Local Addiction Psychiatrist to Appear Tomorrow on Popular Health Program, The Dr. Oz Show

Dr. Memet Oz will feature Dr. Susan Blank of Foundations Recovery Network Atlanta
during a show highlighting women and secretive alcoholism.

ROSWELL, GA, October 21, 2009—Dr. Susan Blank, Medical and Clinical Services Director at Foundations Atlanta, will join Dr. Oz to discuss the issue of women who secretly drink, during an episode of his popular health program that will air tomorrow, Thursday, October 22 on NBC.

According to USA Today, one-third of the estimated 17.6 million alcoholic adults in the U.S. are women. Drinking issues among women hit the spotlight this spring as New York mother Diane Schuler crashed her car killing herself, her daughter, three nieces and three men in another vehicle while, according to state police, having a blood alcohol level double the legal limit and high levels of the active ingredient in marijuana in her system.

Women face a double standard when it comes to drinking because of motherhood. Society today believes a “good mother” will not drink; therefore, mothers who have a problem with alcohol are less likely to ask for help. Fear of losing their children, spouses, and community support systems make intervention and treatment for this population especially difficult.

Susan K. Blank, MD
Dr. Blank has been a leader in the field of addiction medicine for over 10 years and is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the National Board of Forensic Examiners. She is also certified in addiction medicine by the American Board of Addiction Medicine. In addition to her role as Director of Medical and Clinical Services at Foundations Atlanta, Dr. Blank is the attending physician for Foundation’s chronic pain with addiction program, Relief and Recovery. Dr. Blank has extensive experience treating patients struggling with substance abuse, alcoholism, dual diagnosis, chronic pain with addition, and family and relationship issues.

The Dr. Oz Show
Dr. Memet Oz became a household name as the featured health expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show for over five seasons. In September of 2009, the highly anticipated Dr. Oz Show premiered. This syndicated, multi-topic talk show focuses on making health information interesting and entertaining. Dr. Oz teaches viewers about exercise and how to eat correctly, busts common health myths and answers viewer medicals questions- no matter how personal they may seem- all with his signature honesty, charm and audience participation.

The Dr. Oz Show featuring Dr. Blank will air tomorrow, Thursday, October 22, 2009 on NBC.
To check your local listings, please click here.

About Foundations Atlanta
Foundations Recovery Network Atlanta’s outpatient clinical services represent a creative and innovative combination of traditional approaches to the care of persons with addictions, co-occuring disorders and/or chronic pain. By integrating proven treatment interventions, drawing from the best practices established in both fields, Foundations is transcending the limits of traditional treatment and developing a uniquely effective way of treating co-occurring disorders. Foundations Atlanta provides chronic pain with addiction treatment, care management programming, substance use disorder evaluations and pre-trial intervention services. The facility is located in Roswell, GA, just north of downtown Atlanta.

About Foundations Recovery Network
Foundations Recovery Network is a premier organization for treating persons with addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously. The company oversees three dual diagnosis treatment centers: Michael’s House in Palm Springs, Calif.; La Paloma in Memphis, Tenn.; and The Canyon in Malibu, Calif.; as well as outpatient treatment centers in Roswell, Ga., and Palm Springs, Calif.

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Atlanta Outpatient Treatment Center Highlighted On Local News Program

Local NBC news channel talks with Dr. Susan Blank about her appearance on

The Dr. Oz Show and the treatment services she oversees at

Foundations Recovery Network Atlanta.

ROSWELL, GA, October 14, 2009—Media Journalist Julie Wolfe, of WXIA-TV Atlanta, sat down with Medical and Clinical Services Director, Dr. Susan Blank, for a candid conversation about Dr. Blank’s day at The Dr. Oz Show. The two also discussed the treatment programs at Foundations Atlanta, whose local success and national reputation earned her the invitation to New York to serve as the addiction specialist on the syndicated, multi-topic health show.

11Alive news expressed interest in highlighting Dr. Blank and Foundations around the issue of alcoholism in women- the topic Dr. Blank spoke about on The Dr. Oz Show. According to USA Today, one-third of the estimated 17.6 million alcoholic adults in the U.S. are women. Women face a double standard when it comes to drinking because of motherhood. Society today believes a “good mother” will not drink; therefore, mothers who have a problem with alcohol are less likely to ask for help.  Fear of losing their children, spouses, and community support systems can make intervention and treatment for this population especially difficult.

Susan K. Blank, MD

Dr. Blank has been a leader in the field of addiction medicine for over 10 years and is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the National Board of Forensic Examiners. She is also certified in addiction medicine by the American Board of Addiction Medicine. In addition to her role as director of medical and clinical services at Foundations Atlanta, Dr. Blank is the attending physician for Foundation’s chronic pain with addiction program, Relief and Recovery. Dr. Blank has extensive experience treating patients struggling with substance abuse, alcoholism, dual diagnosis, chronic pain with addition, and family and relationship issues.

