Sunday, August 7, 2011
NYC SUBSTANCE ABUSE EXPERT COMMENTS ON AMY WINEHOUSE'S DISEASE
1:34 PM | 
Posted by
LEADERHUNTRESS |
It was just announced that Amy Winehouse's parents plan to convert her London home into the headquarters for the Amy Winehouse Foundation, a charity organization to help children in need. It was also reported that the singer died from withdrawal from alcohol.
For further information on TARP, Inc., contact William Perkins at 718-909-8034, or visit his school at www.ACTTC.com.
“Amy’s death reiterates the cunning and baffling nature of the disease of addiction and the almost certain results of addiction. You can expect jails, institutional rehab and death, if it is not treated,” says William Perkins, one of NYC's foremost authorities on substance abuse counseling and training substance abuse counselors, and the Founder and Executive Director of TARP, Inc., a Chemical Dependence consulting company and school for Training Addiction & Recovery Professionals in Manhattan
“Some may say that she had the opportunity of treatment. However, just being in treatment doesn't mean that an individual is getting the necessary interventions to affect achieving and maintaining abstinence. And though she had gone for treatment previously, addiction is a disease where you can (like it or not) expect relapses. Counselors work with addicts over long periods with ever-changing relapse prevention plans.”
Unfortunately, such was not the case with Amy who allegedly (in early reports) died in response to withdrawal from alcohol. “Counselors are asked about how dangerous withdrawal is all the time. Withdrawal from alcohol, in particular, is quite dangerous if not done under supervision,” says Perkins.
According to Perkins, Amy’s battle with addiction is representative of so many young people who suffer from addiction. “Sometimes, they aren't ready to attempt recovery in earnest; young people often feel invincible. Also at times they are so depressed and have so many emotional disturbances, that although they know they should stop, the alcohol and other drugs are the only thing that help pain—emotional and otherwise.”
He adds that since Amy was also diagnosed with an eating disorder, it’s likely she had unresolved emotional issues. But whether she was enjoying her substance or not, one thing is clear: the untimely and sad death of a young person again cries out for the need for more qualified counselors. “In New York, we’re scouting for younger counselors because they can relate to young addicts in their own language.”
Ironically, Amy’s name is Winehouse, and one of her substances of choice was, in fact, alcohol. It’s an honor for her to leave a legacy of beloved music and a house that will be headquarters for a foundation.
And that foundation will specifically be dedicated to helping young people. Details will be announced on September 14, which would have been Amy Winehouse’s 28th birthday.
Labels: