Archive for the ‘ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT’ Category
January 8th, 2010 | 
Author: 
Tiger Woods’ wife Elin Woods saved her husband’s life from a car accident with a golf club.
The initial media reports that instantly spread around the globe sounded dire: Tiger Woods had been “seriously” hurt in a car accident early Friday and was hospitalized.
It turned out the superstar golfer’s injuries, first reported by the Orlando Sentinel, weren’t as dreadful as the word “serious” implied in the police report. But as additional details emerged, it appeared Woods certainly suffered more than a fender bender.
Woods, 33, was backing out of his driveway in the Isleworth community near Orlando, Fla., at 2:25 a.m. when he struck a fire hydrant and then hit a neighbor’s tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
It was almost 12 hours before the police issued an accident report, and it is still unknown why Woods was out driving at that hour and much about the incident remains unclear.
After the first news reports about the accident, Woods’ website in the afternoon issued a terse statement saying he was in “good condition,” after being treated and released from Health Central Hospital in nearby Ocoee, Fla.
The Associated Press later Friday quoted a local police chief as saying Woods’ wife, Elin, used a golf club to smash the back window to get Woods out of his 2009 Cadillac sports utility vehicle after she heard the accident and came outside.
Woods had cuts to his lips, blood in his mouth and was lying in the street, with his wife nearby, and was in and out of consciousness when officers arrived, Windermere Police Chief Daniel Saylor said. At one point Woods woke up and tried to get up but lost consciousness.
FHP Sgt. Kim Montes said troopers arrived at the Woods’ home early Friday evening to talk to the golfer, and that his wife told them Woods was resting and asked them to return this morning, the Orlando Sentinel reported. The troopers agreed to do so.
The FHP’s news release said alcohol was not considered a factor in the accident, and that the crash remained under investigation.
The airbags in Woods’ SUV did not deploy, according to the FHP, and it was unknown whether Woods was wearing a seat belt.
Saylor said his responding officers did not hear anything about an alleged argument between Woods and his wife, according to AP.
“Right now we believe this is a traffic crash. We don’t believe it is a domestic issue,” Montes said.
But owing to the authorities’ technical language in the case of accidents, the world was stunned with headlines of Woods’ “serious” injury that appeared on media websites from Los Angeles to London, aired on television and arrived on fans’ Blackberrys and mobile phones.
The news release listed the injuries as “serious” because patients’ conditions are always classified that way if they are transported to a hospital, FHP spokesman Jorge Delahoz told the Orlando Sentinel.
The media frenzy the word “serious” ignited was “illustrative not only of Woods’ global fame, but of the rapidity with which the media can spread news whether it is entirely accurate or not,” said David Carter, executive director of USC’s Sports Business Institute.
Woods, of course, is the world’s No. 1 golfer. He has won 82 times worldwide and captured 14 major tournaments, and this year he also became the first athlete to reach the $1-billion mark in career earnings through prize money, endorsements and other income, Forbes magazine estimated.
Woods can make or break TV ratings simply by choosing to play in a tournament. He has a net worth of $600 million, according to Forbes.
While authorities “may characterize [the injuries] very technically,” today’s instant media communication “leads to banner headlines, which makes everybody wonder what the impact could be if, for any reason, he was to miss a series of tournaments,” Carter said.
In fact, the accident occurred leading to next week’s Chevron World Challenge, an 18-player tournament hosted by Woods at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks.
The four-day tournament starts Thursday, and Woods is scheduled to hold a news conference there Tuesday.
Wood missed last year’s tournament, which supports the Tiger Woods Foundation, because he was recovering from surgery on his left knee.
He was scheduled to rejoin the field this year, but Mark Steinberg, Woods’ agent, told the Associated Press on Friday that he did not know if Woods still planned to play.
Woods won six times this season. Although he did not win a major tournament, he said he considered the year successful because he wasn’t sure how his knee would respond after months of rehabilitation.
Tiger Woods’ new estate on Jupiter Island
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The Viagra supported grandpa has now entered the young singles bar scene, and besides being raised, he is raising eyebrows by his insatiable hunger for young women. With a big pension to fatten his wallet, he has become the king of sugar daddies and the idol of high maintenance bunnies. Some of the singles bars are flooded with old men on Viagra, and the young guys are standing helplessly by watching their women being taken away.
Grandma has been devastated by her half senile husband going out every evening to the singles bars and leaving her alone. He doesn’t come home until the crack of dawn and is too exhausted to do anything but sleep away the rest of the day. Since grandpa has been on Viagra he hasn’t made love to his wife even once. He claims that she is too old for him and is no longer appealing. She told him if he doesn’t stop running around with all the young bunnies she will lock him out of the house. He says that if she did that he would move into the motel near the singles bar and take his Viagra with him. Grandma has no alternative but to sit home and cry, and attend to her vegetable garden
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Viagra has broken up more homes than alcohol, and it is even more deadly. It has destroyed the relationships of the most vulnerable part of our society, and that is our senior citizens. Our government cannot let this to continue, but there is little that can be done. Outlawing Viagra would only create an underground market. There is some that say that the police should raid the singles bars and give grandpa a drug test, if Viagra is found in his system he should be forced to enter a rehabilitation program. Others say only grandma should be allowed to have possession of the Viagra, and should only dispense it when he is willing to make love to her.
Part of the blame falls on the young bunnies that are willing to make love to a man that is more than twice their age. They fully realize that they are breaking up a home, and making some old lady miserable. I don’t advocate violence, but if grandma entered the singles bar and hit her husband and the young bunny he was with over their heads with an umbrella, maybe grandpa would stay at home and use his Viagra in a more responsible way.
http://360.yahoo.com/melvin_polatnick
One of the most common questions I get when I first meet with a person considering divorce or separation concerns alimony. It is natural to wonder early on in a divorce process what kind of alimony obligation there might be. However, it is one of the more complicated aspects of Family Law, which makes this common question difficult to answer. In this article I give an overview of the topic of alimony and some examples of why negotiation of alimony issues is serious business.
SC Law
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In South Carolina, the Code of Laws requires the Courts to consider thirteen separate factors in choosing to award alimony, how much to award and the length of the obligation. The law does not address any of these issues specifically. Factors to be considered include the length of the marriage, the disparity of earnings between the parties, future earnings potential of each party, the education levels attained by the parties, mental or physical health issues and marital misconduct or “fault”. The statute is gender neutral so, in South Carolina, women and men are equally eligible to participate in paying or receiving alimony.
South Carolina is Liberal on Alimony
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South Carolina is known as a “liberal” alimony state, meaning that it is one of a few states where a person can be obligated to pay a generous amount of alimony on a permanent basis. The law reflects the notion that a person has a moral, ethical and legal responsibility to support their spouse. A South Carolina Family Court Judge will generally not be reversed on appeal for giving too much alimony for too long, but he or she will more likely be reversed for awarding alimony that is insufficient in amount and duration.
How Much for How Long?
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In South Carolina, alimony can be awarded in different ways depending on the specific circumstances of the parties. Alimony awards can be permanent/periodic, lump sum or rehabilitative, taxable and non-taxable in nature. There is no definitive mathematical formula used to determine the amount of an alimony award. Several computer programs are helpful in analyzing alimony obligations (I rely on one myself), but none are determinative. One way to get a general understanding of an alimony obligation is to determine the monthly living expenses for the spouse with the smaller income. If the after-tax income of that spouse leaves them short of their reasonable monthly living expenses, then a Court will likely seek to make up the difference or even balance the incomes with funds from the spouse with the greater income.
Similarly, the law does not specify criteria to determine the duration of an alimony obligation. A marriage of 12 to 15 years very often results in a permanent alimony obligation in South Carolina, but not necessarily (providing, of course, that an obligation exists in the first place). Legal authority exists in South Carolina for a permanent alimony award resulting from a marriage of only one year! Permanent alimony can only end upon the death of either spouse or upon the re-marriage or co-habitation of the supported spouse.
Can it be Modified?
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Alimony is always modifiable if it is awarded on a permanent basis, but only upon a showing that there exists a substantial change in circumstances. Our courts have ruled that a 20% increase in income by former husband did not support the former wife’s request for increase in her monthly award. An issue that is becoming increasingly common with the aging of baby boomers is the extension of alimony obligations into retirement years. It is important to understand that retirement will not necessarily suffice as a change in circumstance to warrant a decrease in alimony. Each request for modification of alimony will turn on the facts specific to the parties involved.
Can it be Avoided?
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The only absolute prohibition to an alimony award is if the spouse requesting alimony has committed adultery. Other forms of fault, such as physical cruelty, habitual alcoholism and abandonment will not necessarily bar alimony, but may effect the amount or duration of the award, up or down, depending on where the fault is placed.
The Bottom Line
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At the risk of sounding self-serving, my advice is to always negotiate alimony with the assistance of a qualified family law attorney. I have worked with several clients who previously paid a huge price as a result of negotiating on their own or going along with advice they did not understand. The financial exposure can be overwhelming. Given the complicated nature of most couples’ financial lives, it is simply too risky to negotiate alimony without sound legal advice.
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SLOGAN:
BETTER THE CITIZEN
BETTER THE NATION
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PRAYER:
G I T A N J A L I.
This is my prayer to Thee, my Lord—strike, strike
At the root of penury in my heart.
Give me the strength lightly to bear my joys and sorrows.
Give me the strength to make my love fruitful in service.
Give me the strength never to disown the poor or bend my knees
Before insolent might.
Give me the strength to raise my mind high above daily trifles.
And give me the strength to surrender my strength to Thy Will with love.
Written by Rabindranath Tagore.
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WHAT IS INDIA
PENINSULAR I N D I A Hind-istan, Bharath, the Sub-Continent so rich and abundant in natural wealth, vibrant in emotions, diversified in culture still proud of integrity in diversity and is the potpourri of customs and traditions, of myriad cultures that came to this land as conquerors, traders and conveyors stayed back as citizens. The Aryans, the Moroccans, the Greeks, the Mongols, the Mughals, the British, the French, the Portuguese……… the civilized world that came to rule the native, ‘Dravidians’ and fell prey to a people that were civilized centuries before their conquerors’ forefathers learnt to read and write.
INCREDIBLE INDIA.
BE PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN . JAI HIND.
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WHO WE ARE
I N D I A N A C T I O N F O R U M.
IAF is an association of Non Politicians founded in Madras in 1990, but claims to be An Independent Extraordinary Political Party of Indian Society which mainly intended to bring a Revolutionary Change by complete transformation existing Notorious criminals in Indian political field by Establishing a Respectful Honest Political Party in the name as INDIAN ACTION PARTY. The forum intends to act as a catalyst to revitalize the entire nation. IAF would unite all the welfare non-profitable organizations which oppose self-serving politicians and narrow-minded parties of vested interests and form One Political Force that can bring about fundamental change. The Philosophy is LET PROFESSIONALS RUN THE GOVERNMENT AND LEAD THE NATIOM. This is the Primary Objective for which the forum was founded.
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WELCOME
I N D I A N A C T I O N F O R U M.
IAF is an association of Non Politicians welcomes you for National Effort and Network. The initial thrust of IAF was to make a Complete Transformation of existing Notorious Criminal Politicians. The Philosophy is LET PROFESSIONALS RUN THE GOVERNMENT AND LEAD THE NATIOM. This is the Primary Objective for which the forum was founded. People and Organizations who synchronize with this IDEOLOGY and who long for a complete transformation of the present political system could become a member of the INDIAN ACTION FORUM. Toward this goal we welcome you to join in this National effort.
HOW YOU CAN HELP.
CONTRIBUTION
- LIVE AND LET LIVE
Participate in politics, Join IAF to struggle for second freedom, free India from notorious political criminals through Democracy using Ballot.
For the past few decades, India’s educated elite have taken less interest in politics than the uneducated masses. And this has probably been the greatest reason why India’s infrastructure, health and basic education have maintained 3rd world standards even while the educated elite have rocketed up to international levels of wealth but the illiterate and illegitimate politicians few well learnered high criminal politicians have competed them 1000 times more. IAF has now set its priorities in pooling our Elector Resources and Righteous Candidates who are both honest and professional for the benefit of the country.
India’s intellectuals have been too busy making money for themselves to bother with societal issues, and so some of the most challenging problems in India remain unsolved. But it is time that we educated elite realize how valuable our freedom is to our continued prosperity; the world’s largest democracy will crumble if we do not begin to participate actively in its well being.
We must understand that the plight of the uneducated masses is our own plight, and that it is our responsibility to raise all of India to greatness. Uneducated voters are more likely to be swayed by manipulative politicians with corrupt agendas and are less likely to understand which government policies will benefit them in the long-run.
If we – who can read and write, who understand why minority rights must be protected, why women should be respected, and why religious tolerance is essential – do not vote, then how do we expect our democracy to continue to function in a sensible manner?
If we hope to see any improvement in things like water quality, health and education, we must make our voices heard by ballot, not just on blogs. A successful democracy encourages voting by all its people, but it demands the active participation of its most educated.
If there is a social welfare Organization without ultimate result then what is the use in running. We beg you to think twice. You can identify the right candidates and recommend to IAF. IAF will post them in the field and will work for them to succeed in the Election. Simply running for helping the people had helped politicians to concentrate on corruption as we have taken care of what they are suppose to take care. Kindly join IAF let us together struggle for second freedom. Please unite all the welfare organizations known to you. Out of them we have sufficient candidates who can save the Nation.
So GO ROCK THE VOTE in the 2009 AND 2011 General Elections either to the righteous or exercise 49 (O)…!!!
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SECTION 49 (O) OF THE CONSTITUTION.
Exercise your rights enshrined in the Article under Section 49 (O) of the Constitution of India and as per the 1969 Act.
49 (O) Elector deciding not to vote.-
If an elector, after his/her electoral roll number has been duly entered in the Register of voters in Form-17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required under sub-rule (1) of rule 49L, decided not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark.
‘It is submitted that there is a system in our constitution, as per the 1969 Act, U/s. 49 (O) a Voter could record that he or she does not want to vote for any candidate, that person can go to the polling booth, confirm his identity, get his finger marked and convey to the Presiding Election Officer / The Returning Officer that he/she doesn’t want to vote anyone. By Legally Registering their refusal to vote instead of not showing up for voting, thereby bogus voting could be stalled.’
Yes such a feature is available, but obviously these seemingly Notorious Leaders have never disclosed it and it is seemingly surprising why the Election Commission of India has not revealed such a feature to the public….
This is called ‘49 (O)’.
Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru said, “Frankly Speaking As a Politician, We Politicians Have To Fade Away. There Should Come a Day Where Doctors, Lawyers, Economist Etc; Rule the Nation.”
“Our system needs to change”, “Our politicians need to fade”, “Our government needs to newly wake up”: Public service needs new face that will create a new culture of service and renewed sense of social and political responsibility. For years, these lines have littered the rhetoric of politicians, activists, and citizens alike. But for a moment recently, the public began to dream of effecting real change and that to through the medium of democracy — the ballot box. Without Removing these Politicians there is no hope for improvement. Indeed a complete transformation of the present political system is required.
What is lacking:
However, in the voting using the Electronic Voting Machines, such a facility is not available to the voter. Although, Rule 49 {O} of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 provides that an elector may refuse to vote after he has been identified and necessary entries made in the Register of Electors in Form-17A and the marked copy of the electoral roll, the secrecy of voting is not protected here inasmuch as the polling officials and the polling agents in the polling station get to know about the decision of such a voter.
The Commission recommends that the law should be amended to specifically provide for negative / neutral voting. For this purpose, Rules 22 and 49[B] of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 may be suitably amended adding a provision that in the ballot paper and the particulars on the ballot unit, in the column relating to names of candidates, after the entry relating to the last candidate, there shall be a column ìNone of the above, to enable a voter to reject all the candidates, if he chooses so. Such a proposal was earlier made by the Commission in 2001 vide letter dated 10.12.2001.
(A petition by the People Union for Civil Liberties seeking such a provision filed at the time of the recent general elections is pending before the Honorable Supreme Court)
For the past few decades, India’s educated elite have taken less interest in politics than the uneducated masses.
THOUGH ILLITERACY IS THE PRIMARY CAUSE BUT IGNORANCE OF THE LITERATES IS THE SERIOUS CAUSE.
MANY ILLITERATES ARE INNOCENT, MANY LITERATES ARE IGNORANT.
INNOCENCE FORGIVABLE BUT IGNORANCE PUNISHABLE.
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POLICY:
DO OR DIE
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- Future India
It is in the Hands of the educated elite. They have to come forward and participate in politics and contribute their vote. Vote is not a joke vote is a powerful weapon. It will change the entire Nation.
But for a moment recently, the public began to dream of effecting real change and that to through the medium of democracy — the ballot box.
IF PURPOSE IS THE ROAD YOU CHOOSE TO TRAVEL, GOAL IS ONE OF THE PLACES YOU INTEND TO VISIT IN THAT ROAD.
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REMEDY
If we educated elite vote 49 (O) for time being and show our strength then IAF will identify the Righteous Professionals to represent us before Parliament, Assembly and Local body.
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Office Bearers
The Trust will be known by the name as
INDIAN ACTION FORUM.
The name of the wing holding the political activities shall be in the name as:
I N D I A N A C T I O N P A R T Y.
Chairman/Founder Trustee:
IRAIARIGNAR. M. AHAMED ZAINUL ARIF
{Born on 28th June, 1954 at Ramanathapuram District, Hind-Indian Muslim, Certified Political Analyst, Theologian, Orator, Writer and Social Worker}.
Trustees:
Mr. A.C.S. CHELLAPPA, Hind-Indian Christian, Writer and Social Worker.
Er. DURGAPRASAD, Civil Engineer, Hind-Indian Hindu and Social Worker.
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Contact Us
The area of operation of the trust and party will be preferably in all over India.
Office Address: The Principal office of the Trust is situated at
No. 16/68, Periyanna Maistri Street,
Periyamet, Madras – 600003.
www.indianactionforum.org Email: dtc2009@ymail.com
Branches of the trust and party if deemed necessary shall be opened at the discretion of the trustees at one or more places in India.
Flag of the Party
In three colours
On the top it shall be Sky Blue
To teach every one that their AIM should be at the very Height.
In the Centre it shall be Grass Green
To keep the Earth ever productive.
At the bottom it shall be Oceanic Blue.
To keep their heart widen like the Ocean.
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THE ART OF IAF:
SECOND STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM.
Free the country from the criminals.
Through Democratic Means: Voting to righteous will do the best.
OUR VOTE IS A POWERFUL WEAPON.
NON–VIOLENCE, NO STRIKE / NO BUNDH / NO HARTHAL.
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WHAT IS POLITICS:
Politics is a ‘Rough Diamond’ Diamond cuts Diamond. The voting rights are small Diamonds, that will shape Rough to Real Diamond. If right people ignore politics, Hooligans will take it for granted. Proper personals to Represent the people before the Assembly, Parliament and Local body can prevent CRIMINALS entering into politics. Really speaking Politics is Noble, but it becomes “DRAINAGE” when CRIMINALS ENTER. So, it is the duty of every citizen to see that Righteous people to represent them before Parliament, Assembly and Local Body.
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HOW A GOVERNMENT TO BE:
The basic requirement to form a better Government depends upon the quality of the candidates representing the people before the Parliament, Assembly and Local Body.
WHAT ARE THE CRITARIA?
All the candidates are to be Honest Gentlemen with clean habits and helping nature, non- stiff neck, with patience, perseverance and tolerance towards all aspects.
MODEL GOVERNMENT:
1. THE SPEAKER: A Retired chief justice of the High Court or a senior advocate.
2. Deputy Speaker: The same shall apply.
3. Law Minister: Namely a retired Chief Justice of the High Court or a senior most advocate would be an appropriate candidate to head the Law Ministry and with a Law Committee of 20 MLA’s of learned lawyers. Likewise each sector would be headed by a PROFESSIONAL AND A COMMITTEE TO GUIDE the Ministry.
4. Law Committee: There should be 20 MLA’s from legislative side: Judges, Magistrate, senior advocates, attorney, registrar of court, and Court Officers, etc.
Duty: This committee will be headed by the Minister. The committee has to find out the difficulties faced by the public due to delay in disposal of cases, taking prolonged period, waste of time, money and effort. And also to remove the useless Laws, acts, British Penal Code, British’ Procedure code both in Criminal and Civil, rules and regulations; which help the culprits to escape. There are millions of changes needed. Or to throw away the existing and bring out a simple crystal clear Laws. Simplified procedures.
To have a common criminal code with severe punishment, so that none dare to commit a crime. Prevention is better than cure.
Criminals are killing innocent people and robbing the Govt., bailed and escape as financially sound.
5. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
MINISTER: A Retired Vice-Chancellor.
6. EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE: 20 MLA’s are to be from educational side. Principal Head Master Teachers . Professors , Managing Trustees & Trustees of various Institutions, Social Welfare Organizers and members of human wrights, etc..
Duty: To make a common education to all the children and to check the difficulties and torture faced by the children and parents relating to school timings, prayer etc,. And to introduce the fundamentals of Vedas, Bible and Qura’n in school education.
School Timings : 9 am to 1pm Girls, 1 pm to 5pm boys, 5 pm to 7 pm adults.
One subject one lesson per day. Thoroughly completed no home work no tuitions required. (compulsory education).
7. FREE EDUCATION TO CHILDREN & ADULTS.
This ministry will discuss with the FINANCE COMMITTTEE and finally send the “ DECISIONS “ to the Law Committee for Legal opinion.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE:
MINISTER: E C O N O M I S T.
Committee: 20 MLA’s Experts in Economics, Finance, Trade & Commerce, Banking Sector, Manufacturing Unit, Industrialist, Agriculturist, Fisheries. To determine: The Expenses, to find out the source, the total output from the state to the central to seek support from the central. Minimize the overhead burden to the public.
10. Funniest & Silliest : Sales Tax on Medicine and Corporation Tax on Hospitals are PENAL. (Pay Bribe or Take the Dead Body).
Best Kanna Best.
11. MINISTRY OF HEALTH:
MINISTER: DOCTOR OF MEDICINE (DEEN OF HOSPITAL).
COMMITTEE: 20 MLA’s DOCTORS and (Health & social welfare)
A. All the citizen must get absolutely FREE MEDICATION.
B. To prevent diseases.
C. To Ban smoking completely.
D. To Ban alcohol and related products.
E. To Ban Prostitution.
F. To provide Hygienic water, street & Road cleanliness, measure
through meeting with ministry of Environment, Corporation,
Municipality and Panchayat Etc.,
13. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT
COMMITTEE: 10 MLA’s
Retired uncorrupted officials IAS, IPS and Social Workers like EXNORA. They have to study the field and meet the relevant ministries to frame a Network and finally educate the people as well to introduce in schools, colleges, the knowledge, the importance and also to join hand with the ministry of health.
