Quote of the Day

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by MARSHA BURNS: What's done is done. You can't change the past, but you can make a decision to let go of all that will hinder your walk of faith. Establish yourself in strong faith through hearing the Word. Take one step at a time without projecting into the future. Otherwise, you could get overwhelmed, says the Lord. Move forward with renewed hope. Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Let It Go!

"Let it go" is a a quote from an Autistic student of mine that I had about 3 years ago. This young man didn't say much in class but when he saw me getting upset, the first thing out of his mouth to the class was "Let it go Ms. D". And the only way he would stop saying this phrase was if I repeated it back in an appropriate manner. If I said it loud or angry, it wasn't good enough. I had to say it in the right tone that was heartfelt or he wouldn't have it. He was my gauge at that time in my life for my anger and now when I get to that point, I hear his voice saying to me "Let it go Ms. D". However, yesterday when I was attacked on the phone by one of my parents like I wasn't even there, I didn't hear the words come to me. I sank back and stayed silent. I didn't fight back, I didn't defend myself. I could only continue with what I was there to do and that was to finish an IEP meeting. Later when I shared with my husband why I was upset I realized, it really hurt me. Even though it wasn't my fault why this parent was angry, I took it personal. Attacks on our character even when we are not at fault can be hard to accept. I know I need to "Let it go" but even today, I'm hurt and don't understand why someone would act so unprofessionally on the phone in a teleconference. These kinds of experiences are supposed to make us stronger, better, and wiser but all I can think of is God let me down. This woman got away with hurting me on that call and although the other members encouraged me and stated afterwards that it was uncalled for, I still take it personal on my character. No matter how much we want to help others, they don't always want our help. Being someone that likes control, I had to "Let go and let God". So thanks M, I will try and let it go.

Wide Awake by Katy Perry

"Wide Awake" I'm wide awake I'm wide awake I'm wide awake Yeah, I was in the dark I was falling hard With an open heart I'm wide awake How did I read the stars so wrong? I'm wide awake And now it's clear to me That everything you see Ain't always what it seems I'm wide awake Yeah, I was dreaming for so long [Pre-Chorus] I wish I knew then What I know now Wouldn't dive in Wouldn't bow down Gravity hurts You made it so sweet 'Til I woke up on On the concrete [Chorus] Falling from cloud 9 Crashing from the high I'm letting go tonight Yeah, I'm falling from cloud 9 I'm wide awake Not losing any sleep I picked up every piece And landed on my feet I'm wide awake Need nothing to complete myself, no I'm wide awake Yeah, I am born again Out of the lion's den I don't have to pretend And it's too late The story's over now, the end [Pre-Chorus] I wish I knew then What I know now Wouldn't dive in Wouldn't bow down Gravity hurts You made it so sweet 'Til I woke up on On the concrete [Chorus] Falling from cloud 9 (it was out of the blue) I'm crashing from the high I'm letting go tonight (yeah, I'm letting you go) I'm falling from cloud 9 I'm wide awake Thunder rumbling Castles crumbling I'm wide awake I am trying to hold on I'm wide awake God knows that I tried Seeing the bright side I'm wide awake But I'm not blind anymore... I'm wide awake I'm wide awake [Chorus] Yeah, I'm falling from cloud 9 (it was out of the blue) I'm crashing from the high You know I'm letting go tonight (yeah, I'm letting you go) I'm falling from cloud 9 I'm wide awake I'm wide awake I'm wide awake I'm wide awake I'm wide awake

