Saturday, August 31, 2013

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

http://www.itickets.com/events/306634.htmlPLEASE FORWARD THIS LINK TO ALL YOU CONTACTS WHO MIGHT SUPPORT THIS EVENT OR ATTEND Okay everyone less than 2 weeks away. Last volunteer meeting(really important) will be on Saturday Sept 7th 6 o'clock p.m. On the field of the event at Christian Life Center 3100 Galloway rd Bensalem, Pa 19020 here's the ticket link to forward to your email contacts please do that and if you have tickests to sell start discounting them at BOGO let me know if you need more. all leaders try to be there. we will do a walkthrough of the event and pray.PLEASE bring any money from ticket sales. See u then!! This is going to be a life changing event for many!Bob SofronskiDirector CLPRM215-833-2512

Time is running out

www.recoverywalks.org Saturday, September 21, 2013 Only 3 Days Left Until Recovery Month Begins The theme this year is "Join the Voices of Recovery: Together on Pathways to Wellness." There are multiple pathways to recovery--not just a single one! Learn more about Recovery Month by clicking here. Only 8 Days Left UntilRecovery Night at the Baseball Game! There are a few tickets left for the Phillies vs. Atlanta Bravesgame on Friday, September 6. It's a lot of fun to share a game with 500 others in recovery! Get your tickets now by clicking here.  And Only 23 Days Left UntilPRO-ACT Recovery Walks! 2013  You can still register for a team or to walk as an individual. You can still donate, either to your team or simply to support theWalk and PRO-ACT. You can do all of that and more by clicking here.TEAM CAPTAINS TAKE NOTE!  How would YOU like to throw out the first pitch at Recovery Night at the Baseball Game in Citizens Bank Park next year? More than 43,000 fans would see you. You would see your name in lights on the PhanaVision scoreboard, the largest HD screen in the national league! You would have a private tour with three friends of Citizens Bank Park. You would have premium seating for yourself and three friends for the game. And you would receive a video of yourself throwing out the first pitch! Here's Dr. Catherine Williams throwing out the first pitch last year. She looks so good we think she practiced a lot!  How can YOU get to do that? The same way Jackie Ferrer did it. Yes, she was the Team Captain ofTeam Ricki Ferrer at the Recovery Walk last year and they raised the most donations for the Walk. And you'll see Jackie out there on the field on September 6 making the first pitch. Be sure to cheer loudly for Jackie--she'll probably be nervous. But we know she can do it. Here she is receiving her award from Fred Martin at the Recovery Walk last year.  So Team Captains get busy with your team. Get them all together for a pep rally. You have 23 more days to beat out all the other teams--and at present count, there are 122 teams out there working on gathering donations. The total tally will be done by PRO-ACT on the day of the Walk and the announcement will be made from the stage. Click here toREGISTER orDONATE to the Recovery Walkon September 21 at Penn's Landing With Thanks to our Top Sponsors for Their Support   To see a complete list of sponsors, please click here       The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.252 West Swamp Road, Unit 12Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901215-345-6644www.councilsepa.orgForward emailThis email was sent torecoveryfriends@gmail.com bymoconnell@councilsepa.org |  Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy.The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. | 252 West Swamp Road, Unit 12 |Doylestown | PA | 18901

