Jan 9,2019
Dear Hossein,
The numbers you report warm my heart: 4,123 individuals cured of addiction using the DST method and 787 members of Congress 60 who achieved smoking cessation are impressive in their own right but even more so when we think of the stories each could tell about what this has meant to their own lives and their families.
I found your discussion of the difference between animals and humans in addiction liability quite interesting but even more so the differences you note between men and women. When addiction treatment began in the U.S., there were no distinctions made between treatment for men and women and few women were included in addiction research. Since then, much research has been done and nearly every aspect of addiction from the physiology of drug use, genetic influences, other etiological pathways to addiction, barriers to treatment, treatment outcomes, and patterns of long-term recovery have proved to be different for women that for men. This has led here to many more specialized services and groups for women.
In a similar manner, nearly all of addiction treatment in the U.S. was based on experience with adults—most 25 years of age or older. I was recently asked to review the research literature on the effects of addiction on children, adolescents, young adults, and families, and I have been quite impressed with all the new knowledge talking about the specialized needs of these groups. It is good that someone my age who has worked in addictions field for so many decades can still be a student at heart. I look forward to hearing more of your ideas on vulnerability for addiction among youth in Iran and any special approaches to their treatment. I think we in the U.S. have much we can learn from other countries on this issue.
My work on the photo gallery on the history of addiction treatment and recovery is progressing but I have many months of work yet before this project will be completed and added to my website. I am finding it quite enjoyable. I was thinking this past week that doing the photo section on Congress 60 is going to be quite a challenge given all of the wonderful photos you have sent me over the years. How will I ever choose which ones to include? That will be my challenge.
My dear wife Rita recently strained a muscle in her back so we have been busy with doctors and physical therapy these past few weeks. This has not allowed as much time for reading and reflection that I so enjoy at this stage of my life. Rita seems to be getting better the last few days so we hope to have things back to normal soon. Such periodic physical challenges are typical of people our age, particularly among those of us who try to remain very active.
I hope 2019 has begun in a most positive way for you, your family, and all the men and women in Congress 60.
Friends and Brothers Forever,
Bill