Archieved Newsletters

BBL Current Events

White Papers

Educational Links

What's New

Educators Talk About Substance Abuse Bridge Back To Life Center has always believed drug and alcohol education, and public awareness, are society’s best defenses against the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction.

Drug and Alcohol
Treatment Activities We at Bridge Back To Life Center realize the connec-tion between mental and emotional well-being and promote any and all activity that helps with treatment and recovery programs.

BridgeVoices Tell Their Stories Online Across the country, people in recovery are celebrating their successes and sharing
them with others in an eff- ort to educate the public about treatment, see our website to read about our successes.

ISSUE NO. 1 - SUMMER 2005
IN THIS ISSUE: THE PRESIDENT’S LETTER plus

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S LETTER

BRIDGE TAKES A ROLE IN THE FORMATION OF THE ATPA
Addiction Treatment Providers Association Formed...

NEW MEDICATIONS REDUCE SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Improved Medications Used in Bridge Treatment Programs...

DR. JUMAN JOINS THE NYSPA ADDICTION DIVISION
According to Dr. Juman, “Addiction is arguably the biggest mental health problem in the United States.

IDENTIFYING CLUB DRUGS
An integral part of any youth-focused substance abuse treatment program is education...

BRIDGEVoices SPEAK-OUT
Across the country, people in recovery are celebrating their successes and sharing them with others...

SAVE THE DATES AND SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Check out these dates to see which conference or event fits your schedule...

BRIDGE BACK TO LIFE AWARDED 3 FEDERAL GRANTS

BRIDGE BACK IN THE COMMUNITY

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S LETTER Back to Topics

At Bridge Back To Life Center (BBL), we continue to help make positive changes in our community of outpatients for their addiction recovery and counseling needs. One of the many changes at the Bridge Back to Life Center is this inaugural issue of our quarterly newsletter.

Along with our new look, we want our readers to DISCOVER the Bridge Back to Life Center’s information tools, such as our new website, and take-home materials that address the needs of our outpatient community and their families.

In our ongoing efforts to keep our clients and colleagues in the professional community informed of our efforts and new advances in treatment, we will continue to provide the most up-to-date newsletters and literature.

We welcome your feedback and invite you to provide any helpful hints on how we can tailor our content to meet your needs.
Gary Butchen, Executive Director email: gbutchen@bridgebacktolife.com

BRIDGE TAKES A ROLE IN THE FORMATION OF THE ATPA Back to Topics

Addiction Treatment Providers Association Formed...

In January 2005, Bridge Back to Life joined Liberty Management Group, Cornerstone Treatment Network, Seafield Center and the Center for Addiction Recovery in forming the Executive Board of the newly formed Addiction Treatment Providers Association of New YOrk (ATPA).
Gary Butchen, our President & CEO has been chosen to be the first President of this State Wide Association.
The clear consensus among treatment programs was that an association representing the interests and goals of the proprietary programs of New York State was both long overdue and, more importantly, capable at this point in time of having a benefi cial impact for the fi eld.
So far more than 15 agencies have joined the ATPA with many more expected to sign on before the end of our fi rst year.
The association will create a dialog with those that regulate our programs, begin to reverse the tacit stigma connected to the for-profi t arena and gather the infl uence inherent in the collective weight of our programs, employees, alumni and families.
To date, the ATPA has held meetings with representatives of NYS OASAS, NYS Department of Health, Department of Budget, several State Senators and the Governor’s Offi ce. Currently the ATPA is working on a variety of issues statewide including coordinating with OASAS on the topic of Recovery Homes.