To control pollution: Vehicles, Industries and Factories.
15. MINISTRY OF POLICE:
16. MINISTER: ‘JUDGE’. Committee of 20 MLA’s of Law graduates and personals from Various sectors including anti corruption movement etc..
Important clause: This ministry will form Corrupt Practice Investigation Bureau and to work in all the departments from top level to the bottom. The culprits giving and taking will be arrested on the spot and severe punishment such as cutting the right hand to be done, the criminal laws to be amended to that extend. Law graduates will be appointed to the rank of police inspector and will be employed (detectives) to root out corruption. But at the same time sufficient salary will be paid and income tax exception up to Rs. 3,80,000/- and income tax on the above shall be @ 2.50% . These changes shall be done by the Govt. formed by IAF.
SIMILARILY ALL THE MINISTRIES WILL BE FORMED.
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Objectives of Indian Action Party
M I S S I O N S T A T E M E N T.
Primary:
Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru said, “Frankly Speaking as a Politician, We Politicians Have To Fade Away. There Should Come a Day Where Doctors, Lawyers, Economist Etc; Rule the Nation.”
Without Removing these Politicians there is no hope for improvement.
“Our system needs to change”, “Our politicians need to fade”, “Our government needs a newly wake up”: For years, these lines have littered the rhetoric of politicians, activists, and citizens alike. But for a moment recently, the public began to dream of effecting real change and that to through the medium of democracy — the ballot box.
One need not become a nuxsalite, siruthai, Tiger, Ulfa extremist or third grade religious fundamentalist etc., just Exercise your rights enshrined in the Article under Section 49 (O) of the Constitution of India and as per the 1969 Act.
THE PHILOSOPHY IS LET THE PROFESSIONALS HANDLE THE RESPECTIVE SECTORS AND THEREBY RULE THE GOVERNMENT AND LEAD THE NATION: This is the Primary Objective for which the forum was founded and the party is established.
IAF an organisation that intends to work to innovate a modern democratic political process where people are the rulers and IAF work to keep the people in power. IAF would unite all the welfare non-profitable organizations which oppose self-serving politicians and narrow-minded parties of vested interests and form one political force that can bring about fundamental change. To oppose the growing criminalisation of politics by the major parties in Parliament, headed by the Congress Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party and coming up of other similar third grade party or parties. To educate the educated elite and illiterate mass to oppose the self-serving politicians and narrow-minded parties of vested interests in the ballot by using 49 (O) for time being.
The Principal objects of the Trust and the Party is as follows:
1. To strive for securing and protecting the Rights Of Every Citizen.
2. To strive for safeguarding the dignity and honor of all the citizens
Especially the deprived sections and the destitute of the Indian
society.
3. To educate the people about the social evils, Terrorism and
Atrocities, even a strike or a bundh or harthal is an evil, creating
4. To advocate the cause of the oppressed people and to render to them
all lawful (legal) assistance.
5. To educate the people especially the younger generation about non
violence and to use the democratic means to achieve the RIGHTS.
6. To preach against terrorism and violence.
7. To educate people so as to remove the conflict between religions, and
to achieve social integration and communal harmony.
8. To render assistance to people affected during natural calamities and
riots.
9. To increase blood donors among the society.
10. To increase eye donors.
11. To draw schemes for the welfare of the economically weaker sections
of the society.
12. To draw schemes for the educational welfare of the students
Community and to render them educational assistance.
13. To render medical assistance to the economically weaker sections of
the society.
14. To render legal support to the members and to their family in case of torture either by social bad elements or third grade police or any department seem to be against the law or against the fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian constitution through legal means. The legal cell of the IAF will enter into the matter and get justice to the permanent member.
15. To strive to prevent corruption, by way of trapping by the help of
the concern department even on the higher level also, whoever he/
she may be.
16. To unite all the social welfare organizations and associations of
various sectors to work together.
17. To strive for social justice and equality for all segments of Society.
18.
a. To promote the interests and all round welfare of all the socially,
economically and educationally downtrodden people in India. To
run Hospital or other institution or Institutions for the reception
and treatment of persons suffering from illness of mental
defectiveness left on the street starving or for the receipt and
treatment of persons during convalescence of or persons
requiring medical attention of rehabilitation solely for
philanthropic purchase and not for purpose of nay gain and
profit.
To help the rural folks and unemployed youths in all possible way
in order to make themselves reliant and self – supportive.
To study the problems of the weaker sections of the people in India
and focus attention of them.
To conduct Training programs of development and communication,
so as to help development groups and others to communicate to
their beneficiaries better and deeper through many cultural media.
To enable the socially, educationally and economically
downtrodden people of India to realize and fulfill their
responsibilities in themselves in society to the country and to the
world.
To work in co-operations with similar social welfare organizations
of India and other countries for the welfare of the people in India.
To bring together and co-ordinate the activities and affiliate
Organizations working for the welfare of the socially, educationally
and economically downtrodden people.
To conduct periodic lectures, meetings, conference, seminar and
surveys on matters of interest to weaker sections of the people in
India.
To provide a medium for the exchange of information above the
activities, objectives and experiences of similar organizations.
To help them acquire local need-based requisite, minimum
knowledge and skill in the field of economic activities.
To enable welfare organizations to formulate and carryout common
Program.
{m} To establish local need-based community life experience centers
with the following views.
Functions as centre of, out of school education including study groups, seminars, work shops, and such other activities would promote social understanding particularly fact the child labor and Tribal folk and serve as a forum for placing and evaluation.
To intimate and organize local based economic projects to serve as 1. Training 2. Research 3. Experiment 4. Support and maintain the expanding activities of the trust.
To provide appropriate services for the socially, economically and educationally weaker section of the people which will not prejudices self-reliance, to encourage the spirit of voluntarism by revitalizing the existing voluntary social welfare groups particularly local action oriented groups.
To provide common forum for the voluntary agencies concerned with growth and development, to share their cherished ideas and through which to enable them to speed up the process of concerted efforts for action.
To establish branches, officers and regional committees, local committees and the like and to initiate inter group and inter state projects and enable local groups and branches of social welfare organization to carry them out.
To subscribe to the process of social justice through local action groups whenever possible.
To affiliate to any national and / or international organizations including the United Nation Organization and its specialized agencies and / or to co-operate with them in all matters concerning the common interest and the welfare of the weaker section of the people in India.
To establish and maintain research and reference libraries, reading rooms, study classes, hostels and centers for a study, recreation and welfare for the socially, economically and educationally downtrodden people in India.
To publish journals, tracts, pamphlets, books and the like for promoting the above aims and objectives for private circulation.
To conduct orientation programs for social workers on basic law in order to make them understand of our nation.
To promote sustainable agriculture and environment development through various activities in India.
To create media awareness among the people.
To create awareness about human rights among the people.
To Translate / Publish world literatures in to Indian languages.
To Translate / Publish Indian literatures in to world languages.
aa) To establish an educational institution and render service to the poor without any distinction of caste, sex and religion.
ab) To carryon activities helpful to the society in general & to any individual or individuals in particular in the field of education and
ac) To form a nucleus or plat from of universal brotherhood without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour.
ad) To motivate and uplift the poor, women, backwards and downtrodden to achieve mental confidence and security for life time and to prepare grounds for the same.
ae) To discourage and eliminate child labor in all it’s forms and to promote and protect minorities welfare and rights.
af) To do all other acts and things as are conducive and helpful to advancement and fulfillment of the principal and other objects.
ag) To give Training to uplift the rural folk and women in India.
ah) To run and as well support to orphanage and old age homes in India.
ai) To create awareness about Individual House Hold Latrine among people.
aj) To create awareness about Personal Hygiene practices among people.
ak) To create awareness about Rural and Urban sanitation.
al) To create awareness about Solid waste and Waste water Management among people.
am) To run Rural Sanitary Mart.
an) To uplift the Religious and Language minorities in India.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
CONSTITUTION OF THE FORUM
IAF will have the following structure:
(a) National Convention.
1. POLITICS: INDIAN ACTION PARTY
CHAIRMAN / FOUNDER TRUSTEE:
IRAIARIGNAR. M. AHAMED ZAINUL ARIF
{Born on 28th June, 1954 at Ramanathapuram District, Hind-Indian Muslim, Political Analyst, Theologian, Orator, Writer and Social Worker}.
TRUSTEES:
1. Mr. A.C.S. CHELLAPPA, Hind-Indian Christian, Writer, Dramatic Script writer and Social Worker.
2. Er. DURGAPRASAD, Civil Engineer, Hind-Indian Hindu and Social Worker.
(b) General Council
(c) Executive Committee
2. Corrupt Practice Preventive Measure
3. Specific Activities Councils.
For specific activities, there will also be a Human Rights Council, a Business Council, a Cultural Council, an Academic Council, a Philanthropic Council, a Health Services Council, a Youth Council, a Women’s Council and an International Advisory Council, a Credentials Committee and the Secretariat.
The income and funds of the Trust shall be solely utilized for the benefit of any person referred to in sub section 3 of 13 of the income Tax Act 1961 and for no amount of payment to be made to Trustees by way of profit, interest, dividend and etc.
The Trust and the Trust fund shall be irrevocable for all times.
Regular and correct accounts of the Trust funds, receipts and expenditure shall be maintained. The Financial year of the Trust shall end on 31’st March of every year. Tile accounts of the Trust shall be audited by a qualified Chartered Accountant.
(a) The Trust found shall be invested and keep invested and deal with the Trust found in accordance with the provisions of section 13 (1) (d) read with section 11 (5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
(b) The Trust will have to carry on the activities / Business only if it is incidental to the attainment of the objectives of the Trust and with in the parameters lay down in section 11 (4A) of the Income Tax Act 1961.
(c) The amendments if any made to the Trust deed will not be extend to alter the basic character / objects of the Trust and no such amendment which may prove to be repugnant to the Provisions of section 2(15), 11, 12, 13 and 80 G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
(d) If any amendment is to be made, the same is to be made with the prior approval of commissioner of Income Tax.
(e) In the event of dissolution winding up of the Trust the assets remaining as on the date of dissolution shall under no circumstances be distributed among the trustees and the same shall be translated to another charitable Trust whose objects are similar to those of this Trust and which enjoys recognition under section 80G of the Income Ta Act. 1961.
(f) The Trust may accept any donation, contribution, grant or subscription in cash or in kind from any person. Institution or Body of Individuals or Association of Persons or Trust or organizations with or without conditions from India or abroad. Incase or receipt of foreign donations, permission from the Ministry of Home affairs will have to be obtained and code number will be obtained.
{g} To apply to income tax department for tax exception for the donors under section 80G of the Income Ta Act. 1961.
(a) The number of Trustees shall not be less than Three and not more than seven.
b) All the Trustees unless voluntarily resign or otherwise decide shall continue to be the Trustees during the term of their natural lives.
c) The Fonder Trustee of the First part Irai-arignar. M. Ahamed Zainul Arif, shall have to nominate any person as Trustee during his life time.
d) On any vacancy occurring in the board of Trustees by the death or by the resignation of a Trustee to any other cause, it shall be competent and lawful to appoint any person in the place of the person or persons who ceased to be Trustees. The power of appointment of Trustee shall be appointed by the present Founder Trustee of the first part as he decides till his life time. After his life time, the remaining Trustees will appoint the trustee.
The Trustees shall not be entitled to any remuneration, but the Trustees may reimburse themselves all expenses actually incurred by them in connection with the trust duties relating thereto.
(a). The affairs of Trust shall be managed by the Board of Trustees of the said Trust. The Founder Trustee and other Trustees and every person who may hereafter appoint as Trustees shall constitute the Board of Trustee.
(b) The Founder Trustee of the first part Irai-arignar Mr. M. Ahamed Zainul Arif, shall be appointed as the “ SOCIAL WELFARE TRUST” of the Board and shall hold office as such for his natural lives unless he resign.
(c) The Managing Trustee shall if present, preside over all meetings of the Board.
(d) If the Managing Trustee is not present within half an hour of the IAF for which the meeting has commenced, the members present shall elect one among them as a president of the meeting.
(e) The Board of trustees may exercise all the powers vested with them under these presents or by law, by a resolution passed at meetings of the board of trustee by a majority of votes.
(f) In the event of equal division of votes, the president of the Board of Trustees shall have a casting vote in addition to his vote as Trustees.
(g) A resolution in writing circulated amongst all the Trustees and signed by majority of them shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Trustees duly called and convened.
(h) On any vacancy arising in the office of managing Trustee or president the successors to such office shall be filled in by election by the Board Trustees.
That for the furtherance of the objects of the trust, the Board of Trustees shall have the following Trustees.
(a) To accept any donation, contribution, grant or subscription in case or in kind, from any person, body of person or trust, with or without conditions.
(b) To apply the whole of any part of the income of the Trust or the trust fund or accumulations thereto, to anyone or more of the objects of the trust as the trustees may in their discretion deem fit from time to time.
(c) To convert and deal with the trust property and / or any investments for the time being.
(d) To invest Trust fund either in the purchase or construction of immovable properties or to obtain immovable property by way of lease or of mortgage immovable property or in such manner as allowed by law as may be in force from time to time and to convert, vary dispose of or transfer such investments from time to time.
(e) To borrow or raise or secure payments of money and also to lend money as interest free short term loans either with or without security.
(f) To sell, dispose of alienate or deal with any property comprising the Trust Fund.
(g) To let out demise any immovable property comprised in the Trustees Fund for such period and at such rent on such terms and conditions as the Trustees in their discretion may think fit.
(h) To open account in the name of the Trust, Trustees and / or Institutions conducted by the Trust with a Bank of Banks, to operate such account and to the Bank and to provide for opening and operation of such account by Chairman/Founder Trustee.
(i) To adjust, settle, compound, refer to arbitration, all actions, suits, claims, demands and proceedings regarding the Trust Fund.
(ii) To appoint constituted attorneys or agents and to delegate to such attorneys or agents all or any of the powers vested of them under these presents and from time to time remove such attorneys or agents and to appoint any other in his or their place.
(k) To appoint or make provision for the appointment of any person (including all or any of the Trustees and committees or administrator or managing Trustee or otherwise) for the purpose of the administration of the Trust in such manner and subject to such rules and regulation as the Trustees may prescribe and also to appoint or provide for the appointment of this Deed in such manner and subject to such rules and regulations as the Trustees may from time to time think fit.
(l) To make, vary, alter or modify schemes, rules and regulations for carrying out the objects f the trust and for the management of the affairs there of and / or running any institution in furtherance of the objects of the Trust and otherwise for giving effect to the objects of the Trust.
(m) To set apart and / or allocate the whole or a part of the income or the corpus of Trust Fund or part thereof for any of the objects of the Trust.
{n} To with any other or others having kindred or allied objects, upon such items and conditions as the trustees may in their discretion think fit particularly hailing regard to and conformity with the objects and nature of this Trust.
(0) To give aid by way of donations out of the income or the corpus the Trust Fund or otherwise, to different charitable institutions, societies, Organizations or Trusts in India which may have been established or which may here after be established for the like charitable purposes mentioned in these presents or any of them to enable such institution, societies, organization or Trustees to start maintain, or carry out such charitable objects.
(p) To borrow money either on the security of any property comprised in the Trust Fund or otherwise, for all any of the purpose of these presents, and it shall be lawful for the Trustees to make such borrowings on they may in their absolute discretion think fit.
(q) To apply to the Government, public bodies, urban, local, municipal district and other bodies, corporation, companies or persons for and to accept grant of money and of aid, donations gifts, subscriptions and other assistance with a view to promoting the objects of the Trust and to discuss and negotiate with the Government Departments, public and other bodies corporations, companies or persons, scheme and other work and matters within the objects of the trust and to conform any proper condition upon which such Grants and other payments may be made.
(r) To establish, promote, manage, organize .or maintain or to assist in establishing, promoting, managing, organizing or maintaining any branch of the Trust or its branch with objects similar to those of those of this other Trust with this Trust.
(s) To take over, acquire, manage, control or aid any existing institution or institution having objects either wholly or in part similar to the objects of this Trust and on such terms and conditions as may be thought expedient.
(t) To transfer and hand over the Trust on dissolution to any other society Institution, Trust or Organization having similar objects discretion think fit and proper to be held by the society, agreements and declarations, appearing and contained in these presents subject to the such transfer of the Trust Fund the Trustee for the time being of presents shall become discharged from the trust hereof relating to Trust Fund so transferred.
7. If the income from trust property in a particular year is not fully utilized, the unexpended income shall be carried over to the next year or years or it may be invested in accordance with the provisions of 13 (1) (d) read with section 11 (5) of income Tax Act 1961, and spent in such subsequent year or years for the advancement of any of the object of the Trust.
8. All the properties, asset and funds of the Trust shall vest and in he held in the name of the Founder Trustee, on behalf of the Trust and shall be held in such names only. The Board of Trustee shall not be entitled to vary / change this position and they may dose only on the demise of the Founder Trustee.
(a) It is expressly declared that no part of the Trust property or it’s income or any accretion there to shall be applied for any purpose outside India or for any purpose which is not a charitable purpose in law and all provisions here of construed accordingly.
(b) The Trust will not carryon any activity with intention of earning profit.
(c) The benefits of the Trust are available to the General Public with out any distinction from Caste, Religion, Sex, Race or Creed.
28. The Managing Trustee shall on behalf of Trust execute all documents, contracts and deeds and shall be entitled to institute, conduct or defend all suits and legal proceeding for the on behalf of the Trust and to sign Pleadings, Plaints, Vakalats, statements and affidavits for and on in respect of any other authority.
If any amendment is made to this trust deed, it must be intimated to the Commissioner of Income Tax and his objections and suggestions are also to be incorporated in the Trust deed.
The Trustees consider that the objects of the Trust will be better achieved if the Income Tax on the Trust is exempted under the income Tax Act. In case however, a particular clause of the instrument of the Trust has been inadvertently clothed in language capable of an interpretation in conflict with the relevant provisions of the Income Tax granting exemptions, it is expressly declared that such classes shall have restricted meaning or null and void so that the relevant Income Tax Act provisions will always have the over riding effect.
11. IAF will not have any alliance with the existing corrupted political parties or forth coming political corrupted party or parties under any circumstances. Members shall take an oath that they will not try to split IAF and should be loyal.
12. MEMBERSHIP
1. Membership absolutely free.
2. Member should abide to the terms & conditions, rules, regulations
and the constitutions of IAF.
3. A person if he/she is a member of any anti social group, which is
Against the interest of any society or religion will not be enrolled.
Every citizen must show and possess tolerance and social relationship
With the fellow citizen as his brethren whatever the religion, caste,
Creed, language or any state may be, he/she belongs to.
4. The employees of both the governments are not prohibited by any law
for becoming a member.
5. The membership is granted only after scrutinizing the application and
the decision taken by the comptroller (committee) of IAF is final. The
enrolment at the division must be approved by the head office.
6. Those who wish to be a member of a particular Division should be a
resident or employed in that Division.
7. The head office has the Right to enroll any citizen from any part of the
country. An individual can be a member through one division or the
head office and cannot enroll twin membership or more through other
divisions but he/she can get transferred from one division to another
division in case of shifting, transfer and so on by informing the office
of registration.
8. The members and the office bearers of the divisions shall abide to the
instructions already framed or amended at intervals.
12. DIVISIONS.
1. To form a division there should be minimum 25 permanent members.
2. The Divisions are set out in the areas of Metropolitan City,
Municipality, Panchayat Union, Villages and even in every street or a
lane.
3. In the recognized Division the permanent members committee may
Select the Office bearers, such as Divisional Head, Secretary and
treasurer. These three office bearers may jointly select their respective
assistants and send the same for the approval of the Head Office..
4. Though all the divisions are under the control of the Head Office, still
the Divisions of the corporation limit are directly under the control of
the Head Office and rest of the sub-divisions are controlled by their
respective local higher divisions such as Municipal, Panchayat, village
DRAFTED BY: IRAIARIGNAR. M. AHAMED ZAINUL ARIF.
Current needs to the Nation
“Our system needs to change”, “Our politicians need to fade”, “Our government needs to newly wake up”:
For years, these lines have littered the rhetoric of politicians, activists, and citizens alike. But for a moment recently, the public began to dream of effecting real change and that to through the medium of democracy — the ballot box.
The Philosophy is LET PROFESSIONALS RUN THE GOVERNMENT AND LEAD THE NATIOM. This is the Primary Objective for which the forum was founded. People who synchronize with this IDEOLOGY and who long for a complete transformation of the present political system could become a member of the INDIAN ACTION FORUM.
IAF is waiting till Non Voters Vote for 49 (O). Once people are ready IAF will show the Righteous people to Represent us before the Parliament, Assembly and Local Body.
Exercise your rights enshrined in the Article under Section 49 (O) of the Constitution of India and as per the 1969 Act.
Articles
CRITICISM:
As for as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka are concern if one to become a PRIME MINISTER or CHIEF MINISTER) simple if either a wife or a concubine, son or daughter or son-in-law to the former PM or CM is enough unconditional. And further, among the party men; most of them are ROWDIES, illiterate Cine actors, actress, dancers, hooligans, Porkies, gundass with criminal back ground and black money etc., but now people are well aware and no more cowards are there among the people of India, hence victory is in our hand. You are going to have everything. Choice is yours , you want to follow what we say or you want to spoil the country continuously by keeping aloof. So far people’s policy is, I don’t care whether Ravanan rules or Raman rules. For the sake of our children please reconsider your policy.)
ATTITUDE
“The Magic Word”
A positive mental attitude is an absolutely indispensable prerequisite for success. Your attitude determines how well you do and how far you go in life. Speaker and writer, Earl Nightingale called attitude “The Magic Word” and said it is the most important word in the English language.
Most people know that you need to have a positive mental attitude to achieve any measure of happiness and success, but what is it? A positive mental attitude is how you respond to adversity and difficulty. The only way you can tell what type of attitude you have is how you react when things go wrong.
Your attitude is determined by your expectations. If you expect things to go well you’ll generally have a positive mental attitude. If you believe that wonderful and positive things will happen to you during the day, you have a positive and optimistic attitude.
