A bag filled with violence inducing psychotropic drugs are not the answer for treating our
returning veterans, especially since for every US soldier killed this year, 25
veterans commit suicide. The US
military has lost more troops to suicide than to combat for the second year in
a row and a better cause versus symptom based understanding of combat-related
risk factors for suicide is now critical. Dr Allen L Roland
A new SFVA study strongly
suggests that soldiers who experience killing experiences are twice as likely
to attempt suicide ~ which strongly
supports the reality of soul damage as a contributing factor for veteran’s
suicide as well as the obvious need for a proven heart centered approach toward
veteran rehabilitation.
Last year,
General Peter Chiarelli, the Army's No. 2 officer, acknowledged there are
more effective ways to treat PTSD than just drugs ~ a fact that I have been
proving for over two years with our heart centered Healing The Wounded Heart
workshops for combat veterans with PTSD in Northern
California.
Last year,
Megan Sully, The national Journal, interviewed Gen.
Peter Chiarelli , the Army's No. 2
officer, who has long been an advocate for soldiers suffering from the
invisible wounds of war ~ such as PTSD and TBI. Here are some pertinent
excerpts of General Chiarelli’s important interview with the National Journal (NJ);
NJ: Statistics show that more members of the military kill
themselves than die in combat. Has the Army made progress in this area?
CHIARELLI: “I definitely think that we have made
progress, but we're fighting an uphill battle. The underlying causes, the
stress on the force, the things that are causing the stress on the force, still
remain when you have operational-tempo levels that are at what they are right
now, especially after 10 years of conflict.”
NJ: The Army has long had a stigma about mental health.
CHIARELLI: “Not the Army, not the military. It's
everybody. I believe that the stigma associated with behavioral health issues
is something that is shared by the general public. We're just admitting it. And
what the Army's trying to do internal to itself is to change that culture. We
have a lot of folks who are very focused on the mission who don't want to let
their buddies down. Sometimes that gets in the way of seeking the help that
they want and need.”
NJ: You have expressed concern about the level of research into
post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. What worries you?
CHIARELLI: “We do not know how to treat post-traumatic
stress and traumatic brain injury with the same kind of assurance that we know
how to treat what I call the mechanical injuries of this war. The science is
just not there. There is a lot of wonderful, very important research going
on. The problem is if you're an operator like me who likes to fix things
quickly. It takes a long time.”
NJ: Is the military's medical culture changing to address
these problems?
CHIARELLI: “There's no doubt that we've changed. We've
totally done a 180. But have we done enough? No. I want to do more, quicker. I
want to have more of these secrets unlocked faster. I want to understand what
drugs we should use to treat these symptoms, if we should use any drugs at all.
I want to look into alternative pain management. We are finding there are
other ways to handle pain that are more effective and allow a person to feel a
lot better than throwing a bagful of drugs at them.”
See
full article ~
In 2007,
the US Department of Defense issued $3
billion in contracts for bulk pharmaceutical purchases, many of which
are option periods from an original award and that number is significantly
higher now ~ we’re talking big money here!
Here’s one of those drugs in that
bag. After
the recent massacre of 16 Afghan civilians by a U.S. soldier, as well as scores of military and veteran suicides and homicides, more
light is being shed on the military's zombie potion, Mefloquine (Lariam).
Mefloquine is an anti-malaria drug, invented by the military
that has been known for sometime to have severe psychiatric side effects
including psychotic behavior, paranoia and hallucinations. The drug has been implicated in numerous
suicides and homicides, including deaths in the U.S. military as well as Peace Corps.
With so many other anti-malarial medications available, one has to
wonder why the military continues to
distribute Mefloquine (Lariam) at all.
A must see 13 minute Video:
Democracy Now
So let’s
take a closer look at the bagful of drugs (Care of big Pharma) that are
currently being thrown at Veterans as well as their adverse effects.
A recent study published in the Public Library of Science online journal (PloS One @ www.plosone.org) by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP @ www.ismp.org) listed the top 31 prescription drugs that can cause violent or aggressive behavior in those consuming them. Note that Prozac, Paxil and the amphetamine drugs as well as Lariam are # 2, # 3 # 4 and #5 on the top-ten list:
10. Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) ~ Pfizer’s newest antidepressant (a
knock-off of Effexor, note the similarity of the generic terms) that
artificially stimulates both serotonin and noradrenaline. The drug is 7.9
times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
9. Venlafaxine (Effexor) ~ An antidepressant that has marketing approval for both depression and anxiety. The drug is 8.3 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
8. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) - A so-called “selective” serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) A drug that is 8.4 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
7. Triazolam (Halcion) - A benzodiazepine (a so-called “minor” but highly addictive tranquilizer) drug for insomnia that is 8.7 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
6. Atomoxetine (Strattera) – A psychostimulant drug that is 9 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
5. Mefoquine (Lariam) – An anti-malaria drug that is 9.5 times more likely to be associated with violence (including homicide and suicide) than other drugs.
