Some Patients in Rehab Centers May Go to Great Lengths to Obtain Drugs

By Join Together Staff | September 23, 2013 | Leave a comment | Filed in Drugs & TreatmentSeveral recent cases of drugs smuggled into substance abuse treatment centers highlight how difficult it is to eradicate drug use in these facilities, according to USA Today.In New Jersey this summer, prosecutors arrested seven men, including five employees, at Veterans Affairs treatment facilities on charges of distributing heroin, crack cocaine and painkillers.In Minnesota, a patient at a locked state drug treatment facility was sentenced to four years in prison, after she and two other patients used heroin and other drugs smuggled in shampoo bottles and pockets of jeans by an accomplice outside the center. Now clients must undress for a contraband search when they are admitted to the facility.“Addicts will go to great lengths to get drugs,” said Carol Falkowski, former director of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division at Minnesota’s Department of Human Services, who also worked at the Hazelden Foundation. Patients at facilities can often convince friends, family or their former dealers to smuggle in drugs for them, she said. “It happens all the time,” she noted. “Historically, it’s something that every treatment center has to deal with.”At Origins Recovery Centers on South Padre Island, Texas, patients are thoroughly searched and are tested for drugs twice a week, according to CEO Ben Levenson. “These are survivors. They are super resourceful. Many of them are super bright. They try everything. I’ve seen them hide pills in the seams of their dress shirts,” he said. The facility conducts deep background checks on employees, and regularly tests them for drugs.The Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California has a highly trained security team that includes a dog trained to detect drugs, strict protocols for all visitors and random drug testing of patients, according to spokesman Russ Patrick.

Joseph D. Out Of Control Lost Soul Becomes Whole

Posted on September 19, 2013 Tagged in Alcohol Addiction, Faith, Recovery Submitted By Susanne Johnson a story about and written by Joseph Dickerson.       The title says it all! The first ten years of my life were normal. I was a straight A student who quite frequently spent time on the honor roll and a very active boy scout. At the age of 10 a family member paid me a visit and that was the day my world was shattered. The next 22 years of my life were spent in fear, anger and insecurity. As I got older, I did what anybody else would do to cope. I drank and drugged to create a new me, brave and strong, who knew all things. That was a joke, as I look back now. My life was a devastated wasteland. Way down deep in my heart I hated myself, and I was clueless as to why.One day under a bridge in Philly a man appeared to me. He was walking towards me, and he kept staring at me. My first thought was to run, but my legs would not move. As he got closer my mind raced, “Is he a cop, an enemy? Is this it? Is my life over?” Standing in front of me he extended his arm and handed me a little black book. I took it opened and began to read. At the end of that story in that book a man was in a casket being buried, and then it hit me like a truck. The man in that story was me. Right then and there I surrendered my life to God.Thirteen years later my life is whole. I have a family of my own, a new home and, most important, my sanity and sobriety. Now I don’t want you to think I didn’t work my arse off to get sober. Some days were easy, and some were hell. Through my faith and the 12 steps I have come to realize addiction is a byproduct of a broken heart. Fix that and the head will follow. There is no drug in the world that can match the feeling you get when you know you have helped someone find their way- See more at: http://www.heroesinrecovery.com/stories/control-lost-soul-becomes-whole/#sthash.0yrOoK45.dpuf