Friday, August 30, 2013

August 29, 2013NAADAC Annual Conference

August 29, 2013NAADAC Annual Conference In Focus: Emerging Drugs of AbuseDrugs of abuse are constantly evolving as they gain popularity and spread across the nation at a rapid pace. Want to learn more? Come to plenary presentation: Uppers, Downers, All Arounders on October 14th at the NAADAC Annual Conference in Atlanta. Darryl S. Inaba, PharmD, CADC III, the Director of Clinical and Behavioral Health Service, Addictions Recovery Center, Medford Oregon and Director of Research and Education at CNS Productions, will address the different drugs of abuse that have been appearing on American streets in increasing numbers, the on-going challenge they provide to addiction treatment providers and the toxic effects of these drugs.Dr. Inaba will focus on the wide variety of new synthetic and natural chemicals that are rising in popularity, including synthetic cannabinoids, "bath salts," prescription opiates, Kratom and "shake and bake" methamphetamine.Over 30 units of Continuing Education available![ More Information ][ Full Conference Schedule  ] Rooms are selling out!  Don’t miss the hotel booking deadline on September 16, 2013 for a reduced room rate of $149 and free internet. Full details online – click on view room rates. NAADAC Launching a New Resource in OctoberWant to keep up to date on the news and trends of the profession, but don’t have time to do the independent research? NAADAC has you covered. NAADAC will launchAddiction and Recovery eNews, a weekly in-house resource that will compile innovations, research and trends impacting on the addiction-focused profession. Watch for the first issue in early October.NAADAC is modernizing to better serve the addiction profession. Now is the time to become a member of NAADAC![ Join NAADAC ] NCC AP Travels to MicronesiaIn July, Kathryn Benson, Chairperson for the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP), traveled to the Federated States of Micronesia to work with the Pacific Jurisdiction Certification Council. This trip continued the NCC AP’s goal of global connection with addiction professionals, in an effort to share, learn and enhance credentialing and treatment processes around the world.The NCC AP specializes in credentialing products and technical assistance with countries seeking guidance in their effort to ensure both quality treatment professionals and quality client care. After a week of working with highly experienced professionals who represented all seven islands, the NCC AP was provided with the opportunity to converse with and explore their needs and NCC AP’s ability to create with them a certification exam unique to their culture and treatment practices. We were honored to be invited to their addiction treatment home and look forward to working with them in the future![ Learn More about Certification ] Free Webinar:Understanding Cannabis Use and Related DisordersTuesday, September 10, 20133-4pm EST (2 CST/1 MST/12 PST)Hosted by NAADAC Institute Webinar SeriesCannabis, also referred to as “marijuana,” “weed,” or “pot,” “reefer” or “grass,” has a long history of use around the world, today in the United States being no exception. With the exception of alcohol, it is currently the nation’s most widely used psychoactive drug among adults and juveniles alike. This webinar will discuss clinically relevant specifics of marijuana use for individuals of various ages and related health concerns. The presenter will also discuss treatment options and considerations, as well as co-occurring mental health disorders that are commonly encountered with cannabis use disorders.[ More Information andRegistration ] NAADAC Career Center – New Updates This Week!The NAADAC Career Center provides a variety of employment listings at no charge for addiction-focused professionals. If you are looking to find a new career, the NAADAC Career Center can help.Check out the latest job postings:Outpatient Counselor for Project Turnabout in Granite Falls, MinnesotaDirector of Behavioral Health Services for Legacy Health in Portland, OregonSubstance Abuse Therapist II (Bilingual - English/Spanish) for the Arlington County Department of Human Services in Arlington County, VirginiaInpatient and Outpatient Primary Therapist(s) at Seabrook House in Seabrook, New Jersey.[ Browse Career Center ] Provide Feedback on the National Behavioral Health Quality FrameworkFeedback Deadline: Tuesday, September 17, 2013SAMHSA's National Behavioral Health Quality Framework is a set of core and supplemental measures, to help:Inform an agency's or system's funding and quality improvement decisions.Monitor the behavioral health of the Nation.Provide a way to examine and prioritize quality prevention, treatment, and recovery measures at the payer, provider/practitioner, and patient/population levels.The Framework is aligned with key components of the HHS National Strategy for Quality, supporting the three broad aims of better care, healthy people/healthy communities, and affordable care. These aims include the dissemination of proven interventions and accessible care - a concept that captures affordable care along with other elements of care accessibility, including the impact of health disparities.Given the rapid developments occurring in the quality of behavioral health data, these measures will be re-assessed on an annual basis and updated as appropriate. The expectation is that any entity with the capacity to collect behavioral health data will review these measures and use those of relevance.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Help our family

As the editior of Recovery Connections my purpose for the blog is too help others find freedom from addiction. Our family is now in need of some financial assistance. Our son Alex will be graduating from boot camp .He like most young adults struggled as we struggled with him to get to this milestone in his life.He will be an official member of the United States Army National Guard.It would be a dream come true for all of us to attend his gradution at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. We reside in Pennsylvania and the most affordable way for us to travel would be to drive.Fuel cost would be around 500 dollars lodging 200 dollars and food for three around 200.Any amount would be a great help and blessing. If you want to help click on the paypal link on the blog.Thank you in advance for your diligent support of Recovery Connections and helping our families dream become a reality. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Is workplace drug testing an unwarranted invasion of privacy? | The Fix

Is workplace drug testing an unwarranted invasion of privacy? | The Fix

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Expanding Your Recovery

CALENDAR LISTING:  “Expanding Your Recovery Toolkit” Workshop Sept. 17 in Doylestown Free monthly workshop series for individuals and families with a current or pastdrug/alcohol addiction issue. Next session meets Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc., 252 W. Swamp Rd., Unit 12, Doylestown, Pa. Featuring presentations by speakers in recovery, plus a group discussion period. Refreshments. To register, call 215-345-6644, ext. 3120 or emailJMcDermott@councilsepa.org. 