Flight

My husband and I went and saw Flight last night and afterwards, I felt literally nauseated. If you haven't seen the movie, you might not want to read anymore until after you have seen it. Denzel Washington plays a pilot who learned to fly in the Navy and because of his dad who was part of the Tuskagee Airmen. I'm not sure if this movie is based on a true story but based on the story, I'm sure it has happened before relating to the actual intoxication of the pilot. After the plane crash, "Whip" (Denzel) the pilot is brought up on charges of the plane crash due to his alcohol level that was 2.5 on the tox screen at the hospital along with his girl friend, one of the flight attendants. Fortunately, even though he was wasted and hadn't slept much, he saved all souls (as they refer to the passengers and staff) on the plane except 6. So the manufacturer of the plane didn't want the error on their record so they looked to blame Whip. Finally, because Whip might face time in prison he agrees to let the lawyer of the airline and his superior put him in a hotel to keep him sober. He does great while he stays at his friend's house but once they put him in the hotel with a guard the opportunity arises to drink yet again even though the hearing is to take place the next morning. End of the scene: Whip walks steadily and focuses on the small black frig that is in all hotel rooms and the first thing I feel is, "Oh God No!" Please don't let there be alcohol in that frig!! Thankfully and wisely, the lawyer and rep take the time to empty the frig and fill it with non-alcoholic beverages...whew! I was nervous. He eats his steak dinner and tries to find something to watch on TV but he really isn't OK because he wants a drink real bad. In the middle of the night, he hears knocking at his room and he can't figure out where it is coming from. However, he gets up to check and low and behold, the attached room is where the knocking is coming from. He opens his side of the door and he sees that the other adjoining door is knocking against his door because the window is open and vacant and the wind is causing the knocking on the unclosed door! Scene change: We all knew, the opportunity would come for him to take that drink that would ultimately be the end and there it is again. That little black frig and what it held was keeping the audience on pins and needles. It made me want to yell out, "go back"! "Don't open that frig"! But as you know by now based on what likely happens is that he does open the frig and it is filled with nothing but alcohol. Every possible kind. He takes the small clear bottle of Vodka, opens it slowly, smells it, and ponders in his mind, "Should I drink this"? He slams it down on the top of the frig and you want to cheer! Scene change: The lawyer and the rep knock on the door to get him to the hearing and have coffee in their hands for Whip, but he doesn't answer. All that was going through my head was, please let him be in the shower, please let him open the door. But he doesn't! They open the hotel room door with the extra key that the guard has and then you see it! The room is a mess, bottles everywhere, and there is Whip on the bathroom floor, bleeding! First thought: he's dead! But no, he's not, he's just drunk. So what do they do, they call his addict supplying friend and all they can think of is how can we get him ready for the hearing in an hour. The Coke supplier shows up on the scene and pulls out the Coke! He gets Whip exactly what he needs to pick him up and get him ready to be presentable in his suit walking stable with a band aid on his head from the fall. He sits before the hearing committee and he's doing great but then the final question comes. "Based on the tox screen of your girl friend (stewardess) her tox level was .17, there was no beverage service on the plane due to the horrible turbulence so who drank the 2 small bottles of gin Mr. Whitaker?" He ponders what seems like hours and they all want him to say it was his girlfriend who drank that morning on the plane, but she was dead from the crash, and Whip loved her and this was his defining moment and he remembered what he heard at the short time at the AA meeting that his current girl friend got him to go to~he remembers the alcoholic who was speaking talk about all the lies, and he finally speaks, "NO, she did not drink the the 2 bottles of gin, I did!" And, there you have it. He finally admits his wrongs, states he is drunk and on coke and the room goes silent. Scene change: In prison, he is talking to other addicts and sharing his story, he admits his wrongs again to them and talks about how what he got, the 5 years in prison, losing his pilot's license, and the unforgiveness from some of the families of the deceased and he says, "That was all fair", but for the first time in my life, I am free"! So there you have it! This made me think of all the addicts in my life, my father, my brothers, my sons, my dead boyfriend from my childhood, my ex, and so many more and I begin to get choked up and feel sick. It's Thanksgiving tomorrow and so many people will celebrate with alcohol and drugs, but I will not. I choose not to participate in that even though I have never been an addict, I will not add to the problem for my son or whoever else shows up. I am sick of it all. I am saddened and angry that a liquid and a substance has the power to kill, steal, and destroy my family and those I love and have loved. I pray today and ask you to stand with me as I make this decision not to drink whether or not I'm an addict tomorrow. I pray that addicts and co-dependents everywhere will choose today, right now, not to let the enemy steal from you anymore the life and freedom you could have, that God has waiting for you. God bless you this holiday season! ACA AA Celebrate Recovery Born Again Christian

Addiction has many phases;

Just because you've stopped abusing your "drug of choice" doesn't mean everything is going to miraculously get better. There is many steps to recovery; I needed to make amends to all those people that I had harmed and there were many. I also need to get right financially with all those creditors. Then I needed to try to fill my time with something useful rather than destructive. There is also that difficult task of cutting off anyone that reminds you of using, most of my old buddies thought it was just a phase. But remember, they will aways be patient to wait for you till your are weak and ready to get loaded again. A good support group is essential. A lot of churches have "CR" recovery groups.