The Law of Cause and Effect is one of the most important of all the universal laws. This law says that for every effect in our lives, there is a specific cause. We have the ability to control the causes and change the effects to anything we want. Our thoughts are the primary causes of the conditions or effects in our lives, and if you want things to be different in the future you have to change your thinking in the present.
What makes this law so universal for every part of your life is that if there is an effect in your life such as ill health, poverty, problems in your relationships, that you don’t like, you can trace it back and find out the cause of the effect, and then by changing the cause you can remove the effect. Doing this will give you a different effect in the future.
Your mind is like a garden, whatever you plant, it will return back to you. If you plant negative thoughts and continuously feed and nourish those thoughts then that is what will grow in you life. On the other hand if you constantly think positive and optimistic thoughts, then your life will be positive and optimistic. You cannot plant one type of thought in your mind and expect a different result to grow.
The Law of Sowing and Reaping says, ‘As you sow so you reap’ that whatever you sow in life, you will reap. You have to put in before you can get out. You have to give before you can receive. You have to pay the price before you can enjoy the reward. The thoughts you sow in your mind today, you will reap in your experiences in the future. This is a very powerful law that you cannot escape. So, if you want to reap something different in the future you had better start sowing the seeds now.
What ever you sow in this world you will reap in the hereafter also.
One of the most important differences between successful people and unsuccessful people is the way they think. Successful people think and talk about the things they want. They talk about achieving their goals, good health, happiness, and prosperity, while unsuccessful people spend most of their time thinking and talking about the things that they don’t want. They constantly complain, worry, and talk about their problems. In both cases people get what they want.
Having a positive mental attitude is not a silly or happy approach to life. No one wants to be around someone like that. A person with a positive mental attitude is someone who has a positive and constructive approach to the invariable ups and downs that occur in everyday life. It is the ability to keep your mind on the things you want in life and off the things that you don’t want.
Developing a positive mental attitude requires mental fitness is much like physical fitness, it requires effort to achieve it but once you’ve achieved it, mental fitness makes you capable of achieving and doing more things that will give success and happiness.
One of the ways to achieve mental fitness is by changing the way you look at problems. Problems are consistent and constant for all of us. They are like waves large and small that keep coming every day. The way you look at your problems will in large part determine your attitude.
Napoleon Hill, author of the classic book Think and Grow Rich, said that ‘within every setback or difficulty there lays the seed of an equal or greater benefit or advantage’. This may seem hard to comprehend but your biggest difficulties are sent to as gift to teach you a valuable lesson. Looking for the valuable lesson in every difficulty forces you to dig deeply into your mental resources and creatively find a solution to the problem.
You need to confront each problem you face as an opportunity to learn from it. You need to learn to look for the good or the valuable lesson in every difficulty you face, because if you’re constantly looking for the good in every difficulty you cannot be thinking about something bad or negative at the same time.
“Don’t ever have the feeling of hatred toward the people who ill-treated you. Take it in positive way, gather your inner strength and turn the tides in your favor. Rather, be kind to them for they are the ones who inspired you to strive for even better. For they are the ones who made you realize that best in you is yet to be. Always be thankful to such people, who once looked down upon you, for they helped you in being a better person.”
I know its difficult to think this way but believe me, once you choose this path of life your every moment of life will be harmonious, irrespective of what kind of events occur in life. You will live and love every single moment and feel blessed to have the kind of life you having now. Enjoy life, it’s precious.
If you are looking for and thinking about the good or valuable lesson in every difficulty you mind becomes alive. You are filled with possibilities and creativity about how to solve the problem. When you allow yourself to become negative, anxious, and worried your mind becomes more pessimistic. You go into a survival mode and your ability to be positive and think creatively diminishes greatly.
Future thinking is another powerful technique that will help you to build a positive mental attitude. You need to give all of your thinking to the future because the past is gone. You cannot change the past. It does you no good to worry about things that have already happened and cannot be changed. Needless feelings of remorse and regret will do more to undermine a positive mental attitude than any other external factor.
It’s important to think about your future and the goals you want to achieve. The future is naturally positive and uplifting. If you want to develop a positive mental attitude you have to let go of the past and focus on the future and the things you want. Another reason that you should give all your thoughts to the future is because that is where you’re going to be spending the rest of your life.
Most people simply react to the events and circumstances around them. For example, many people have the attitude that if someone is nice to them then they’ll be nice in return. If someone is unkind or disrespectful to them then they’ll be the same way in return.
You have to put in before you can get out. Remember, it is the Law of Sowing and Reaping not the Law of Reaping and Sowing. Your attitude is a reflection of the type of person you are on the inside and the world you live in. For example, if you want people to be friendly, courteous, and respectful to you, then you have to be those things to other people first.
Every person shapes their own life by his or her attitude. Your environment is a mirror of your attitude and expectations and the only way you can ever bring about change in your life is to develop a positive mental attitude. It’s important to understand that your attitude affects you much more than it affects other people.
Bad habits are hard to break and new ones are hard to form. So developing a positive mental attitude will take time. Start tomorrow morning by expecting the best in everything that happens to you during the day and treat every person you come in contact with the way you expect to be treated. Treat everyone with genuine, kindness, courtesy, and respect and that is what will be reflected back to you.
‘LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP’
Women and Heart Attacks – I Know you Have Heard the Sobering Facts – But Have you Really Heard Them?
I was looking up at her, struggling to understand what was happening. Her mouth was moving but I couldn’t hear . . . the noise was loud . . . so loud. She was pretty, with blonde hair loosely pulled back from her face. I could see directly into her eyes which were clouded with concern. She lifted my head up, her hands cool to the touch . . . bent down to meet me, and spoke directly into my ear. “You’re going to be fine. I’m going to put these headphones on you now to muffle the sound. You’re in a helicopter . . . stay with us . . .” I then felt the jostling as we were lifted up to the sky. That is the last thing I remember before my world turned to black.
It’s been three years and I’m still here! In remembering that Saturday morning I continue to be amazed. My symptoms had in no way sent out warning signals of an impending heart attack. I was just tired . . . ! I had been working a lot so it was perfectly explainable fatigue. My upper arms ached a little bit, but again, explainable, and nothing that a nice hot shower couldn’t cure.
I am an interior designer and had been installing furniture in a model home that week, so my “symptoms” all made perfect sense. They made perfect sense to me, that is, until about 4:00 A.M., Saturday morning, when I woke up from a sound sleep for no apparent reason. Within minutes I became nauseous, short of breath, and was sweating profusely. I knew that I was in it . . .I just didn’t know what “it” was! I was young, healthy, never had any chest pain, jaw or neck pain, no pain shooting down my left arm . . . even still, I knew that I was in real trouble, as in call 911 kind of trouble. It all happened so fast. Seemingly, without warning, I had entered into a world of terms and conditions that were foreign to me. Terms like LAD and RCA, angioplasty, septic shock and stents . . . words I knew existed, but for someone else. Certainly not for me.
Because life’s biggest changes rarely give us an advance warning, I was caught unprepared in knowing how to react. In the days and months that followed, I experienced a myriad of feelings. I felt thankful . . . to God for answering the multitude of “beggy” prayers that had been offered up on my behalf . . .to my care givers whose compassion and giving hearts were such a gift . . . to my ‘never-say-uncle’ family and friends who held vigil by my bedside for days, refusing to give up on me. Yes. . . thankful, fearful, hopeful, wanting answers, NOT wanting answers . . . often engulfed in waves of anxiety and fear. Thankful I had seemingly beaten the odds, but angry that I was now included in a statistical bank I never asked to be a part of in the first place!
Though I didn’t realize it at the time, the roller coaster ride of emotions I was experiencing was very common. My life had been interrupted, my innocence stripped away, I had been forced to suddenly come face to face with my own mortality . . . and mourn the loss of my health!
I am well aware that I am not the only one who has experienced a life altering, totally unexpected event in their life . . . but when it is you going through it, right or wrong, you feel very alone. In reality, my heart attack affected not only me, but family and friends alike. They too had been traumatized. Each of us had to find our own path, in our own time, that would take us to a place of understanding and acceptance of what had happened!
I completed a cardiac rehabilitation program and received a bright red T-shirt which announced to the world that I had indeed stayed the course. Most days, pen in hand, I transferred my inner most thoughts into my red leather journal. I poured onto those tear stained pages my feelings of gratitude along with fears and frustrations, all the while praying that I didn’t die before destroying the evidence that I had so nakedly revealed. I searched unsuccessfully for articles from people who had undergone a similar experience to mine . . . looking for reassurances that I would be able to regain my life, that the feelings I was experiencing were normal, and that no, . . . I wasn’t going crazy. I was on a perpetual quest for answers. As a ’surviver’ I wanted to know why I was still here? What was my purpose?
I once read that when we need it the most, God’s grace will come to us like tiny stitches in torn fabric. In March of 2005, nine months after my heart attack, there was, splashed across the front page of newspapers around the World, the controversial details of the Terri Schindler-Schaivo case. All were asking the same question. Should they, or should they not remove her life sustaining feeding tube. The Schindler family had been locked in a decade plus long legal battle with their son-in-law over the care and custody of their then, 41 year old daughter. Terri had suffered massive brain damage when she suddenly, at the young age of 26, collapsed at her home from what was described as a mysterious cardio-respiratory arrest for which no cause was ever determined. She was not on life support, she was not brain dead, but she was in a severe vegetative state from which, according to most doctors, she more than likely would not recover. Opinion polls were being taken. Individuals as well as special interest groups and religious organizations were getting involved, demanding that their voices be heard. It seemed to be the number one topic around water coolers across this country, and elsewhere. Conservatives and liberals alike were impassioned, taking staunch, unwavering positions.
I was vacillating back and forth between the parents views and the husbands position. That is until I happened to read what later proved to be, for me, life changing words from a newspaper interview with Rick Warren, author of the book, ‘The Purpose Driven Life’. When asked his opinion on the Terri Schiavo case Rick Warren answered without hesitation. “The answer for me is clear,” he said. “I am firmly against the removal of the tube. God put each of us here for a purpose, and that includes Terri Schiavo. We may never know or understand what her purpose is, but she has one. We all do. We are all necessary pieces of God’s very large puzzle coming together in order to complete his plan. It’s not about us . . . it’s about him.”
That March day was life changing for me. After so much searching I felt I had finally found the answer I had been looking for. It was alright if I didn’t know my specific purpose in life, or how my ‘piece’ would eventually fit into God’s overall puzzle. The self inflicted burden of responsibility I had been dragging around for so long was suddenly being lifted. What a tremendous feeling of relief!
It has been over two years since I happened upon that interview. Since then I have continued to make strides in regaining control of my life, no longer feeling like a victim. I view my heart attack as “a very significant event in my life”, but no longer allow it to be the “main event.”
Do I have the luxury of assuming that a headache is just a headache? That muscular aches, nausea or fatigue are just that, nothing more? Unfortunately no, . . . and the reality is that I probably never will again. But today I’m happy, healthy, and would like to think much wiser than I was three years ago. Many of the things I once felt were important aren’t . . . and vice versa. I don’t forget to tell the people I love, that I love them, and I do remember to thank God for each new day. I have learned how to not say yes when I want to say no, and I burn the designer candles and drink from the good crystal whenever I want! All of these are benefits I’ve awarded myself through age and the sum of my experiences . . . all of them.
The issues surrounding women with heart disease is very REAL. Sobering statistics have shown that one in three women will die from cardiovascular disease. Because their symptoms present themselves so differently, and so often go undetected, more women will die from heart related problems than from the next seven leading causes of death combined. I, like so many other women, had heard these statistics in the past, but obviously had never “HEARD” them!
Thankfully, great strides and many successes, have recently been made by the American Heart Association in an effort to significantly reduce disablity and death from cardiovascular disease. Our legislative leaders, most of which have been personally touched by this issue . . . either through a wife, mom, sister, daughter or friend . . . are now standing together and agreeing that heart disease research, prevention, and treatment for women needs to be a top priority!
THE FAILURE OF THE MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT
TO CURB ATROCITIES AGAINST WOMEN
–By—
K.Akshay kumar,
L.L.M,
ML(FS&CM),
NALSAR & IIRM.
“Hunger is not just malnutrition. Hunger is rape,molestation,alcoholism,dowry,female infanticide and foetacide”
–Mohini Giri
Former chairperson of national
Commission for women.
At a time when Andhra Pradesh ,and Hyderabad in particular, is attracting hundreds of women software professionals from all over the country, the state has earned the dubious distinction for crime against the fair sex.
The latest statistics of the national crime records bureau(NCRB) for 2007 reveals a telling tale of increasing crimes against women in the state, much more than any other part of the country. Of the 1,85,312 crimes against women in the entire country in 2007, 24,738 cases, or 13.3 percent, were reported from Andhra Pradesh.
Even more disturbing is the statistics pertaining to Hyderabad and its outskirts. A comparison of crimes against women in 35 cities across the country shows that Hyderabad stands second,next only to delhi. While 4,331 cases (17.5 percent) were registered in delhi, Hyderabad came second with 1,931 cases (7.8 percent). Vijaywada topped in the number of eve-teasing cases by accounting for 11.3 percent of the total cases in the country.
“ if the police is strict in dealing with the offenders, things would not have come to such a pass. One of the reasons why there are more crimes against women is that law enforcers do not deal with the offenders firmly”,says G. Sucharitha, joint director,gender programming, centre for world solidarity.
Interestingly, Andhra Pradesh , which has 7.2 percent of the country’s population has reported 13.3 percent of cases of crimes against women while uttarpradesh, which has 16.6 percent of the country’s population, reported 11.3 percent or 20,993 cases.
According to NCRB figures, crimes against women in general in the country have been increasing every year. In 2003, there were 1,40,601 cases, in 2004- 1,54,333 cases, in 2005- 1,55,553 cases and in 2006 there were 1,64,765 cases.
Another disturbing trend is that the rate of crime has increased against women. While the overall, rate of crimes against women increased marginally from 14.7 percent in 2006 to 16.3 percent in 2007 , for Andhra Pradesh in particular , it has been bad.
The crime rate against women increased by 30.3 in Andhra Pradesh, which is almost that of tripura at 30.7 percent which is at the top.
“women in andhra Pradesh feel unsafe because the government is also not sincere in ensuring their protection” said women’s rights activist Noorjehan siddiqui.
What made situation more difficult in Andhra Pradesh was the fact that the Andhra Pradesh womens commission has been without a chairperson since she was caught on camera, in September 2007, allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs.50,000 to help a women victim.
In 2007, Andhra Pradesh had the dubious distinction of being ranked fourth worst with respect to atrocities against dalits. According to the NCRB, 3,383 cases were reported in this state of which 46 were cases of murder and 105 were rape cases.
According to statistics published by some newspapers about the criminal attacks, husband and in-laws harassment and other tpes of violence those took place in five states during 2007 year. Especially Andhra Pradesh has occupied number one rank in harassment on women. I produce these published statistics.
According to the report published by the NCRB during the year2007 cases registered on:-
(1) Dowry deaths:
Uttar Pradesh state-2076; bihar-1172;Madhya Pradesh-742;Andhra Pradesh state-613.
(2) Kidnapping:
Uttar Pradesh – 4478; bihar – 2530; rajasthan – 2177;
Andhra Pradesh – 2097.
(3) Immoral behaviour:
Madhya Pradesh – 6772; Andhra Pradesh – 4406.
(4) husband and in-laws harassment:
Andhra Pradesh – 11,335; Bengal – 9900; Rajasthan – 8170;
Uttar Pradesh – 7650; maharashtra – 7356.
(5) Sexual harassment:
Uttar Pradesh – 2714; Andhra Pradesh – 2411; maharashtra – 984; Tamil nadu – 852; Madhya Pradesh – 762.
The total number of cases on violence subjected to women during the year 2007 in five states are 79,147.
Apart from this regular crimes on women such as sexual harassment, husband and in-laws harassment, immoral behavior, dowry death, rape,molestation,kidnapping and abduction, new crime known as acid attacks on women are on rise these days. “The reason for the rise of acid attacks may be sexual jealousy, faction fights, dowry harassment, rejection of love or marriage proposal” as told by chairperson of state human rights commission B. Subhashan Reddy and member E. Ismail , said acid attacks had become rampant and in most cases the victims were women.
Taking the statistics in Andhra Pradesh with respect to brutal violence on women as per computer search and reports in news paper:
(1) On 29-10-1999 one by name subhani attacked a lady student by name prasanna laxmi of J.J.C college of guntur and separated her head using sharp knife in her classroom for refusal to accept his love. He was imprisoned for life.
(2) On 21-6-2004 in vijaywada one by name manohar killed srilaxmi in her classroom for the same reason. She was doing her MCA.
(3) On 10-8-2005 in karimnagar one by name madhu killed a 7 th class student mamatha by giving poison for her refusal.
(4) On 23-9-2005 in karimnagardistrict one by name gangadhar killed a 15 year girl for her refusal.
(5) On 21-6-2006 in the capital of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad one by name kanniah singh cut the head of rani with a talwar(knife) for her parents settled her marriage with another man.
(6) On 11-2-2007 one by name Chandrasekar killed laxmi sujatha a television news reader in vijaywada for her refusal to marry him.
(7) On 19-2-2007 one by name T.Ramesh killed parvatamma an eighteen year old women since her parents settled her marriage with another man.
(8)On 4-7-2007 in chitoor district [china gottugallu village] one by name muni Krishna attacked rajitha an inter student with grass cutter.
(9) On 18-7-2008 in khamman city one by name M.Pasha cut the throat of S.Sumera(18) with the knife for the same reason.
(10) On 4-9-2008 one by name sandeep attacked meenakumari an engineering student with a knife.
(11) On 27-12-2007, ayesha meera(19) was raped and murdered at her hostel in ibrahimpatnam of vijaywada.
(12) In November 2007, a college lecturer in srikakulam district threw acid on BSC final year student for spurning his advances.
(13) In april 2008, in kurnool a spurned lover attacked an intermediate student with knife.
(14) In april2008, an engineering student in vijaywada slit the throat of his college mate after she rejected his love.
(15) upcoming actress bhargavi of ‘Ashta chamma’ fame was stabbed to death by her live-in partner Praveen kumar who later committed suicide in december2008.
(16) On 13- 12-2008 k. swapnika and t. praneetha were attacked with acid by the former’s spurned lover and his friends. They were gunned down by the warangal police.
(17) On 21-4-2009, a trader and an independent candidate sprayed acid on the additional district sessions judge,causing him minor burn injuries.
(18) On 1-1-2009, in chagallu village in west godavari, a farm worker sustained grievous injuries when his wife allegedly threw acid on him.
(19) On 17-6-2009, in guntur, one s.k.nabi, threw acid on devineni lakshmanma. The bottle missed her, but the contents fell on her and two other women anjamma and balika lakshmi tripatamma resulting in minor injuries.
(20) On 20-6-2009, In guntur, basha , threw acid on padma. The accused was said to be her lover.
(21) On 20-6-2009, in guntur, one jangala venkateswara rao,38,hailing from darsi prakasham was brought to the government general hospital for acid burns. He was allegedly attacked by three of his known rival.
(22)On 28-6-2009, in guttikonda village village in guntur one M.venkataramanamma was injured in acid attack.
(23) On 1-7-2009, in bapatla , one jhansi an intermediate student consumed pesticide with her lover Icumarthy Veerendra , a photographer died while undergoing treatment in general hospital in guntur.
(24) On 2-7-2009, in guntur, a farmer attacked his wife and their two year old daughter by throwing acid on them.
(25) On 26-6-2009, in Hyderabad, one vinod(28) stabbed reshma for spurning his proposals though he made several requests and stabbed her mother who rushed to her daughter rescue.
(26) On 2-7-2009, in Hyderabad, one sudhakar student of electronics and communications branch attacked a girl student of computer science branch of TRR polytechnic college at meerpet with a sickle injuring her seriously.
(27) On 2-7-2009, in Hyderabad , one m.shravan kumar, a second year intermediate student had his fingernails cut and pulled out by four of his classmates because he was friendly with a junior student. The incident took place at sri chaitanya junior college at bachupally campus.
(28) On 2-7-2009, in mylavaram mandal in Krishna district, two police constables were arrested following an allegation by a women that they and their friends repeatedly raped her after blackmailing her with cell phone clips.
(29) On 5-7-2009, in tirupati, one peddireddi(50) attacked prameela (45) and her son venkatesh(7) with a blade inficting deep cuts on their throats.
(30) On 8-7-2009, in nandyal(kurnool), one china alias bujji attacked a girl suchitra with a knife for spurning his love.
(31) On 9-7-2009, in karimnagar one woman home guard bukya bharati(32) was found murdered at her rented house. Police found her decomposing body with its throat slit.
(32) On 10-7-2009, in guntur, a home guard palaparthy ramesh(30) poured kerosene on a women and tried to set her ablaze in anguluru village ,puru mandal in guntur district. The victim suffered 70% burns.
(33)On 11-7-2009,in vizianagaram ,the CI who was annoyed when the complainant went to higher official, allegedly bent her up severely. The complainant was m.padmavathi of kanapaka area.
(34) One, uma Chandra kala was allegedly burnt by her husband , venugopal and in-laws as she did not give money to purchase gas cylinder.
(35) On 9-7-2009, in tirupathi , a 19 year old daily wage earner from bairagipetteda area in tirupati lodged a complaint with the police that three of her uncles had sexually exploited her for the last few months.
(36) On recently a father and son duo, both judges, were arrested in a dowry case.
(37) In Hyderabad ,one radhika agarwal ,the daughter-in-law of an influential businessman m.l.agarwal committed suicide following dowry harassment.
These are the few cases which are highlighted in the newspapers. There are many cases of violence against women which are not reported.
While the human rights activists allege police inaction, the police complain about lack of manpower and increasing crimes across the state in addition to the extremist and terrorist problems.even as the blame game continues , there seems to be no end to atrocities against women in a state where women is now the home minister.
As per computer search ,news from press trust of India ,mon-mar02,2009:
Acid attack: centre fails to come up with clear stand:
the centre on Monday failed to come up with a clear stand in supreme court on the issue of framing a new laws or making amendments in the existing ones to deal with acid attacks, which are on rise, as a specified offence.
When the matter came up for hearing before the bench headed by chief justice K.G.Balakrishnan, it was informed that the centre has not filed counter affidavit on the petition.
The court was hearing a PIL filed in 2006 by a Delhi based minor girl Laxmi whose arms,face and other body parts were disfigured in an acid attack.