WXIA-TV / 11Alive

WXIA-TV went on the air in October 1998 and in 2006, Gannett Broadcasting acquired the station.  Also In 2006, 11Alive became Atlanta’s first station to broadcast all local news programs in high definition. 11Alive currently employs more than 200 men and women in the areas of news, engineering, production, promotion, accounting, sales, programming, web design and development, and administrative support. Gannett Broadcasting consists of more than 20 television stations reaching more than 17 percent of the U.S. television market.

Programming Note: 11Alive aired the interview referenced above during their morning newscast on October 14, 2009; however, you can download a full clip of the interview by clicking here.

The Dr. Oz Show featuring Dr. Blank will air towards the end of October. Please visit www.FoundationsAtlanta.com for a specific date and time of airing once it is released from the network.

About Foundations Atlanta

Foundations Recovery Network Atlanta’s outpatient clinical services represent a creative and innovative combination of traditional approaches to the care of persons with addictions, co-occuring disorders and/or chronic pain.  By integrating proven treatment interventions, drawing from the best practices established in both fields, Foundations is transcending the limits of traditional treatment and developing a uniquely effective way of treating co-occurring disorders. Foundations Atlanta provides chronic pain with addiction treatment, care management programming, substance use disorder evaluations and pre-trial intervention services.   The facility is located in Roswell, GA, just north of downtown Atlanta.

About Foundations Recovery Network

Foundations Recovery Network is a premier organization for treating persons with addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously. The company oversees three dual diagnosis treatment centers: Michael’s House in Palm Springs, Calif.; La Paloma in Memphis, Tenn.; and The Canyon in Malibu, Calif.; as well as outpatient treatment centers in Roswell, Ga., and Palm Springs, Calif.

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In asking the general public about drug disposal, most respond that the most appropriate way to dispose of medications is by flushing them down the toliet; however, it is important to note that disposal by flushing is not recommended for the vast majority of medicines.

Unused or expired medicines that do not have flushing directions in the label can be disposed of safely in the household trash by:
1. Mixing them with something that will hide the medicine or make it unappealing, such as
     kitty litter or used coffee grounds.
2. Placing the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag.
3. Throwing the container in your household trash.

The medicines on the list below that are recommended for disposal by flushing are safe and effective when used as prescribed, but they could be especially harmful to a child, pet, or anyone else if taken accidentally. Some of the possible harmful effects include breathing difficulties or heart problems, possibly leading to death. For these reasons, FDA advises that flushing these medicines down the sink or toilet is currently the best way to immediately and permanently remove the risk of harm from the home.

Medications Recommended for Disposal by FLUSHING:

Medicine, Active Ingredient
Actiq, oral transmucosal lozenge, Fentanyl Citrate
Avinza, capsules (extended release), Morphine Sulfate
Daytrana, transdermal patch system, Methylphenidate
Demerol, tablets, Meperidine Hydrochloride
Demerol, oral solution, Meperidine Hydrochloride
Diastat/Diastat AcuDial, rectal gel, Diazepam
Dilaudid, tablets, Hydromorphone Hydrochloride
Dilaudid, oral liquid, Hydromorphone Hydrochloride
Dolophine Hydrochloride, tablets, Methadone Hydrochloride
Duragesic, patch (extended release), Fentanyl
Embeda, capsules (extended release), Morphine Sulfate; Naltrexone Hydrochloride
Fentora, tablets (buccal), Fentanyl Citrate
Kadian, capsules (extended release), Morphine Sulfate
Methadone Hydrochloride, oral solution *, Methadone Hydrochloride
Methadose, tablets, Methadone Hydrochloride
Morphine Sulfate, tablets (immediate release), Morphine Sulfate
Morphine Sulfate, oral solution, Morphine Sulfate
MS Contin, tablets (extended release), Morphine Sulfate
Onsolis, soluble film (buccal), Fentanyl Citrate
Opana, tablets (immediate release), Oxymorphone Hydrochloride
Opana ER, tablets (extended release), Oxymorphone Hydrochloride
Oramorph SR, tablets (sustained release), Morphine Sulfate
Oxycontin, tablets (extended release), Oxycodone Hydrochloride
Percocet, tablets, Acetaminophen; Oxycodone Hydrochloride
Percodan, tablets, Aspirin; Oxycodone Hydrochloride
Xyrem, oral solution, Sodium Oxybate

As you can see, the majority of the medications listed above are narcotic pain medications used to treat patients with chronic pain conditions. Many times those who suffer with chronic pain must try a number of different medications before finding the one that is effective for them. This can result in a supply of unused medications stored in the home that pose a danger to children and pets.

With Daylight Savings time ending, it is a good time to check your medicine cabinet, or wherever you store your medications, and dispose of ones that are out of date or any unused medications that you are no longer prescribed. Be sure to follow the disposal guidelines above- if you have any questions, visit the FDA website at www.fda.gov or ask your pharmacist.

John M. Williamson, PharmD

According to USA Today, one-third of the estimated 17.6 million alcoholic adults in the U.S. are women. Drinking issues among women hit the spotlight this spring as New York mother Diane Schuler crashed her car killing herself, her daughter, three nieces and three men in another vehicle while, according to state police, having a blood alcohol level double the legal limit and high levels of the active ingredient in marijuana in her system.