I believe what saves me is trying to keep busy, I started school again to keep my mental status involved in something constructive, unfortunately I found that I had ADD, which may have been caused by excessive drug abuse. I am in somewhat of a fog again so I admit it's always a struggle. So I am always at risk of going back to that lifestyle. But I have come to far to continue that path of destruction.

May God help you find the correct remedy for your recovery;

Michael Angelo

Life evaluation;

I can remember the first time I used my drug of choice, it was great. I can remember a few years of actually having fun too; but then everything just kinda went on autopilot. The years just flew by, the money problems, the speeding tickets, the fights with the wife for being out for 2-3 days without so much as a phone call. Then I can remember the break-ups and the crying and all I could think about was doing more dope. How can a person with good morals be so cruel and insensitive? how could I have done that? Then you fast-forward 28 years later and I have nothing to show for all of that wasted time, nothing but awful memories of trying to catch-up, make rent, buy food, raise the kids, buy them clothes, car payments, Christmas times, just holding a job became difficult. There's no going back to fix it, there's nothing anyone can do. Now I suffer from bad health and debt to constantly remind myself of what happened. How could something have such a hold on me for so long without me knowing what was going on? That's why they call it an addiction; your mind takes over what the body craves. It's a difficult and every day struggle just to stay clean and out of that lifestyle. I guess I made it, it just doesn't feel like it yet. posted by; michaelangelo

Rods View

Life is a matter of Odds, but, Life don`t set the odd`s YOU DO---- depending on how you respond to life`s challenges... Read and search to find and capture good ideals. Then put them in a journal so you can go over & over them. Ideals can change your life, so study all your wishes and notes. Books and notes are very valuable. Repetition is the Mother of Skill...Starting NOW you can do the most remarkable things.! DISCIPLINE is the biggest step towards progress...Discipline all your disappointments because every let down affects all the rest of your performances..FEED your brain as you feed your body. Base your life on Worth....not cost. Study Nutrition because vitality plays an important part in life`s special moments of success.....Get you a game plan written and operate from it along with all the clues of success /knowledge you noted,observed and listened to or read. ACTION is next after learning. Putting your knowledge to work will change everything. Review your game plan but don`t try to beat the system. Do it right and don`t compromise with right.... Don`t be stubborn.........Next post "Basic Laws" By Rod Mullin

Always Call for Help!

Matai RedconOne A few nights ago I decided to take me life. I plugged a hose into my exhaust pipe and then ran it into my window and let the car run. Gun in my lap as I sat there reflecting about my life and how bad I felt it had all been. I sent one last text to my brother SoldierHard RedconOne and said bye. Not but a few minutes later..a neighbor runs and opens my doors and takes the house out. ALL DUE TO Celexa and Xanax. Please be careful when taking pills like those! We all have problems but looking at it now....it was a selfish thing of me to do. Soldier Hard took the pills my brother took the gun and and now I'm looking forward to help from a clinic that will start Monday. Thank you Angel Alexander , Michael Ndah and J William Pickett for finding me and staying by my side until help arrived. I've apparently affected my little brother by seeing my post and caused him to feel the same way so I apologize. Facebook therapy I swear! = ) Well, my 2nd attempt at it has not worked so I'm stuck here with all of you and looking forward to bugging you all for life! = )

Happy Birthday To Me!

Good Morning Fellow Laboring Sobriety Members! Well, I had an experience to share and nature found a way to make me remember not to drink while in the sun. Yes, I was at my birthday party in Tomales Bay enjoying myself having oysters with my guests and a few glasses of wine later and a beer, I guess I had too much to drink! My husband says I gave my flowers away, I don't remember doing that. I don't remember walking to my car either and thank God I wasn't driving. I also cried for 45 minutes because my grand daughter never made it to my party and it was her birthday too. Maybe it was a blessing after all so she didn't have to see her grammie like that. I don't think my son would have liked it either. I had a great time I think but feel I cheated myself out of some nice memories with some great friends for a few drinks. Also, I got really burned and didn't even know it and I'm still suffering and peeling and can barely wear clothes on my back. What a lesson. I will never forget that day and God made sure of it. I have done this only once or twice in my lifetime but still, I don't like that I did it at all. Why did the few glasses of wine hit me so hard? Not enough water, enough food, the sun? All of those things matter but what we forget is that when we drink we start off where we ended the last time. I feel like I messed up so I won't do it again. Even co-dependents can screw up in this area just like me. What I realize now is that drinking alcohol is not what I need anymore to take away the stress of the week..... Jesus and sobriety is.