RECOVERY WALK 2013

www.recoverywalks.orgSaturday, September 21, 2013REGISTRATION Everyone who walks should be registered. This is the time to do it if you haven't already. It's easy, painless, and free.Click here to get to the Recovery Walks website and register. If you cannot do so ahead of time, please go to the Registration Booth (#2).  HONOR GUARDThe Honor Guard is made up of people who have been in recovery for 10 or more years. They wear purple sashes and lead the Walk. Let's not live in silence any more! Help break down the stigma of being in recovery. It's time to stop living anonymously and show the world how many of us are living as responsible, tax-paying citizens. As you register online, you can click a box to show that you qualify to join the Honor Guard. Or, if you forgot to check the box, go to the Honor Guard Booth (#6) and get a purple sash by which these special people are known. DONATIONS If you wish to make a donation to Recovery Walks and PRO-ACT, please go to the Donation Booth (#1). And Team Captains, wishing to turn in their team's donations, should go to that same booth. MAPS OF PENN'S LANDING AND PROGRAMS There will be Greeters at the Walk who can give you maps showing where the various booth locations are, as well as Programs. Or go to the Information Booth (#4).Spotlight on PRO-ACT's Advocacy and Healthcare Booth (#5) PRO-ACT's Public Policy Committee is hosting the Advocacy and Healthcare Booth (#5) at the Walk, with thanks to Sponsors AmeriHealth Caritas, Independence Blue Cross, and Public Policy Committee member, Skip Carroll. Enrollment. Because enrollment in the new insurance Marketplace begins on October 1, a large portion of the 50-foot booth is dedicated to education on the Affordable Care Act. You can view educational videos and brochures and have access towww.healthcare.gov, where we'll show you how to apply online for coverage. You'll also receive information on Free Clinics, Pharma Patient Assistance Programs and Dental Programs. Staff from the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services and Navigators from the Mental Health Association of Southeast Pennsylvania will be there to help. Take 5. The Advocacy portion of the tent will introduce the "Take 5" program, designed to get individuals involved in public policy. People can register to vote at the booth as well. There are Raffles. The Committee is giving five $50 gift cards away in a raffle. Stop by and learn about either the new healthcare laws or Take 5--you'll receive a sticker that qualifies you for a raffle ticket.  A FEW NOTES ABOUT SATURDAYYou don't have to be in recovery to join the Walk.Use Twitter to locate friends--@recoverywalks #recoverywalks13.Bear in mind that your actions can influence the way in which the general public view the recovery movement. YOU represent recovery.Follow the designated Walk route and stay close with those in front of and behind you-don't let large gaps develop. Keeping everyone together strengthens the feeling of being part of a larger movement.It's a rain or shine event. You may need sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, sweater, or raincoat.Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes--and remember this is not a race.We welcome　children but an adult must accompany children under 8.Please leave skateboards, blades, and bicycles at home. But, of course, bring strollers and wheelchairs.Dispose of litter in a trash can and encourage others to do the same, even if you have to put something in your pocket until you see a trash can.If you walk with a dog, pick up after it, and keep it leashed and under control.We discourage wearing headphones. They limit your ability to hear announcements, traffic, others around you, and the overall fun.  Some Selected FAQs From Our Website Q. I'm a volunteer, where do I go at Penn's Landing?A. Go to Volunteer Booths #5 and #6 in Chestnut East in Zone 3Q. Where do I go to pick up my team packet?A. Go to the T-Shirt Booth #10 in Zone 3, on the outside ramp.Q. Is smoking permitted at or during the Walk and Stage Program?A. No.  PRO-ACT has a no-smoking policy　in the interest of everyone's　health.Q. Can I buy an official Recovery Walks t-shirt?A. No.  Walkers who have donated or raised $50 earn t-shirts. If you would like to make a donation of $50 please proceed to Donations Booth #2 by Registration.Q. Where do I turn in my collected donations?A. Turn them in at Donations Booth #2 in Zone 3 by Registration.Q. If I lose track of my child, what do I do?A. Go to the First Aid Tent, just left of the Stage at ground level.Q. Where is Lost and Found?A. At the Information Booth #1, next to Registration in Zone 3.Parking and TransportationWe recommend that you carpool or use public transportation if possible. There is no free parking. If you drive to Penn's Landing and would like to check Mapquest, use the address of Columbus Avenue and Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106. However, you can easily get detailed directions to the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing byclicking here. Parking: There is some metered parking along nearby streets, but there are several parking lots within　walking distance from Penn's Landing's Great Plaza. Rates may be around $20.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.org

YOU FAMILIES STAYING STRONG Weekend Retreat

Take some time for YOU FAMILIES STAYING STRONG Weekend Retreat for learning and healing in October   A family needs to recover from a loved one's addiction.  At this special weekend retreat, you can experience the many gifts of Recovery in a quiet setting. At FAMILIES STAYING STRONG, you can hear from experts and keynote speakers.  Learn about community support groups in your own backyard.  Relate to other families through their stories and experience (and yours).  Treat yourself to some serenity.  Sat. & Sun. October 19-20 For complete details on activities, rates, accomodations and more, contact Family Therapist Dana Cohen at:dcohen@livengrin.org -- or call 215-638-5200, ext. 162 View & print this info page:  Livengrin Family Retreat Facts We look forward to seeing you there!   To learn more about this and other upcoming Livengrin events, please visit our calendar page. Learn More at:Livengrin Website Support the Foundation  During its 47 years of service, more than 120,000 people have come to Livengrin to learn how to be healthy, sober and a part of their families, work and communities again.  You can play a role in a person's success story - make a contribution, volunteer, and tell someone about the help and hope to be found at Livengrin.  There's information, guidance and much more to learn throughout our website. 

