Wednesday, January 23, 2013
National Rx Drug Abuse Summit
About
Operation
UNITE will host the second annual National Rx Drug Abuse Summit in
Orlando April 2-4. We hope you will join us! Last year we had 750
people from 47 states!
Company Overview
This
must-attend National Rx Drug Abuse Summit, April 2-4, 2013, is unlike
any other national conference, bringing all impacted parties together to
address the prescription drug abuse epidemic. Conference programming is
designed to convey a synergistic approach to include: prevention,
education, treatment, law enforcement, health care providers,
pharmacists, advocates, and third-party payers – among other impacted
parties.Contact Info
| Phone | +60 6-657 3218 |
|---|---|
| erice@centertech.com | |
| Website | http://nationalrxdrugabusesummit.org/ |
Commentary: Time to “Make An Impact” on Rx Epidemic
Every month approximately 1,200 calls are received from
individuals in southern and eastern Kentucky seeking help with an
addiction issue. Multiply this by the hundreds of regions across America
and it’s easy to understand why the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention consider prescription drug abuse a public health “epidemic.”
One accidental overdose death every 19 minutes; more than the number of deaths from car crashes. That’s a sobering statistic.
Families and communities are being torn apart, and our children are not immune to addiction’s deadly consequences.
In 2009, an estimated 28,068 visits to the emergency department
misuse or abuse of drugs by children aged 12-14, according to a report
by the Drug Abuse Warning Network. Half of these visits involved
prescription and over-the-counter medications.
As the tide of prescription drug abuse rolled across the country,
communities found themselves unprepared for the impending flood of
problems and now struggle to react against the tsunami of addiction.
Recognizing that no single organization or agency could fend off this storm, UNITE launched the inaugural National Rx Drug Abuse Summit
in 2012. Impacted parties came together for a holistic examination of
what is being done to help solve the prescription drug problem, what
could be done or done better, and to forge lasting partnerships and
strategic alliances.
“Operation UNITE’s inaugural National Summit on Rx Drug Abuse was one
of the most professional and well organized conferences I have ever
been to,” stated Carla Saunders, NNP-BC, advance practice coordinator
with Pediatrix Medical Group at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
“Power packed with excellent keynote speakers, the Summit brought hope
to our team that has treated more than 400 prescription drug-exposed
newborns suffering from withdrawal in the past two years.”
“We learned so much about the problem of prescription substance abuse
and what can, and is, being done to combat the problem,” Saunders said.
“We had incredible opportunities to ‘unite’ with others and see that
there is hope. In hope there is strength, and in strength there is the
power to make a difference.”
Last
year’s conference sparked many on-going collaborations among
stakeholders in this on-going battle. Feedback from the more than 700
participants has been used to shape discussion at the second Summit,
to be held April 2-4, 2013, at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
in Florida. Breakout and general session programs will focus on ways
participants can “Make An Impact” in the fight against prescription drug
abuse.
With youth experimenting with drugs at an earlier and earlier age, it
is incumbent on all stakeholders to identify and collaborate on
successful educational strategies that will help change behaviors.
No single entity or initiative can solve our nation’s problems alone.
In addition to grassroots educational efforts, law enforcement
strategies and providing appropriate treatment/recovery programs for
addicts, we must look at long-term cures – and that involves effective
legislation at local, state and federal levels. The Summit brought
recognition to work of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug
Abuse and collaboration continues on strong Prescription Drug Monitoring
Programs.
“This may be the biggest challenge of our society, and the only way
this destructive trend can be reversed is if everyone — I mean, everyone
– gets involved,” stated U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (WV-3rd), a keynote
speaker at the first Summit. “Our nation’s future – our children’s and
grandchildren’s future – hangs in the balance.”
We cannot let this problem go unchecked. Prescription drug abuse is
growing out-of-control, draining limited resources and devastating
families. Please join this important national conversation on April 2-4, 2013, and Make An Impact! Our future is at stake.
Karen Kelly, President/CEO, Operation United
Military Deployment Increases Risk of Substance Abuse in Young Family Members
Having a parent or sibling who has been deployed in the
military increases the risk of drug and alcohol use among middle and
high school students, a new study finds.