Daily Inspiration

Quote of the Day "They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." – Andy Warhol

Be at Peace

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Quote

Quote of the Day "Man's main task in life is to give birth to himself, to become what he potentially is." – Erich Fromm Allow God to mold you into who you are. You can only do this by surrendering yourself daily, "Let go and let God".

The God Gene

This weekend I watched a documentary about how people who are in touch with God during prayer have the same brain activity as someone who is on drugs. In other words, you can reach Nirvana or that spiritual place that you desire from drug use by praying instead! Isn't that great news! The God Gene by Dean Hamer, a geneticist, has done much research on this topic. So now when we feel we need a drink, we can just pray and get to that same place :) http://www.amazon.com/The-God-Gene-Faith-Hardwired/dp/0385500580 Pray without ceasing and get a little high :) Lilia

Daily Inspiration

Quote of the Day "Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don't give up." – Anne Lamott

Devotional

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by MARSHA BURNS: Be alert to a weapon formed against you, My people. It is the temptation to give in to dissipation, which is to spend too much time and resources on physical pleasures. This is a subtle attack formed to separate you from My presence and to divert your attention to worldly things and issues of life. Take the time to deliberately redirect your thoughts and energy to spiritual things--things that matter, says the Lord. 1 Peter 4:3-6 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles-when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. http://ft111.com/

Experience

As a scholar practitioner in the dissertation phase of my Phd program for Social and Community Services, and an ex co-dependent and a child of an alcoholic, I have experience in writing and sharing in this blog to help others reach their goals. Some books that have helped me are "Co-Dependent No More", the Bible, and one I'm currently reading, "The Resolution for Women", which is also available for men. This book originated from the movie Courageous. I also was in a marriage for 25 years with a cocaine addict so my first hand experience should give you assurance that I know what I'm talking about. As I grew up with drug addicted and alcoholic brothers I learned a thing or two about how not to follow in their foot steps. Bless you as you read daily. Lilia

Staying Clean and Sober

For addicts, staying clean and sober is an everyday battle! The economy, family problems, relationship issues, work, and medical illnesses can make each day grueling. Just to stay sober one more day is all you can ask of yourself. "One day at a time", or one minutes at a time. Everyone has to fight some urge daily to stay on the right track but for addicts this is no easy task. All you can do is "let go and let God!" But what exactly does that mean? What it means to me is that no matter if you are an addict or not, every issue that comes up, you must ask Him to help you through it. He will do it if you ask! The problem is addicts don't think they deserve anything so they are afraid to ask thinking that they will experience rejection once again. But God says, "ask, and you will receive." He wants to hear from you. He wants to show you that He's God! So ASK! Blessings.

Losing Weight

Health experts say that if you want to lose weight, alcohol should be eliminated from your diet. The sugar that comes from alcohol contributes to weight gain and other health related problems like diabetes. Not only can alcohol make it difficult to lose weight but it can also get it the way of good nutrition. Many people do not realize that alcohol can be classified as a drug. Under this category, it is the most widely used drug in the world. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in the United States, 17.6 million people -- about one in every 12 adults -- abuse alcohol or are alcohol dependent. The majority of the population consumes alcohol moderately or occasionally, but that does not mean that it's not a problem. You do not need to be an alcoholic for alcohol to interfere with your health and life. The potential to become addicted to alcohol is a serious problem that can affect anyone. Alcohol is not an essential nutrient in your diet and limits need to be followed on how much and how often it is consumed. http://www.medicinenet.com/alcohol_and_nutrition/article.htm

Family of Origin

Recently, I was reading Free To Forgive and it talked about us going back in time to see what things in the past could be hindering us from success in our serenity. Go over your family of origin with a fine tooth comb by composing a detailed inventory of significant relationships. What patterns are you repeating from your family of origin? What patterns do you need to break? I know I was just looking at mine and how I need to have the last word and not staying silent is a real killer. I think it comes from insecurity. What are your negative pattens you're still trying to control? From Free To Forgive Daily Devotion for Adult Children of Abuse. Serenity Meditation Series Meier Minirth, Nelson Publishers.