4. Amphetamines - This general class of dangerous and highly addictive psychostimulant drugs is 9.6 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
3. Paroxetine (Paxil) - An SSRI antidepressant, (with psychostimulating, mania-inducing effects) that is 10.3 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs. It is also linked to severe withdrawal symptoms and birth defects.
2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) - A popular SSRI antidepressant drug that is 10.9 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
1. Varenicline (Chantix) – A dopaminergic anti-smoking drug that is a shocking 18 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
9. Venlafaxine (Effexor) ~ An antidepressant that has marketing approval for both depression and anxiety. The drug is 8.3 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
8. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) - A so-called “selective” serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) A drug that is 8.4 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
7. Triazolam (Halcion) - A benzodiazepine (a so-called “minor” but highly addictive tranquilizer) drug for insomnia that is 8.7 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
6. Atomoxetine (Strattera) – A psychostimulant drug that is 9 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
5. Mefoquine (Lariam) – An anti-malaria drug that is 9.5 times more likely to be associated with violence (including homicide and suicide) than other drugs.
4. Amphetamines - This general class of dangerous and highly addictive psychostimulant drugs is 9.6 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
3. Paroxetine (Paxil) - An SSRI antidepressant, (with psychostimulating, mania-inducing effects) that is 10.3 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs. It is also linked to severe withdrawal symptoms and birth defects.
2. Fluoxetine (Prozac) - A popular SSRI antidepressant drug that is 10.9 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
1. Varenicline (Chantix) – A dopaminergic anti-smoking drug that is a shocking 18 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.
The
original article can be accessed at: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0015337
Are their lingering psychological or psychosocial effects on
combat veterans with killing experiences in combat ~ particularly as relating
to suicide?
In an important recent April 13, 2012 research study abstract entitled ~ KILLING IN COMBAT MAY BE INDEPENDENTLY ASSOCIATED WITH SUICIDAL IDEATION ~ the SFVA released the following abstract:
BACKGROUND:
The United States military has lost more troops to suicide than to combat for the second year in a row and better understanding combat-related risk factors for suicide is critical. We examined the association of killing and suicide among war veterans after accounting for PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders.METHODS:
We utilized a cross-sectional, retrospective, nationally representative sample of Vietnam veterans from the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS). In order to perform a more in depth analysis, we utilized a subsample of these data, the NVVRS Clinical Interview Sample (CIS), which is representative of 1.3 million veterans who were eligible for the clinical interview by virtue of living in proximity to an interview site, located within 28 standard metropolitan regions throughout the United States.RESULTS:
Veterans who had higher killing experiences had twice the odds of suicidal ideation, compared to those with lower or no killing experiences, and substance use disorders were each associated with higher odds of suicidal ideation. Endorsement of suicide attempts was most strongly associated with PTSD.CONCLUSIONS:
Killing experiences are not routinely examined when assessing suicide risk. Our findings have important implications for conducting suicide risk assessments in veterans of war. See Report: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22505038These findings offer even more justification for our heart centered workshops for combat veterans as well as other heart centered therapy. We’re talking about soul damage here and only a heart centered intervention can effectively treat that psychic despondency ~ as I have consistently demonstrated with combat veterans who have virtually all participated in killing experiences.
And
therein lies my point
~ there are most definitely other effective and proven ways to handle PTSD
other than throwing a bagful of drugs at them and one of them is the heart
centered Healing The Wounded Heart workshops we are facilitating
with Veterans with PTSD in Northern California.
I have long
felt and have now proved that PTSD is really Post Traumatic Heart Disorder for
a common symptom of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is the inability to give or
receive love ~ which can obviously apply to non veterans who have also
suffered significant loss or emotional childhood and/or adult pain.
I have clearly demonstrated that only after the heart is touched can true self healing occur for
only then does the client (veterans or otherwise) truly
want to heal. Using the premise that what is deepest within us is love (not
anger) and utilizing an action oriented approach to face and go through
their heart felt fears ~ these veterans, soon discover that beneath their pain,
anger and shame is not only love and joy but most importantly their true
authentic self.
The purpose
then of the Healing the Wounded Heart Workshops is to penetrate the grey zone of guilt, aloneness and unworthiness,
that many combat War Veterans diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) experience, and this is done within a supportive group setting through
heart centered self exploration, group sharing, guided visualization and action
oriented homework ~ where love and joy eventually overcome fear and
separation.
I
call each one of these 8 week (once a week) workshops The Band of
Brothers and nine of them have already been completed since early 2010
and Band of Brothers #10 will commence in early May 2012.
Using
Band of Brothers #5 as an example ~ 21 PTSD symptoms were included on the evaluation survey and the veterans were asked to
rate their level on the 1-10 scale ( with 1 being “ Very Poor
“ and 10 being “ No Problem” for each of the PTSD conditions Before and After the
workshop. Here are the after workshop results
~ with an average symptom improvement of 59%.