Evidenced-Based Practices:
Throughout its existence, Bridge Back to Life has always strived to provide the very best clinical programs available in order to maximize the recovery programs for our patients. Over the last several years key administrators of Bridge Back to Life, including Gary Butchen, our Executive Director, and Dr. Richard Juman, our Executive Clinical Director, as well as most of our clinical directors have participated in numerous city, state, and federal initiatives to introduce evidence-based practices into our treatment network.
Prevailing knowledge currently estimates that it takes nearly seven years for eff ective research based work to trickle down into the treatment community. Through enhanced initiatives such as SAMHSA Treatment Improvement Protocols, NYS OASAS Practice Research Network and Practice Research Collaborative as well as NYC Quality Impact, BBL has begun to introduce evidence-based practices into its treatment network in the expectation of drastically reducing the lag time into treatment while dramatically improving on our already stellar reputation as a quality chemical dependency treatment network.
Our NYC offi ce has volunteered to initiate a year-long project in conjunction with the NYC Quality Impact team to improve cultural competence across NYC providers. The Manhattan offi ce will be initiating programs designed to enhance treatment services and retain patients identifying themselves as gay, lesbian, or transgendered.
In similar news, for more than fi ve years BBL has been a participant collaborating with the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA), a project under the auspices of the National Institute for Health (NIH). The COGA studies deal primarily with brain wave function and diff erences (some of which are already known to be hereditable), between alcoholics and non-addicted people. In the family studies, the goal is to fi nd the genetic Predisposition to the heritable brainwave differences present in alcoholics (the genes leading to the predisposition of alcoholism). In the individual study, the primary goal is to continue to uncover brain wave diff erences between addicts and non-addicts and to see if any of those diff erences also show themselves to be hereditable.

NEW MEDICATIONS REDUCE SUBSTANCE ABUSE Back to Topics
Improved Medications Used in Bridge Treatment Programs...

Buprenorphine and Campral® are increasingly being used in the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse. Both off er important weapons in the fi ght against addiction when used in conjunction with an eff ective treatment program. BBL has readily incorporated the use of these proven medications into our treatment repertoire.

Since October 2002, Buprenorphine (Suboxone) has been available for the effective treatment of addiction to such Opiods as heroin, oxycontin and narcotic pain pills. Interestingly, Buprenorphine is itself an opioid medication, but does not produce euphoria or any kind of a “high” that is associated with other drugs in this category.

It substantially reduces the craving for other opioids by competitively binding to opioid receptors, thus eliminating any physical desire for additional drugs in this class. Moreover, Buprenorphine is easier to withdraw from than other opioids and safer in overdose. Used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, it has already proven to be eff ective in the cessation of certain types of substance abuse.

In collaboration with Reckitt Benckiser, the makers of Suboxone and the NYC Department of Health & Mental Health, Offi ce of Special Projects, BBL is piloting a project that will work with up to 50 inmates on Rikers Island. These men, who have been diagnosed with heroin addiction, are voluntarily participating in a project that will measure the eff ectiveness of Suboxone and treatment versus the standard protocol of methadone maintenance. Our utilization of Buprenorphine is also being followed through a nation wide project monitored by Wayne State University in Detroit which is tracking the admissions and outcomes of patients taking Buprenorphine at more than 25 treatment facilities nationwide.

On January 11, 2005, Campral® (acamprosate calcium) was made available to physicians, patients and pharmacies nationwide for the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence. Initially introduced by Forest Laboratories in August 2004 for clinical studies, Campral® is meant to be used only after abstinence has been initiated and only as part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support. Taken in delayed release tablets, it is an important step in helping mitigate the desire for alcohol among recovering addicts. By late February 2005, the psychiatrists of Bridge Back to Life Center had already met with the representatives of Forest Labs and begun dispensing this medication with good results to date.

Also receiving some recent attention is the anti-seizure medication Topiramate, which research has shown to be helpful for cocaine addicts in getting through the fi rst several months of abstinence. Cocaine is the latest addiction that Topiramate is
being tested for; the medication has already shown some success in relapse prevention for both alcohol and opiate addiction.

DR. JUMAN JOINS THE NYSPA ADDICTION DIVISION Back to Topics
According to Dr. Juman, “Addiction is arguably the biggest mental health problem in the United States.