Laxmi,through her counsel aparna bhat ,has sought framing new laws or amendment in the existing criminal laws like Indian penal code,Indian evidence act and the Criminal procedure code for dealing with the offence and has also sought compensation which has not yet been provided.
The court during an earlier hearing had expressed displeasure over the reluctance of the state to provide compensation to a victim of acid attack and had termed the act as “worse than murder”
When the matter was heard last on dec18,2008 the counsel had drawn the attention of the court to the incident of acid attack on two college girls in Andhra Pradesh to buttress the contention for a ban on free sale of acid which has emerged as a weapon of attack.
“A ban on free sale of acid and a law to regulate and restrict its sale should be considered”, bhat had argued.
The centre ,which was also asked to consider a law similar to the one in Bangladesh to regulate and restrict the sale of acid to check its use as a weapon ,had said such a step would not be a practical and it would lead to “Inspector Raj”
“centre has said suggessions for adding a new section 326A to IPC after existing section 326 were also made”- it had said.
During the hearing april 28 last year , the court had said that the centre was not “serious” on framing a new laws to deal with incidents of acid attacks which had increased manifold in the past few years.
In shivpuri,feb20, raj(22), accosted nidhi and her friends jyothi and puja at a roundabout in the heart of shivpuri town on Wednesday and threw sulphuric acid ,leaving her with severe burns.
The national women’s commission and the law commission have recommended tougher laws to curb acid attacks. A draft bill by the women’s panel has suggested a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for throwing acid and causing deformity or disability.
The prevention of offences (by acid)bill,2008 has also proposed that the centre should constitute a national acid attack victim’s assistance board and form monitoring authority in states to help victims get quick medical treatment and counseling.
Any victim incase of death, a legal heir would have to approach the board. The board would prima-facie study the application and if satisfied release an interim amount of Rs. 5lakhs to the victim from the fund within 30 days of appeal. The board can release up to another Rs. 35 lakhs to a victim for medical and legal expenses against bill product.
The bill, however, is stuck in a bureaucratic tangle and is not likely to see the light of day soon.
The law commission has suggested a minimum 10 yearjail term and a maximum of life imprisonment.
In december2008, a Supreme Court bench had scrapped a Bombay high court judgment that reduced mallappa sangramappa mallipatil’s sentence to a mere 35 days from the three years imprisonment ordered by the trial court.
The apex court took exception to the high court ruling that showed leniency to an acid attack accused.
In Bangalore, on april20,1999,19 years old haseena’s life changed for ever, when joseph Rodriguez decided to avenge haseena’s rejection of his offer of a job by flinging two litres of concentrated sulphuric acid on her.
In august 2006, the Karnataka high court sentenced her attacker to life imprisonment. He was asked to pay Rs.2 lakhs as compensation to victim. The division bench comprising Justice S.R.Bannurmath and Justice Subhash B.Adi said,”one would shudder to look at her damaged face”. It said haseena could not walk on the streets and had , thus become prisoner in her house”. The court said it “ could not shut its eyes to the growing and obnoxious tendency of the youth to use corrosive substance such an acid, causing not only severe physical damage but also mental trauma in the victims”. In case the acid victim survives, it will only be as a grotesque disfigured person,wholives with mangled flesh and suffers a fate worse than death, the bench said.
It also directed the state government to expeditiously provide special help and rehabilitation for victims of acid attacks. It took note of the fact that restorative surgeries cost a fortune, and they were not affordable to ordinary people.
In the wake of a spurt in acid attacks on women, the Andhra Pradesh state human rights commission has recommended to the government to introduce a specific provision in the Indian penal code for tackling such offences with an iron hand and introduce a bill.
An SHRC order, issued ina case taken up suo motto by its chairperson B.Subhashan Reddy and member E.Ismail, said acid attacks had become rampant and in most cases the victim s were women.
Referring to the latest acid attacks on two married women merely because they spurned the advances of two men, the order said “there is no specific provision in Indian Penal Code dealing with acid attack. Because of the spurt in such crimes, there is a necessity to deal with the said offences with an iron hand by introducing a specific provision in the IPC which can act as deterrence”
Noting that such cases were being tried under sec.326 of Indian Penal Code, the order said introduction of a specific provision was imperative and that both the union and state government could legislate.
The commission recommended to the state government to incorporate sec.326-A in IPC by introducing a bill.
The only requirement is to seek presidential assent after the assembly and the legislative council passed the amended bill. It directed the principal secretary (Home) to take steps by placing the matter before authorities.
As per news paper report acid attack victims have asked the state government to bring an ordinance immediately to prevent the deadly acid attack on women.
Though the state government has announced that it will table a separate state act in the coming assembly sessions to prevent acid attacks on the line of the prevention of attacks(by acid)act,2008 , the acid attack victims insisted on a quick ordinance to make the offence non- bailable and also bring in measures to control acid sale.
Ms.Anuradha , one of the acid attack victim’s,said: “ I have been suffering for 13 years. There were 10 surgeries done on me. I still need 20 more . I fought in the supreme court against the state government which had said the attack in a public place is not its concern. An ordinance should be brought in.
The home minister,Ms.Sabita Indra Reddy ,said that Andhra Pradesh is the first state to respond to the center’s proposed acid attacks offences prevention bill. She also added that the state government would control acd sales.
Soon after state government announcement that it will table a separate state act to prevent acid attack on July 14, the tiruchanur police arrested a youth sudhakar(19) for threatening to throw acid on a school-girl manjula(15) if she spurned his love.
Atleast now the state government should act soon to curb the atrocities on women by enacting a separate sate act to prevent acid attack and by incorporating sec.326-A in IPC and by controlling the sale of acid in the state. The law enforcers should also perform their duties properly inorder to curb atrocities against women.
Inspite of constitutional guarantees to all Indian women equality{Art.14}, no discrimination by the state{Art.15(1)}. In addition , it allows special provision to be made by the state in favour of women and children {Art.15(3)}, renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women{Art.51(A)(e)} and some special legislation made exclusively for women like Dowry Prohibition Act and Domestic Violence Act, the Violence against women is increasing tremendously in Andhra Pradesh.
Time has come for the entire machinery of the government of Andhra Pradesh to act to curb the atrocities against women by taking all necessary steps to curb atrocities against women the most particularly the acid attacks which found its origin in colleges. The college authorities should strictly implement the rules mentioned in the “Andhra Pradesh prohibition of ragging in all educational institutions rules-2002” to have control over this menace.
No leniency should be given to the criminals who does such criminal acts because the attitude of the criminal is just like demon and the government either at a state or central they are the avataras to curb their acts by passing suitable legislation and imposing sentence of death whoever found guilty.
Preventive measures:
1)uniform dress code should be introduced at college levels also for alls tudents of the institution.
2)juniors and senior students college timings should be so fixed that they could not meet each other during college timings.
3)parents should take care of their children
4)the college authorities should warn the students if found guilty and inform it to their parents and what action could be taken for such act.
5)in coeducation strict discipline should be maintained. Any misbehavior by any student should be punished as per law.
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Posted in ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT | 
Tags: atrocities, curb, failure, government, machinery, women | 
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‘A criminal is not a criminal by birth but made by the world’. This holds true in the case of Charles Manson. Born on 12th November 1934 to an unwed teenage mother in Cincinnati, Charles never knew his biological father. His mother later married William Manson who gave Charles his last name. His mother was a thief who sold him off for a pitcher of beer. When all other kids his age were in school with the security of loving parents, Charles was moving from one reform school to another.
His mother put him in a foster home as her alcoholic ways and prostitution could not afford to provide for Charles. When Charles ran back to her from the home she rejected him and threw him out on the streets. This was a turning point in Charles’s life. He started to steal and at 19 years of age car thefts kept him in and out of jail for a while. He was very intelligent and sharp and psychiatrists judged that he possessed a high I.Q. Once out of jail he married 17-year-old Rosalie Jean Willis in 1955, and wished to move to California and start a new life. But it was not to be. He stole a car soon after marriage and was arrested. On giving birth to a son, Willis ran away with a truck driver.
With personal life in shambles law enforcement agencies tried to rehabilitate him. Psychiatrists said Manson showed marked degree of rejection, instability and psychic trauma. He was unpredictable and showed signs of assaultive tendencies. In spite of his age he was criminally sophisticated. In 1960 he was arrested again for soliciting prostitution and got a jail term of 10 years. Here he met Alvin Karpis the famous bank robber from whom he learned music and to play the guitar. He wanted to become a famous musician like Beatles. Had that happened, crime rate in America could have been considerably reduced. While in prison or on probation, he had stolen cars, pimped inmates, raped another inmate and forged federal checks. By the age of 33 he had spent more than half his life in prison.
Charles Manson had a ‘family’ of hippies made up of like minded people like him. He was bisexual and his women worshipped him. All these girls had sexual relations with him. He told them that “they belong to themselves and not to him”. One of the girls Susan Atkins said that she would do anything for Charles. She killed Actress Sharon Tate and said that ‘it was the most exciting sexual experience of her life’. The gruesome killings chilled and paralyzed America in 1969. The Manson Family was responsible for several murders, known collectively as the Tate-LaBianca murders. The motive behind the murders was that he was rejected by the music industry and wanted revenge. So he asked some members of his family to go to the house of record producer Terry Melcher and kill whoever was on the premises. They entered the compound of Roland Polanski, the famous Hollywood Director and his wife Sharon Tate who was eight months pregnant. Before entering the house they first shot dead Steve Parent, an 18 year old who was the friend of the gardener because he had seen the intruders while getting into his car. Frykowski and Folger, who were staying in the house until Polanski’s return from London, were able to escape from the living room but succumbed in the lawn. Frykowski was stabbed fifty-one times, shot twice, and pistol-whipped over a dozen times. This was allegedly inspired by the Beatles song “Piggies”. Folger was stabbed 28 times by Krenwinkel after being tackled on the lawn.
Inside the house intruders asked if anyone had money, and, in replying that she did, Abigail Folger, heiress to the Folgers Coffee Company, was led to her bedroom to empty her purse. She was led back to the living room where the four occupants of the house were tied together. Jay Sebring, a noted hairstylist and friend of the Polańskis was visiting, and when he attempted to defend Tate, he was shot by Watson, who then kicked him several times in the face.Tate, eight months pregnant, begged for the life of her unborn child and was rebuffed by Atkins, who coldly replied, “Look bitch, I have no mercy for you” before stabbing the actress sixteen times.
The killing of wealthy super market executive and his wife, the La Bianca couple, is another cold blooded murder by Charles Manson and his ‘family’. On this occasion Manson himself went along to show his accomplices how to perform the ‘act’. He tied the couples and then instructed Watson, Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten to stab them. Watson killed Mr. La Bianca while the girls stabbed his wife even after she died. They carved out the word ‘WAR’ upon her chest and left the fork embedded in her body. With her blood on a piece of paper the words ‘rise’ and ‘death to pigs’ were written. On the wall was ‘Healter Skelter’ misspelled from the Beatles song Helter Skelter. Manson also killed high school music teacher Gary Hinman because he apparently owed him some money.
Manson is now languishing in jail in California and probably for the rest of his life. He is known to shock people especially when in media glare. He is eligible for parole in 2007.
By Carlos Cabezas López
One of the common themes in most teen TV series is a lack of communication. The girl purposely does not tell they guy about her deceased brother who she misses terribly. The guy omits the fact that he once got arrested. The father is (of course) having an affair, and the mother has a drug habit that no one knows about. Their neighbor on one side didn’t come to the party because his daughter has a fatal illness and the one on the other side has a hidden obsession with Star Wars. While all these things individually can be dealt with and overcome or accepted once they are actually addressed, when they start to pile up on top of each other the characters get edgy. The guy thinks the girl likes someone else; the neighborhood thinks the first neighbor killed someone and that the second neighbor has a mistress. The father thinks his wife is having an affair so it is ok for him to have an affair and the mother does not feel loved enough to put in an effort. All of this is because little tiny details get left out in conversation.
I recently watch a mini TV series of 8 episodes called “Hidden Palms”. I am not usually one for teen flicks like the “OC” or even romantic dramas like “Passions” and “the Bold and the Beautiful”. This time I checked some reviews and figured it would be cool, a little romance, a little mystery and short because it was only 8 episodes. Well, it was a whole lot more mystery than I bargained for.
Johnny Miller, a young recovering alcoholic, moves to Palm Springs with his mother and step-father Bob after witnessing his father commit suicide. Bob omits any facts about the new house, which later comes back to bite him in the ass. Johnny quickly discovers that the boy who used to live in his room, Eddie Nolan, killed himself, which causes an enormous fight.
Nikki, an ex-girlfriend of Johnny’s from rehab shows up in Palm Springs. She conveniently forgets to mention that she has lapsed in her rehabilitation and has not been sober in 3 years. At a party that night, she drinks far too much and causes a major scene.
Johnny starts getting strange instant messages from an anonymous person telling him that Eddie Nolan didn’t kill himself, he was murdered. The instant messenger, like every eles, leaves out the little tid-bit of information that is who they are and what exactly they want Johnny to do about this information. Just like every other omitted piece of information, when Johnny finds out the messenger is Liza, his neighbor, he is royally pissed.
Johnny finds out that his girlfriend Greta and Eddie’s best friend Cliff were in Eddie’s room straight after he died. He goes over to Greta to ask her questions about Eddie. Instead of just telling him the truth, Greta doesn’t want to talk about it. Meanwhile, Nikki calls her friend and asks her to pick her up in the morning. When her friend shows up with a few extra people and mass amounts of alcohol, Nikki just gives up and lets everyone come in without putting up much of a fight. When Johnny’s parents come home, there is a big scene.
Greta finally admits that she slept with Cliff while she was going out with Eddie and she thinks Eddie killed himself because of it. Couldn’t she have said that earlier?
Instead of just telling him the truth, Cliff and Greta each miss out little bits of information in their stories and Johnny is forced to shift his suspicions from one to the other. And the story goes on, and twists and turns in new directions, shifting from one person to another, from parent to child, to neighbor. Could someone have just told Johnny the truth the very first time? It would have saved his falling out with Cliff and his fight with Greta. Bob could have probably prevented his fight with Johnny and his mother too.
Is it so hard to just tell the truth? While it is not constructive, people who do not know the truth can assume a million and one different scenarios and act accordingly. It would be so much easier to tell your mom how you feel about your deceased father and for your neighbor to tell you about the boy next door who killed himself. It does not have to be so complicated. Communicate!
Vail, Aspen, the names summon images of skiers and snowboarders flashing down steep slopes of pristine, powdery snow, forests of trees covered with Christmas lights, pricey shops, tony restaurants and fancy hotels. Now think summer. Think of hotel rates which may be half those of winter. Think of restaurant discounts and bargains at fashionable shops. Think of carefully groomed golf courses.Think of rafting and canoeing and hiking, concerts and dance and theater. Then think of a drive along mountains more than 14,000 feet high.
The two resorts are 90 miles apart just around the corner in western terms of distance.
The best way of seeing both of them during the summer is an auto trip that takes you through passes as high as 12,095 feet. It goes through Leadville with its history of colorful characters as Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, Baby Doe and the Unsinkable Molly Brown. It takes you into trendy Aspen with its tree-lined streets and sandstone and brick buildings, then over to Glenwood Springs named for its warm mineral water pools and caves and from there east to your starting point.
Vail is where most visitors are likely to start the trip, since itâs a direct, slightly less than two hourâ drive from Denver via the I-70 interstate.
Vail is beautiful during the ski season, its beauty augmented by the brilliant whiteness of newly fallen powder snow on the dark mountains. In the summer, Vailâs beauty comes from the dark greens of the evergreens, the lighter green leaves and white trunks of aspens, the dazzling blue of the sky and processions of cumulus clouds rubbing against the sharp peaks of the mountains.
Summer visitors come to golf on five top-rated courses. Younger and more vigorous tourists come to mountain bike, torturing muscles and lungs by pumping up steep mountain roads and trails or taking a ski lift to the top of a high peak and plunging down its side on two wheels, dodging rocks and holes and small animals, staging a heart-stopping, animated display of why Vail has one of the nationâs largest hospitals specializing in sports injuries and rehabilitation.
Older and less vigorous tourists are likely to restrict their athletic activities to hikes, canoeing or fishing on a peaceful mountain lake, viewing the Vail Valley from a hot air balloon, or riding horses through parts of the surrounding national forest.
In the summer, Vail Village resembles a sidewalk sale of skis, jackets and other winter equipment and clothing marked down as much as 50 percent, sometimes more. In the winter, its impossible to find a hotel offering rates lower than $125 a day or bed and breakfasts under $100. Summer hotel rates are as low as $59. Many restaurants also cut their prices during the summer or offer two for one specials.
My wife and I stayed at the Minturn Inn, a rustic but comfortable bed and breakfast in Minturn, an old mining and railroad town five miles from Vail Valley. Many of the townâs weathered buildings have been converted into inns, excellent restaurants and a variety of small, arty shops and galleries, selling items as Indian head dresses, buffalo heads and light fixtures made from elk horn.
Minturnâs main street is Route 24, aptly named the Top of the Rockies Highway, which leads off I-70 just west of Vail. Its the most scenic route to take on the first leg of the trip to Aspen.
South of Minturn, Route 24 begins a sharp ascent. Off to the right is the 14,005 foot high Mount of the Holy Cross. The 1,500 foot cross, created by natural crevices in the face of the mountain, can be seen high on the northwest side of the peak.
Continuing toward Leadville, we came into a high, level valley nestled between mountain ranges. Here is the site of Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division trained on skis and snowshoes before engaging in bloody combat in World War II. Robert Dole trained at the camp. So did the founders of the Aspen and Vail Ski Resorts.
From Camp Hale, the highway begins its ascent to the Continental Divide and Tennessee Pass, 10,424 feet above sea level. Fifteen minutes away and six feet higher is Leadville, which describes itself as North Americaâs highest city. Itâs been more than 100 years since Doc Holiday killed two men in Leadville and Soapy Smith and his thugs ruled the town, over a century since Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson walked the streets and Leadville Johnny Brown and his young wife Molly gave parties.
The gambling tables and brothels are gone, but you can still belly up to a bar where Buffalo Bill Cody and the James brothers downed their drinks and the restored 1866 Delaware Hotel from the rough days of wealth and sin remains open for guests. The Tabor Opera House, once described as the finest between St. Louis and San Francisco, still stands, although in need of refurbishing. It is open for tours from May 30 to Oct. 1.
Once past downtown, there are unobstructed views to the west of Coloradoâs highest peaks, Mt.Elbert at 14,433 feet and Mt. Massive, only 12 feet lower.
Mt. Elbert continues to dominate the western skyline as Rt. 24 continues south from Leadville. Fifteen miles later Rt. 82 intersects. We turn right toward Aspen. Driving west, Mt. Elbert looms larger on our right. On the left is the Twin Lakes Reservoir, popular for fishing and camping.
Beyond Twin Lakes, the highway climbs in a continuing succession of unguarded curves and hairpin turns to Independence Pass, which crosses the Sawsatch Range at 12,095 feet. The pass is sensibly closed doing the snow season.
On either side of the pass are turnoffs and parking spaces and footpaths where sightseers are offered a feast of mountains, streams and dense forested wilderness.
West of Independence Pass, Route 82 dives down the canyon of the Roaring Fork River. The Roaring Fork flows through Aspen, which got its start as a silver mining center in the 1880s, but found gold nearly a century later as a ski resort. Located in a glacial valley surrounded by magnificent peaks, upscale Aspen, with its many rust-colored buildings dating from the turn of the century and mature trees shading the downtown streets, gives the impression of more permanence and history than modern Vail.
Both are trendy and pricey, the playgrounds of movie and rock stars and a billionaire or two.Vail is a golfersâ paradise, but Aspen ups Vail by also offering travel by helicopter, underground trips through old silver mines and treks into the back country with a llama to carry your gear.ÃÆÃâÃâÃ
Aspen also has the edge on culture, earning an international reputation for its annual summer jazz and classical music festivals.
We linger in Aspen only long enough to window shop at the fashionable shops and galleries and to people watch as we nibble on crepes served from an old popcorn wagon standing outside near one of several downtown fountains.
Then its back on Route 82 to follow the Roaring Fork River through red rock canyons to Glenwood Springs.
The Ute Indians regarded the hot springs and vapor caves as a sacred place of healing. The old gunslinger Doc Holiday may have hoped to find confirmation in that Indian belief when he came to Glenwood Springs afflicted by tuberculosis. If so, he was disappointed. His grave is now a tourist attraction.
But most visitors come to swim and bathe in the hot water pools, or try to sweat away tensions and stiffness in the caves.
After drying off, we start on a fast 60-mile drive back to Vail via I-70. For the first 12 miles, we follow the Colorado River as it courses through the scenic Glenwood Canyon. The stream is swift here and endowed with challenging rapids with names like Maneater and Tombstone. With those names, its not surprising that itâs a popular stretch of the river for rafters and kayakers.
We halt for a late supper in the Gas House, a popular restaurant in Edwards, 15 miles west of Vail. Frequent guests include Frank Gifford and Kathie Lee, who have a house nearby. Then its back to our b&b for a nightâs long sleep.
###
Tiger Woods’ wife Elin Woods saved her husband’s life from a car accident with a golf club.
The initial media reports that instantly spread around the globe sounded dire: Tiger Woods had been “seriously” hurt in a car accident early Friday and was hospitalized.
It turned out the superstar golfer’s injuries, first reported by the Orlando Sentinel, weren’t as dreadful as the word “serious” implied in the police report. But as additional details emerged, it appeared Woods certainly suffered more than a fender bender.
Woods, 33, was backing out of his driveway in the Isleworth community near Orlando, Fla., at 2:25 a.m. when he struck a fire hydrant and then hit a neighbor’s tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
It was almost 12 hours before the police issued an accident report, and it is still unknown why Woods was out driving at that hour and much about the incident remains unclear.
After the first news reports about the accident, Woods’ website in the afternoon issued a terse statement saying he was in “good condition,” after being treated and released from Health Central Hospital in nearby Ocoee, Fla.
The Associated Press later Friday quoted a local police chief as saying Woods’ wife, Elin, used a golf club to smash the back window to get Woods out of his 2009 Cadillac sports utility vehicle after she heard the accident and came outside.
Woods had cuts to his lips, blood in his mouth and was lying in the street, with his wife nearby, and was in and out of consciousness when officers arrived, Windermere Police Chief Daniel Saylor said. At one point Woods woke up and tried to get up but lost consciousness.