Symptoms / After workshop %
Improvements
Sleep Problem
67%
Nightmares 62%
Trouble
breathing 15%
Avoidance 63%
Isolation 69%
Emotional
Numbing 74%
Irritability/Anger 70%
Anxiety 53%
Depression 65%
Suicidal
Ideations 41%
Intrusive
Memories 58%
Super alert issues 58%
Concentration issues 55%
Energy 57%
Feeling Joy
75%
Fear of
intimacy 63%
Physical
pain 36%
Emotional pain 65%
Love 59%
Peace 69%
Compassion
41%
Gratitude 75%
The
figures speak for themselves but the one that leap out at me is the 75%
improvement in Joy and gratitude. These combat veterans have not only survived the ultimate firefight of
battling fear on the journey to their heart but are now experiencing the
delight of not only being themselves but the joy
and gratitude that they are truly healing themselves and can finally begin to give and receive love.
Here
are two participants comments from their workshop evaluation; "I have progressed farther in
the workshop’s 8 weeks than I have in 25 years of on-and off private therapy.
I've been given a very informative look at myself. I understand much more about
my own experiences. So many answers to so many questions. I feel alive! Gaining a different perspective on life helps
me to see my true self. It's nice to feel love and a sense of self-worth"
"My
quick temper and bouts with anger are gone. My dreams are no longer violent and
I have not flown out of bed since the workshop. I am able to fall asleep and
remain asleep. My relationships with my wife and family have improved
immensely. The comradeship that grew with the other participants was wonderful.
I feel very strongly that the “
Healing The wounded Heart “ workshop should be added to the VA’s inventory of
most effective tools used in re-adjustment counseling to combat the life
destroying effects of PTSD.”
There
can be no more excuses for the VA to not fund a heart centered approach to working
with Veterans with PTSD which is now being privately funded by the
California Veterans Support foundation, legion Posts such as Jack London Post 489 in Sonoma, California and
local Vietnam support groups like VVA Chapter 702
in Napa, California.
If combat
veterans are responding positively to these once a week eight week action oriented heart centered workshops ~ it’s
time for the VA to open the door to alternative healing methodologies which the
rest of the country are already acknowledging, supporting and experiencing.
Sal
Ueda, LSW, an Adjustment counselor at the Concord Vet Center commented on
General Chiarelli’s article and the need for a heart centered approach ~
“Unless we finally realize that true peace is never solved by War and stop
continuing to use young men to help resolve world differences, we will
continue the consequences of the "rude awakening" of wars, with its
wounding of the soul. Through the Healing of the Wounded Heart Workshops we
are witnessing war veterans go through transformations in reconnecting with
their true self (spirituality) and reclaiming inner compassion, Love and Peace.
I express my gratefulness to you General Chiarelli for questioning our state of
mental health affair and advocacy. I have great faith in our human capacity
to heal, and the availability of complimentary heart centered modalities
out-side current mainstream treatment boxes that assist the healing process.
The system needs to look at these modalities seriously, incorporate or fund
them, and make them readily accessible.”
Four star
general Peter Chiarelli should be given a fifth star for finally publicly
acknowledging that there are more effective ways of dealing with our
emotionally wounded veterans than just throwing a bagful of drugs at them
~ and hopefully shift veteran’s treatment focus from
just symptom management and coping toward the real impact of trauma experiences
on the human soul - the detachment or quite often further disconnection from
one's inner spirituality, well being and above all capacity to give and receive
love.
Love alone is capable of uniting living beings in such a way
as to complete and fulfill them for it alone takes them and joins them to what
is deepest within themselves ~ Teilhard de Chardin
Allen L
Roland, PH.D
http://allenlrolandsweblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/rising-vets-suicides-heart-centered.html
http://allenlrolandsweblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/rising-vets-suicides-heart-centered.html
Allen L Roland is a practicing psychotherapist,
author and lecturer who also shares a daily political and social commentary on
his weblog and website allenroland.com He also guest hosts a monthly
national radio show TRUTHTALK on www.conscioustalk.net
The ultimate high is being truly yourself and only love can lead you to that promised land ~ because love and state of soul consciousness lies deepest within us.
ReplyDeleteWant to take action, sign the petition to the California senators asking them to investigate. Once the facts are known, people will insist that the US govt spend whatever is needed to expose the truth and assist in the cleanup.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.change.org/petitions/senators-boxer-and-feinstein-investigate-the-ongoing-danger-from-the-fukushima-nuclear-reactors
According to the Rottenstein Law Group's article, "As early as 1990, people reported that antidepressants caused increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The FDA considered the issue, but it did nothing more. It became clear that antidepressants could adversely affect children and teenagers, making them hostile, irrational, violent, or suicidal. In 2006, the FDA analyzed the results of 372 studies of antidepressants, finding that even young adults (ages 18-25) were also afflicted with behavioral changes. As a result, the FDA ordered antidepressant manufacturers, including Pfizer for Zoloft, to include added warnings to consumers. However, a study published in the February 6, 2012 edition of the medical journal, Archives of General Psychology, contradicted earlier findings that connected SSRI use to increased suicidal activity in youths. Although, the researchers did not detect a decrease in suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to adults and geriatric patients."
ReplyDeleteIn addition to that, SSRIs might also cause numerous birth defects, injuries, and other complications, especially when used by pregnant women during their first trimester. This is evidenced by the multiple birth defect lawsuits that are being filed against the manufacturers of these drugs.