Hooked on Drugs

http://www.godvine.com/Beautiful-Model-Gets-Fired-for-Gaining-4-Pounds-Then-Finds-God-996.html

Healing

Healing comes in many forms but it can come from apologizing for the wrongs we have caused. "Although apology cards are hard to find, apologies are frequently needed in our relationships. Apologizing is a biblical action. Jesus instructed His followers to make things right with those we've offended. Apologies can be hard to make because it takes a spirit of humility to admit our mistakes, which may not come naturally for us. But taking responsibility for how we were wrong in a situation can bring healing and restoration to a relationship." Anne Cetas I recently had to say I was sorry to my husband for offending him even though I felt he offended me first. However, it is constantly a surprise to me when I ask for forgiveness for my part how humility takes over and heals the relationship enough to bring restoration. Its at that point that the other individual is given over to God to be dealt with. We can't bring the other person to say they are sorry, only God can teach this act of forgiveness and humility. However, at times this lesson can come at a cost. Lilia

Free to Forgive

"Three percent of humans lose touch with reality at some point in their lives. Recent research states that it usually involves dopamine levels in the brain. Inadequate levels can be attributed to stress, feelings of inferiority, drug reactions, and genetic predisposition". Meier & Minirth

Be strong and courageous! In everything you do, be content and live every moment to the fullest. If you have problems with stress, feelings of inferiority, or are having reactions from drugs or alcohol..be strong and courageous to stop hurting yourself and live each moment to the fullest. You will never have that time again. Give it to God and reach out for help.

STEP 1 AA

Instructions

1

Read the entire chapter on Step One in one of many AA books available. Read it every day for 30 days.
2

Recognize the enormity of the first word: We. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship that takes alcoholics out of the isolation that alcohol usually drives them. Recovery is obtained through working with others as clearly stated in Step One.

3

Admit that you cannot control your drinking. Look at your behavior honestly. Answer the questions in the pamphlet "44 Questions" to help you get a clearer look at your disease.
4

Take one drink of alcohol a week for a month if you have not yet joined an AA meeting and picked up a white chip. If you are unsure if you are an alcoholic, this step should be no problem at all for you.
5

Write about your life to this point. A mini-biography, done truthfully, will help to illustrate just how big a part alcohol has played in your life. It will help to illuminate how you do not manage your life and how your life revolved around alcohol.
6

Ask people at AA meetings how they worked Step One, and you will hear many different ideas. Take the ideas that you feel will help you and keep an open mind about trying other things as you progress in your recovery.


Read more: How to Work Step One in AA | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2083107_work-step-one-aa.html#ixzz1qtdbwG2m

Teen Challenge

Teen Challenge started in Brooklyn, New York in 1958 by Rev. David Wilkerson.

Wilkerson was a young country preacher pastoring a church in eastern Pennsylvania. One February afternoon, Wilkerson read an article in LIFE magazine about seven teenagers who were on trial for murder.

During a gang fight in Manhattan, these teens beat a young man to death. Troubled by what he read in the article, and sensing God wanted him to do something for the teens, Wilkerson made a trip from his hometown in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania to the urban area of New York City.

Some time after this, Rev. Wilkerson resigned his church in Pennsylvania and moved to the New York City area to work full time with teenage gang members. This new work was eventually called “Teen Challenge.” Soon, Teen Challenge began to also offer help to those addicted to drugs and alcohol.

During these early years, a large home was obtained on Clinton Avenue in Brooklyn. A year-long residential discipleship program was started in this facility. This Teen Challenge program is still helping people change their lives in today! Due to its success, residential Teen Challenge centers began cropping up in cities all across America.

Most of the centers offer a 12-18 month residential program for men, women, boys, or girls. These centers are designed to help individuals learn how to live drug-free lives. The programs are discipline-oriented and offer a balance of Bible classes, work assignments, and recreation.