Dr. Richard Juman, the Executive Clinical Director of Bridge Back to Life Center and a member of the Council of Representatives of the New York State Psychological Association, has been elected to the Executive Committee of NYSPA’s Division of Addictions. Other members of the Executive Committee include Dr. Scott Kellogg of the Rockefeller University and Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, both noted researchers and clinicians in the fi eld of substance abuse treatment.

According to Dr. Juman, “Addiction is arguably the biggest mental health problem in the United States. Psychologists have historically played an extremely signifi cant role in the treatment of addictive disorders, so it is not surprising that NYSPA’s Addictions Division has become a magnet for many clinicians who work in the arena of substance abuse and other addictions”.

He notes that psychologists have been involved in the development of many infl uential treatment ideologies, including Relapse Prevention (Marlatt), Motivational Interviewing (Miller), Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (Tatarsky; Denning), Contingency Management/Motivational Incentives (Bigelow).

Dr. Juman is currently involved in planning for the Addiction Division’s Annual Conference, to be held in the spring, 2006. He represented the Division on Legislative Lobby Day on Tuesday, April 19th, where he was able to discuss with state lawmakers the importance of passing Timothy’s Law, the mental health parity bill, and in a manner that does not eliminate coverage for substance abuse treatment from the parity legislation. This splintering of mental health parity by failing to include chemical
dependency services in the equation has occurred in other states, so it is critical that the importance of full parity continues to be highlighted.

Dr. Juman’s offi ce is in the Corporate Headquarters at 290 Madison Ave.
He can be reached at 212 661 4642 or at RGPSYCHPC@aol.com

IDENTIFYING CLUB DRUGS Back to Topics

One cultural by-product of the last 50 years has been a preponderance of substance abuse by young adults and adolescents.
Whether it is a case of youthful experimentation or peer pressure, we live in a culture where drugs are integral to the socialization process for many young people, spanning across socio-economic parameters.

In the 1950’s, alcohol abuse was the norm within the youth culture, accepted on college campuses and in clubs across the nation. Heroin was also prevalent, but largely relegated to lower income models. The following decade however, introduced drug abuse to a much wider youth population, spanning across all social boundaries.

In the 1960’s, such drugs as marijuana, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), psyllicybin and mescaline were strongly advocated throughout the youth counterculture. The next few decades produced a youth drug culture that was even more dangerous because of the prevalence of such highly addictive, anti-social substances as crack cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin.

Today, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has identifi ed an entire category known collectively as “club drugs,”
which are being used with alarming frequency. Although most of these substances have been around for many years, they are now synonymous with all-night dance parties called “raves” or “trances” across the country.

Moreover, the prevailing attitude among users regarding these drugs is that they are harmless, although research indicates that club drugs can produce dangerous effects, such as paranoia, amnesia and hallucinations. When combined with alcohol, the effects are boosted with both substances and, in some cases, prove to be fatal.

Ecstasy. A popular drug since the 1980’s, Ecstasy has erroneously gained a reputation as “safe” drug, despite extensive
data indicating otherwise. Methylenedioxy methamphetamine, also known as MDMA and X, produces a sense of well-being and pleasurable distortions in sensory perceptions. But the negative side eff ects are extremely dangerous. In addition to increasing the heart rate, blood pressure and heart wall stress that can ultimately lead to cardiovascular failure, longterm heavy MDMA users often suff er from cognitive defi cits such as memory loss.

Rohypnol and GHB. Considered “date-rape” drugs, these central nervous system depressants are colorless, odorless and tasteless, and may be added to beverages and ingested unknowingly. Moreover, they can produce “anterograde amnesia” so that individuals do not remember events they experienced while under the eff ects of the drug.

Rohypnol, also known as “rophies,” “roofi es,” “roach” and “rope,” may be lethal when mixed with alcohol or other anti-depressants. GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) was sold over-the-counter in health food stores until 1992. Largely used by body builders at that time to aid in fat reduction and muscle building, GHB produces a euphoric, sedative eff ect. Street names include “liquid ecstasy,” “soap,” “easy lay,” “vita- G” and “Georgia Home Boy.” GHB abuse may lead to coma and seizures and, combined with other drugs, can result in nausea and breathing diffi culties. GHB often produces withdrawal effects, such as insomnia, anxiety, tremors and sweating.

