Dear AskTheInternetTherapist.com Member,

Welcome to the September 2005 edition of the AskTheInternetTherapist.com monthly newsletter.  We hope you enjoy it and if you have questions, comments, suggestions visit http://www.asktheinternettherapist.com/suggestionsform.asp. 

Featured Article 

 Drinking and Driving - Most drunk drivers do not decide to be so
by D.J. Diebold

I was shocked when I read the March 17 Tribune editorial, "Don't cry if you're DUI." As a substance abuse/addictions counselor with the DUI unit at Arizona State Prison, I found this piece to be both arrogant and self-serving.

First of all, there are no determined drunk drivers, and being a sociopath (a person without conscience) has nothing to do with choosing to drink and drive. Alcohol goes directly to the frontal lobe of the brain, our decision-making center, and choices become biased.

I agree that the number of alcohol-related driving deaths is shameful, but I would hardly refer to individuals with a disease as "reeking, retching sots." I find this degree of judgmentalism to be self-righteous, self-indulgent and inflammatory, not to mention journalistically irresponsible. It seems to me that this level of dialogue has a certain lynch-mob mentality.

I can't help but wonder if the author of this piece drinks alcohol or formerly drank alcohol. If he or she does, or if they at one time did, one thing is certain: He or she drove intoxicated. The odds are that he or she did drive intoxicated.

That determined, what's the difference between the author of this piece and the aforementioned "reeking, retching sots"? It's simply; he or she didn't get caught.

I don't know what the statute of limitations for the "reeking, retching sots: category is, but for the mostly working and middle class DUI offenders under my care, it's a desire to get help with their disease and a determination to learn from their very human mistakes. Some will; some won't.

The kicker for me is the editorial's comparison of Arizona drunks to the 9/11 terrorists, and the number killed by both. I find this irresponsibility insensitive.

If the author's goal is to showcase his or her hypocrisy and to kill off the compassion in its readers for those with a disease, I'd call this piece an unmitigated success.

According to William Ryan, the author of "Blaming The Victim." "... many of us appear to have escaped victimization. They have decent jobs, and houses and send their children to decent schools. More important, they have not been made insensitive by their own good fortune." His study of racism and elitism has had an impact on our approach to contemporary social problems, according to Richard Thornell of Columbia University.

Yes, I'd have to say that this DUI piece certainly smacks of elitism. I supposed it's easier to blame the victims of contemporary social problems like alcohol and drug abuse, than the real villain, the inequity of American society and those who benefit financially from maintaining the status quo.

Personally, I'm "pleased" the Legislature just voted to keep Arizona's bars open an hour longer. This way I can commiserate with these "reeking, retching sots" before I call a cab and go home.

Featured Therapist
 Dr. Beverly Block 
Online Psychotherapist

Online Psychotherapist: Hello, I'm Doctor Beverly Block, and I am here for you. I am pleased that you have chosen online counseling. This is a medium that will allow you to be able to address personal problems in the comfort and privacy of your own home with the help of a trained psychotherapist. If you choose to work with me you can re-visit your past, discuss your present, and explore your future. As part of the problem solving process we will embark upon a 'journey of self-exploration.' Be prepared to become acquainted with the very unique person that is you.

I advocate a very practical approach to psychotherapy comprised of three steps: identify, confront, solve. Problem solving is really not a complex mystery - to put is simply, you cannot change what you don't understand or you won't acknowledge.

I am committed to work with you on everyday problems or complex issues. The more you know about your real self, the more you can initiate change, reach your goals, and attain that ideal self. Isn't that what we all want after all?

My professional background spans over twenty-five years as a vocational counselor, providing testing and evaluation for both, the school and court systems as a psychotherapist in private practice working with personal and family issues, and as a lecturer for major companies on stress reduction and self-esteem. I am a published author in educational and psychological journals, addressing the problems of both the gifted and the physically challenged child. My first book, "Your Journal of Self-discovery" and the CD "Your Journey of Self-discovery" is featured in the California State College System and on the internet at www.tjta.com.

I received my BA in theater Arts/English from the University of California at Los Angeles, my MA in Counseling and Guidance from California State University at Northridge, and my PhD. in Counseling psychology from Newport University. I also hold degrees in Psychometry, Elementary and Secondary Education, Hypnotherapy, and Marriage and Family Therapy.

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I have been fortunate to have a fulfilling career, a long and loving marriage, and family, and parents who gave me unconditional love. In spite of seemingly having it all, I too have had my share of personal and physical problems. None of us travel the path of life without twists and turns and turbulence. It just doesn't work that way. I only wish that I would have had the help of an internet professional during the difficult times. It would have been the perfect venue for me. I hope that it will be right for you and that I can be the therapist that helps you over the rough spots. I'll look forward to hearing from you.

Someone who cares.

Doctor Beverly Block

I am available for email therapy at your convenience.