As of January 2002, at the beginning the 45th year, there were 178 Teen Challenge programs in the United States and another 150 in other countries around the world. A study completed by NIDA in 1974 claimed an 86% success rate 7 years after graduation. Other studies have been completed since that time that confirmed those findings.

The rest of the story of Teen Challenge is told in the best-selling book, The Cross and the Switchblade. This book has sold tens of millions of copies and has been translated into 35 different languages. Another exciting book that is available, Run Baby Run tells of notorious gang member Nicky Cruz who was one of David Wilkerson’ s early converts in New York City. Beyond the Cross and the Switchblade and The Cross is Still Mightier than the Switchblade also detail important early history of Teen Challenge.

Teen Challenge has grown into one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind in the world.

http://teenchallengeusa.com/

Oscar de la Hoya

As I enjoy my 10 months of being sober today I come to realize without a cloud over my head that I will never ever fight again.

Step 8

MARCH 8 Today I am willing for healing to take place in ruptured relationships. I have been doing the best that I can. My acknowledgment that I may have hurt someone else in no way disparages me. I have also been hurt, and I extend the same understanding to myself that I do to others. We have all been doing the best that we can. My willingness to make amends speaks to my spiritual growth and desire for honesty. Making amends to others sets things straight with myself. My self-respect is growing to the extent that I am no longer comfortable with unfinished business. I will finish up my side for my own self and allow the rest to be where it is. It is for myself that I make amends; I do not need to control the result. I am willing to feel clean inside. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Step 8, Alcoholics Anonymous

Dayton Ph.D., Tian (2010-01-01). Daily Affirmations for Forgiving and Moving On (p. 68). HCI. Kindle Edition.

The meaning of Addiction by APA

Addiction is a condition in which the body must have a drug to avoid physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Addiction’s first stage is dependence, during which the search for a drug dominates an individual’s life. An addict eventually develops tolerance, which forces the person to consume larger and larger doses of the drug to get the same effect.

Whitney Houston

Sadly enough, we lost another amazing performer to alcohol and drugs. When will fame be enough? Most likely never! The only sure saving grace we can hold onto in this life is our faith in God to help us through. Whitney grew up a gospel singer and was given an amazing gift in her voice. That voice could have been used for greatness in the kingdom of God if the devil hadn't swayed her the wrong way. I pray for her family and pray that she is with the Lord using her precious voice once again to praise Him eternally.

Amen.

Stats

• 76.3 million persons are diagnosed with alcohol disorders;
• At least 15.3 million persons are affected by disorders related to drug use;
• Between 5 and 10 million people currently inject drugs;
• 5%–10% of all new HIV infections globally result from injecting drugs;
• More than 1.8 million deaths in 2000 were attributed to alcohol related risks;
• 205,000 deaths in 2000 were attributed to illicit drug use

For every dollar invested in drug treatment, seven dollars are saved in health and social costs. Abuse of alcohol and other substances continues to be one of the most serious public health problems in both developed and developing countries. Worldwide, alcohol accounted for 4% of the total burden of diseases in 2000.

HALT

An addict who has a “slip” does not necessarily mean that the person has had a complete relapse. It could possibly mean a temporary lapse in changing addictive behavior (Van Vormer & Davis, 2008). In other words, if an addict that has had 5 years of sobriety and suddenly has a slip due to a stressful situation; it is possible to get back to their program without thinking they have blown it. This kind of thinking could cause the addict to go completely off his or her program. It is better for these “lapses” to be viewed as valuable learning opportunities with the help of a therapist (Van Vormer & Davis, 2008).

The term HALT in substance abuse treatment means don’t get too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. These triggers can cause a setback and cause the addict to use again. It is important for therapists to help their client self-monitor for antecedents that may cause complete relapse (Van Vormer & Davis, 2008). Another method to relieve stressors could be through the concept of spiritual healing by attending church, Bible study, Celebrate Recovery, or cell groups to have a feeling of belonging and a support system that is easy to access in their own community.

Celebrate Recovery is a well-known 12 Step program based on the Bible to help addicts recover spiritually. They can be found in almost every city at Christian churches. Cell groups are formed by people from church who get together in people’s homes to have Bible study or coffee to talk about spiritual things relating to God. These home recovery groups and gatherings could also help teens stay clean by adding a sense of belonging and accountability. Sometimes the addict has had a spiritual life in the past and just needs help tapping back into it (Van Vormer & Davis, 2008).