FHP Sgt. Kim Montes said troopers arrived at the Woods’ home early Friday evening to talk to the golfer, and that his wife told them Woods was resting and asked them to return this morning, the Orlando Sentinel reported. The troopers agreed to do so.
The FHP’s news release said alcohol was not considered a factor in the accident, and that the crash remained under investigation.
The airbags in Woods’ SUV did not deploy, according to the FHP, and it was unknown whether Woods was wearing a seat belt.
Saylor said his responding officers did not hear anything about an alleged argument between Woods and his wife, according to AP.
“Right now we believe this is a traffic crash. We don’t believe it is a domestic issue,” Montes said.
But owing to the authorities’ technical language in the case of accidents, the world was stunned with headlines of Woods’ “serious” injury that appeared on media websites from Los Angeles to London, aired on television and arrived on fans’ Blackberrys and mobile phones.
The news release listed the injuries as “serious” because patients’ conditions are always classified that way if they are transported to a hospital, FHP spokesman Jorge Delahoz told the Orlando Sentinel.
The media frenzy the word “serious” ignited was “illustrative not only of Woods’ global fame, but of the rapidity with which the media can spread news whether it is entirely accurate or not,” said David Carter, executive director of USC’s Sports Business Institute.
Woods, of course, is the world’s No. 1 golfer. He has won 82 times worldwide and captured 14 major tournaments, and this year he also became the first athlete to reach the $1-billion mark in career earnings through prize money, endorsements and other income, Forbes magazine estimated.
Woods can make or break TV ratings simply by choosing to play in a tournament. He has a net worth of $600 million, according to Forbes.
While authorities “may characterize [the injuries] very technically,” today’s instant media communication “leads to banner headlines, which makes everybody wonder what the impact could be if, for any reason, he was to miss a series of tournaments,” Carter said.
In fact, the accident occurred leading to next week’s Chevron World Challenge, an 18-player tournament hosted by Woods at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks.
The four-day tournament starts Thursday, and Woods is scheduled to hold a news conference there Tuesday.
Wood missed last year’s tournament, which supports the Tiger Woods Foundation, because he was recovering from surgery on his left knee.
He was scheduled to rejoin the field this year, but Mark Steinberg, Woods’ agent, told the Associated Press on Friday that he did not know if Woods still planned to play.
Woods won six times this season. Although he did not win a major tournament, he said he considered the year successful because he wasn’t sure how his knee would respond after months of rehabilitation.
Tiger Woods’ new estate on Jupiter Island
Copyright reserved by Ebayoyo.com
Tiger Woods’ wife Elin Woods saved her husband’s life from a car accident with a golf club.
The initial media reports that instantly spread around the globe sounded dire: Tiger Woods had been “seriously” hurt in a car accident early Friday and was hospitalized.
It turned out the superstar golfer’s injuries, first reported by the Orlando Sentinel, weren’t as dreadful as the word “serious” implied in the police report. But as additional details emerged, it appeared Woods certainly suffered more than a fender bender.
Woods, 33, was backing out of his driveway in the Isleworth community near Orlando, Fla., at 2:25 a.m. when he struck a fire hydrant and then hit a neighbor’s tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
It was almost 12 hours before the police issued an accident report, and it is still unknown why Woods was out driving at that hour and much about the incident remains unclear.
After the first news reports about the accident, Woods’ website in the afternoon issued a terse statement saying he was in “good condition,” after being treated and released from Health Central Hospital in nearby Ocoee, Fla.
The Associated Press later Friday quoted a local police chief as saying Woods’ wife, Elin, used a golf club to smash the back window to get Woods out of his 2009 Cadillac sports utility vehicle after she heard the accident and came outside.
Woods had cuts to his lips, blood in his mouth and was lying in the street, with his wife nearby, and was in and out of consciousness when officers arrived, Windermere Police Chief Daniel Saylor said. At one point Woods woke up and tried to get up but lost consciousness.
FHP Sgt. Kim Montes said troopers arrived at the Woods’ home early Friday evening to talk to the golfer, and that his wife told them Woods was resting and asked them to return this morning, the Orlando Sentinel reported. The troopers agreed to do so.
The FHP’s news release said alcohol was not considered a factor in the accident, and that the crash remained under investigation.
The airbags in Woods’ SUV did not deploy, according to the FHP, and it was unknown whether Woods was wearing a seat belt.
Saylor said his responding officers did not hear anything about an alleged argument between Woods and his wife, according to AP.
“Right now we believe this is a traffic crash. We don’t believe it is a domestic issue,” Montes said.
But owing to the authorities’ technical language in the case of accidents, the world was stunned with headlines of Woods’ “serious” injury that appeared on media websites from Los Angeles to London, aired on television and arrived on fans’ Blackberrys and mobile phones.
The news release listed the injuries as “serious” because patients’ conditions are always classified that way if they are transported to a hospital, FHP spokesman Jorge Delahoz told the Orlando Sentinel.
The media frenzy the word “serious” ignited was “illustrative not only of Woods’ global fame, but of the rapidity with which the media can spread news whether it is entirely accurate or not,” said David Carter, executive director of USC’s Sports Business Institute.
Woods, of course, is the world’s No. 1 golfer. He has won 82 times worldwide and captured 14 major tournaments, and this year he also became the first athlete to reach the $1-billion mark in career earnings through prize money, endorsements and other income, Forbes magazine estimated.
Woods can make or break TV ratings simply by choosing to play in a tournament. He has a net worth of $600 million, according to Forbes.
While authorities “may characterize [the injuries] very technically,” today’s instant media communication “leads to banner headlines, which makes everybody wonder what the impact could be if, for any reason, he was to miss a series of tournaments,” Carter said.
In fact, the accident occurred leading to next week’s Chevron World Challenge, an 18-player tournament hosted by Woods at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks.
The four-day tournament starts Thursday, and Woods is scheduled to hold a news conference there Tuesday.
Wood missed last year’s tournament, which supports the Tiger Woods Foundation, because he was recovering from surgery on his left knee.
He was scheduled to rejoin the field this year, but Mark Steinberg, Woods’ agent, told the Associated Press on Friday that he did not know if Woods still planned to play.
Woods won six times this season. Although he did not win a major tournament, he said he considered the year successful because he wasn’t sure how his knee would respond after months of rehabilitation.
Tiger Woods’ new estate on Jupiter Island
Copyright reserved by Ebayoyo.com
There’s a period in one’s young life when politeness, charm, and winning ways are definitely not part of the picture. Take your 17-year-old son, Irwin, who believes it’s good to be bad. He wears mirror shades all hours of the day and night, his biceps are voluptuously inked with screaming skulls, and he spends endless hours in his room cranking obscure Norwegian death metal bands. Most summer nights, reports your daughter, a well-behaved honors student at Manhattan’s elite Horace Mann High School, Irwin and his depraved-looking friends can be found drinking PBRs in Williamsburg’s McCarren Park, getting higher than Air Jamaica, and howling at the moon.
“It’s just a stage he’s going through,” you tell your anxious wife good-naturedly.
But then you get a 3AM call from the police, officially informing you that Irwin and his band mates were busted for disorderly conduct outside their favorite pizzeria. Instead of obeying the policeman’s orders to raise his hands above his head, your gland-filled son instead broke the antenna off the police cruiser, and whip-lashed the face of the arresting officer. Fleeing the scene on a hijacked skateboard, the young fugitive was finally apprehended after a lengthy chase through Williamsburg’s North Side, by the canine unit.
What Is It?
A juvenile crime can include a wide variety of crimes normally committed by adults. These might include D.U.I, marijuana possession, robbery, assault-with-a-deadly-weapon, rape, and not as infrequently as you might think, murder. Individuals under the age of 18 who commit these crimes are punishable by law, but unlike the adult criminal justice system, more flexibility is accorded juveniles.
Generally, the age range of juvenile crime is between the ages of 10 and 18. The upper age of eligibility may be even younger than 18, or extended to the age of 20, depending on each state’s juvenile criminal justice system. In some states, a sentence obtained from a juvenile court cannot extend beyond the individual’s 18th birthday. Alternatively, a few states, including California and Connecticut, allow 14, 15, 16, and 17-year-olds to be tried as adults.
Juvenile attorneys believe children are children, and the adult criminal justice system does not provide the most appropriate means to deal with their criminal misbehavior. Children don’t have the maturity to function without adult guidance, and a skilled juvenile criminal lawyer will emphasize this fundamental reality. Society doesn’t allow children to vote, smoke, drink, or serve as police officers. In most cases, children are unable to marry. Nor does society consider children to be accountable as adults, and their actions should be treated accordingly.
Who Needs It?
For any child arrested, transported to the police station, and booked – it’s highly advisable to enlist the services of an experiences juvenile attorney a.s.a.p. Since juvenile court is different from the adult criminal justice system, you want an attorney who fully understands those differences. As one judge once put it, “Criminal defense attorneys unfamiliar with Juvenile Court procedure tend to be the worst at unwittingly hurting their clients’ positions.”
Benefits
If the teenager’s crime is not serious, a juvenile lawyer can often work out an agreement that might require the child to pay a fine, attend a class, or do similar work. By completing the agreement, the child will avoid going before a judge and getting a record of a judicial adjudication that could hurt him or her down the road. Depending on state procedures and youth services, a lawyer can steer a case towards non-judicial closure in a number of different ways.
If a non-judicial resolution cannot be reached, then the case will be set for arraignment before a juvenile court judge. At arraignment, the judge will inform the minor of her rights. The judge will then ask the young defendant to admit or deny the truth of the allegations in the petition. If your attorney counsels your child to admit the charge, the judge will adjudicate that the child is within the jurisdiction of the court. The judge will normally proceed to sentencing.
Your attorney can argue for some mix of community service, fines, and restitution. Occasionally, a short stay in detention is imposed, for less than 30 days. Other sanctions may be imposed, such as taking anger-management classes or entering drug and alcohol counseling programs.
At every point during these proceedings, the wise juvenile crimes attorney will emphasize that winning means doing what is best for the child, the community, and the victims. The three are all interrelated, and the teenage defendant is best served when your attorney works with juvenile prosecutors and judges towards this end.
Risks
Most states’ juvenile criminal justice systems operate under the belief that youth are fundamentally different than adults, in terms of psychological development, their level of responsibility, as well as their potential for rehabilitation. Juvenile judges, at the bequest of excellent juvenile lawyers, have been more concerned with administering individualized justice on the child’s behalf than with jumping through procedural hoops intended to guarantee due process. Many states, like Missouri, see successful reintegration of youth into society as the primary goal of the juvenile criminal justice system – without compromising public safety. Few would consider all 16- or 17-year-olds mature.
However, recent attitudinal changes have hardened the juvenile criminal justice system’s approach. As juvenile offense rates skyrocketed in the 1990s, many legislatures responded with a “get tough” approach. In the mid-1990s Utah’s legislature passed the “Serious Youth Offender Act,” which mandated that certain teenage offenders could be transferred to the criminal justice system to be tried as adults. This Act abandoned any attempt at juvenile court rehabilitation of certain categories of offenders – including some first-time offenders.
Connecticut and California have followed Utah’s example. Both states will treat 16- and 17-year-olds as adults if judges see fit. In the most serious crimes, the two states even treat 14- and 15-year-olds as the adults that few psychiatrists believe they are.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the legal expertise and advice of your attorney. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about litigation with an appropriate legal expert.
If your loved one is suffering from alcoholism, you may feel like you are alone, like your loved one is a completely different person when they’re drinking, and your relationship has been strained so much it might break if they don’t seek help. Getting help for your loved one may seem difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone.
One way to get your loved one to get help is to coordinate with your family and friends so they are aware of the problem if they aren’t already and so they can help you and your loved one. Your friends and family can help you by providing someone to talk to when you don’t know what to do, or they can talk to your loved either one on one or by having an intervention. While it may be difficult to talk about your loved one’s alcohol problem, having the support of friends and family can make a big difference.
While your friends and family will pay a roll in getting help for your loved one, your loved one is going to need professional help to deal with his or her alcoholism. Your loved one is going to need counseling, behavioral therapy and other help they can only get through an Alcohol Rehabilitation center. It may be scary to have your loved one enroll in an inpatient or residential program, but it is the best way to deal with alcoholism. Inpatient and residential programs will take your loved one into a controlled environment where they can deal with their alcoholism head on without having to worry about the stress and triggers for their behavior life throws at them. Another reason why inpatient and residential programs are so successful is that they remove alcoholics from places where they will have access to alcohol and give them the coping skills they need to avoid alcohol before it becomes a temptation to them.
Your loved one may fight you and resent that you want them to seek treatment, but it is important to remember that it is only their denial talking. Once your loved one goes through treatment successfully, they will realize that you only want what is best for them and they will appreciate the new lease on life that you have helped them receive.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR :-
Nathan Humpherys lives in Arizona with his wife and is a strong advocate for Alcohol Rehabs and believes that an Alcohol Rehab Center is the best way for an alcoholic to kick destructive habits.
GOGGA
Group Opposing Gadget and Gizmo Addiction
Last week I woke up at what seemed to be the middle of the night to the realization that we are all fast becoming slaves to the latest technologies of gadgets, gizmos, thingys (dingesses to some in South Africa) glowing lights in an array of colours, beeps, buzzes and a cacophony of other indescribable sounds.
It was around 5.30am when I was awakened by something that I could not quite place. Was it a noise? Was it a light? Was it a mosquito? No man, it wasn’t Superman either!!!!! It was my wife’s cell phone.
It was switched to silent mode but the vibrate alert was still active. I could see this in the surreal green glow emanating from the digital clock, alarm, tape, radio thingy that is situated on a shelf above the bed.
The phone was dancing across the bedside cupboard like a drunken ballerina, flashing its screen light angrily while vibrating hollowly with the sound being amplified by the near empty cupboard.
You see – we have this very dear friend who is evidently an insomniac, who insists on getting the most out of call more time by sending any messages at the crack of dawn, probably to ensure that we get them before we get too busy answering the calls of nature and all the other alerts.
Now wide awake staring at the ceiling I was suddenly aware that there were numerous flashing lights before my eyes. I felt my forehead to see if I was running a temperature, pinched myself to ensure that I was not dreaming, closed my eyes tightly to see if I could still see these lights and to my astonishment they went away. So I’m not sick I thought. I wondered what was wrong.
The dog moved and the alarm’s passive movement detector’s red light switched on, stayed for a while then switched off. The electric mosquito repellant gizmo glowed owlishly, the multi plug switches glowed red which showed that all the other appliances were switched on (one was blinking. “I must get it fixed”) the TV showed me that it was in power save mode, when suddenly a strident noise pierced the silence to inform me it was time to get up.
Shower time with my pulsating shower head then to brush my teeth with my electric tooth brush, shave with my new wet/dry electric shaver whose red light is flickering to tell me it needs to be charged. I plug in the charger and behold, there is another little red light to add to my collection. Once dressed, I sit in my wheelchair. Now I don’t feel so vulnerable. Bring on the lights and buzzes!!! I can handle them now.
I switch on the power chair and yes you guessed it. More lights. This time they are red, orange and green. With many clicks and squealing of tyres on the polished floors, the control panel on the chair showing me I’m in 2nd gear, I’m off to the kitchen.
I switch on the stove to make the jungle oats. More red lights glow at me. The timer (in the shape of an egg) rings, the microwave pings, the kettle light goes out and switches off the fridge clicks on and it’s red light shines. Now that I have run the gauntlet of lights and sounds I can have my breakfast.
Now, to get to the lounge I had more alarm passives to get past on the way. In the passage the alarm panel shows that the alarm has been on guard all night. The TV in the lounge with its light showing that power save mode is on, the DVD, MP3, CD, Radio/tape thingy flashes the time, while the computer hums malevolently in the back ground with its numerous lights flashing and the on screen calendar showing my day’s appointments while beeping at regular intervals.
By this time I am too nervous to face “The Car” because it has beeps for reverse, buzzes for lights left on, peeps for open doors and angry beeeeeeps for seatbelts not used. An array of lights in various colours but mostly red or orange that only a person with a B.GizGad degree in gizmos and gadgets, like my son, can decipher.
Hi everyone my name is Roly and I am a gizmoholic and I last bought a gizmo yesterday. I know I need help but the temptation is so great.
There are shelves full of gadgets, gizmos thingys and dingesses in every shop I go to. Please help.
We at GOGGA demand of all manufacturers that indicator lights be abolished and that all appliances and cars be de-bugged or they should pay for our rehabilitation at the Centre for the GizmoChallenged. No more buzzes, beeps, rings, peeps, toots, pings, bongs, tinkles and rattles or flashing lights or little lights that change colour.
I and my fellow gizmoholics’ sanity is at risk. We cannot have our inter-galactic and Martian visitors coming to this country for the 2020 Odd ball world cup where they could be exposed to these little instruments of torture.
To join the group, please see our web site www.GOGGA.org.outerspace or e.mail nutcase@gizmochallenged.org.int or come to visit me. Maybe you can help me get out of this strange jacket that these people insist is the latest fashion.
It holds your arms in the crossed position with sleeves that strap to buckles at the back.
I must end now. The ringing in my ears and flashing lights have started again. I know that they are coming to get me but I won’t succumb I promise. @#$%^&*&^(%$()#@!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sociology of Mental Illness: The Study of the Un-institutionalized Mentally Challenged in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Nigeria
BY
DR. J. O. SHOPEJU*; DR. C. A. ONIFADE* AND DR. A. DIPEOLU**
joshopeju12@yahoo.com; drcaonifade@yahoo.com; waledipe@gmail.com
*DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL STUDIES
UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE
ABEOKUTA
**DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE
ABEOKUTA
CONTACT: E-mail address: joshopeju12@yahoo.com
Mobile phone 08037125917
Sociology of Mental Illness: The Study of the Un-institutionalized Mentally Challenged in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Nigeria
The focus of this paper is on the poor/economically disadvantaged, non-institutionalized and socially classified as mentally challenged (or considered to be mad) people who roam the streets of Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, Nigeria. It attempts to address the issue of mental illness as a social construction. It is felt that the ability of these people to survive without formal care, should be a source of study that will assist in shedding some light into the problems confronting several individuals and groups within the society. For example, if we consider the fact that majority of these people live as isolated selves, it will focus our minds into the need to understand, appreciate, and come to terms with the fact that, as Erickson (2001) says, “. . ..the inability of some people to come to terms with their own isolated selves is counter-pointed by their inability to relate with others on interpersonal one-to-one basis.” The point is that many of these people took off at one time or the other from societies, which exerted pressure on them to tow the line of social expectations. These expectations, as defined by the social institutions (religion, family, economic, political — both the civilian and military, and education), govern their lives and also serve as the support system, and that it is the failure of the same system to continue to provide the so much needed support that has assisted in boxing them into a corner and thereby severing them from the existing conventional social relationships. It is also felt that with better understanding of the underlying factors influencing the behaviours and the lives of these people, and with a little assistance from the rest of us, they would cope better with some of the problems confronting them. In short, we feel strongly and agree with the view of Carol Gill, a Ph. D. holder, wheelchair user and co-organizer “Bioethics Symposium” who expressed the view that “we should be examining the barriers society has erected that demoralize people to the point that they find it too difficult to live with their disability, when the focus should be on our inability to muster the resources they need to live” (Nugent, 2005).
Literature Review
The more one reads about mental illness, sees or interacts with some of the mentally challenged, or those whom society considers as mentally ill, the more the question about the reality of the problem comes to the mind. Also the more the question crops up the harder it is to arrive at a conclusion regarding what mental illness really is. An attempt to define mental illness helps to expose the ambiguity and the futility involved. This fact guided the thought of Mechanic (1980) in his book, “Mental Health and Social Policy.” For example, Webster’s Third New International dictionary defines insanity as, “such unsoundness of mind or lack of understanding as prevents one from having a mental capacity to enter into a particular relationship, status or transaction or as excuses one from criminal and civil responsibilities.” One can infer from this definition that the law has been assigned the role of determining what behaviours and who fits into this category. Of course, the law is manmade and influenced by the types of behaviours identified, compiled and classified as “unsoundness of mind or lack of understanding.” In short, the law can only ruminate on what is already in existence. Thus, the law in response to the evidence adduced before fits them into this predetermined categories. The point here is that the law, is culturally determined by the society or the social structure. That is, the social structure, in one way or the other determines who is mentally ill, cured, and who should continue to bear the label. Another question is how does the law conclude that one person is sane while the other is not? This point needs some clarification. That the social structure determines what falls into the category of mental illness is a source of concern because it introduces subjectivity into the meaning, definition and interpretation given to the “behaviours” in question. Let us assume that people within the social structure know what the normal behaviours that are expected of their members are. We can garner this from the fact that we all operate within the boundary of the “assumptive world.” The concept “assumptive world” relates to the fact that our behaviours are continuously being evaluated by others and by ourselves – relative to others. That means that the reactions (real or perceived) of the people to our behaviour(s) will determine/influence how we feel about ourselves, the nature of the world around us, our ability to predict what to expect from others and the resultant effect of our actions (Frank, 1974:27-29). The factor that should be noted is that the assumptive world varies and depends on the culture. For example, it is assumed that shoes are to be worn on the feet, not on the palms. Again, the type of shoes worn depends on the setting — bathroom slippers (depending on the social class) are not expected to be worn to formal functions. Eye contact should be made while discussing with somebody not for one to continue to stare at the other’s ears — the Yoruba culture makes a further restriction, it does not expect a child to maintain eye contact with an adult. This shows that even though these norms are not codified or written into law, they exist and people through socialization are expected to acquire/learn them in conjunction with the appropriate cues. In fact, most of the times we do not know that some of them exist until we have violated them – but we are always prepared to make appropriate amends. Despite this, we are subjected to and we subject ourselves to the reactions of others as to whether our behaviours are positively or negatively responded to. A positive reaction could mean that the behaviour is acceptable within the context in which it occurs and we can thus afford to repeat it. For instance, in some churches, a spiritualist who goes into trance while devouring the wrong doings of others, or while claiming to have seen God if praised for the revelations made is apt to repeat the behaviour following the prescribed cue. However with the interpretation of the Bible today, particularly by the Pentecostal Churches, such persons could be ostracized or marked out for deliverance — for according to this faith or new interpretation, no human being (because of sin) can ever see God but could see His son Jesus Christ. Also, going into trance is not the order of the day but speaking in tongue is the current norm. This being the case, it becomes risky or too expensive of behaviour for any member to repeat the unmerited. The above reinforces the view that a particular behavior in different setting will elicit different reactions and responses from people as dictated by cultural interpretations, definitions and understanding (Frank, 1974; Mechanic, 1980; Henslin, 2002). These definitions and responses are also influenced by factors such as the person involved his/her personality, and the where and when of the behaviour. A good example is an incident that occurred while a hungry Nigerian musician who was in a foreign country was “bowling” down some “akpu/fufu” (a Nigerian meal made from cassava) at a station. Somebody called the police claiming that a Blackman was trying to commit suicide. In summary, all of the above reactions exert influence on the actors and the observers and the decision as to whether to continue with the specified behaviour or not. The key factor is for the person to know the cues and to respond appropriately, else, it draws unwanted attention.
