As you’ll see, part 2 is posted.

As far as the statistics I’ve read (and remember, all such statistics are based on reported/treated cases, which could easily understate the actual problem), the incidence of alcohol and drug abuse problems in late-deafened folks is slightly higher than the population in general – but not very significantly so – meaning once again, that we’re pretty normal in all respects except our hearing ability. Similar stats for depression and other mental illnesses, which cut across all demographics – nobody’s “safe”.

It’s an interesting point about “treatment” for depression (and alcoholism, etc.) – there’s a “double-minded” approach I’ve noticed in the medical community.

In every counseling interview I’ve had, I’ve been asked the same question I mentioned here in part 1 – “What do you think caused…?” Meanwhile, back on the MD track, we have wonderful new drugs that “restore the chemical balance” – the lack of which is known to drive depression (and I’m even now on a kinder, gentler, anti-alcohol-craving drug – Campral, that’s said to do just that – restore the neurotransmitter balance that’s been driven into the craving mode).

So let’s see…

We have the psyche, that can get messed up situationally.

We have the physical body, that can get messed up chemically.

I’ll give my passionately dualistic doctors credit for at least trying to deal with both (though as you’ll see in part 2, they’re not exactly doing a bang-up job at the moment – more updates coming soon to a blog near you ).

Hugs,
Paul S

Recently I asked my daughter to arrange CART for her college graduation. You’d think a college with 15,000 + students would know about CART? But for some strange reason whenever graduation ceremonies are planned, NO ONE ever thinks to consult with their ADA dept. My daughter let me know (excitedly) they’d be providing an interpreter and preferential seation for me. GREAT! I might finally be able to understand a bit of the ceremony after taking a classes in ASL. I’m no where near fluent.

Drawback– I can only sit with one other person– meaning I have to sit apart from the rest of the family. Considering three of us have hearing loss– me, my husband, and now my dad– it’s going to be hard to decide who gets to sit upfront with me, but I figure it will be Eric since he’s her father and paid tuition all these years. If the ceremony were here, I’d be sure to “rattle cages” just like you, but it’s hard fighting for accommodations long distance. (sigh)

I’m looking forward to your part 2.

I’m so proud of you for detoxing!! I know it wasn’t easy.

Do you know of the statistics of drug and alcohol abuse among the late-deaf? I’ve heard it’s high. Also depression.

Smiles,
Kim