Editorial Comment 9/1/2020: Doctors helping other doctors

This, bluntly, is a solicitation, though not for ASAM or the ASAM Weekly.

It was my intent this week to discuss the convergence of the infectious pandemic with drug use endemicity, centering on the Hawaiian experience with methamphetamine. I will defer that to next week.  Let me focus instead on our obligation as healthcare professionals within the field of addiction, to take care of ourselves and of each other.

IDAA (https://www.idaa.org/) is International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous, an organization founded in 1949 and whose title is a bit anachronistic.  Not for decades has the membership been limited to physicians as much as to graduate-level healthcare professionals, in nursing, psychology, social work, dentistry, veterinary medicine, others; and not for decades has the philosophic focus been limited to Alcoholics Anonymous.  Sessions are scheduled for members of Alanon, Ala-Teen, Narcotics Anonymous; and breakouts are provided for special interests in Women’s Issues, LGBT Community, Sexual, Gaming and Gambling Addictions, and Professional/Legal Concerns. Thousands attend its annual program at different sites, many bringing families to participate in the exceptional and brilliantly conceived programs in family dynamics, with professional services volunteered, for four to five days of fellowship.  Many others participate in its online virtual and email meetings.

Consistently responsible and able to manage affairs on a shoestring, while providing scholarships for many doctors newly in recovery, IDAA came upon hard times with the advent of the  COVID-19 pandemic. The conference required cancellation when travel access, proximity and safety were considered.  Securities required by the hotel and support facilities for this past year’s conference were however not waived. The magnitude of this debt goes well beyond the organization’s reserves.

While membership in IDAA is $50/annum, benefits of membership are extended to all who ask.   For those among us with a shared interest in health professionals’ recovery, this is a critical opportunity to be of use to our colleagues.  IDAA is not affiliated with ASAM and operates entirely as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  All donations are tax-deductible.  If inclined to help, please use this link:  https://www.idaa.org/19/

- Editor-in-Chief: Dr. William Haning, MD, DFAPA, DFASAM