AACP Newsletter, Volume 7,
Number 2, Spring 1993
Letters and Notes
To the Editor:
I read your article in the Autumn, 1992 Community Psychiatrist (Vol. 6, No. 4, pg. 1) on “Substance Use Disorders and the Language of Abuse.” Your points about using the terms “abuse” and “abuser” are well taken.
However, I have a problem with referring to “patients” or “clients” as “consumers”. As you point out the language has a life of its own which transcends he meaning intended by an individual user (or users). If the idea catches on that patients or clients are merely consumers that means that those who treat them are merely business persons rather than professionals. Furthermore, it is hard enough to get appropriating bodies to provide funds for patients with illnesses let alone people who are consumers.
K-Lynn Paul, MD
Medical Director
Editor's Response:
I believe that your concerns about the implications of the use of the term “consumer” are shared by many. One of them, Dr. Charles Huffine has contributed an essay on this topic to this edition of Community Psychiatrist as you may have noted (see page 6). I, personally, have mixed feelings on this particular use of terminology, and I agree that “consumer” implies a type of relationship that is somewhat shallow and mechanical. The more traditional “patient” or the newer “client” have flaws as well, and it is not clear to me that they are less troubling.
In the end, in referring to groups of people, it seems to me that the easiest and least offensive approach is to call people what they wish to be called; at least until we find words we can all agree upon.
TO THE EDITOR:
I am a very active member of the
Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Michigan - Eastside. I am writing to you because of the great need for much more research into the brain diseases and, more specifically, on behalf of raising money for research through the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD).
It would be great to have the AACP supporting NARSAD. Maybe you are already and if so, great. If you are not, possibly it can be considered?
Here is our AMI - Eastside story. We have 53 “dues-paying members” and another 40 on our mailing list at this time.
When NARSAD was started about six years ago, our affiliate discussed how we could raise money for brain disease research. After all, these are the diseases in which we are involved. Various types of fund-raisers were discussed. Then I said that although I had given up running marathons for two years, after having run six, that I would go back to the required training and would run a marathon if they would ask for pledges, donations, etc.
In 1987, we raised $830. My health has remained excellent so I have continued to agree to run each year!! My legs are wondering if they have a vote!! We have subsequently raised $3025, $10400, $11200 and $15500 — over $40,000 in five years. I have always run the October Detroit International Marathon.
Probably the biggest, in numbers, is the New York Marathon. It has always been in the back of my mind to do NY because of its higher profile — and the chance to raise even more money for NARSAD. I have received my entry for November 1.
I am not really a “marathoner” because I finish well back in the pack. I should say that I “do” a marathon because I am doing some walking, and slow jogging, toward the end!! But the hurt in my legs cannot compare to the hurt of these brain diseases. So I am doing, once again, the necessary training which will enable me to finish the 26.2 miles, through the boroughs of New York this time, and probably in the area of five hours plus or minus ten minutes.
NARSAD seemed to be impressed that I, as a 61-year old this year, would take the time to train for a marathon, etc. and last year I was elected to its Board. I was very honored and as long as I can accomplish the training and “do” the marathon, I will continue to enter one a year.
Hopefully, research will find better medicines and other treatments for the present generation and for future generations, also. These are too often such devastating diseases—and of such an important organ.
What can the AACP do? Here are some ideas:
- Find marathoners who will run the NY Marathon for NARSAD,
representing their state and wearing a yellow shirt with
dark blue letters (NEW YORK for NARSAD, etc.) — if not
this year, next year.
- Do a story on NARSAD and their funding of “young
investigators.”
- Do a story on the marathon-effect for NARSAD so that
nonrunners in AACP can have the option of donating
some of their “donatable dollars” to NARSAD.
- Get some New Yorkers on the curbs to cheer. Our AMI affiliate will have a second runner, a nurse, who will also be wearing a yellow shirt with MICHIGAN for NARSAD. We both expect to be in the 11-minute per mile area. Although, if you think there may be some on the curbs looking for NARSAD shirts, I will send you some times that we should be hitting the mile marks
Thomas B. Coles, Jr., MD
20644 Maple Lane
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
(313) 885-0632
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