Hey, EverybodyIf you missed “The Anonymous People ”the last time, it will be showing again at Eagleville in Montgomery Cty!There are scholarships available for those who need them, but please don’t miss this event! For scholarship info please contact Mike Harper, Assistant Director for The Council SEPA at 215-345-6644 ext.3109 or email:mharper@councilsepa.org  Jeanne McDermott, CRSVolunteer CoordinatorCentral Bucks Recovery Support ServicesPRO-ACT, The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania252 W. Swamp Rd, Bailiwick Unit 12Doylestown, PA 18901Phone: 215 345-6644 x 3120Fax: 215 348-3377E-mail:jmcdermott@councilsepa.org

PRO-ACT Family Addiction Education Program

PRO-ACT Family Addiction Education Program helps families address drug and alcohol addiction Next free sessions start week of Oct. 1 at various locations in five counties When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, the disease affects the entire family. Each month PRO-ACT (Pennsylvania Recovery Organization–Achieving Community Together) hosts a free Family Addiction Education Program to help individuals and families recognize and address an addiction problem in a spouse, parent, child or other loved one. Led by trained volunteers who have been in the same situation, these information and support programs begin the first week of each month and run one evening a week for three consecutive weeks. Each session lasts two hours. Programs are offered at several locations throughout the five-county southeast Pennsylvania region:·       Tuesdays—From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Media and Northeast Philadelphia.·       Wednesdays—From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Pottstown; from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in North Philadelphia; and from 7p.m.to 9 p.m. in West Chester.·       Thursdays—From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Northern Liberties; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Bristol and Colmar. Sessions are free and confidential—first names only. Pre-registration is required. To register, call 800-221-6333, weekdays 9 a.m. through 5 p.m., or visit http://councilsepa.org/programs/pro-act/family-education-program/