The study found multiple deployments by a parent or sibling was
linked with an increased risk of lifetime and recent use of drugs and
alcohol, MedicalXpress
reports. The study found a high number of deployments was linked with a
14 percent increase in the likelihood of lifetime drug use, and an 18
percent increased risk of recent use.
The researchers at the University of Southern California School of
Social Work found youth in grades 5 to 11 with a sibling in the military
were more likely to use drugs than those with a parent in the military.
The findings appear in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
“The potential for strain and the trauma associated with multiple
deployments in the past 10 years of war seem to be driving this. People
need to be aware that these experiences have an impact,” lead author
Tamika Gilreath said in a news release.
She added, “Everyone talks about the impact of parents, but no one
talks about the impact of other close family members, such as siblings.
There is research to suggest that the deployment of a sibling is
similarly disruptive as parental deployment. Parental concern may
influence their interactions with the younger sibling who is left to
cope with their own sense of loss as well as their parents’.”
The researchers suggest schools with a high density of students with
deployed family members should consider providing education about
substance use. They also recommend that community medical providers
increase substance abuse screening in these children.
Phone App Shows Effects of Drinking On Facial Appearance
A new phone app shows the effect of drinking alcohol on a person’s facial appearance. The “Drinking Mirror” is designed to make people aware of the physical toll of heavy alcohol consumption.
The app, which is free until March, is available for Android and
iPhone users. People can upload or take a photo of themselves, and enter
information about their drinking habits, The Washington Post
reports. The app shows them how their face might age if they continue
to consume alcohol at their current rate, by adding weight gain, dull
skin, wrinkles and red cheeks.
The app is part of the Scottish government’s “Drop a Glass Size”
campaign, launched by Health Secretary Alex Neil this month. “Evidence
shows us that most people who drink alcohol, particularly at home, have
no idea of how much they are actually consuming. This campaign will show
people how small changes to their drinking habits can have a
significant impact on their health and wellbeing,” he said in a news release.
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Tuesday, January 22, 2013
HIS MANSION MINISTRIES NH
About
Christian
counseling and long-term care for those dealing with addiction and
other harmful habitual behaviors. We also offer volunteer and intern
opportunities.
Company Overview
His
Mansion is a Christ-centered residential recovery program. We help men
and women between 18 and 35 years of age that have difficult life
situations.
We provide help for adults dealing with Alcoholism, drug addiction, sexual addiction, pornography, eating disorders, depression, abuse, and other harmful habitual habits.
The program is approximately one year long.
We believe that true and ultimate healing comes by God the Father, through the work of Jesus Christ's atonement, by the agency of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, emphasis is placed upon the importance of becoming a new person in Christ.
From the day a new "resident" arrives, he or she is a member of His Mansion’s Healing in the Context of Community process. Their day consists of early rising, quiet time, breakfast, work assignment, Scripture-based classes and counseling, lunch, work assignments, supper, and evening routines.
During this daily time stream, Long Term Staff and Mentors serve beside the "residents," coaching and encouraging them. One-on-one counseling with a trained counselor is available as appropriate and necessary.
This process of mentoring, encouragement, intake of God’s Word, meaningful employment, and healthy lifestyle are regularly bathed in prayer. When all is said and done, if God’s Spirit doesn’t energize the process, no amount of counseling, coaching or encouraging will get the job accomplished. At His Mansion, we believe in miracles — and witness them!
We provide help for adults dealing with Alcoholism, drug addiction, sexual addiction, pornography, eating disorders, depression, abuse, and other harmful habitual habits.
The program is approximately one year long.
We believe that true and ultimate healing comes by God the Father, through the work of Jesus Christ's atonement, by the agency of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, emphasis is placed upon the importance of becoming a new person in Christ.
From the day a new "resident" arrives, he or she is a member of His Mansion’s Healing in the Context of Community process. Their day consists of early rising, quiet time, breakfast, work assignment, Scripture-based classes and counseling, lunch, work assignments, supper, and evening routines.
During this daily time stream, Long Term Staff and Mentors serve beside the "residents," coaching and encouraging them. One-on-one counseling with a trained counselor is available as appropriate and necessary.