Sunday, August 25, 2013

    August 25 Psalms 107:2-3 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; And gathered them out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north, and from the south.The missionaries were prepared to share the Word of God with the natives of the small isle off the North Africa coast. They were well stocked with crosses and Bibles, and they had become well versed in the native tongue. Nothing, however, prepared them for the shock when they deplaned and were greeted by a band of natives singing out, "God bless you; Jesus loves you!" The reality of God has spread to the four corners of our globe. Voices sing out His praises continually, and it is often true that our poorer brothers and sisters have the clearest and loudest voices. We can learn a great deal from those people who live day to day in the shadow of poverty, who truly understand how fortunate they are to be alive. Let every woman, man and child sing forth in praise to God. He has been good to us all. Prayer: I have been transformed by a love far beyond my understanding. Thank You, Lord, for taking my life and making it something holy and special. Make my life a glory to Your name. Amen.Own Your Own Copy of this Devotional  goto crosswalk.com and dont forget your tickets goto CLPRM. ORG

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Sober Homes Declared unfit

Unregulated “Sober Homes” Often Provide Poor Living Conditions

By Join Together Staff | July 10, 2013 | 4 Comments| Filed inAddiction, Alcohol, Community Related, Drugs & RecoveryA system of largely unregulated group homes provides poor living conditions to people throughout the country who are grappling with substance abuse, homelessness and a return to life after prison, according to Salon.com.These “sober homes” do not provide treatment on-site, but many require residents to attend outpatient therapy. In New York City, these facilities are paid for largely through welfare, disability payments and Medicaid. They are not licensed or overseen by any city or state agencies. Some advocates say the houses institute rules that violate patient rights and tenant laws.Well-run sober homes can help people in recovery, says Dr. Leonard A. Jason, Director of the Center for Community Research at DePaul University in Chicago. They can help residents develop a sense of responsibility, and provide them with skills and confidence to live productively. “If it’s a really well-run sober living home, that house could be a place of real health,” he notes. “It can be done right, but it can just as easily be done very wrong.” Jason recently wrote apolicy statement, “The Role of Recovery Residences in Promoting Long-term Addiction Recovery.”Complaints about sober homes have surfaced in communities including Los Angeles, Long Island, and Boston.In New York City, people come to sober homes from hospitals, social services agencies, prison, and the street. New York Attorney Matthew Main of MFY Legal Services, which has brought suits on behalf of sober home residents, says the system addresses a need, but can also be harmful to the people it claims to help. “This system is like a conveyor belt that grabs the most vulnerable people from our communities,” he said. “It takes people who don’t have anywhere else to turn, stuffs them into these dilapidated apartments, and has them stay there to attend a treatment program only for as long as it’s necessary to recover. And then spits them out.”

Friday, August 23, 2013

Join The Group Addicts Mom Sept.29

The Addict's MomDuana DotingaDuana Dotinga has invited you to the event 'The Addict's Mom C.A.N.(Change Addiction Awareness Now) Balloon Launch' on The Addict's Mom! Fill the skies with love and hope Time: September 29, 2013 from 6pm to 7pmLocation: Wherever You AreOrganized By: The Addict's MomEvent Description:Together We C.A.N. Fill The Sky With Love and Hope.  Join with us on September 29th, 2013 as we share awareness and sorrow over the national epidemic of drug addiction.. Thousands of mothers, fathers, recovering addicts, organizations, and those who know and love an addict have pledged to release a balloon on September 29th, at 6pm.  By releasing a balloon, we symbolize letting go in hope and solidarity.Launching a red balloon signifies an addict for which you have hope for, while a white balloon signifies an addict in recovery.  To release a black or silver balloon is a memorial for an addict who will be forever remembered and loved. See more information under our C.A.N tab, Balloon Launch.Contact addictmompnw@outlook.com for more information  or to volunteer today. See more details and RSVP on The Addict's Mom:http://addictsmom.com/events/event/show?id=6444381%3AEvent%3A72003&xgi=2Kl52Henyvt4YS&xg_source=msg_invite_eventAbout The Addict's Mom“The Addict’s Mom,” a group focusing on the mothers of addicted children. The relationship between the mother and addicted child is unique;3749 members43 songs486 discussions37 Events1153 blog posts To control which emails you receive on The Addict's Mom, click here

Ten Percent

Ten Percent of Americans Admit Taking Medication They Have Not Been Prescribed

By Join Together Staff | August 15, 2013 | 1 Comment | Filed in Prescription DrugsA new poll finds 10 percent of Americans admit they have taken someone else’s prescription drugs. One-quarter of those people used the drugs to get high.The Reuters/Ipsos poll found about 60 percent of Americans who used someone else’s prescriptions were seeking pain relief, while 20 percent took them to sleep, or to manage anxiety and stress, Reutersreports.Two-thirds of those who said they used other people’s prescriptions said the drugs were given to them by a family member, friend or acquaintance. Some people use another person’s prescriptions to save on costs, the article notes.Dr. Wilson Compton, a Division Director at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, warned against taking someone else’s prescription drugs. He noted doctors prescribe specific dosage levels according to a person’s individual needs. “Simply because it’s a medicine that comes from a pharmacy does not mean it is without risk,” he said. “There’s a reason they require a prescription.”The online poll included the responses of addiction.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS

             August 23 Psalms 106:43Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.The agent folded his arms and shook his head. The offer was totally unacceptable. He wanted his ball player to receive top dollar. The team owners conferred and made another offer substantially higher than their previous one. Still the agent held out. To his dismay, the owners threw up their hands in disgust and closed the talks. The ball player would not play; the owners would look elsewhere. Greed causes so many problems. We only want a little bit more, but each time we take a little, we leave less for others. God gives great things to His people, but when they continually look for ways to get more, then He is not so free to give. There are too many people who will appreciate what the Lord has to give. God will bring low those who try to take more than their share. His love is freely given, but it is given to be shared, not taken advantage of. Prayer: Do I provoke you, Lord, through my many sins, both large and small? Help me to do what is pleasing in Your sight, and to use the gifts You have given me to spread Your Good News. Amen.Own Your Own Copy of this Devotional goto crosswalk. com Don't forget your tickets goto CLPRM.ORG

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

NAADAC CONFERENCE. LAST CHANCE TO SAVE!

Last Chance to Save on NAADAC Conference Registration!Members: $375Non-Members: $500 Want to get the most out of the NAADAC Annual Conference – for as little money as possible out of your pocket? Register by today and save $50 on your registration. The 2013 NAADAC National Conference will be held from October 11-15, 2013 in Atlanta. Don't miss this opportunity to learn cutting edge information and techniques from the profession's leaders - all at a reduced rate. Over 30 hours of education will be available with two pre-conferences, five plenary sessions, 54 workshops and three post-conference sessions. Visit the NAADAC conference page for full conference information or register online. You received this email because you or someone else added your email address to a NAADAC mailing list. If you would prefer not to receive emails regarding the NAADAC 2013 Annual Conference in the future, please click on the link below: 

Wisdom from the psalms

             August 21Psalms 105:5Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.The old pastor was only a few months out of the church, and it seemed like everyone took glee in recalling his faults and shortcomings. The problems of the church were all attributed in some form to the inadequacies of the pastor just past. It was the rare individual who stopped to recall all the wonderful qualities the former pastor had possessed. In his time he had served with love and affection, and the glories of his love far exceeded any shortcomings he displayed. Do we spend much time glorying in all that the Lord has done for us, or do we lament over what has yet to occur? So often we can find ourselves blaming God when things don't go right. The Hebrew people did it. The kings did it. Even early Christians did it. We should be careful to learn from their mistakes and fill our hearts and mouths with the praise that God surely deserves. Prayer: Remove from my mouth any curse, Lord. Fill me with praise and thanksgiving for all that I have and all that I am. Amen.Own Your Own Copy of this Devotional goto crosswalk. Com.Dont forget to get your tickets for the greatest Recovery concert on the East Coast. Goto CLPRM. Org

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Wisdom from the psalms

August 20Psalms 104:32He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.The volcano rumbled, then fell silent. Clouds of smoke billowed from its crown, and the people in the towns surrounding it made hasty plans to leave. Experts were assuring people that there was no immediate danger, but when the old mountain began to grumble, the people tended to listen to it rather than the experts. Wisdom being the better part of valor, the neighboring residents departed until the danger was clearly through. In nature there is mighty destructive power. This world of God's contains forces beyond our wildest dreams. It is wise to respect the forces of nature, and it is wise to respect the forces of our Lord. No one can challenge the Lord as to truth and justice. God wields the true power, and He does so with perfect love and compassion. God has made His desires known to His children. To ignore the rumble is foolishness. Prayer: Lord, make me an obedient child and a willing follower. Break my willful nature, and help me to see the wisdom of Your ways. Amen.Own Your Own Copy of this Devotional

Monday, August 19, 2013

Wisdom from the psalms

             August 19Psalms 104:24Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.Timmy did not want to go on the science field trip. Science was so boring. They were going to climb around on rocks and look for fossils of animals dead a half a million years. Big deal! Nothing could interest Timmy less. Then, an amazing thing happened. Timmy was one of the first to find fossilized remains. He held the rock in his hands and traced the fragile trilobite fossil with his finger. He was enthralled by the sight, and a new love was born in Tim's heart. Timmy saw the earth as a treasure house of wonders too magnificent to understand. We ought to take time to study this wonderful world of ours. There is so much to behold. God has done so many wonderful things, and He has given them over to us to enjoy. Search out the riches of God's world, and you will never be poor. Prayer: Have I lost the capacity to believe in miracles, O Lord? Show me the wonders of Your creation. Let me take nothing for granted. Indeed, Lord, make all things new in my eyes. Amen.Own Your Own Copy of this Devotional        

Friday, August 16, 2013

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS


August 16
Psalms 103:17
But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children.