Van Wormer, K., & Davis, D. R. (2008). Addiction treatment: A strengths perspective (2nd ed.) Belmont, CA: Thompson Higher Education.

No More Norco!

Its official! I have been off Norco for almost a week and I am feeling great without it! Now if I have pain in my foot from surgery I just take those fast acting Tylenol. I know they are also not very good for your stomach but I do not take them every day. Recently, I found out that my brother has been having some pancreatic issues going on and it looks like it might be related to all the pain pills he took and other chemicals as well.

If any of you have had problems with your pancreas from drugs please post your experiences.

Blessings,

Metabolism of Chemicals

Metabolism is the sum total of the chemical processes and energy exchanges that take place within an organism. Even though every cell breaks down substances in the body the liver is the main organ that metabolizes alcohol and other drugs (Van Wormer & Davis, 2008).

The metabolizing process of addiction and the overall effect alcohol has on the body is harmful because of its toxins. The absorption takes place in the stomach which means no digestion is required. Since this metabolic activity in the liver takes place at a fixed rate, only part of the alcohol being pumped through the liver is metabolized at a time, while the rest continues to circulate (Van Wormer & Davis, 2008). In the liver, an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) mediates the conversion of alcohol to acetaldehyde (Gordis, 1997). The formation of this poison is the first step in the process of metabolism (Van Wormer & Davis, 2008).

Dietary ethanol (ETOH) is a physiologically non-essential, energy-yielding (29 kJ_g–1) molecule in humans, produced by the yeast-driven fermentation of pyruvate from plant products with high carbohydrate content. Trace amounts of ethanol, or alcohol as it is commonly called, are produced by the mammalian gastrointestinal flora and also occur naturally in some foods. The principal source of alcohol in the diet, however, is that derived from beverages processed by alcoholic fermentation, such as beer, distilled spirits, and wine. Ethanol is one of the worlds’ most widely consumed drugs. Thus, like all drugs, it has the potential for therapeutic and toxic capacities in dose-dependent fashion (Ferreira & Willoughby, 2008).

The role of genetic composition and the medical consequences of substance misuse and abuse are found to be linked to genetics and learned behavior according to research. Current theories of addiction rely heavily on neurobiological evidence showing connections between addiction-related behaviors and neural structures and functions (Nestler, 2005).

By Lilia Sedano, M.A.
Special Education

Ferreira, M., & Willoughby, D. (2008). Alcohol consumption: the good, the bad, and the indifferent. Applied Physiology, Nutrition & Metabolism, 33(1), 12-20. doi:10.1139/H07-175

Nestler, E. (2005). The neurobiology of cocaine addiction. Science and practice perspectives, 3(1), 4-12.

Van Wormer, K., & Davis, D.R. (2008). Addiction treatment: A strengths perspective. Belmont, CA: Thomason Brooks/Cole.

Napa Drug and Alcohol Rehab

Duffy's Napa Valley Rehab
Confidential 24 Hour Helpline

(888) 717-9725
Start Healing Now!

Programs Residential Recovery
Our Approach What Sets Us Apart?
Pricing What Does It Cost?
Detox Drug & Alcohol
Location Beautiful Napa
About The Duffy Legacy
Alumni Share Your Hope

Drug Rehab & Alcohol Recovery

We are dedicated to helping those with alcohol and drug addictions. A leading rehabilitation center since 1967, we have helped 34,000 guests find hope and would count it a privilege to help you.

Industry Leader in Residential Recovery
Personal Treatment Planning & 1 on 1 Counseling
Physician Directed Drug & Alcohol Detox

Our program approach embraces the abstinence/recovery reality that upon discharge from our treatment, guests must be able to carry with them the familiar, effective, and personalized tools to sustain and continue to improve upon their early recovery experience.

Our Location in the Beautiful Napa Valley
Serene and Peaceful

Our facility is situated on a 18 acre former resort outside Calistoga, California, just two hours north of San Francisco. Located at the foot of Mt. St. Helena in the Napa Valley, this serene setting is an integral part of our overall therapeutic environment.

