Pubdate: Wed, 29 Mar 2006
Source: Anderson Valley Advertiser (CA)
Column: Cannabinotes
Copyright: 2006 Anderson Valley Advertiser
Contact:  http://www.theava.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2667
Author: Fred Gardner
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Mikuriya (Tod H. Mikuriya, M.D.)

MIKURIYA TO CSAM: "I QUIT!"

To: California Society of Addiction Medicine 74 New Montgomery 
Street, Suite 230 San Francisco, CA 94105

American Society of Addiction Medicine 4601 North Park Avenue Suite 
101 Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Colleagues,

As I contemplated whether or not to renew this year with the not 
unsubstantial dues, I asked myself "Why should I?" Over the years 
since I joined the organization I have tried to raise the possibility 
of a harm-reduction option for the treatment of alcoholism. 
Notwithstanding my repeated and persistent entreaties, I have been 
repeatedly denied any opportunity for a collegial and professional 
forum. I have even offered to make my patients available for 
questioning and review. Nothing. Lame excuses -not ready yet.

Forays into spiritualism with self-styled practitioners responding to 
the "spiritual needs" of addicts was particularly disturbing. Somehow 
I don't remember any training in medical school in theological 
studies. The blurring of boundaries and confusion of identity 
diminishes, attenuates medical leadership, and reduces professional 
credibility to cultism. Medical Review Officers conducting forensic 
examinations are not engaged in a medical activity.  Preoccupation 
with urinary metabolites instead of actual fitness for duty further 
diminishes medical leadership and reduces ASAM/CSAM to corporate 
shills and trough feeders.  Donald Ian MacDonald of ASAM