Mental illness is a concept that is very intriguing to study. This supposedly bizarre behaviour has always been of interest and concern to people. For example, during the pre-industrial times, in Europe, the “mentally ill” were professed to be afflicted by demons (Szasz, 1961; Conrad and Schneider, 1980) and therefore to save society, they were burnt or starved to death. Today, the view is much different. Post-industrial revolution produced some people who say that it is the disease of the mind (in the head) caused by sin and as retribution for sin (Ackerknecht, 1968). In the Chinese society it is believed that all diseases are caused by an imbalance of two forces Yin and Yang. These two forces based on supernatural conceptions, represent good/bad, positive/negative, male/female, the moon and the sun. Therefore, an imbalance between the two forces results when people deviate from the “Tao” or the “way.” Tao is regarded as the ethical superstructure which provides for all eventualities in life and for all essential types of interpersonal relationships (Veith, 1955; Sidel, 1975). Thus in this culture, the afflicted is removed from the cause/source of the problem and as such is not held responsible for any behaviour committed while mentally ill.
Just like in the Chinese culture, the Nigerians perceive mental illness as resulting from a person’s misalignment with the social system. Thus the illness is seen as punishment from the gods or supernatural beings, witches and evil people. In the ancient times, the mentally ill, when not ignored, were usually taken care of (sheltered or exorcised) by traditional medicine men, priests and spiritual healers. The etiology of mental illness for the Nigerian can be summarized as: evil spells and witches, failure to adhere to the cultural taboo, action or inaction of the person if considered offensive by the gods, inheritance, natural causes or physical illness, drugs e.g. marijuana or Indian hemp and environmental factor e.g. adversity.
According to Sow (1980), fewer cases of chronic mental disorder occur in the rural-non-literate group than among the urban-literate group. This is attributed to the fact that family/kinship bond which serves as an important ameliorator of socioeconomic and psychological conditions of rural Nigerians is weaker or impossible in the urban areas (Sow, 1980; Asuni, 1968).
Two different approaches, the traditional and the orthodox (western), are used to control mental illness in Nigeria. The choice of approach depends on the belief system of the users. The major difference between these approaches lies in their belief as to the etiology of mental illnesses and diseases in general. The traditional approach is the “medical” practice which existed among the people of Nigeria before they had European contact. Some form of spiritual healing can also be grouped under this approach. Common to virtually all the religions is the power of the spoken words whether in form of incantations, orders to the spirit to leave their patients, spells, exorcism, prayers or penitential formulas asking the forgiveness of the offended deity. Often this is accompanied by rituals, ritualistic movements and dances. Other therapeutic measures include application of drugs of plant or animal origin (as it is believed that they work in accord) often prepared according to secret formulas to cure the patients. Some traditional healers restrain their patients by tying them with ropes or chains in extremely unhealthy conditions. The orthodox (western) approach to mental illness in Nigeria follows the western medical model by locating the causes of mental illness in natural factors such as somatic organs, nervous systems or stressful situations (Erinosho, 1979). The early belief that some people develop psychological problems due to the use of Indian hemp and other psychoactive drugs (Lambo, 1981), is still being strongly adhered to. The method of treatment employed today has tilted more toward psychotherapy and drug therapy while shock treatment and psychosurgery seem to be of the past. There are evidences to show that asylums existed in Nigeria, wherein psychoanalytically-oriented methods were used (Erinosho, 1979; Laosebikan, 1973; Lambo, 1963; Shopeju, 1983). However, the general types of care facilities available today are located in the neuro-psychiatric hospitals, with both in and outpatient facilities. In addition, psychiatric facilities are also available in various university teaching hospitals throughout the nation.
In recent years, medicine has succeeded in bracketing mental illness into one of its areas of specialization — psychiatry (Szasz, 1961; Conrad and Schneider, 1980; Henslin; 2002). Unfortunately, while there is no doubt that some behavioural disorders can be controlled with drugs (Lickey and Gordon, 1983:75-104) psychiatry has not been able to come up with unquestionable definitions, and very successful methods/cure to prove its expertise on this subject (Szasz, 1961; Scheff 1974; Henslin, 2002). The mystery which mental illness presents is further revealed by the fact that mental health professionals do not always agree as to what the definition is. For example, the psychiatrist, psychiatric social worker, clinical psychologist, and other mental health professionals define it differently. While not denying the fact that some iota of consensus occurs across some professions (for example, there is an approved and certified diagnostic manual for mental illness), the idea is that one would have felt more convinced if the difference in diagnosis can be narrower. Further flaws in psychiatric definitions were revealed by the Rosenhan experiment. The experimenter had referred some sane people to mental health experts for diagnosis, they were all diagnosed “insane” (Rosenhan, 1973). Another concern is in the area of over-diagnosis and consequently over-prescription of drugs (Diller, 2006; Eisenberg, 2007). In fact, some psychiatrists admit that little is known about mental illness and some like Szasz (1961; 1996; 1998) do not agree that it exists. Rather it is believed that there are some people who have difficulty in living and that such behaviour should be called “problem behaviour” not mental illness, insanity or other self serving labels. The summary of the above is that the definition of mental illness is socially constructed depending on, the political, economic and social inclination or conception of reality and the resultant effect of unsuccessful socialization (Berger and Luckmann, 1967: 165-166).
One is tempted to suggest that the definition of mental illness should include input from those who are classified as mentally ill. However, the definition so attained will also have its flaws. If we accept the social learning/societal-reaction perspectives, the definitions arrived at will be influenced by their conception of reality and the stereotyped views of mental illness these people have learned (Scheff, 1974; Yarrow, et al, 1968), and those arising from stigma based on social definitions (Berger and Luckmann, 1967:165-166). This is reflected in that the observation of these people in Nigeria shows that they do not seem to have difficulty understanding or speaking the local languages (Pidgin English or Yoruba). They also behave in the ways people around them expect them to behave. The following illustrations serve to make the point clearer. Ajisoro, a supposedly madman, decided to show his displeasure by hauling missiles at his tormentors, unfortunately, he hit and broke the windshield of a parked car. The mob descended on him and gave him a thorough beating, had he not taken to his heel yelling (in Yoruba) “mo gbe o” (meaning I am in serious trouble), he probably would have been lynched. Another case is about a man who feigned madness to escape the wrought of vigilante groups. The man had arrived very late (1.30 A.M.) from Lagos and knowing fully well that there was no way any sane person would be allowed to walk the streets during that period, decided to strip leaving only his underpants on. He proceeded on his way carrying his clothes neatly folded on his head, continued to talk loudly and incorrigibly as he proceeded. According to him, none of the several vigilante groups that he met showed interest in him. Of interest is that even one of his neighbours, in one of the groups, only stared at him without saying a word. On getting home, the actor, after dressing up, sat on the pavement in front of his house. About thirty minutes later, he received the vigilante neighbour as visitor. The visitor expressed his amazement at the actor’s behaviour but agreed that he would not have been able to assist him had he appeared as a sane person. In short, the visitor only wanted to affirm if his neighbour had really manifested the expected behaviour as socially defined for the insane. Worthy of note is that nobody noticed that his clothes were neatly folded and balanced on his head for it is only a mad or “harmless” person would break the curfew. This further shows that the social structure creates and encourages people to act the way it deems fit for varying social, cultural, political and economic situations while also taking into cognizance the statuses of the actors. Also implied is that people are generally judged against the backdrop of behaviours that are already in existence and that are considered to be normal, abnormal or bizarre. In short, all types of behaviours have antecedents for the sane and those classified as mentally ill or insane and that the social structure carves out our reality world and we cannot simply wish it away (Berger and Luckman, 1967:1-3).
The perceived functionality of the behaviour also influences its categorization. For example, we had the opportunity to witness people speaking in “tongues” in some churches. Some had laid flat on the floor on their chests while slapping the ground with their palms and shouting in the name of Jesus”, some rolled on the floor ‘in the name of Jesus”, in other cases, members walked about babbling and singing praise words to the Lord. In the white garment churches, we observed that some designated members go into trance while also prophesying. These people’s behaviours were neither seen as bizarre nor unacceptable, but as socially acceptable under the prevailing circumstances. The major source of differences, however, is in the interpretations we the normal people give to behaviours as influenced by our perception of their functionality. For example, when Alhaja Sheidat Mujidat Adeoye, a female trader in Osun State in the southwestern Nigeria suddenly had a “spiritual” encounter, the initial interpretation of her behaviour was that of the manifestation of insanity. However, today because she was able to manage the behaviour by prophesying and healing people, a behaviour that is directly related to the perceived functionality of the manifestation, Alhaja Adeoye is now highly respected in her community. She is now a Muslim missioner, spiritual healer, leader and founder of a religious group called “Fallullah Muslim Mission” in Osogbo community in Osun State, Nigeria (Ogungbile, 2004).
Methodology
This paper results from approximately several years of observing and studying the mentally challenged people who have been labeled “mad”, insane or mentally ill. The study also involved having discussions with the “sane” as a way of getting more information about the targeted group. Despite the fact that inquiring about these people usually elicited some kind of curious gaze and expressions from those questioned, our informers were aware of the purpose of our inquiries. Surprisingly, respondents seem to know almost all the mentally challenged people roaming the streets of Abeokuta. For example, discussions by one of the researchers in a beer parlor, patronized by taxi drivers, mechanics, welders etc, were revealing. We were informed that Casa was deported from a foreign university, when he developed mental problems and Talia was the female beer parlour owner’s primary schoolmate and childhood neighbour. Please not that all the names used are fictitious invented for the purpose of this study and cannot be traced to the participants.
A seven item questionnaire which served as the instrument (henceforth referred to as guide instrument) for selecting the subjects for this study was administered to twenty randomly selected university students. The area of focus is Abeokuta, the state capital of Ogun State, in the southwestern (Yoruba speaking) area of Nigeria. By virtue of the fact that these people roam the streets, it is assumed that they are either from very poor or what we have chosen to call “economically challenged” backgrounds or families and must have been deserted. This assumption is sanctioned by the fact that two public neuro-psychiatric hospitals and a community (out patient) psychiatric centre exist in the state capital which provide both the in and out patient cares for a fee. The normal practice requires that family members or caretakers deposit up to thirty thousand (N30000.00) Naira (or about two hundred and fifty US dollars) to cover boarding and medication for one month. Both the traditional and spiritual healing centres also exist in addition to the Western Orthodox mental health care facilities (Shopeju, 1983). Also and interestingly, the Yoruba people patronize any type of treatment regardless of their origin and cost, the major determining factors are the perceived efficacy of the type and that the sick recovers (Shopeju, 1983) – embedded in this is the hope that the sick will eventually recover from the ailment. As stated earlier, regardless of the approach chosen, treatment or care requires some financial commitment and there seem to be no guarantee that there is an end to this and other forms (social and psychological) commitments. Despite the fact that many of them still go home to sleep and some family members monitor and sometimes ensure that they are fed and have clean clothes, some family members expressed their frustration in that caring for these people is time and money consuming and traumatizing. Based on the above we are inclined to assume that: (a) the cases have been considered hopeless by their families; (b) they were simply abandoned because their caretakers lacked the funds to start or continue to pay for psychiatric care, whether orthodox or traditional; (c) the families or caretakers lacked the ability and capacity to continue to care for them.
The sample for this study was restricted to twenty-five subjects chosen using the guide instrument from every odd number mentally challenged persons encountered by driving through the major streets. Incidentally, the subjects either seem to prefer frequently used streets or feel less threatened to ply public/commercial sectors (we are inclined to adduce the later as the determining factor). For example, we observed that the residents of housing estates, where the majority of the middle and upper income classes reside, ensure that they (subjects) are discouraged from roaming their streets by physically removing them. In fact, they are often labeled as people who pretend to have mental problems during the day but become agile criminals at night (garnered from the researchers’ experiences at meetings in their neghbourhoods). During the period of the study, three of the subjects disappeared to reappear elsewhere, a search was always conducted and they were replaced only when they could not be located. Three fell into this category. Method of identification of each entailed assigning numbers and fictitious names while also keeping notes with the description of the chosen subjects. The major identification factor is the physical appearance of the subjects. The following coded (0 for low rating and 1 for good/high rating) features were used to determine the suitability of subject for the study:
Stage A:
(1) mode of dressing – dirty/rags=0, clean/not rags=1;
(2) condition of hair- dirty/dreadlocks=0, clean/dressed=1;
(3) footwear- no shoes/not matched shoes=0, matched shoes=1;
(4) general appearance- dirty=0, neat/clean=1.
A person is expected to consistently score an average of below 2 points in ten encounters with the researchers to be finally chosen for the next stage of the selection process. This approach is necessary in that some of them return to their homes (or are forced to return by their relatives), to get refreshed (bath and change their clothes – even with this, many of them do not their clothes often or on daily basis). Also, we need to distinguish those whose jobs do not permit them to wear clean clothes while working such as mechanics, bricklayers and other odd jobbers.
Stage B:
(1) Association: a loner=0, in contact with other people=1
(2) Conversation with other people: nil=0, able to hold coherent discussion=1
(3) bland/far away look=0; aware of the presence of other people=1.
An average of 1 or below qualifies the person for this study. Finally, the “sane” people confirmed the state of the participants.
Periodic visits were made at an interval of three months to establish the stability of the condition of the selected subjects. Chance encounters (with the selected subjects) were also taken into consideration. For example, some stray into petrol stations, drinking joints or parties (particularly open air) and or the markets to beg for money or food. Virtually all the subjects have their routes and meticulously keep to them. The method of observation adopted by the researchers include, (1) sitting in their cars, (2) visits to the markets and beer parlours (male researchers). The latter method provided the opportunity to elicit responses from the “sane” about the subjects and (3) strolling/driving past the subjects’ “homes.”
Gender-wise the sample consists of seventeen males and eight females. Only small number (5 or 20 percent) of the population under study is willing to or is able to speak or interact “reasonably” with other people. Beyond sporadic and mostly expressionless stare at people, they do not seem to notice or perhaps feel disturbed by anybody. This poses problems to the ability to study this category of people using the conventional methods of study, such as the survey, interview and questionnaire participant observation techniques. These methods require that the researcher intrude into the social setting they are attempting to describe and, “they create as well as measure attitudes”. The methods also elicit atypical roles and responses and are limited to those who are accessible and will cooperate, and the responses obtained are produced in part by dimensions of individual differences irrelevant to the topic at hand (Webb et al, 1966:1). Strictly random sampling technique does not also seem to be appropriate for selecting the subjects in that some of the subjects disappear to reappear after some time (the point being made here is that we feel compelled to replace subjects who disappear for more than three weeks). Finally, the focus of this study is more on our perception of these people rather than on how they perceive us.
From the forgoing, it is evident that an unconventional approach is desirable for this type of study – thus, we used the unobtrusive technique. This method allows the researcher to observe people’s behaviour (who in the real sense do not care) without them knowing that they are being studied (Webb et al, 1966; Henslin, 2001; Barbie, 2005). The major advantage of this approach is that it does not require strict physical or verbal interaction between the researcher and the subjects. This method has proved to be most relevant to this study in that, as mentioned earlier, a greater proportion of the sample will neither speak nor react coherently to questions if posed to them. We are mindful of the effects of prolonged discouragement or lack of social interaction with the sane (see Coleman, 2001). Again, since the focus of this study is on our perception of the way of life of the subjects, their survival mechanisms and how the rest of us can better assist them, the method of data collection used does not necessarily call for active participation of or interaction with the subjects. Another factor which gives credence to the use of the unobtrusive technique emanates from the observed reactions of some of the subjects to perceived intrusion into their normal activities. For example, when school children taunt them, they tend to respond violently by chasing the kids or hauling missiles at them. Some tend to proceed into long and incoherent tantrums – Talia (discussed below) falls into this category. Casa, also discussed below, tries the eye contact approach before approaching the “client” he wishes to beg for money from. Sha, or “madam sanitation” who takes shelter at night in front of a local government owned shopping centre (which is also situated opposite a drinking joint), verbally cautions people from urinating in front of the centre. These examples show that any attempt to get their real or natural behaviour must not intrude into their natural settings except we are interested in the reactions to the intrusions. Since our study is about how these people live on a day to day basis, our interests are about how they are able to survive and what can be done to assist them to live better lives under more hygienic and safe conditions.
Ethical issues
Some ethical issues arise regarding the method adopted in this study. For example, is it ethical to draw inferences when the subjects who are also helpless do not know that their actions are being recorded? Is it ethical to elicit information about other people without revealing our mission? The response to the above questions is hinged on (1) the need to get unbiased true life state of the subjects. We are aware that the behaviours of the mentally challenged are often misdiagnosed or misinterpreted, wherein some are labeled as pretenders. Some have been maltreated, subjected to public ridicule or even killed. The condition these people live in is fraught with danger. They have no shelter from harsh weather and harassment from other human beings. There are cases of rape, since some of the mentally challenged females have been impregnated by unknown people, words have it that some have been killed for ritual purposes, (2) our attempt is a honest concern for the plight of these people and is meant to be a channel for revealing this to concerned and philanthropic bodies, the alternative is to continue to behave as if they do not exist and allow them to continue to live in squalor, (3) there is no doubt that these people have been neglected and rejected by the government, nongovernmental organizations and the rest of us. Whether we wish to admit it or not we have contributed to their state of mind through societal rejection and isolation and driven them further into inner minded people. (4) Society has never really been fair or kind to them or reckoned with them. In fact, these people have never been accorded any form of human rights. Even though the last Nigerian census claimed to want to count the mentally challenged, no figure has been released and the purpose was not to provide benefits to these people. In short, the rights of these people have not been guaranteed because nobody has bothered to study them. We also feel our attempt will create the much needed awareness by collecting useful information which we hope will accord them recognition and perhaps help to improve their lot. There is the need to know what the effects of societal rejection have done to these people. Finally, (5) the response which we are reluctant to give is more of questions. Who do we get permission from in order to be able to interact with these people? Is it their families, government or the subjects? Which is worse, complete rejection/abuse of these people by the society or our attempt to understudy them as prelude to understanding them? We prefer the latter.
Observations
There is no doubt that some people are operating in a different “world” from the one we have defined for ourselves, the question looming revolves around whether they are mad, or simply have problems with our interpretations of their lifestyles and as such their ways of communicating with the rest of us. A relatively high proportion (18 or 72%) of the population under study would neither speak nor engage in any meaningful discussion. However, interesting dialogue, as reported here sometimes ensued between the “mentally challenged” and the “sane.” We chose to present these cases because we feel a lot can be garnered about how interaction with the “sane” can aid the mentally challenged.
The scene was an open-air wedding reception. A neatly dressed man (one of our subjects) in an outdated Yoruba “dashiki” and wearing a big gold-like necklace with a large pendant stopped at a table to ask for money (henceforth called Banda). Somebody gave Banda some money and he walked away. It was said that Banda was mad and that he used to be a wealthy tailor and that his wives deserted him after the ailment struck him. Banda was seen some weeks later at about 9.00 P.M. (this was by chance the observer had stopped to purchase some roasted beef called “suya”). Unlike the first time, even though he had the same clothes on, the chain was gone and he looked unkempt. He had stopped to buy a cigarette from a Mallam. He was given his choice of cigarette and he paid for it. The observer was intrigued and wanted to know his next few actions. First, Banda put the filter end of the cigarette between his lips, struck a match with his palm cupped to prevent the wind from blowing out the flame, drew in the smoke, inhaled some and puffed out the rest in a ring. That is not all, he also asked for his change! In reply to the vendors claim that he had no change, he said in Yoruba “ma serekere,” meaning – do not play any pranks. He left only after he had collected the correct change. The third encounter with Banda was one in which he was communicating with an unseen person. He was lying flat on the tarred road with his head and hands raised to the air. All attempts to drive past him without disturbing his state of mind failed as he stood to make way for the approaching car, but returned to the earlier position after the car passed him. This shows that regardless of his state of mind, he had internalized the view that cars can injure, maim or kill. Perhaps this is akin to the instinct which all animals exhibit. (This incident is reminiscent of similar cases of people in church as mentioned earlier). Further observations reveal that Banda sometimes dresses neatly and that with regular guidance he could maintain this behaviour. He still talks to himself and does not have friends.
Casa is another man with special characteristics. He is frequent at a particular petrol station near a university campus. He begs for money to feed himself, (but in the earlier days) no matter how desperate he is, he would not accept money from a woman or if told that it belongs to a woman. When it was observed that he only approaches male drivers we asked our female colleague to offer him money which he refused to accept on several occasions. We also observed that claims that the money offered him belonged to a woman elicited polite refusal to accept the money. He usually retorts with, “no, no, no sir I can’t take the money.” Why? “B-b-b-because it belongs to a woman, —- women are evil, they can harm you.” However, recent observations show that he has shifted from his earlier rigidity — he now accepts a woman’s money only if it is given to him by a man. His new reasoning is that since the money was not in the possession of a woman, at this point in time, that it seizes to belong to her and he is thus free to accept it (a new survival mechanism). As shown, Casa maintains good conversation and explains why he would not interact with women. To him, women are bad and spell nothing but evil and as such, should be avoided at all times. Casa discriminates as to his choice of where to beg for money. For example, he will neither approach any table where a woman is seated nor accept money from there. While driving home one day, one of the researchers noticed the insignia on a commercial vehicle, which reads thus, “BEWARE OF WOMEN.” Judging from this, Casa does not seem to be too far removed from the world of the sane. The difference between the driver and Casa lies in the manifestation of the mental challenges confronting them — while one drives, the other roams the streets. At least all parties nurse some fear about the looming socially defined “danger” women pose to humanity. His changed attitude toward receiving money shows that with help he could behave just like the sane.