Ketamine. A fast-acting general anesthetic, ketamine is used at raves and clubs for its dreamlike, mild hallucinatory effects. As a club drug, it is snorted in small doses, but according to NIDA, ketamine abuse is increasing among the street-involved and homeless youth population where it is injected. Clinically used by veterinarians as an animal sedative, it is found illegally in liquid, pill and powder form. Prolonged use can result in delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure and potentially fatal respiratory problems. And when taken with alcohol, all these symptoms become intensifi ed.

Methamphetamine. Having been around for more than 30 years, the use of Methamphetamine, also known as “speed,” “meth” and “chalk,” is again on the rise with young adults and adolescents. A highly addictive and dangerous stimulant that may be taken orally, intranasally, intravenously or through smoking, it produces either an extremely pleasant rush sensation or mild euphoria depending upon the method of ingestion. In addition to such symptoms as increased wakefulness, decreased appetite and euphoria, there is a large range of dangerous eff ects that include irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia and aggressiveness. Abuse can also lead to death through cardiovascular collapse, convulsions and hyperthermia. Methamphetamine has long been considered one of the most dangerous of the counterculture drugs and its resurgence is a great cause for concern.

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD). The ultimate counter-culture drug of the 1960’s, LSD has reappeared with the same romanticism it was purported to have 40 years ago. But the reality is LSD causes unpredictable behavior and prolonged activity may result in “fl ashbacks” and sleeplessness. Other symptoms include increased heart rate, lack of appetite, nausea and numbness.

The Next Step “Club drugs” are not benign, but some present greater physical danger than others. In the cases of GHB, ketamine and methamphetamine, physical addiction is common, along with pronounced and debilitating behavior changes. Perhaps more than ever before, it is of critical importance for the medical establishment, mental health community and substance abuse professionals to understand the prevalence of these drugs among young adults and adolescents.

We must work together in identifying the symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment before one more young life is lost or impaired.

SAVE THE DATES AND SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Back to Topics

WHY CAN’T I?
Why am I afraid of the future?
Why am I afraid of the past?
Why is it so hard to breath?
I hope my next breath is not my last.
Why am I afraid of commitment?
And why do my skies turn gray?
Why is it that I can’t achieve?
Is it because I did it my way?

Bridge Back to Life:
I’ve crossed many bridges before
And I’ve also burnt quite a few-
I’ve also tried to make amends at times
But sometimes that just won’t do.
Will I ever walk the right bridge again?
I believe there may be a chance
He’s given me another breath at life
Better days are ahead in the glance.
It just might help if I change my ways
To Step - To Listen - To Learn
Grasp onto what life has for me
Before another bridge gets burned
I know I’m somebody who has a purpose
I can let go of the hurt & strife
Today I’m walking with my head held high
I’m walking on a Bridge Back to Life.

By D. J. D.
12.18.04

Bridge Back In The Community Back to Topics

Our Coney Island location has partnered with Amethyst Women’s Project, a Coney Island based CBO, in a collaborative eff ort to strengthen, educate, and improve the South Brooklyn community.

Founded in 1999, Amethyst Women’s Project mission is to assist women and children aff ected by the disease of addiction and also at high risk of exposure to HIV infection.

AWP provides outreach services, referrals, and crisis intervention. Bridge Back to Life Center is pleased to have partnered with Amethyst Women’s Project through their Community
Collaborative Committee and believes that it is this time of partnering that ultimately will have marked improvements for the entire South Brooklyn community.

Check Back Soon For Stories Related to Topic Selected Back to Topics

Take the First
Step onto the
Road to Recovery
with Confidential
Intervention
& Assessments

6 LOCATIONS
IN THE GREATER
NEW YORK CITY
METRO AREA