The United States Anti-Doping Association (USADA) stripped cycling legend, cancer survivor and health advocate Lance Armstrong of all seven of his Tour de France titles late last week due to his “numerous anti-doping rule violations, including his involvement in trafficking and administering doping products to others.” Earlier in the week, Armstrong came out to say he would no longer defend himself against what he called an “unconstitutional witch hunt,” pointing to the numerous drug tests he passed successfully during the course of his professional cycling career.
The USADA’s action shows another side to the consequences that those who use or abuse drugs can face. Most commonly thought of are the health and relational damage that comes from drug use, but often equally prevalent are the legal ramifications.
Through their free, 24-hour Lighthouse Network Addiction and Counseling Helpline at (844) 543-3242, Lighthouse Network Care Guides talk with callers and can help determine the next best course of action for the caller’s needs. Curriculum and other programs that Lighthouse has developed help the addicted and their caregivers and Lighthouse Network provides these resources to many facilities throughout the United States. Nashville, Tennessee-based New Life Lodge, a residential rehabilitation and treatment facility, is one such treatment center which can provide not only detox services through a Christian counseling setting, but also drug and alcohol awareness programs that deal with the legal or societal ramifications of substance abuse.
Comments From Lighthouse Network Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Karl Benzio
“While it was a sad day for Armstrong fans and the cycling world on Friday, the USADA’s action proves that those caught up with substance abuse can be fully functional members of society while still experiencing the very real consequences addictive behaviors often bring,” said Karl Benzio, M.D., who is the Founder and Executive Director of Lighthouse Network, the country’s premier Christian addiction and mental health referral service. “Legal consequences, although unfortunate, are often the strongest leverage finally pushing an addict to realize the out-of-control state of their addiction. My own arrest for six counts of aggravated assault and going to jail was one of the pivotal turning points of my alcohol recovery and life transformation.”
“New Life Lodge offers high-quality, Christian treatment and counseling to help those struggling with addiction overcome their battle, but our relationship with several national organizations of this nature affords our Care Guides strategic geographical and clinical diversity of quality behavioral health programs to customize a plan to the treatment needs of each caller.” said Benzio. “We are proud of our national relationships, which provide outstanding treatment options that are the industry benchmarks of excellence and offer a continuum of behavioral health services that are unparalleled.”