Medical Detoxification

Our desire is to help our guests detoxify quickly and with as little discomfort as possible so they may gain the full benefit of counseling and therapy. Before you arrive at Duffy's our "house call" licensed physician will go over your medical history and history of addiction. We will then meet with you when you arrive and determine the best treatment plan possible. During detox we work hard to ensure your comfort and safety.

From its inception Duffy's mission has been to help alcoholics and addicts. We seek to keep our rates as affordable as possible while maintaining quality care. We have treatment programs from 7 to 90 days and offer scholarships and financing to those with financial hardship.

Please call us today or chat with us online for more information, we would consider it a privilege to help you.

Other Addictions

Eating disorders, compulsive gambling, and shopping addictions are not ordinary addictions. Eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia, depend upon genetics. According to USA Today, an anorexia-related gene has been identified. This addiction is more common in females. Overeating is another part of eating disorders but it has minimal research (Van Wormer & Davis, 2008). Compulsive gambling is another addiction that is widespread except for Utah and Hawaii. It is seen as the socially acceptable activity and affects men and women. There are casinos in 29 states. Blacks and Latinos are more likely to be pathological gamblers. The shopping addiction is found to be related to compulsive behavior and not materialism necessarily. It is likened to kleptomania. Results in controlled studies have shown that antidepressants and serotonin enhancers help because the shopping addiction is said to be connected to more than one psychiatric disorder (Van Wormer & Davis, 2008).

Treatment of these addictions would most likely include individual therapy, 90 minute group therapy sessions, and/or medication. Family therapy would benefit those with eating disorders. Healthy models of expression need to be learned. Eating disorders are harder to treat since abstinence from food is impossible (Van Wormer & Davis, 2008).

Addiction may be considered an example of a quite thorough going failure of self-control. Persons with addictions are sometimes aware that their addictive behavior should be altered, and yet they have great trouble bringing such change about. Explaining why this is so, however, is not easy. Among the various explanations offered are the disease conception of addiction, where the behavior is medicalized; the notion that such people are the victims of ‘irresistible desires’ or overwhelming compulsions; that they have disordered desires, weighing the benefits and costs of the addictive behavior differently to others; or that they tend to discount future costs at a greater rate than other people. These are examples of explaining why such people fail to control their own behavior (Walker, 2010).

Van Wormer, K., & Davis, D. R. (2008). Addiction treatment a strengths perspective. (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Walker, M. (2010). Addiction and Self-Deception: A Method for Self-Control?. Journal Of Applied Philosophy, 27(3), 305-319. doi:10.1111/j.1468-5930.2010.00493.x


Lilia Sedano
HS8764
Capella University

2 Pills a Day!

I am feeling much better getting off of these pain pills slowly. I am down to 2 pills a day. The only reason this happened is because yesterday I woke up with a migraine and had to take 2 Excedrin Migraine pills. This helped with the foot pain as well so I did not take the Norco. Fortunately, this helped me only take 2 pills yesterday.

Today, I will try to take only 2 pills again and if I feel like I need more, I am going to take 2 Tylenol instead. I really want to be weaned off of these pain pills soon. I don't understand how anyone can enjoy taking these things since they cause extreme constipation. I am the type of person that needs to have a good BM daily! If not, I can't eat.

Does anyone else have that problem? How do you handle it?

From Facebook

Matt Arciaga
Watching meth.Inc
Did you know that only 6% of people who are addicted actually get off it

Weaning off the Norco

My doctor lowered the dosage of the Norco (Vicodin) to 5 mg and 325 of Tylenol. This has made a huge difference in my overall well being. I am no longer dozing off during the day and the constipation has lessened. However, I do have to take 2 Citrocel's a day for assurance and ease.

I had a really hard time sleeping last night because of a horrible knot in my back and shoulder and after taking a Norco, the pain didn't even subside. It's 10:00 a.m.and I haven't taken another Norco for 7 hours. I don't feel I need it but I am going to the doctor today for them to remove my splint and put on a cast so I'm being proactive since I will have my foot in weird positions on my way in the car.

I can't wait to get off these pills!

On the mend.

Day 3

All this time I have been asking God for a sign for this or a sign for that, but this morning He revealed in Matthew 16:4, that only an adulterous generation seeks a sign. OMG! I'm so sorry Lord. I didn't know. I will never ask for another sign for what you did before and at the cross was sign enough. I love you! I trust you. Forgive me. What great nuggets has God given you today?