Some people can't understand how the raging, harsh God of the Old Testament can be the same God of love in the New Testament. Has God really changed? Of course not. God is the same in all times and in all places. What has changed is men and women's views of God. It is difficult to make sense of all that God does, and we all must do our best to understand Him. From the beginning of time until this day, God is the same. The righteousness He held forth for the children of Israel is the same righteousness He holds forth for us today. In a world where all else changes so quickly, we can find great security in knowing that our Lord never changes.
Prayer: Be the anchor in my life, O Lord, so that I might not be tossed around by all the winds of change in my world. Make my faith constant; remaining true to You. Amen.
Own Your Own Copy of this Devotional 
<Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com>

'That 70s Show' actress Lisa Robin Kelly dies


The actress, 43, died in a rehab facility of unknown causes.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Wisdom from the Psalms


August 15
Psalms 103:15
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Deanna built a career on her looks. She had been the dream girl of Hollywood and had loved living the fast life. Now, her looks were fading and Deanna had nothing to fall back on. She had believed her charmed life would never end, but the hard reality was that she no longer could bank on her beauty.
We are given each day as a gift. Once a day is gone, it can never be recaptured. Too often we live our lives as if they are going to go on forever just as they are. Lives change, and we need to be ready to change with them. God helps us to accept where we are and to grow to new levels of maturity. Before this day passes and is gone, call upon the Lord to help you make the most of it. Then, when the new day dawns, be ready for the challenges it brings.
Prayer: Help me to live for what is important this day, so that I might truly be ready for all the days to come. Your gifts are so won derful, Lord. Please don't allow me to take them for granted. Amen.
Own Your Own Copy of this Devotional 
<Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com>

Excessive Alcohol Use Costs $223.5 Billion Annually, CDC Reports

Excessive alcohol use costs the United States $223.5 billion annually, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Binge drinking accounts for more than 70 percent of these costs.
“It is striking to see most of the costs of excessive drinking in states and D.C. are due to binge drinking, which is reported by about 18 percent of U.S. adults,” report author Dr. Robert Brewer, alcohol program lead at CDC, said in a statement.
CBS News reports the median state cost associated with excessive alcohol use was $2.9 billion; about $2 of every $5 was paid for by the government. Alcohol-related costs totaled almost $32 billion in California, compared with $420 million in North Dakota.
The authors concluded costs due to excessive drinking largely came from losses in workplace productivity, healthcare expenses and costs resulting from criminal justice expenses, motor vehicle crashes and property damage. The report found underage drinking accounted for $24.6 billion, or 11 percent, of the total excessive drinking costs.
The findings are published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
In 2012, the CDC released a report that found 38 million American adults are binge drinkers, and most of them are ages 18 to 34. Binge drinking is defined as men who have five or more drinks in one sitting, and women who have four or more drinks at one time.
The CDC recommends a number of strategies to reduce alcohol-related costs, including increasing alcohol taxes, limiting the number of alcohol retailers in certain areas and holding retailers liable for selling alcohol to obviously intoxicated people or minors who cause death or injury to others.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS

August 14

Psalms 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
A woman asked God for forgiveness for a sin she had committed. He granted her pardon, but she had a tough time forgetting what she had done. She just couldn't let go of her guilt. In desperation she returned to God to ask His forgiveness once more. When she asked Him to remember what she had done, He said, "I can't remember what you're talking about. It never happened. Once sin is forgiven, it is dropped into the sea of forgetfulness, and it is no more. Go your way. No one condemns you; not even I."

It is not that God has a bad memory, but that His love is so complete and boundless that He will not retain the memory of something we ask to be forgiven for. He erases the sins from our slate, and we start fresh. As far as the east is from the west, that is how far God removes our sin from us.

Prayer: Though I don't deserve Your loving care and forgiveness, Lord, I conti nually thank You that You give it to me so freely. Help me to accept it graciously, and to know that You hold nothing against me once I ask Your pardon. Amen.

Own Your Own Copy of this Devotional <Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com>

Drug Company Has List of MDs Who May Recklessly Prescribe Painkillers: Newspaper

Purdue Pharma, which makes the opioid painkiller OxyContin, has compiled a database of about 1,800 doctors it suspects may have recklessly prescribed the drug to people addicted to it, as well as to drug dealers, the Los Angeles Times reports. The company has kept most of the list private.
The company has maintained the list over the last decade, according to the newspaper. It has only alerted law enforcement officials or medical authorities about a small percentage of doctors on the list. Many of the doctors in the database have continued to write prescriptions for the drug, the article notes.
The list was discussed for the first time in public at a drug dependency conference in San Diego in June.
Robin Abrams, a Purdue attorney, said the database was created so the company’s sales representatives would steer clear of the doctors on the list. She argued policing doctors is not the company’s responsibility. “We don’t have the ability to take the prescription pad out of their hand,” she told the newspaper.
The company has told law enforcement officials or medical regulators about 154, or 8 percent, of the doctors in the database, Abrams said. She noted the company would alert authorities in some situations, such as cases in which their sales representatives witness apparent drug deals in doctors’ parking lots, or observe doctors who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Mitchell Katz, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, says the company is obligated to report all the doctors in the database. “There is an ethical obligation,” he said. “Any drug company that has information about physicians potentially engaged in illegal prescribing or prescribing that is endangering people’s lives has a responsibility to report it.”