Women face a double standard when it comes to drinking because of motherhood. Society today believes a “good mother” will not drink; therefore, mothers who have a problem with alcohol are less likely to ask for help.  Fear of losing their children, spouses, and community support systems make intervention and treatment for this population especially difficult.

Susan K. Blank, MD

Dr. Blank has been a leader in the field of addiction medicine for over 10 years and is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the National Board of Forensic Examiners. She is also certified in addiction medicine by the American Board of Addiction Medicine. In addition to her role as director of medical and clinical services at Foundations Atlanta, Dr. Blank is the attending physician for Foundation’s chronic pain with addiction program, Relief and Recovery. Dr. Blank has extensive experience treating patients struggling with substance abuse, alcoholism, dual diagnosis, chronic pain with addition, and family and relationship issues.

The Dr. Oz Show

Dr. Memet Oz became a household name as the featured health expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show for over five seasons. In September of 2009, the highly anticipated Dr. Oz Show premiered. This syndicated, multi-topic talk show focuses on making health information interesting and entertaining.  Dr. Oz teaches viewers about exercise and how to eat correctly, busts common health myths and answers viewer medicals questions- no matter how personal they may seem- all with his signature honesty, charm and audience participation.

The Dr. Oz Show featuring Dr. Blank will air towards the end of October. Please visit www.FoundationsAtlanta.com for a specific date and time of airing once it is released from the network.

About Foundations Atlanta

Foundations Recovery Network Atlanta’s outpatient clinical services represent a creative and innovative combination of traditional approaches to the care of persons with addictions, co-occuring disorders and/or chronic pain.  By integrating proven treatment interventions, drawing from the best practices established in both fields, Foundations is transcending the limits of traditional treatment and developing a uniquely effective way of treating co-occurring disorders. Foundations Atlanta provides chronic pain with addiction treatment, care management programming, substance use disorder evaluations and pre-trial intervention services.   The facility is located in Roswell, GA, just north of downtown Atlanta.

About Foundations Recovery Network

Foundations Recovery Network is a premier organization for treating persons with addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously. The company oversees three dual diagnosis treatment centers: Michael’s House in Palm Springs, Calif.; La Paloma in Memphis, Tenn.; and The Canyon in Malibu, Calif.; as well as outpatient treatment centers in Roswell, Ga., and Palm Springs, Calif.

# # #

• Do you have trouble falling asleep?
• Are you able to fall asleep without difficulty, but find yourself waking up every 60-90 minutes?
• Do you wake up earlier than you want and cannot go back to sleep?
• Are you waking up because you have to go to the bathroom?
• Are you having nightmares?
• Are talking or walking in your sleep?
• Does your partner complain that you snore?

Sleep disorders stem from a variety of causes, and, therefore, have a variety of solutions. It is very important that your doctor understand that you should not receive habit forming medications. Sedatives and hypnotics, as well as some of the newer sleep medications such as Ambien (zolpidem ) and Lunesta (eszopicione) are contraindicated in patients with the disease of addiction. Fortunately, there are still many other options.
What can you do to improve your sleep?

• Talk with your doctor about your symptoms
• Reserve the bedroom for sleeping
• Do not exercise too close to bedtime
• Avoid the use of caffeine and nicotine (and of course, no alcohol or other drugs)
• Have a light evening meal several hours before bedtime
• Try to increase your body temperature with a hot bath or exercise about 5-6 hours before bedtime
• Avoid watching the news, having stressful conversations or reading disturbing material before bedtime

Knowing that you require a good night’s sleep is important for your good mental and physical health. Getting that sleep often requires planning and medical assistance. Do not hesitate to discuss this issue with your doctor.
Good references for more information:
http://www.stanford.edu/~dement/howto.html
http://www.sleepeducation.com/Hygiene.aspx
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-hygiene

If you suffer from chronic pain, the FDA may consider reformulating prescription medications such as Vicodin and Percocet, both of which contain varying amounts of acetaminophen in combination with an opioid. Americans filled nearly 125 million prescriptions for these medications last year alone.

So what’s all the fuss about Tylenol anyway?

It is important to realize that acetaminophen, when taken properly, is a very safe and effective medication. In excess, however, it is harmful. Acetaminophen toxicity kills about 100 people a year, sends over 56,000 to the emergency room annually, and is the number one cause of liver transplants. Most all of these cases are the result of accidental overdoses, because in most products, acetaminophen is not the primary ingredient. As a result, we ingest more acetaminophen than intended.

What do we do in the meantime?

While we wait for the FDA to make final decisions about these new recommendations, let’s use this as an opportunity to take a closer look at the acetaminophen content in any medications that we take. Add it up. Am I taking a total amount of more than 4000mg of acetaminophen in a 24 hour period? Be sure to include both prescription and over-the-counter medications. If you need some help or have questions about the content of your medications, talk with your pharmacist. Remember- your pharmacist is your medication expert.

John M. Williamson, PharmD