink, “Hon, do we have any cold diet coke?”
PEACE
