A Prayer for Parents of Troubled Teens

by John LeeGoogle+ Twitter Facebook

Letting go, doing all that you can and nothing more; this is a trial for any parent watching a teen abuse drugs. Pray for understanding, for grace and for healing.

LORD, SOMETIMES I DON’T KNOW WHERE MY JOB AS A PARENT ENDS AND YOUR HEAVENLY GIFT AS SAVIOR BEGINS. GRANT ME UNDERSTANDING, SO THAT I MAY DO ALL THAT I CAN, AND NOTHING MORE.

LORD, KEEP MY FAITH BURNING BRIGHT. I BELIEVE IN YOU AND I BELIEVE IN YOUR POWER AND LOVE, BUT SOMETIMES I AM TEMPTED TO ACT IN YOUR STEAD. I HURT SO MUCH WATCHING MY SON DESTROY HIMSELF. GRANT ME FAITH, SO THAT I MAY RECEIVE YOUR GRACE AND ACT AS YOUR INSTRUMENT OF LOVE.

LORD, SAVE ME FROM DESPAIR. I GET OVERWHELMED SOMETIMES. MY WIFE AND MY KIDS NEED ATTENTION, LOVE AND SUPPORT, AND SO DO I. GRANT ME CLARITY SO THAT I MAY SERVE MY FAMILY, EVEN IN THIS DARK HOUR.

LORD, SHOW ME THE PATH I MUST WALK. SHOW ME WHAT GOOD WORKS I CAN DO TO SERVE YOU. I NEED YOUR GUIDANCE, AND ALTHOUGH SOMETIMES I FEEL RAGE, LORD, TRANSFORM MY ANGER INTO LOVE, AND USE ME AS AN INSTRUMENT OF YOUR PURPOSE.

LORD, LET MY SON FEEL YOUR LOVE. I BELIEVE THAT ONLY YOU CAN HEAL HIS WOUNDS. HE IS TROUBLED, HE HARMS HIMSELF, PLEASE; BRING HIM HOME.

AMEN

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Anthrax-Killing Foam Proving Effective in Meth Lab Decontamination

Anthrax-Killing Foam Proving Effective in Meth Lab Decontamination
By Join Together Staff | February 21, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inCommunity Related & Drugs

A decontamination foam, previously used to clean up federal office buildings and mailrooms during anthrax attacks more than a decade ago, is now being used to decontaminate illegal methamphetamine (meth) labs Science Daily reports.

The foam renders all types of chemical and biological agents harmless, according to officials at Sandia’s Chemical & Biological Systems, the makers of the decontamination foam.

Sandia’s decontamination foam is comprised of a collection of mild, nontoxic and noncorrosive chemicals found in common household products, such as hair conditioner and toothpaste. It contains both surfactants, which lift agents off a surface, and mild oxidizers, which break down the agent’s molecules into nontoxic pieces that can be washed down a household drain like detergent or dish soap.

According to the Department of Justice, the chemicals used to cook meth and its byproducts produce toxic fumes, vapors and residues that have lasting effects to local neighborhoods and the environment. Anyone exposed to these byproducts, especially children, could suffer serious health problems and prolonged exposure to meth byproducts may cause cancer, damage the brain, the immune system and may result in birth defects.

Illegal meth labs are a growing problem in America and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Clandestine Meth Lab registry lists thousands of locations across the country where law enforcement agencies have found chemicals or paraphernalia linked to either clandestine drug laboratories or meth lab dumpsites.

Incidents related to meth production, including seizures of labs, dumpsites or chemical and glassware, increased to 11,239 in 2010, after falling to 6,095 in 2007, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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LIVENGRIN PRESENTS RIDE FOR RECOVERY

Grab your chance to win a

Harley-Davidson Wide Glide
™
(or $7,500 cash option)

Each year Livengrin raises funds and enhances the public's awareness about how meaningful – and achievable – recovery from addiction can be. The Ride for Recovery poker run attracts individual registrants and a variety of motorcycle clubs, firefighters, "sober biker" groups and local chapters of national organizations.

It's more than a great country ride and then stuffing yourself at an immense picnic (although that's fine with us). The Ride is an important opportunity to show the current patients in our residential program that there are many ways to enjoy life and express your individuality without alcohol and drugs! Help us achieve that!