This process of mentoring, encouragement, intake of God’s Word, meaningful employment, and healthy lifestyle are regularly bathed in prayer. When all is said and done, if God’s Spirit doesn’t energize the process, no amount of counseling, coaching or encouraging will get the job accomplished. At His Mansion, we believe in miracles — and witness them!
| Phone | (603) 464-5555 |
| Website | http://www.hismansion.com |
Monday, January 21, 2013
Tell Your Story JANUARY 21 2013
Today's Scripture
"Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16 MSG
Thoughts for Today
Appropriate self-disclosure can be a useful tool in a helping relationship. Sharing your own personal experiences and insight may help your friend understand how to deal with a life-controlling problem. Keep the conversation positive, telling about your mistakes but focusing on how God helped you and the things you learned through the process. A word of caution—don't overuse self-disclosure by talking too much, shifting the focus of the conversation toward you and away from the person you want to help.
It is also important that while sharing with others, you do not talk down to them, making them feel as though you are treating them like a child or an inferior person. Your self-disclosure should have a clear goal of providing insight your friend does not appear to have and moving him or her toward healing. Try to stay at the level of insight relevant to the person's need.
Consider this …
Freedom from a life-controlling problem is a process. Pray that God will help you disclose all that will assist your friend in that process, but not so much as to produce confusion. And pray that God will use what you say to help set your loved one free.
Prayer
Father, help me be generous with my life and share with my friend those things that will hasten deliverance and healing. I pray that my self-disclosure will be an encouragement to my friend to open up to you. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
Understanding the Times and Knowing What to Do by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. This book offers biblical strategies for ministry to our family and friends. Contemporary issues and needs faced by society are addressed with biblical principles that are timeless. Ideal for small group leaders and Sunday school teachers who want a better understanding of ministry in an addictive culture.
Would you like to have these devotions appear daily on your church or ministry website? Learn More
"Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16 MSG
Thoughts for Today
Appropriate self-disclosure can be a useful tool in a helping relationship. Sharing your own personal experiences and insight may help your friend understand how to deal with a life-controlling problem. Keep the conversation positive, telling about your mistakes but focusing on how God helped you and the things you learned through the process. A word of caution—don't overuse self-disclosure by talking too much, shifting the focus of the conversation toward you and away from the person you want to help.
It is also important that while sharing with others, you do not talk down to them, making them feel as though you are treating them like a child or an inferior person. Your self-disclosure should have a clear goal of providing insight your friend does not appear to have and moving him or her toward healing. Try to stay at the level of insight relevant to the person's need.
Consider this …
Freedom from a life-controlling problem is a process. Pray that God will help you disclose all that will assist your friend in that process, but not so much as to produce confusion. And pray that God will use what you say to help set your loved one free.
Prayer
Father, help me be generous with my life and share with my friend those things that will hasten deliverance and healing. I pray that my self-disclosure will be an encouragement to my friend to open up to you. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
Understanding the Times and Knowing What to Do by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. This book offers biblical strategies for ministry to our family and friends. Contemporary issues and needs faced by society are addressed with biblical principles that are timeless. Ideal for small group leaders and Sunday school teachers who want a better understanding of ministry in an addictive culture.
Would you like to have these devotions appear daily on your church or ministry website? Learn More
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
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Researchers Say MRI Could Help Predict Success of Drug Addiction Treatment
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania say MRI scans
may be able to predict which patients will succeed with certain
addiction treatments, and which ones will relapse, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Researchers at the university’s Center for Studies of Addiction are
watching how regions of the brain react to drug-related photos, such as
pictures of a heroin needle or a crushed pill. They hope to use this
research to develop more effective treatments. One day, they hope that
treatment could be tailored to a person’s mental strengths and
vulnerabilities. These factors are influenced by genetics, life
experiences and drug use, they say.
“We’re interested in seeing if, among the people that do better,
their brains are different now,” Teresa Franklin, who directs nicotine
and marijuana MRI studies at the university, told the newspaper. “This
is not something that gets better in 12 weeks of treatment. This is a
lifelong process where the brain has to be retrained. Just as if you
have diabetes or high blood pressure or a heart condition, you have to
change your lifestyle and you may need medication.”
She said her group thinks if a person’s “stop” regions of the brain,
which deal with consequences, are not working well, and are not
communicating well with regions that say “go” and drive the motivation
for rewards, then it is likely that person is going to do poorly in
treatment.