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Prosecutors Charging Drug Dealers in Heroin Overdose Deaths


A growing number of law enforcement officials around the country are prosecuting drug dealers for causing heroin overdose deaths, the Associated Press reports. Prosecutors are using laws that come with stiff penalties to target drug dealers and members of the drug supply chain, and connect them and the drugs they sell to deadly overdoses.
Many people who were addicted to prescription painkillers switched to heroin after drug companies made their products more difficult to crush and snort. Heroin is also much less expensive than pills such as oxycodone.
According to the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the number of people who were past-year heroin users in 2011 (620,000) was higher than the number in 2007 (373,000).
“We’re going to be ruthless,” Prosecutor Joseph Coronato of Ocean County, New Jersey, told the AP. “We’re looking for long-term prison sentences.” He and other prosecutors in New Jersey are using the state’s “strict liability for drug death” statute. The law holds dealers and producers responsible for a user’s death, and comes with a 20-year maximum sentence.
Until recently, overdoses were treated by law enforcement officials as accidents, the article notes. Now, when law enforcement hears about an overdose, detectives are immediately dispatched to the scene. Paramedics are instructed to treat overdoses as crimes, and coroners are requested to order autopsies and preserve evidence. It can be difficult to prove a death was caused only by heroin if a person also used other opioids, drugs or alcohol.
Kerry Harvey, the U.S. Attorney for Eastern Kentucky, has started prosecuting people who sold prescription opioids and heroin, under a federal law banning the distribution of illegal substances. The law allows for additional penalties if a death occurs.
Officials are also using cellphones to track text messages and calls related to drug purchases.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Gaudenzia Gala, Hershey, PA



The 8th Annual Gaudenzia Gala will honor Pete Wambach, former Pennsylvania State Representative and advocate drug and alcohol legislatio.

Live and Silent Auctions, Presentation of the Community Champion Award 

Online Auction starting June 20

For more information, please contact Julie Girsch at 717-579-3636 or jgirsch@gaudenzia.org
Date(s):November 2, 2013
Time(s):6:00 p.m.
Location:Hershey Lodge & Convention Center
325 University Drive Hershey, PA 17033

Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Race Festival


dragonboat closeup


Support the Gaudenzia Gladiator Dragon Boat Team and Gaudenzia's Eastern Region programs at the Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival.

Our team consisting of 25 friends, alumni, and staff members will race against other teams throughout the day. A total of 140 teams are participating in the event.

We are spreading awareness of Gaudenzia and of drug and alcohol awareness, treatment, and prevention.

You can support the Gladiators by making a donation in support of Gaudenzia's drug & alcohol treatment services and/or visit our tent on race day to cheer us on!



Team members are raising funds to support Gaudenzia's drug & alcohol treatment services.  Support the team as a whole with a general contribution or help a team member reach his/her goal!


Date(s):October 5, 2013
Time(s):8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location:Boathouse Row
Philadelphia, PA
Our tent is located along Kelly Drive, Philadelphia, PA past the Race Finish Line at Shuttle Bus Stop #5, Tent # 137 and 138

16th Annual Race for Recovery, Erie, PA


Celebrate National Drug/Alcohol Recovery Month with Gaudenzia Erie!
Food | Door Prizes | T-Shirts for Registered Participants

3rd and final race of the 2013 Triple Crown Series by Erie Runner's Club

Team Registration and Participation is Encouraged and Welcomed:
erieraceforrecovery.com or contact
Levii Collins - (814) 459-4775 ext. 27 | Suzie Ross - (814) 459-4775 ext. 16


Date(s):September 29, 2013
Time(s):9:00 am
Location:Presque Isle State Park, Rotary Pavilion
PA

Fresh Start 10th Anniversary, Wilmington, DE


Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of Gaudenzia Fresh Start's 10 years of providing drug and alcohol addiction treatment services to Delaware. Recognition will be made to graduates, parents, staff, and community members who contributed to the success of Fresh Start.  Business casual attire please.

6:00 - Registration and Light Dinner
7:00 - Remarks
8:00 - Entertainment


Please click here to register

For questions or more information please contact: 302-738-0619 or freshstart@meetingsbydesign.net
Date(s):September 28, 2013
Time(s):6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location:Barclays
125 South West Street Wilmington, DE 19801

Baltimore Recovery Day and Fun Fair


Baltimore Recovery Day and Fun Fair, hosted by Gaudenzia, the Park Heights Renaissance and NCADD Maryland, will celebrate National Recovery Month in Baltimore by breaking ground on Gaudenzia's newest addition to the continuum of care for pregnant and parenting women, the Park Heights Family Center.  Join greater Baltimore community for a block party and health fair with live entertainment from local performers. 

For more information, please contact Andrew Keimig, Chesapeake Region Community Affairs Manager, at 410-367-5501 ext. 8206 or akeimig@gaudenzia.org.
Date(s):September 7, 2013
Time(s):11:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.
Location:4600 Block of Park Heights Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Stephen Lloyd, MD,The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Dear Joseph 

I am a doctor, and I am in recovery from prescription medicine abuse.