New This Year!
The Ride for Recovery begins at Barb's Harley-Davidson on the Black Horse Pike, where Collingswood meets Mount Ephraim in NJ (just over the Walt Whitman bridge). A new Ride route through NJ & PA concludes at our Bensalem campus, minutes from I-95, Rt. 1, Street Road and the PA Turnpike.
Event Registration Open!






Enter the 2012
Ride for Recovery Raffle
and take home a


2012 Harley-Davidson Wide Glide
™
(or $7,500 cash option)


2 Runners-up Win Big Cash Prizes
Tickets $10 Available Now




Make the Ride for Recovery
Part of Your Wardrobe
and help spread the message about this great event!

RIDE SHIRTS & HOODIES
New Design All Sizes

Our ride shirts usually sell out at the event so order yours now!

This year, treat your riding buddies to the winter versions - a unique gift that also helps advance Livengrin's mission.



All proceeds from the Ride for Recovery benefit the patient care programs at Livengrin, for people working hard to recover their physical health, emotional strength and ability to make the right choices for their future.

Each year, the Ride and Raffle raise more than $30,000 to benefit patient programs. Help us do as well - or better - in 2012!

Raffle Drawing at the Ride for Recovery, June 3, 2012

* PA License #10-138 ~ Winner need not be present at drawing ~ Winners responsible for pickup of prizes and any taxes, licenses, dealer prep or freight

See complete Ride for Recovery Raffle Rules.

Livengrin Event & Ride Store Hotline: 215-638-5200, # 310

12 STEPPING TO RECOVERY DAILY THOUGHT!!

STEP ONE
It's not whats on the outside that defiles us, it's what's already on the inside.  My favorite book (Bible) teaches us that we come into this world wicked.  For out of the heart comes drunkenness, lewdness, debauchery, sexual immorality, lying, murder and anything else our wicked hearts can devise.  When our very insides are this wicked and out of control no wonder our lives become unmanageable. That's why step one is so important.  Once we realize that the wickedness that lies within has taken complete  control of us, we need a higher power to break us free from ourselves.  Know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

Can you die from taking Molly?

Yes. You can die from an accidental overdose on Molly.


But what is in Molly and what are some of the other risks of taking Molly? Can you take Molly safely? More on Molly risks and safety here. Plus, we invite you to ask your questions about using this club drug at the end.
What Is Molly?


Molly is the street name for 1-3-Triflouromethylphenyl piperazine (TFMPP), an industrial chemical used as an intermediate in chemical synthesis in certain chemical industries. TFMPP became available in 2001 as a legal alternative to MDMA, or Ecstacy. Nicknamed “Molly”, TFMPP is most often used in combination with benzylpiperazine (BZP) and sold as “A2”, “legal E”, or “legal x”, in order to enhance its spectrum of effects. This enhancement is often powerful and can be extremely dangerous. Fatalities have been reported, as a result of overdose or suicide.
How Is Molly Used?


TFMPP has no known medical use in the United States but is used alone primarily for its hallucinogenic effects. More often, Molly is used in combination with other “club drugs” and/or alcohol.
The Effects Of Molly


Self- reported information indicates that Molly causes hallucinations. Some people describe Molly as a mild hallucinogenic, and report feeling mild, pleasant and mellow. Others say that taking BZP enhances the effects. Pharmacological effects of taking TFMPP (Molly) include:
anti-aggressive effects
anxiolytic
hyperthermia
hypophagia
interference with circadian system (distortions of time)
locomotor inhibition
respiratory depression


In sum, TFMPP interferes with heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature…and possibly worse.
Is Molly Safe?


Recently, there has been an escalation in Molly abuse. But is Molly safe to use?


The short answer is: It depends on the user, dosage, and whether or not you take Molly with other drugs. Molly has properties similar to the stimulant effects of Ecstasy. But when taken in larger doses, Molly promotes hallucinogenic reactions. This poses an even greater risk to people who have taken Ecstasy before and accidentally overdose by trying to achieve similar hallucinogenic effects using Molly.