September 12, 2013The NAADAC Conference

September 12, 2013The NAADAC Conference Honors Outstanding ProfessionalsFour professionals and one agency are being honored for outstanding service at the 2013 NAADAC Annual conference on October 13, 2013. Those being recognized are a diverse set of professionals:Ebony Jamillah Stockton, M.Ed., LCAS, CCDP, CSAC - Mel Schulstad Professional of the YearThe Mel Schulstad Professional of the Year award was created in November 1979 and is named after the first President of NAADAC. The award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding and sustained contributions to the advancement of the addiction counseling profession.Currently serving as the only Dual Diagnosis Counselor at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Stockton counsels active duty members and their dependents who suffer from co-occurring disorders with mental health issues and addiction issuesDavid “Mac” Macmaster, CSAC, TTS - William F. "Bill" Callahan AwardThis award recognizes sustained and meritorious service at the national level to the profession of addiction counseling.A certified addiction counselor, program director and administrator, grant writer, program developer, interpersonal skills trainer and prevention specialist, Macmaster is co-founder and managing consultant for the Wisconsin Nicotine Treatment Integration Project (WINTIP) in Madison, Wisconsin.Mary Sugden, CADC II, LADC I - Lora Roe Memorial Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor of the YearThis award is presented to a counselor who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession of addiction counseling.Sugden began her career working with families, women, local courts, driver alcohol education and extended care. Characterized by her thoughtfulness, she has a great respect for an individual no matter the circumstances that brought him or her to the clinic.McLeod Center - NAADAC Organizational Achievement AwardPresented to organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to the addiction profession and particularly strong support for the individual addiction professional.In 1969, when drug addicts walked the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina, with nowhere to go to begin a journey of recovery, Open House was founded to provide a welcoming starting point. From humble beginnings, with a small staff in a YMCA basement, Open House grew into the McLeod Center of today; the largest treatment center in North Carolina, employing over 300.James Martin, MSW, CSW, NCAC II, MAC, CEAP, SAP - Lifetime Honorary Membership AwardThis award recognizes an individual or entity who has established outstanding service through a lifetime of consistent contributions to the advancement of NAADAC, the addiction profession and its professionals.Nominated by the Michigan Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (MAADAC), Martin has 30 years of experience in mental health and is a former chairperson of the NAADAC National Certification Commission. He has received an award for Outstanding Contribution to the Field from the Governor’s Advisory Board on Substance Abuse and Distinguished Service Awards from the Michigan Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors and NAADAC.[ Learn More about NAADAC Awards ] Want to be a part of the celebration? Come to the NAADAC national conference being held in Atlanta, Ga., on October 13, 2013.[ Annual Conference Details ] Summaries from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and HealthThis report and the detailed tables present a first look at results from the2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an annual survey of the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the United States aged 12 years old or older. Both the report and detailed tables present national estimates of rates of use, numbers of users, and other measures related to illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products, with a focus on trends between 2011 and 2012 and from 2002 to 2012, as well as differences across population subgroups in 2012. NSDUH national estimates related to mental health and NSDUH State-level estimates related to both substance use and mental health will be published in separate releases in the fall of 2013.[ Summary of National Findings ] and [ Detailed Tables ] NAADAC's New Logo Coming SoonWe’re weeks away from the launch of the new NAADAC website and with that NAADAC's new logo. Keep an eye out starting October 1st for all the new places we are going to pop up.   Subscribe to SAMHSA's Prescription Drug Abuse Weekly UpdateTo raise public awareness about prescription drug abuse and how best to prevent and treat it, SAMHSA produces a weekly email calledPrescription Drug Abuse Weekly Update. The Weekly Update aims to help reduce prescription drug abuse, especially in workplaces, by providing useful information to behavioral health professionals, consumers, and caregivers on prescription drug misuse, abuse, prevention, and treatment. It contains summaries and links to resources that feature cutting-edge research and late-breaking news on prescription drug abuse. This timely and useful information is gathered from newspapers, professional journals, magazines, and other authoritative sources from throughout the nation.[ Subscribe to Weekly Update ] or [ View Previous Issues ] NAADAC Social Media 101: Week 1NAADAC has ramped up its social media presence, on sites such as Twitter,Facebook , LinkedIn, & Instagram. For newcomers, social media can seem confusing, but we believe that it’s a great tool for NAADAC members/friends to affect a positive change in the ongoing conversation about addiction.Each week we will bring a new social media tip. Let's start with the basics for effective and fun social media use:# = Hashtag (You may remember it as the ‘Pound’ sign)The # is used to label groups and topics. You can search Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for particular #’s if you would like to engage in conversation, or find out more information about that label group or topic.For example: This month is Recovery Month. #RecoveryMonth should be used for all posts pertaining to Recovery Month.  Affiliate Events2013 IAAP Annual ConferenceHosted by the Indiana Association for Addiction ProfessionalsSeptember 27, 2013Indianapolis, INStephanie L. Lusk, Ph.D., CRC, presents "Pharmacology for Addictions Counselors: What Every Counselor Needs to Know"[ More Information ] Implications of Health Care Reform for the Addictions WorkforceFriday, September 13, 2013, 9:00 am - 3:00 pmUC Berkeley Extension, CaliforniaWhat Changes will the ACA Bring to Addiction Professionals? Join us in a lively panel presentation and discussion about the effects the Affordable Care Act will have on the California Addiction Workforce. Following the panel, let your concerns be heard in a question/answer session on how the Affordable Care Act will affect your organization and your team.Speakers/Moderators:Dr. Tom McLellan: CEO & Co-founder - The Treatment Research InstituteCynthia Moreno Tuohy: Executive Director - NAADAC, the Association for Addiction ProfessionalsDr. Stan Weisner: Director of Behavioral Health Sciences - UC Berkeley ExtensionTom Gorham: President - APAC; Program Director - Options Recovery ServicesDave Neilsen: Dep. Director Program Services, Dept. of Alcohol & Drug Programs[ More Information ] or [ Registration Form]NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 201, Alexandria, VA 22314Phone: 703.741.7686 / 800.548.0497Send To Friend | Unsubscribe

Music Festival Attendees Say “Molly” Use is Widespread | The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Music Festival Attendees Say “Molly” Use is Widespread | The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Announcing a new program for October:B.Y.O.B.B.(Bring Your Own Big Book)

Announcing a new program for October:B.Y.O.B.B.(Bring Your Own Big Book)Come experience a two session workshop where we will focus on presenting the 12 Steps as laid out in A.A.’s main text, affectionately known as “The Big Book.”Two Saturdays, October 12th and 19th12 noon to 4 p.m.This workshop is open to anyone interested in learning about the system used as the basis for over 50 types of recovery programs, the 12 Steps, as they were originally presented. Jeanne McDermott, CRSVolunteer CoordinatorCentral Bucks Recovery Support ServicesPRO-ACT, The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania252 W. Swamp Rd, Bailiwick Unit 12Doylestown, PA 18901Phone: 215 345-6644 x 3120Fax: 215 348-3377E-mail:jmcdermott@councilsepa.org

Addiction News | Drug Abuse & Alcohol – The Fix

Addiction News | Drug Abuse & Alcohol – The Fix

Addiction News | Drug Abuse & Alcohol – The Fix

Addiction News | Drug Abuse & Alcohol – The Fix

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

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.

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

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. 

    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

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.”