Some might be surprised to hear that, but the truth is that my profession did not make me immune to the painkiller addiction that started the way many others do
I abused medicine hoping it would help me cope with stress. I had some leftover pain medication after a dental procedure, and I took it in an effort to relax. At first, I thought I had found the perfect solution for my anxiety issues. I felt better.

I started taking more and more prescription pain relievers to feed what became an addiction.

Before I knew it, I had a real problem. My biggest secret? When one of my favorite professors became terminally ill and chose me to be his doctor, I stole and abused his opiates. I had hit an all-time low.

I began isolating myself. I lost interest in the things I loved to do, like coaching my son and daughter in their sports. I lost interest in my life in general.

Eventually, my family intervened, and I checked into a treatment center.
I was skeptical about treatment, even though I was entering a center that specifically treated doctors. We hadn't learned anything about medicine addiction, abuse or treatment in medical school. I just didn't think there was anyone who could help me.

Once I got clean, I made it my mission to make sure every graduate of my medical school would have a basic understanding about addiction, addictive disease and prescribing narcotics. I now dedicate my life to this goal. Perhaps if I had learned more about the nature and treatment of this disease, I would have been able to avoid my own medicine addiction.

It's important to talk to your doctor about the dangers of misusing and abusing the medicine he or she prescribes to you or your children. If your doctor hasn't yet brought this up with you, it may be time to bring it up yourself.


My dream is that one day, all doctors will know more about addiction and play a role in preventing medicine abuse. You can help by starting the conversation.

Stephen Loyd, MD, FACP
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine and East Tennessee State University


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Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Conquering Grounds Music Fest September 14, 2013

Buy Tickets Here To raise money for the CLPRM Scholarship Fund, Helping those struggling with Addiction
On the Campus of Christian Life Center, 3100 Galloway Rd., Bensalem, PA 19020

Bring a Lawn Chair or Blanket
Rain or Shine Event
12 noon to 7 pm

there is hope - dave pettigrew

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Ethical Issues Surround Rise in Doctors’ Use of Urine Drug Testing to Prevent Abuse

As a growing number of doctors use urine drug tests in an effort to detect prescription drug abuse in their patients, they face ethical questions about the tests, according to The New York Times.
These questions include how accurate the tests are, what doctors should do with the results, and whether doctors are benefitting financially from the tests. This year, sales at diagnostic testing labs that offer urine drug tests are expected to reach $2 billion.
Urine tests indicate many pain patients are not taking their prescribed painkillers, or are taking substances not prescribed to them by a doctor. If patients are not taking a prescribed medication, it could mean they simply stopped using it, or it could mean they are selling it.
Dr. Roger Chou, who helped develop urine-screening guidelines for the American Pain Society, says that while he believes the tests are valuable, he is concerned doctors may use the results as an excuse to drop patients, instead of sending them to addiction treatment or other pain management programs.
There are two basic types of urine drug tests. A patient taking a qualitative test leaves a urine sample in a cup that is imbedded with strips designed to detect drugs such as opioids, cocaine, amphetamines and barbiturates. These tests have both high false-positive and false-negative rates, meaning they often indicate a drug is present when it is not, or they fail to detect a drug that is present in a person’s urine. The tests detect methadone but not oxycodone, the article notes.
Qualitative tests are being used in states that have passed laws requiring welfare recipients to undergo drug screening.
A more sophisticated and expensive urine drug test used in pain patients is called quantitative analysis. A patient can beat the test by taking their prescription medicine for a day or two, and selling the rest.

Friday, August 2, 2013

West Virginia County Creates Database to Track Children at Risk of Drug-Related Abuse

Law enforcement officers in one West Virginia county will start using a database this week to track children who may be at risk of drug-related abuse, according to the Associated Press.
Starting today, law enforcement officers in Putnam County can enter any drug-related cases in which a child’s safety could be compromised. The Drug Endangered Child Tracking System will allow officers to report cases in which they are suspicious of child endangerment, but do not have proof, such as when they find a pacifier or empty car seat in a vehicle that has been transformed into a mobile meth lab.
Until now, officers have had no formal way to share suspicions of child endangerment directly with child welfare workers in drug cases, the AP reports. “We just didn’t input the data to make a black-and-white document, and in law enforcement, if it’s not on paper, it didn’t happen,” said Putnam County Sheriff, Steve Deweese.
Child-welfare workers will be able to log into the system to search for cases. “Law enforcement does a great job of identifying kids — if they’re there. But sometimes, you may not know there are children involved,” Sara Whitney, an investigator in the Putnam County prosecutor’s office, told the AP. “A lot of these kids come and go from relatives or neighbors, and it may be that when law enforcement interacts with the parents, they are somewhere else.”
West Virginia State Police hope the tracking system eventually will be used throughout the state, the article notes.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Ethics in Atlanta
- Reason #1 I Love My NAADAC Membership
- New Job Openings
- ASAM Training
- Free Magazine Article
- NAADAC Webinars
- Clinical Supervision Tool
QUICK LINKS
EVENTS