Still, the DEA is currently conducting “Operation X-Out”, a nationwide initiative to increase education and enforcement operations involving club and predatory drugs. Drug distributors claim that club and “date rape” drugs are safe. But the truth is that club drugs such as GHB, Ecstasy, Ketamine and TFMPP can be deadly. In 2002, Molly was given emergency controlled substance scheduling by the DEA. TFMPP was given Schedule I status, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no known medical use. However, this status was reduced in 2004 reverting TFMPP to non-control status. Still, the states of Georgia and Louisiana have enacted legislation to control TFMPP.
Death Risk On Molly


Molly has effects similar to Ecstasy, but taken in larger doses it promotes hallucinogenic reactions. This poses an even greater risk to young people who have taken Ecstasy and accidentally overdose by trying to achieve the hallucinogenic effects. Perhaps the biggest danger lies in the uncertainty of what substances and in what quantities are being ingested. It is difficult for emergency room personnel to know what a person in respiratory arrest has actually taken when they report “Ecstasy”, which can be a combination of a illicit drugs. How long does XTC last in your system? About 2-3 hours, although the drug can be detected in urine up to 3-4 days after use.


Much like LSD, accidental overdose is often the cause of injury or death. Sensory and time distortions make driving impossible, particularly in combination with alcohol. However, and evidence links them, the current popular “club drug” is Molly and BZP. This is where the biggest threat lies, a deadly combination. The risks associated with BZP abuse are similar to those associated with amphetamine abuse. Stimulants, including BZP and amphetamine, decrease appetite, dilate pupils, and increase blood pressure and heart and respiration rates. Other effects include anxiety, blurred vision, dizziness, and insomnia. Chronic abuse of stimulants can cause irregular heartbeat and can lead to delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia.
Can You Die From Taking Molly?


Yes, it is possible to overdose while on Molly. However, since Molly as a drug is seldom isolated and taken alone, it is difficult to put a number on the fatalities and overdoses exclusively “hers”. However, it is well documented that while promoters may stress the innocence of such rave drugs, they can be deadly.
Questions About Using Molly


Do you have more questions about using Molly? Do you want to stop? If you or someone you love is abusing these drugs, seek help, talk to someone. Get the facts. And ask questions here. We try to respond to all legitimate concerns with a personal and prompt response.
Reference Sources: Civil Air Patrol safety advisory for Molly
US Department of Justice drug information on TFMPP


http://drug.addictionblog.org STORY COURTEOUS OF ADDICTION BLOG

Family Support For Drug Addicts In Recovery

Family Support For Drug Addicts In Recovery


1. Be encouraging.


How to support a drug addict in recovery? The best support you can give is to simply be encouraging. Encourage your recovering addict to share their feelings with you and make the environment safe enough that the addict can trust you and be open and honest. Encourage your loved one coping with urges and cravings to hang in there. Encourage your family member with kind words and kind treatment.


2. Go to meetings.


If they are attending 12 step or self help meetings and ask you to go along, feel free to do so. It is nice to have someone you care about attend an open 12 step meeting with you to learn and meet fellows in recovery and learn about addiction recovery spirituality.


3. Keep drugs or alcohol out of reach.


Preventing relapse in substance abuse is key to continued sobriety. As much as possible, keep the addict’s drug of choice out of site if you have it in the home, and try to abstain from personally using when in contact.


4. Encourage routines.


Encourage your addict to eat properly, sleep properly, exercise, take meds exactly as prescribed, keep all recovery appointments and meeting commitments, live a healthy lifestyle keep their recovery the top priority in their lives. As the new behaviour becomes ingrained in the user, they will ease into mainstream living.


5. Have realistic expectations.


Recovery for the addict will take time. Patience is required. Think how long it took your addict to hit bottom and get into recovery. Behaviour changes will not happen overnight.


6. Forgive and forget.


Yelling, screaming and throwing up the past constantly will not help!


In sum, openly caring about your addict and their recovery will support someone new to addiction recovery. Simply being there, learning to understand the issues, encouraging new positive behaviour; these are things you can do.
Family Support For Drug Addiction Questions


Still have questions about how to support a loved one who is a drug addict? You are not alone! Please leave your questions, comments and share your experiences here. We will try our best to respond to your questions with a personal reply…within a day, or two!


Tags addiction prevention, counseling psychotherapy, drug addiction prevention, preventing addiction, relapse prevention, relationships in recovery