NIH Announces It Will Not Create Single Institute Devoted to Addiction

By Join Together Staff | November 19, 2012 | 3 Comments | Filed in Addiction& Government


The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced it will not pursue the proposed creation of a single institute devoted to substance use, abuse and addictions. The proposal would have dissolved the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), and replaced it with a single body, according to the Nature News Blog.

NIH Director Francis Collins said in a statement that instead of dissolving the two institutes, he will seek their “functional integration,” along with related research in the NIH’s other institutes. NIDA has an annual budget of $1 billion, while NIAAA’s budget is $459 million, the article notes.

Citing budget uncertainties, Collins noted, “The time, energy, and resources required for a major structural reorganization are not warranted, especially given that functional integration promises to achieve equivalent scientific and public health objectives.”

In June, Collins told his committee of external advisers that leaders in the alcoholic beverage industry were concerned about the new single institute. According to the article, the industry’s opposition suggested it was not comfortable with a single body that would more closely align the public’s perception of alcohol consumption and abuse with drug addiction.

Seattle Police Department Produces Guide to New Marijuana Law

By Join Together Staff | November 16, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inCommunity Related, Drugs & Legislation

In response to the newly approved recreational marijuana law approved by Washington state voters last week, the Seattle Police Department has produced a flippant guide that explains the new law, according to NBC News.

On November 6, voters in Washington and Colorado approved measures to legalize the possession and sale of marijuana for recreational use, becoming the first U.S. states to do so. The measures allow personal possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for anyone at least 21 years old. They also permit marijuana to be sold and taxed at state-licensed stores.

The Seattle guide takes a lighthearted approach to answering questions about how the Washington law will be applied. “We deliberately designed (the guide) in a way that people would enjoy it,” Seattle Police Department (SPD) spokesman Sergeant Sean Whitcomb told NBC News.

One example from the guide:

Q: What happens if I get pulled over and I’m sober, but an officer or his K9 buddy smells the ounce of Super Skunk I’ve got in my trunk?

A: Under state law, officers have to develop probable cause to search a closed or locked container. Each case stands on its own, but the smell of pot alone will not be reason to search a vehicle.

The guide notes that while the new law, known as I-502, has decriminalized marijuana possession in Washington, it does not change federal law, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule I narcotic. “All Seattle Police officers have taken an oath to uphold not only state law, but federal law as well. However, SPD officers will follow state law, and will no longer make arrests for marijuana possession as defined under I-502,” the guide states.

Milestone Foundation Maine

About
Mission It is the mission of Milestone to provide the best quality of services to empower individuals with substance abuse problems to attain stability, dignity, recovery and an enhanced quality of life.
Company OverviewFor over forty years, Milestone Foundation has been providing emergency shelter, detoxification, and extended care to chronic substance abusers.

The Milestone Foundation is one of the oldest substance abuse treatment programs in Maine.

General Information
Milestone Foundation has two locations to help serve our community:

Portland Facility - Shelter & Detoxification Program
65 India St. Portland, Maine 04101


Old Orchard Beach Facility - Extended Care Program
28 Portland Ave. Old Orchard Beach, Maine 04064


65 India St.
Portland, Maine 04101


Phone Portland Office: (207) 775-4790 Old Orchard Beach Office: (207) 934-5231
Email kellyt@milestonefoundation.org
Website http://www.MilestoneFoundation.org

Real Recovery North Carolina

About
Real Recovery is a sober living program for young men ages 18-28 located in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit www.soberasheville.com.
MissionOur Mission Statement

Every young man willing seeking 12 step recovery should get the opportunity to achieve their full potential mentally, physically, and spiritually. That no young man should ever be ashamed of their affliction and the steps necessary to obtain recovery. That with hard work in life and recovery, comes the opportunity to enjoy premier snowboarding, longboarding, fly fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, and the beautiful and fun-filled life that sober living in Western North Carolina's premier recovery home affords
DescriptionNorth Carolina's premiere Recovery Home and treatment aftercare program.A sober living program serving males age 18-28 with primary diagnosis of chemical dependence/ poly-substance abuse. Located in Asheville, North Carolina a young and eclectic town with southern charm and a vibrant local economy. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains an extremely popular outdoor vacation destination. With a large local music scene and outstanding 12 step recovery community.



Basic Info
Founded November 2009
Location 399 Old Leicester Rd, Asheville, North Carolina 28804
Awards Recognized by leading treatment centers nationwide as a premier aftercare program and sober living home for young men seeking 12 step recovery.


Contact Info
Phone (828) 989-1967
Email kevin@real-recovery.net
Website http://www.soberasheville.com

Gaudenzia

Mission Gaudenzia helps people affected by chemical dependency, mental illness and related conditions to achieve a better quality of life-allowing them to live as productive and accountable individuals. This is accomplished through comprehensive treatment and prevention methods guided by a philosophy of mutual concern and responsibility. Gaudenzia also conducts research and educates the community on the causes, treatment and prevention of addictions, mental illness and related conditions.

*********************
~ Gaudenzia Philosophy ~
*********************
We are here because there is no refuge,
finally, for ourselves.

Until people confront themselves in the eyes and hearts of others, they are running.

Until they suffer others to share their secrets,
they have no safety from them.

Afraid to be known, they can know neither themselves nor any other; they will be alone.

Where else but in our common ground
can we find such a mirror?

Here, together, people can at last appear clearly
to themselves - not as the giant of their dreams,
nor the dwarfs of their fears - but as individuals,
part of a whole, with a share in its purpose.

In this ground we can each take root and grow, not alone anymore as in death, but alive to ourselves and to others.



Company OverviewFounded in Philadelphia, Gaudenzia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people help themselves. We provide drug and alcohol addiction treatment & recovery services.
DescriptionTreatment Works. Recovery Happens.



Contact Info
Phone (610) 239-9600
Website http://www.gaudenzia.org