Emerging Drugs of Abuse: Herbal Incense, Bath Salts & Purple Drank 
Wed, 8/14/2013 
3 - 4:30pm EST
(2 CST/1 MST/12 PST)
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Understanding the Role of Peer Recovery Coaches in the Addiction Profession 
Wed, 8/21/2013 
12 - 1:30pm EST
(11 CST/10 MST/9 PST)
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Using Recovery-Oriented Principles in Addiction Counseling Practice 
Thurs, 8/29/2013 
12 - 2pm EST
(11 CST/10 MST/9 PST)
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SuperD: Tools for Success Training
Join NAADAC and CDWS to learn more about SuperD, a new software service created to provide clinical supervision support electronically and efficiently.
Product highlights:
- Documentation venues and standard reports for all types of supervision
- Be more productive with advanced sorting of group and individual supervision by type, date and time
- Develop the supervisory requirements and framework for supervisors and supervisees
- Easily attach supporting documents or outcome data to augment supervision sessions
- Maintain supervision accountability and follow through with automated e-mails and alerts
- Instant reports for clinical licensure requirements
Eugene, OR - August 5, 2013 from 8am-4pm
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Lynnwood, WA - August, 8, 2013 from 8am-4pm
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August 1, 2013
Understanding Ethics: It's More Than a Code
NAADAC Annual Conference in Atlanta - October 11-15, 2013
The NAADAC Annual Conference, co-hosted by the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association and other partners, offers the education you need as professionals at the cutting-edge of prevention, treatment and recovery. One of the issues that faces professionals on a daily basis is the ethical challenge of being that part of such a life-changing vocation.
The October 12th workshop session, The Ethical Self: Who Am I Now? will feature Anne Hatcher, EdD, CAC III, NCAC II, Professor Emeritus of Metropolitan State University Denver and Mita M Johnson, LPC, LMFT, ACS, AAMFT-approved Clinical Supervisor, LAC, MAC. This workshop will focus on understanding and evaluating the impact of life experience, personal growth and current circumstances on decisions related to ethical standards. Depending on the stage your career is at, ethical decisions or interpretations might differ. This session will help participants understanding of the intent of the code of ethics that guides our practice and the role experience and a greater understanding of the recovery process plays in decision-making.
[ Browse Full Conference Schedule ] 

Over 30 units of Continuing Education available! 
Don't forget - deadline for scholarship applications is August 12, 2013.
Register by August 12 to take advantage of a $50 Early-bird discount.
Hotel Booking Deadline on September 16, 2013. Reserve your great rate and free Internet.
Visit www.NAADAC.org/conferences for full conference information or register online.
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Reason #1 I Love My NAADAC Membership
Over 75 online CEs free exclusively for NAADAC members, including 5 hours of free online courses and over 70 hours of free webinars. All continuing education is offered online and at your convenience 24/7. Simply watch the webinar/online course of your choice, complete the online CE quiz and receive a free CE certificate to use towards your license/credential.
[ Join NAADAC ] - [ Membership Benefits ]

Missed the DSM-5 webinar? Watch the recording on demand and take the online CE quiz to earn 1.5 CEs for your time. All free to NAADAC members! 
[ View Upcoming Webinars ] - [ View On Demand Webinars ]
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Ready to Jumpstart Your Career?
Check out the NAADAC Career Center for the latest opportunities of addiction-focused professionals. New this week are:
  • Admissions Coordinator at the Crossroads Centre, Antigua in St. John's – Antigua in the West Indies
  • Executive Director of the Metropolitan Human Services District in New Orleans, Louisiana. More details
[ Browse Current Career Listings
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Emerging Problems and Advances in Addiction Treatment
October 24 – 26, 2013
Arlington, VA
Hosted by The American Society of Addiction Medicine
ASAM's State of the Art Course will bring together assembled experts and national leaders in addiction medicine to identify the critical issues that will define a roadmap for exploring "Emerging Problems and Advances in Addiction Treatment." The course is designed specifically for physicians who seek an advanced level of knowledge about recent breakthroughs in understanding, preventing, diagnosing and treating addiction and co-occurring medical and psychiatric disorders.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. This live activity, State of the Art Course in Addiction Medicine, has been approved for 20.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
[ More Information ]
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Free Article from NAADAC's Magazine
The official magazine of NAADAC is only available to members, but as a special gift, this article is available to you for free.
Christopher Shea addresses the issue of compassion fatigue in the latest edition of Advances for Addiction and Recovery with his article "The Spirituality of Connectedness."
Earn 2 CEs for $25 - Read this article and Complete the online CE quiz.
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NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals
1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 201, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703.741.7686 / 800.548.0497
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