Talia is a woman who likes to keep her environment clean even though she always looks unkempt. It is not uncommon to see her carrying a basket that she uses to collect the refuse she had personally swept up. We also observed that she always remembers where the basket is kept. Whenever Talia is agitated, particularly when she feels offended by somebody, she tries to make her case known by complaining to people whether they were listening or not. This tirade could go on for hours. It was however observed that sometimes she listens to appeals from people to calm down. She is well- known in the areas she frequents and seems to recognize many of the people. She also sometimes requests to be allowed to assist people, particularly the elderly, to sweep their premises. Talia’s case reminds us of a typical traditional Yoruba husband, his wife and children going to the farm. Usually, during the harvesting period, all except the man carry a basket with which the day’s proceeds would be carried to the village or town for sale.
Sha or “madam sanitation” is another lady on our list. She is usually over-dressed in that she wears at least two types of dresses at a time. In short, Sha looks overstuffed with clothes. Inquiry shows that she was married and has at least an adult son and that her husband who had lived in another town died recently. She enjoys listening and dancing rhythmically (always with a smile on her face) to music. However, she roams the streets whenever she is not dancing. We were also informed that she is never prevented from sleeping in the family house whenever she wanders into the place. Sha we call “madam sanitation” because she is always cautioning people about urinating in the gutter in front of the shopping centre where she usually spends her night.
After observing the subjects for about a year, we were able to list some common behaviours among these people as follows: (1) they all know how and when to go across the motorways. In short, none of the twenty-five “mentally ill” people “roaming the streets of Abeokuta metropolis that we observed for a duration of the study, ever attempted to cross the motor roads when it was not safe to do so; (2) they also have learnt to walk on the sidewalks (where available) and usually on the foot ways; (3) they generally do not care whether people are looking at them or not; (4) they seem to feed well, since they do not seem to fall sick like “normal” people; (5) they have routine routes that are specific to each of them; (6) they seem to have areas where they reside such as empty/abandoned bus stops, under trees and where they seem not to disturb anybody; (7) they are concerned about public hygiene in that we never once saw any of them defecate in public —in short, they seem to have been toilet trained; (8) they all seem to have been socialized or learnt in the early years that the genital areas should not be exposed. Thus, the males almost always have a piece of cloth tied/wrapped around their waists, while the females ensured that they also cover their chests; (9) none seem to be violent (the violent among the are usually forcefully relocated by community members); (10) each has some “property” (comprising of rags, or a bunch of junks or things we have discarded). The quantity and quality of the property depends on the will of each of them; (11) they can be classified as loners, in that even though they are a part of the crowd, they are at the periphery with each doing his/her “things” without much concern for the rest of us; and finally, (12) some of them show some signs of possible improvement particularly in their interpersonal relationship with people and have devised survival mechanisms. For example, (a) Banda knows the worth of money, when he is about to be cheated and how to fight for himself, (b) Casa will now accept a woman’s money so long as a man is offering it to him, and (c) Talia listens and sometimes calms down when appealed to. In all, beside their bizarreness, they seem to blend well with the masses while also maintaining uniform or patterned ways of life. It should also be mentioned that, just like the rest of us, age seem to be catching up with this set of people. They all show signs of having imbibed aspects of the culture as manifested in their daily behaviours. This is signals the fact that with little assistance and guidance they could be rehabilitated.
Conclusion
Having looked through some of the attempts made as regards the definition of mental illness, (except organic psychosis) and having observed those we have so categorized, we wish to conclude by agreeing with Thomas Szasz as he demonstrates in his writings (1961, 1996, 1998), that we need to find a more appropriate name for mental illness in the sense that we expect this behaviour to be out there and we succeed in getting it, just because we believe in it. We are also inclined to agree with Mechanic (1980:3) that the definition of mental illness in “terms of failures in social adjustment or lack of conformity to social expectations” is an inappropriate definition. While there is no doubt that some people have problems adjusting to certain life conditions. It is not necessarily true that they are mentally ill. Simply put, mental illness as it is generally used does not exist. No organic proof can establish (as there was none in the past) that neurosis and psychosis (except organic psychosis) exist. The confusion arises from the fact that we lack proper understanding of the behaviours and it is simply convenient for us with the assistance of the medical model to classify them as mental illness. For example, let us take a well publicized case. John Hinckley, Jr. planned and shot late former President Reagan and others. He was arrested and tried in court. Despite the fact that psychiatrists testified on both sides, none could cite any organic cause. Each tried to define him as either mentally ill or not based on abstract facts or causes. Yet he was found not to be guilty by reason of insanity for attempted murder. John Hinckley Jr. is still serving time in a mental institution and perhaps, will for the rest of his life. Who dares claim to have healed him when there is no physiological evidence? We do not doubt that medication can be used to control human behaviour and in fact channel the expected behaviour, but we believe that sometimes if left alone, or if the disturbing circumstances or conditions are removed, these people could return to their “normal” behaviour and perhaps the insane are those attempting to change the already labeled. For example, how can we explain the behaviour of the churchgoer who feels unfulfilled but goes haywire? How about the nursing mother of six children whose husband is jobless but yet has to see to the feeding of the children? What is the state of mind of the jobless husband in a male dominated society? Some people device coping mechanisms, such as the pregnant woman, also carrying a baby on her back with a four- year old child toddling along, who smirks this child each time she catches up with her pace while mumbling to herself. Our view is that if succour does not come on time, she could develop a mental breakdown.
Our trips to some Nigerian markets present some revelations. They are mostly populated by women from different occupations, with different facial expressions – some looking frustrated and for different reasons. Some because the car could not contain what they had purchased while for some others, it could be because they lacked enough money to purchase what they would need for their families and others still for overspending. It is indeed a jungle of wishes fulfilled and dashed and expressions waiting to be manifested and interpreted. Yet some are good managers of whatever problems that may confront them, while some simply flip to the other side and perhaps irredeemably. For example, some students choose to cheat in examinations while some develop phobia each time the examinations are around the corner. In summing up our view, it should be mentioned that we were told stories of some people who were insane but who somehow recovered and returned to the world of the sane without any known medication or organized treatment, after all hope had been lost. A well-celebrated case is that of an “insane” woman, who because she was impregnated by and unknown person, won the sympathy of a church. After a few weeks of spiritual “cleansing” and through divine intervention, she became “sane” again and was reunited with her husband who lived in another town and had reported that she was missing some months earlier. Another case is that of a woman who was undergoing treatment for depression. After several failed attempts, her doctor decided to try an alternative to medication. The diagnosis revealed that the woman was under pressure from having to pay the high fees for her (four) children who were attending private schools. After taking to her doctor’s advice by relocating the children to public schools, the depression subsided. In short, what matters is our ability to manage our individual problems while maintaining expected societal standards. Without a doubt, however, it is the opportunity/access to reinforcement from the people around us that makes the difference.
We wish to re-emphasize here that mental illness (as used today) is a human social construction. This construction is vulnerable to change with time, place, and culture (Szasz, 1961) and it depends, also, on who the actor is, how he is perceived, the available opportunities, and of course, the perception of social definitions and self.
We wish to conclude by saying that even though we appear to ignore them, yet we are aware that they are there and we consciously move out of their way. We are constantly accessing them by their behaviours and on that basis, judge and decide how to treat and react to them. If we adjudge them as peaceful or as not encroaching into our space, we usually mind our business but keep reasonable distance. If adjudged violent, we tolerate them to the extent that they do not threaten our existence otherwise we forcefully remove them from the streets. Usually these people seem to have mastered/retained the survival cues and have imbibed the “live and let live” syndrome. This is definitely neither accidental nor instinctual. In short, they only seem to notice us or intrude into our world when there is felt need and they consider us as their only saviours. For example, rather than take our possession such as food, they beg (usually by wordlessly pointing their open palms at us or by gesticulating – acting like somebody putting food into his mouth) for it; they will drink water from any source and help themselves to some of our unwanted clothes and properties. Some will remove cloth banners and use these to cover themselves, others somehow seem to get fed and clothed sometimes by their relatives, while some others barely survive. Only God knows how they manage for they move around like birds whose behaviours are dictated by instinct. Thus, sometimes we see them and at other times they disappear. Despite all, we allow them to roam our streets. Why do they have to be stigmatized and should be classified as mad and not simply as mentally challenged? For example, we refer to some people as the physically challenged and we try very hard to assist them.
Recommendations
As presented above, these people show patterned ways of behaving and seem to have acquired pieces of our normal behaviours. There seem to be a ray of hope that these people can be assisted to live better and conventional lives. One of such organization, “Concerned People International” founded by Mrs. Jumoke Martins, an Evangelist, General Manager of a thriving plant service and a law student, exists in Lagos, Nigeria. Martins started by taking food and clothes to these people. Her earlier fear of the “mad” as violent, unapproachable and unreachable people was allayed as she says, “by the time I got to them, surprisingly, they all received me with warm embrace” (Martin, 2004). Research that is aimed at studying the effect of teaching some of these people how to make a living by making some crafts for sale, is on going. Arising from these observations, it is recommended that a programme be establish to assist those we have classified into this category. The programme should be non institutional but should involve workers who will forge some interactions with them while also presenting them with expected societal models. Further, it is recommended that the providers of assistance should be non-governmental. This suggestion is meant to ensure that clients are treated out of genuine concern for their welfare rather than from the financial gains that may accrue to the workers or helpers.
References
Ackerknect, E. H. A. 1968. A Short History of Psychiatry. New York: Haefner
Asuni, T. 1968. “Vagrant Psychotic in Abeokuta.” In Deuxieme Colloque
Africain de Psychiatric. Dakar, Senegal, 5-9 (Marc) Paris: Audecam
115-123.
Babbie, Earl. 2005. The Basics of Research. Fourth Edition. Belmont, CA:
Thomson Wadsworth.
Berger, Peter L.; Luckmann, Thomas. 1967. The Social Construction of
Reality: A Treatise in Sociology in the Knowledge. New York:Anchor.
Coleman, John R. 2001. “Dairy of a Homeless Man.” In Down to Earth
Sociology. Introductory Readings. Eleventh Edition. Edited by James
M. Henslin. New York: Free Press. Pp 205-217.
Conrad, Peter; Schneider, Joseph W. 1980. Deviance and Medicalization:
From Badness to Sickness. London: Mosby.
Diller, Lawrence H. 2006. The Last Normal Child: Essays on the Intersection
of Kids, Culture, and Psychiatric Drugs. West Point: Praeger.
Eisenberg, Leon. 2007. Book Forum. American Journal of Psychiatry 164:835-
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Introductory Readings. Edited by Henslin, James M. New York: free
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Psychotherapy New York: Schocken.
Henslin, James M. 2001. Down-to-Earth Sociology: Introductory Readings.
New York: Free Press.
Henslin, James M. 2002. Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach.
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
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Martin, Jumoke. 2004. “I Feel Fulfilled Taking Care of Mad People.” Features
Section. Vanguard.
Lambo, Adeoye. 1963. “Growth and Development of an African Child.” Pan
African Conference, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Laosebikan, Supo A. 1973. “Mental Health in Nigeria: The promise of a
Behavioural Approach in Treatment and Rehabilitation.” Journal of
Black Studies 4:2. December.
Lickey, Marvin E.; Gordon, Barbara. 1983. Drugs for Mental Illness: A
Revolution in Psychiatry. New York: Freeman.
Mechanic, David. 1980. Mental Health and Social Policy. Englewood
Cliffs:Prentice Hall.
Neustatter, Lindesay W. 1957. Psychological Disorder and Crime. New York:
Philosophical Library.
Nugent, Joe. 2005. “Bioethics Subject of Obermann Symposium.” Education
at Iowa. Fall.
Ogungbile, David 0. 2004. “Religious Experience and Women Leardership In
Yoruba (Nigeria) Islam: A Case Study of Alhaja Sheidat Mujidat
Adeoye.” Gender and Behaviour: 2:117-140.
Rosenhan, D. L. 1973. “On Being Sane in Insane Places” Science: 179:250-
258.
Scheff, Malcolm; Kitsuse, John. 1974. “Labeling Theory of Madness.”
American Sociological Review, 39 (June): 444-452.
Sidel, Ruth. 1975. “Mental Disease in China and their Treatment.” In Labeling
Madness Edited by Thomas Scheff. Englewood Cliffs:Prentice-Hall
Shopeju, J. 0. 1983. “The Social Control of Mental Illness in Nigeria.”
Unpublished Area Paper. M.A. Degree Requirement, University of
Iowa.
Sow, Alfa I. 1980. Anthropological Structures of Madness in Africa.
Translated by Joyce Diamanti. New York: International University.
Szasz, Thomas, 1961. The Myth of Mental Illness. New York:Hoeber-Harper.
Szasz, Thomas. 1996. “Mental Illness is Still a Myth.” In Lawrence M.
Salinger. Guilford, Conn.: Dushkin. Pp. 200-205.
Szasz, Thomas. 1998. Cruel Comparison: Psychiatric Control of Society’s
Unwanted. Syracuse University Press.
Veith, I. 1955. “Psychiatric Thought in Chinese Medicine.” Journal of History,
Medical and Allied Science:10:261-268.
Webb, Eugene J.; Campbell, Donald T.; Schwartz, Richard D.; Sechrest, Lee,
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Yarrow, Marian; Charlotte G.; Murphy, Harriets; Deasy, Leila C, 1968. “The
Psychological Meaning of Mental Illness in the Family.” In Deviance.
Edited by Probington and Weinber, pp 31-41.
Posted in ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT |
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Top Celebrity addiction specialist, Nancy Szakacsy, speaks on how one could hide alcoholism from loved ones. She refers to mother from NY who killed seven, including her own children and nieces, by driving wrong way on Taconic Parkway. Husband says he never saw her drunk yet she had equivalent of 10 shots of Vodka in three hour period at time of crash.
My wife won’t stop drinking within an inch of her life — is there anything else we can do?
Dear Stanton,
My wife was self-medicating with alcohol, developed liver problems, went to specialists for treatment. She was also depressed, which was not "picked up" by either our HMO doctor or myself.
Well, my wife was improving and had totally abstained from alcohol until I started traveling again and she was alone. I came home one Friday and she was not feeling well. On Saturday she threw up a blood clot. We called the MD and he said don’t worry about it. By Tuesday AM she was in a coma at our residence. I called 911 and had her taken to the ER where they told me she was going to die. Her hemoglobin was 2.3. They stabilized her, repaired the bleeding, and she was on her way. It was not known at that time if or how her brain was damaged.
Well, 15 days after being in CCU they were going to extubate her on Sunday morning. I received a call from our pulmonary MD that she had stopped breathing, her heart stopped, they called a code — did 4 minutes of CPR — pronounced her dead and the MD left the room. My pulmonary MD arrived and as the were taking the wires off of her "corpse" he noticed a pulse in her neck. He re-intubated her and she was back 15 minutes later.
After being told she would not survive, she was brain dead, would never walk etc. she got out of the hospital in another 45 days. Her main challenge now is that her short term memory is extremely bad which leads to my question. Her nuero-psychologist has told me he could find only 16 cases in the US whereby someone that was without oxygen for that period of time actually lived.
This incident happened in September of 1996 so she has had two years of rehab and is doing OK from that standpoint. But she has been depressed as she states that "she is not like she used to be" and realizes that there are deficiencies. She knows that if she drinks alcohol that it will lead to liver failure, although her liver test are all normal now (I used milk thistle and phosphytidyl choline which I feel was the big help in getting her liver rebuilt).
She is taking Zoloft for the depression (100mg/day) and Depakpote (250mg — 3 x’s per day) for tremors and to help with her mood. She is now self medicating with vodka — primarily in the afternoons when she feels "down." The MD has given her anabuse which kept her clean for about two to three weeks. She now drinks and throws up — probably 3 times per week — again in the afternoons. She states that she feels depressed and that just the one drink of vodka gives her a calming effect. She wants to live. I have taken her to therapy and the therapist has said that her memory is not there to give her therapy.
Again back to the question. What do you feel the approach can be with her suffering from the memory loss? Would any programs or types of treatment work with this short term memory problem? When she drinks, she will not remember it an hour later.
Thank you in advance for your input on this. I love her and want to help!
Doug
Dear Doug:
This is an overwhelming case. If ever drinking was counterindicated, your wife is such a case. Yet she drinks on top of anabuse!
I and everyone else would tell her to stop drinking. Yet, the question is (is this part of what you are asking?) if she is going to drink, there has to be a way to safeguard it as much as is humanly possible. Are you saying that she may be capable of drinking only one vodka, if only she could remember she has already had one? If that’s the question, then a simple marking system, like an abacus, where she indicates that she has had her afternoon drink, could serve.
This case is to me a not unusual human situation in which people will never do what they are told or is best for them, but some accommodation must nonetheless be made.
My best wishes,
Stanton
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Stanton Peele has been investigating, thinking, and writing about addiction since 1969. His first bombshell book, “Love and Addiction”, appeared in 1975. Its experiential and environmental approach to addiction revolutionized thinking on the subject by indicating that addiction is not limited to narcotics, or to drugs at all, and that addiction is a pattern of behavior and experience which is best understood by examining an individual’s relationship with his/her world. This is a distinctly nonmedical approach. It views addiction as a general pattern of behavior that nearly everyone experiences in varying degrees at one time or another.
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Alcoholism is a term with multiple and sometimes conflicting definitions to refer to the consumption of alcoholic beverages. In common and historic usage, alcoholism refers to any condition that results in the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, despite health problems and negative social consequences. Modern medical definitions[1] describe alcoholism as a disease and addiction which results in a persistent use of alcohol despite negative consequences. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, alcoholism, also referred to as dipsomania[2] described a preoccupation with, or compulsion toward the consumption of, alcohol and/or an impaired ability to recognize the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
Although not all of these definitions specify current and on-going use of alcohol as a qualifier for alcoholism, some do, as well as remarking on the long-term effects of consistent, heavy alcohol use, including dependence and symptoms of withdrawal.
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While the ingestion of alcohol is, by definition, necessary to develop alcoholism, the use of alcohol does not predict the development of alcoholism. It is estimated that 9% of the general population is predisposed to alcoholism based on genetic factors.[citation needed] The quantity, frequency and regularity of alcohol consumption required to develop alcoholism varies greatly from person to person. In addition, although the biological mechanisms underpinning alcoholism are uncertain, some risk factors, including social environment, stress,[3] emotional health, genetic predisposition, age, and gender have been identified. For example, those who consume alcohol at an early age, by age 16 or younger, are at a higher risk of alcohol dependence or abuse. Also, studies indicate that the proportion of men with alcohol dependence are higher than that of the proportion of women, 7% and 2.5% respectively, although women are more vulnerable to long-term consequences of alcoholism. Around 90% of adults in United States consume alcohol and more than 700,000 of them are treated daily for alcoholism.[4] Professor David Zaridze, who led the international research team, calculated that alcohol had killed three million Russians since 1987.[5]
Definitions and terminology
The definitions of alcoholism and related terminology vary significantly between the medical community, treatment programs, and the general public.
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Medical definitions
The Journal of the American Medical Association defines alcoholism as "a primary, chronic disease characterized by impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking."[6]
The DSM-IV (the standard for diagnosis in psychiatry and psychology) defines alcohol abuse as repeated use despite recurrent adverse consequences.[7] It further defines alcohol dependence as alcohol abuse combined with tolerance, withdrawal, and an uncontrollable drive to drink.[7] (See DSM diagnosis below.)
According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology, alcoholism is the popular term for alcohol dependence.[7] Note that there is debate whether dependence in this use is physical (characterised by withdrawal), psychological (based on reinforcement), or both.
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Terminology
Many terms are applied to a drinker’s relationship with alcohol. Use, misuse, heavy use, abuse, addiction, and dependence are all common labels used to describe drinking habits, but the actual meaning of these words can vary greatly depending upon the context in which they are used. Even within the medical field, the definition can vary between areas of specialization. The term "dipsomania" is used in medical and psychiatric circles to identify a condition which is characterized by the uncontrollable craving for alcohol or other intoxicants, which manifests for unknown reasons, and can be confused with alcoholism.
Use refers to simple use of a substance. An individual who drinks any alcoholic beverage is using alcohol. Misuse, problem use, abuse,[8] and heavy use do not have standard definitions, but suggest consumption of alcohol to the point where it causes physical, social, or moral harm to the drinker. The definitions of social and moral harm are highly subjective and therefore differ from individual to individual.
Within politics, abuse is often used to refer to the illegal use of any substance. Within the broad field of medicine, abuse sometimes refers to use of prescription medications in excess of the prescribed dosage, sometimes refers to use of a prescription drug without a prescription, and sometimes refers to use that results in long-term health problems. Within religion, abuse can refer to any use of a poorly regarded substance. The term is often avoided because it can cause confusion with audiences that do not necessarily share a single definition.
Remission is often used to refer to a state where an alcoholic is no longer showing symptoms of alcoholism. The American Psychiatric Association considers remission to be a condition where the physical and mental symptoms of alcoholism are no longer evident, regardless of whether or not the person is still drinking. They further subdivide those in remission into early or sustained, and partial or full.
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Etymology
1904 advertisement describing alcoholism a disease.The term "alcoholism" was first used in 1849 by the physician Magnus Huss to describe the systematic adverse effects of alcohol.[9]
In the United States, use of the word "alcoholism" was largely popularized by the founding and growth of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935[citation needed]. AA’s basic text, known as the "Big Book," describes alcoholism as an illness that involves a physical allergy[10]:p.xxviii and a mental obsession.[10]:p.23[11] Note that the definition of "allergy" used in this context is not the same as used in modern medicine.[12]
A 1960 study by E. Morton Jellinek is considered the foundation of the modern disease theory of alcoholism.[13] Jellinek’s definition restricted the use of the word "alcoholism" to those showing a particular natural history. The modern medical definition of alcoholism has been revised numerous times since then. The American Medical Association currently uses the word alcoholism to refer to a particular chronic primary disease.[14]
A minority opinion within the field, notably advocated by Herbert Fingarette and Stanton Peele, argue against the existence of alcoholism as a disease. Critics of the disease model tend to use the term "heavy drinking" when discussing the negative effects of alcohol consumption.