The group’s research show that in a person who is addicted to drugs,
the brain’s reward region will light up in an MRI scan, even in response
to subliminal cues, such as an image of crack rocks that flash
on-screen for a few milliseconds while the person looks at a photo of a
neutral object, such as a stapler.
“If we can manipulate that response with medication or behavioral therapy, that’s our goal,” Franklin said.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Access to Health Care Services for Addiction Will Improve Dramatically: Faces & Voices of Recovery
Once the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is fully implemented in
2014, access to effective health care services for addiction will
improve dramatically, according to Faces & Voices of Recovery. In an issue brief,
the advocacy group describes how the new legislation will make it
possible for many in or seeking recovery to be included in the health
care system for the first time.
Those who will benefit from the new law include people who were
previously enrolled in Medicaid, and then were disenrolled; those who
are coming out of the criminal justice system; and people who have not
been able to afford insurance.
Under the ACA, a single enrollment application will determine if you
are eligible for either Medicaid or the state insurance exchange, based
on your reported annual income. People who do not qualify for Medicaid
will be able to buy affordable health insurance through state health
insurance exchanges. These are marketplaces that will be available to
people who are not covered through their employer’s health plan, and
those who work for small employers who provide employees with multiple
health plan options.
The law guarantees that insurance companies will not be allowed to
deny someone coverage or place a lifetime cap on what is deemed
reimbursable because of a pre-existing condition. According to the
brief, “The new policy regarding pre-existing conditions, already in
place for children, has direct applications to the recovery community.
Addiction to alcohol and other drugs (or a substance use disorder, as it
is sometimes called) has been considered a pre-existing condition by
many insurers, and used as a means to deny claims and a disqualifier for
coverage. That will no longer be legal.”
Read the entire issue brief for more information on addiction treatment and the ACA.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Take Off Your Mask JANUARY 18 2013 Today's Scripture
"You can't keep your true self hidden forever; before long you'll be exposed. You can't hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known." - Luke 12:2 MSG
Thoughts for Today
Many of us wear a mask. We don't want other people to know the "real us." And yet, if we want to help someone we care about who is struggling with a problem, we need to take off the mask and be real. This quality of being genuine will enable us to be more effective in relationships with those we want to help—actually, in any relationship.
If people you are trying to help believe that you are a phony, they are not going to trust you with what you say and do. They need to see you living a consistent life from day to day, whether you are at church or on the job or having a good time with friends. They need to hear you be honest about your feelings—although you do need to find a balance. Don't be so transparent that you hurt or offend people with your honesty.
Consider this …
As a genuine person, you will not act superior or pretend to be someone you are not. You will honestly admit when you've been wrong.
Being openly genuine will open the door to a trusting relationship between you and those you want to help. It will encourage them to come to you and to respect what you say.
If you want to help others, be willing to be real.
Prayer
Father, teach me to set aside my pride and be willing to be real. Help me to be honest about my feelings and genuine in all I do. Help me to take off the mask. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
Understanding the Times and Knowing What to Do by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. This book offers biblical strategies for ministry to our family and friends. Contemporary issues and needs faced by society are addressed with biblical principles that are timeless. Ideal for small group leaders and Sunday school teachers who want a better understanding of ministry in an addictive culture.
Would you like to have these devotions appear daily on your church or ministry website? Learn More
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.
Prescription Drug Overdoses Number One Reason for ER Visits in Los Angeles County
Prescription drug overdoses are the number one reason for
emergency room visits in Los Angeles County, according to public health
officials.
A new report
finds the number of people who checked into publicly funded drug
rehabilitation programs for prescription pain reliever abuse doubled
from 2005 to 2010, NBC Los Angeles reports. More than 60 percent of drug-related deaths in 2011 were due to prescription drugs in Los Angeles County.
The report found 11 percent of 9th graders and 14 percent of 11th
graders said they had misused prescription drugs at least once.
“Prescription drug abuse has become a growing public health concern
in Los Angeles County. Many people are not aware that the misuse or
abuse of prescription drugs can be as dangerous as illegal drugs, and
can lead to unintended injury, addiction, and even death,” Jonathan E.
Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer, said in
a news release.
“We need to ensure that we are addressing this growing concern by
engaging and collaborating with our partners in the public and private
sectors to reduce and prevent prescription drug abuse.”
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