Epidemiology
Total recorded yearly alcohol per capita consumption (15+), in litres of pure alcohol[15]Substance use disorders are a major public health problem facing many countries. "The most common substance of abuse/dependence in patients presenting for treatment is alcohol."[16] In the United Kingdom, the number of ‘dependent drinkers’ was calculated as over 2.8 million in 2001.[17] The World Health Organization estimates that about 140 million people throughout the world suffer from alcohol dependence.[18][19]
Within the medical and scientific communities, there is broad consensus regarding alcoholism as a disease state. For example, the American Medical Association considers alcohol a drug and states that "drug addiction is a chro
nic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite often devastating consequences. It results from a complex interplay of biological vulnerability, environmental exposure, and developmental factors (e.g., stage of brain maturity)."[14]
Current evidence indicates that in both men and women, alcoholism is 50-60% genetically determined, leaving 40-50% for environmental influences.[20]
A 2002 study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism surveyed a group of 4,422 adult alcoholics and found that after one year some were no longer alcoholics, even though only 25.5% of the group received any treatment,[21] with the breakdown as follows:
25% still dependent
27.3% in partial remission (some symptoms persist)
11.8% asymptomatic drinkers (consumption increases chances of relapse)
35.9% fully recovered — made up of 17.7% low-risk drinkers plus 18.2% abstainers.
In contrast, however, the results of a long term (60 year) follow-up of two groups of alcoholic men by George Vaillant at Harvard Medical School indicated that "return to controlled drinking rarely persisted for much more than a decade without relapse or evolution into abstinence."[22] Vaillant also noted that "return-to-controlled drinking, as reported in short-term studies, is often a mirage."
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Identification and diagnosis
Multiple tools are available to those wishing to conduct screening for alcoholism. Identification of alcoholism may be difficult because there is no detectable physiologic difference between a person who drinks frequently and a person with the condition. Identification involves an objective assessment regarding the damage that imbibing alcohol does to the drinker’s life compared with the subjective benefits the drinker perceives from consuming alcohol. While there are many cases where an alcoholic’s life has been significantly and obviously damaged, there are always borderline cases that can be difficult to classify. Unless they have M.C. type symptoms, and in these cases are probably alcoholics, no diagnosis needed.
Addiction Medicine specialists have extensive training with respect to diagnosing and treating patients with alcoholism.
Screening
Several tools may be used to detect a loss of control of alcohol use. These tools are mostly self reports in questionnaire form. Another common theme is a score or tally that sums up the general severity of alcohol use.
The CAGE questionnaire, named for its four questions, is one such example that may be used to screen patients quickly in a doctor’s office.
Two "yes" responses indicate that the respondent should be investigated further. The questionnaire asks the following questions:
Have you ever felt you needed to Cut down on your drinking?
Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
Have you ever felt Guilty about drinking?
Have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning (Eye-opener) to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?[23][24]
The CAGE questionnaire, among others, has been extensively validated for use in identifying alcoholism. It is not valid for diagnosis of other substance use disorders, although somewhat modified versions of the CAGE are frequently implemented for such a purpose.
The Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire is a more sensitive diagnostic test than the CAGE test.[25] It helps distinguish a diagnosis of alcohol dependence from one of heavy alcohol use.
The Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) is a screening tool for alcoholism widely used by courts to determine the appropriate sentencing for people convicted of alcohol-related offenses,[26] driving under the influence being the most common.
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a screening questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization. This test is unique in that it has been validated in six countries and is used internationally.[27] Like the CAGE questionnaire, it uses a simple set of questions – a high score earning a deeper investigation.
The Paddington Alcohol Test (PAT) was designed to screen for alcohol related problems amongst those attending Accident and Emergency departments. It concords well with the AUDIT questionnaire but is administered in a fifth of the time.[28]
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Genetic predisposition testing
Psychiatric geneticists John I. Nurnberger, Jr., and Laura Jean Bierut suggest that alcoholism does not have a single cause—including genetic—but that genes do play an important role "by affecting processes in the body and brain that interact with one another and with an individual’s life experiences to produce protection or susceptibility." They also report that fewer than a dozen alcoholism-related genes have been identified, but that more likely await discovery.[29]
At least one genetic test exists for an allele that is correlated to alcoholism and opiate addiction.[30] Human dopamine receptor genes have a detectable variation referred to as the DRD2 TaqI polymorphism. Those who possess the A1 allele (variation) of this polymorphism have a small but significant tendency towards addiction to opiates and endorphin releasing drugs like alcohol.[31] Although this allele is slightly more common in alcoholics and opiate addicts, it is not by itself an adequate predictor of alcoholism, and some researchers argue that evidence for DRD2 is contradictory.[29]
DSM diagnosis
The DSM-IV diagnosis of alcohol dependence represents one approach to the definition of alcoholism. In part this is to assist in the development of research protocols in which findings can be compared with one another. According to the DSM-IV, an alcohol dependence diagnosis is:
…maladaptive alcohol use with clinically significant impairment as manifested by at least three of the following within any one-year period: tolerance; withdrawal; taken in greater amounts or over longer time course than intended; desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use; great deal of time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from use; social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced; continued use despite knowledge of physical or psychological sequelae.
Urine and blood tests
There are reliable tests for the actual use of alcohol, one common test being that of blood alcohol content (BAC). These tests do not differentiate alcoholics from non-alcoholics; however, long-term heavy drinking does have a few recognizable effects on the body, including:
Macrocytosis (enlarged MCV)1
Elevated GGT²
Moderate elevation of AST and ALT and an AST: ALT ratio of 2:1.
High carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT)
However, none of these blood tests for biological markers are as sensitive as screening questionaires.
Effects of long term alcohol misuse
Main article: Long-term effects of alcohol
The primary effect of alcoholism is to encourage the sufferer to drink at times and in amounts that are damaging to physical health. The secondary damage caused by an inability to control one’s drinking manifests in many ways. Alcoholism also has significant social costs to both the alcoholic and their family and friends. Alcoholics have a very high suicide rate and studies show between 8% and 21% of alcoholics commit suicide. Alcoholism also has a significant adverse impact on mental health. The risk of suicide among alcoholics has been determined to be 5,080 times that of the general public.[32]
Physical health effects
It is common for a person suffering from
alcoholism to drink well after physical health effects start to manifest. The physical health effects associated with alcohol consumption may include cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, epilepsy, polyneuropathy, alcoholic dementia, heart disease, increased chance of cancer, nutritional deficiencies, sexual dysfunction, and death from many sources. Severe cognitive problems are not uncommon in alcoholics. Approximately 10% of all dementia cases are alcohol related making alcohol the 2nd leading cause of dementia.[33]
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Mental health effects
Long term misuse of alcohol can cause a wide range of mental health effects. Alcohol misuse is not only toxic to the body but also to brain function and thus psychological well being can be adversely affected by the long-term effects of alcohol misuse. Psychiatric disorders are common in alcoholics, especially anxiety and depression disorders, with as many as 25% of alcoholics presenting with severe psychiatric disturbances. Typically these psychiatric symptoms caused by alcohol misuse initially worsen during alcohol withdrawal but with abstinence these psychiatric symptoms typically gradually improve or disappear altogether.[34] Psychosis, confusion and organic brain syndrome may be induced by chronic alcohol abuse which can lead to a misdiagnosis of major mental health disorders such as schizophrenia.[35] Panic disorder can develop as a direct result of long term alcohol misuse. Panic disorder can also worsen or occur as part of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome.[36] Chronic alcohol misuse can cause panic disorder to develop or worsen an underlying panic disorder via distortion of the neurochemical system in the brain.[37]
The co-occurrence of major depressive disorder and alcoholism is well documented.[38][39][40] Among those with comorbid occurrences, a distinction is commonly made between depressive episodes that are secondary to the pharmacological or toxic effects of heavy alcohol use and remit with abstinence, and depressive episodes that are primary and do not remit with abstinence. Additional use of other drugs may increase the risk of depression in alcoholics.[41] Depressive episodes with an onset prior to heavy drinking or those that continue in the absence of heavy drinking are typically referred to as "independent" episodes, whereas those that appear to be etiologically related to heavy drinking are termed "substance-induced".[42][43][44]
Social effects
The social problems arising from alcoholism can be massive and are caused in part due to the serious pathological changes induced in the brain from prolonged alcohol misuse and partly because of the intoxicating effects of alcohol.[33] Being drunk or hung over during work hours can result in loss of employment, which can lead to financial problems including the loss of living quarters. Drinking at inappropriate times, and behavior caused by reduced judgment, can lead to legal consequences, such as criminal charges for drunk driving or public disorder, or civil penalties for tortious behavior. An alcoholic’s behavior and mental impairment while drunk can profoundly impact surrounding family and friends, possibly leading to marital conflict and divorce, or contributing to domestic violence. This can contribute to lasting damage to the emotional development of the alcoholic’s children, even after they reach adulthood. The alcoholic could suffer from loss of respect from others who may see the problem as self-inflicted and easily avoided.
Alcohol withdrawal
Main article: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
Alcohol withdrawal differs significantly from most other drugs in that it can be directly fatal. For example it is extremely rare for heroin withdrawal to be fatal. When people die from heroin or cocaine withdrawal they typically have serious underlying health problems which are made worse by the strain of acute withdrawal. An alcoholic, however, who has no serious health issues, has a significant risk of dying from the direct effects of withdrawal if it is not properly managed. Drugs which have a similar mechanism of action to alcohol also have a similar risk of causing death during withdrawal, including barbiturates and benzodiazepines.
Alcohol’s primary effect is the increase in stimulation of the GABAA receptor, promoting central nervous system depression. With repeated heavy consumption of alcohol, these receptors are desensitized and reduced in number, resulting in tolerance and physical dependence. Thus when alcohol is stopped, especially abruptly, the person’s nervous system suffers from uncontrolled synapse firing. This can result in symptoms that include anxiety, life threatening seizures, delirium tremens and hallucinations, shakes and possible heart failure.
Acute withdrawal symptoms tend to subside after 1 – 3 weeks. Less severe symptoms (e.g. insomnia and anxiety) may continue as part of a post withdrawal syndrome gradually improving with abstinence for a year or more. Withdrawal symptoms begin to subside as the body and central nervous system makes adaptations to reverse tolerance and restore GABA function towards normal. Other neurotransmitter systems are involved, especially glutamate and NMDA.
Treatments
Treatments for alcoholism are quite varied because there are multiple perspectives for the condition itself. Those who approach alcoholism as a medical condition or disease recommend differing treatments than, for instance, those who approach the condition as one of social choice.
Most treatments focus on helping people discontinue their alcohol intake, followed up with life training and/or social support in order to help them resist a return to alcohol use. Since alcoholism involves multiple factors which encourage a person to continue drinking, they must all be addressed in order to successfully prevent a relapse. An example of this kind of treatment is detoxification followed by a combination of supportive therapy, attendance at self-help groups, and ongoing development of coping mechanisms. The treatment community for alcoholism typically supports an abstinence-based zero tolerance approach; however, there are some who promote a harm-reduction approach as well.[16]
Effectiveness
When considering the effectiveness of treatment options, one must consider the success rate based on those who enter a program, not just those who complete it. Since completion of a program is the qualification for success, success among those who complete a program is generally near 100%. It is also important to consider not just the rate of those reaching treatment goals but the rate of those relapsing. Results should also be compared to the roughly 5% rate at which people will quit on their own.[45] A year after completing a rehab program, about a third of alcoholics are sober, an additional 40 percent are substantially improved but still drink heavily on occasion, and a quarter have completely relapsed.[46]
Detoxification
Main article: Alcohol detoxification
Alcohol detoxification or ‘detox’ for alcoholics is an abrupt stop of alcohol drinking coupled with the substitution of drugs that have similar effects to prevent alcohol withdrawal.
Detoxification treats the physical effects of prolonged use of alcohol, but does not actually treat alcoholism. After detox is complete, relapse is likely without further treatment. These rehabilitations (or ‘rehabs’) may take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
Group therapy and psychotherapy
A regional service center for Alcoholics Anonymous.After detoxification, various forms of group therapy or psychotherapy can be used to deal with underlying psychological issues that are related to alcohol addiction, as well as provide relapse prevention skills.
The mutual-help group-counselin
g approach is one of the most common ways of helping alcoholics maintain sobriety. Many organizations have been formed to provide this service. Alcoholics Anonymous was the first group, and has more members than all other programs combined. Some of the others include LifeRing Secular Recovery, Rational Recovery, SMART Recovery, and Women For Sobriety.
Rationing and moderation
Rationing and moderation programs such as Moderation Management and DrinkWise do not mandate complete abstinence. While most alcoholics are unable to limit their drinking in this way, some return to moderate drinking. A 2002 U.S. study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) showed that 17.7% of individuals diagnosed as alcohol dependent more than one year prior returned to low-risk drinking. However, this group showed fewer initial symptoms of dependency.[47] A follow-up study, using the same NESARC subjects that were judged to be in remission in 2001-2002, examined the rates of return to problem drinking in 2004-2005. The major conclusion made by the authors of this NIAAA study was "Abstinence represents the most stable form of remission for most recovering alcoholics".[48]
Medications
A variety of medications may be prescribed as part of treatment for alcoholism.
Antabuse (disulfiram) prevents the elimination of acetaldehyde, a chemical the body produces when breaking down ethanol. Acetaldehyde itself is the cause of many hangover symptoms from alcohol use. The overall effect is severe discomfort when alcohol is ingested: an extremely fast-acting and long-lasting uncomfortable hangover. This discourages an alcoholic from drinking in significant amounts while they take the medicine. A recent 9-year study found that incorporation of supervised disulfiram and a related compound carbamide into a comprehensive treatment program resulted in an abstinence rate of over 50%.[49]
Naltrexone is a competitive antagonist for opioid receptors, effectively blocking our ability to use endorphins and opiates. Alcohol releases endorphins, hence when naltrexone is in the body drinkers no longer get any pleasure from consuming alcohol. Naltrexone is used in two very different forms of treatment. The first treatment uses naltrexone to decrease cravings for alcohol and encourage abstinence. The other treatment, called pharmacological extinction, combines naltrexone with normal drinking habits in order to reverse the endorphin conditioning that causes alcohol addiction. This results in a reduced desire to drink that persists after naltrexone use is discontinued, as long as the patient always takes naltrexone before drinking.
Naltrexone comes in two forms. Oral naltrexone (originally but no longer available as the brand ReVia) is a pill that must be taken one hour before drinking to be effective. Vivitrol is a time-release formulation that is injected in the buttocks once a month.
Acamprosate (also known as Campral) is thought to stabilize the chemical balance of the brain that would otherwise be disrupted by alcoholism. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this drug in 2004, saying "While its mechanism of action is not fully understood, Campral is thought to act on the brain pathways related to alcohol abuse… Campral proved superior to placebo in maintaining abstinence for a short period of time…"[50] The COMBINE study was unable to demonstrate efficacy for Acamprosate.[51]
Topiramate (brand name Topamax), a derivative of the naturally occurring sugar monosaccharide D-fructose, has been found effective in helping alcoholics quit or cut back on the amount they drink. In one study heavy drinkers were six times more likely to remain abstinent for a month if they took the medication, even in small doses.[52][53] In another study, those who received topiramate had fewer heavy drinking days, fewer drinks per day and more days of continuous abstinence than those who received the placebo.[54] Evidence suggests that topiramate antagonizes excitatory glutamate receptors, inhibits dopamine release, and enhances inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid function. A 2008 review of the effectiness of topiramate concluded that the results of published trials are promising, however at this time, data are insufficient to support using topiramate in conjunction with brief weekly compliance counseling as a first-line agent for alcohol dependence. [55]
Dual addictions
The AMA definition of alcoholism refers to a disease entity involving the use of alcohol and any cross-tolerant sedative-hypnotic, including barbiturates and benzodiazepines. As discussed above, the DSM-IV definition of alcohol dependence refers to alcohol only, and DSM-IV uses sedative dependence to refer to the disease entity involving non-alcohol sedative agents. Alcoholics may also require treatment for other psychotropic drug addictions. The most common dual addiction in alcohol dependence is a benzodiazepine dependence with studies showing 10 – 20% of alcohol dependent individuals having problems of dependence and/or misuse problems of benzodiazepines. Note that using alcoholism’s definition, there is no dual addiction if one uses both alcohol and any solid sedative. Dependence on other sedative hypnotics such as zolpidem and zopiclone as well as opiates also occurs as well as illegal drugs. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can like alcohol be medically severe and include the risk of psychosis and seizures if not managed properly.[56] Benzodiazepine dependency requires careful reduction in dosage to avoid a serious benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome and health consequences. Benzodiazepines have the problem of increasing cravings for alcohol in problem alcohol consumers. Benzodiazepines also increase the volume of alcohol consumed by problem drinkers.[57]
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Women and alcoholism
Alcoholism has a higher prevalence among men, though in recent decades, the proportion of female alcoholics has increased.[58] It is important to articulate the different biological and social ways alcoholism manifests in women in order to understand barriers to treatment and effective recovery strategies.
Biological differences and physiological effects
Biologically, women have symptom profiles from their alcohol use that differ in important ways from men. They experience a telescoping of physiological effects from alcohol use. Equal dosages of alcohol consumed by men and women generally result in women having higher blood alcohol concentrations (BACs).[59] This can be attributed to many reasons, the main being that women have less body water than men. A given amount of alcohol, therefore becomes more highly concentrated in a woman’s body. Besides this fact, women also become more intoxicated, which is due to different hormone release.[60]
Women develop long-term complications of alcohol dependence more rapidly than do alcoholic men. Additionally, women have a higher mortality rate from alcoholism than men.[61] Examples of long term complications include brain, heart, and liver damage[62] and an increased risk for breast cancer. Additionally, heavy drinking over time has been found to have a negative effect on reproductive functioning in women. This results in reproductive dysfunction such as anovulation, decreased ovarian mass, irregular menses, amenorrhea, luteal phase dysfunction, and early menopause.[63]
Psychological and emotional effects
Psychiatric disorders are generally more prevalent among those with alcohol disorders. This is true for both men and women, however the disorders differ depending on gender. Women who have alcohol-use disorders have co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis such as major depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bulimia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or borderline personality disorder. Men wi
th alcohol-use disorders more often have co-occurring diagnosis of narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, impulse disorders and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.[64]
Women with alcoholism are also more likely to have a history of physical or sexual assault, abuse and domestic violence than those in the general population.[65] This trauma can lead to higher instances of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and a greater dependence on alcohol.
Societal barriers to treatment
Attitudes and social stereotypes about women and alcohol can create barriers to the detection and treatment of female alcohol abusers. Such beliefs stigmatize women who drink by characterizing them as "both generally and sexually immoral" or the "fallen women." Fear of stigmatization may lead women to deny that they are suffering from a medical condition, to hide their drinking, and to drink alone. This pattern, in turn, leads family, physicians, and others to be less likely to suspect that a woman they know is an alcoholic.[66]
In contrast, attitudes and social stereotypes about men and alcohol can lower barriers to the detection and treatment of male alcohol abusers. Such beliefs reward men who drink by characterizing them as "both generally and sexually moral" or the "risen men." Reduced fear of stigma may lead men to admit that they are suffering from a medical condition, to publicly display their drinking, and to drink in groups. This pattern, in turn, leads family, physicians, and others to be more likely to suspect that a man they know is an alcoholic.
Women also tend to have a greater fear that the negative implications from the stigma will reflect poorly on their families. This may also keep them from seeking help.[67]
Therefore, men also tend to have less fear that the negative implications from the stigma will reflect poorly on their families. This may encourage them to seek help.
Implications for treatment
Research has indicated a lack of adequate training for practitioners both in problematic alcohol use in general, and in relation to women’s issues.[68] The complexity of alcohol use disorders, particularly with gender-related issues, indicates that the need for practitioners’ knowledge, insight and compassion is enormous.[69] Better education and awareness surrounding the gender implications of alcoholism will help care providers to adequately treat women who suffer from alcoholism. Early intervention will also increase the probability of recovery.
Societal impact
The various health problems associated with long-term alcohol consumption are generally perceived as detrimental to society, for example, money due to lost labor-hours, medical costs, and secondary treatment costs. Alcohol use is a major contributing factor for head injuries, motor vehicle accidents, violence, and assaults. Beyond money, there is also the pain and suffering of the individuals besides the alcoholic affected. For instance, alcohol consumption by a pregnant woman can lead to Fetal alcohol syndrome,[70] an incurable and damaging condition.[71]
Estimates of the economic costs of alcohol abuse, collected by the World Health Organization, vary from one to six per cent of a country’s GDP.[72] One Australian estimate pegged alcohol’s social costs at 24 per cent of all drug abuse costs; a similar Canadian study concluded alcohol’s share was 41 per cent.[73]
A study quantified the cost to the UK of all forms of alcohol misuse as £18.5–20 billion annually (2001 figures).[17][74]
Stereotypes
Depiction of a wino or town drunkStereotypes of alcoholics are often found in fiction and popular culture. The ‘town drunk’ is a stock character in Western popular culture.
Stereotypes of drunkenness may be based on racism or xenophobia, as in the depiction of the Irish as heavy drinkers.[75][76] In Australia, Canada, and the United States, Aboriginal people have similarly been stereotyped as alcoholics.
On the other hand, studies by social psychologists Stivers and Greeley[77] attempt to document the perceived prevalence of high alcohol consumption amongst the Irish in America.
Alcohol related crime
See also: drug-related crime
Of the adult population at least three- fourths are drinkers, so about 6 percentage of the total group. The alcoholism rate runs about 8 percent to 12.Many reports state that about 73 percent of felonies are alcohol-related. A survey shows that in about 67 percent of child-beating cases, 41 percent of forcible rape cases, 80 percent of wife-battering, 72 percent of stabbings, and 83 percent of homicides, either the attacker or the victim or both had been effected by drinking. If we include alcohol abusers the best estimate is 10.5 of the working Americans.[78]–Cassie100 (talk) 15:02, 22 June 2009 (UTC)
In film and literature
In modern times, the recovery movement has led to more realistic depictions of problems that stem from heavy alcohol use. Authors such as Charles R. Jackson and Charles Bukowski describe their own alcohol addiction in their writings. The disjoined narrative of Patrick Hamilton’s Hangover Square reflects the alcoholism of its central character. A famous depiction of alcoholism, and the psychology of an alcoholic, is in Malcolm Lowry’s widely acclaimed novel Under the Volcano, which details the final day of the British consul Geoffrey Firmin on the Day of the Dead in 1939 Mexico and his choice to continue his extreme alcohol consumption instead of returning to the wife he loves.
Films like Bad Santa, Days of Wine and Roses, My Name is Bill W., Withnail and I, Arthur, Leaving Las Vegas, Shattered Spirits and The Lost Weekend, chronicle similar stories of alcoholism.
Politics and public health
Because alcohol use disorders are perceived as impacting society as a whole, governments and parliaments have formed alcohol policies in order to reduce the harm of alcoholism. The World Health Organization, the European Union and other regional bodies are working on alcohol action plans and programs.
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