ANOTHER MILESTONE FOR THE ADDICT’S MOM!!

THE ADDICT’S MOM organization of over 20,000 members, who no longer suffer alone or in silence, is proud to announce another major accomplishment in our mission to “Share without Shame.” 

We have joined forces with the Global Recovery Community known as, IN THE ROOMS, whose worldwide membership includes over 307,208 people. Whether you are in recovery, seeking help from addiction, a family member or a friend, all you have to do is register online at www.intherooms.com to get exclusive free access to Daily Meditations, Speaker Tapes and Daily Online Videos of AA and NA meetings. 

In THE ADDICT’S MOM’s continuing efforts to reach out to families struggling with an addicted loved one, we are thrilled to be partnering with IN THE ROOMS by creating an online Addict’s Mom Fellowship and an Online Video Meeting everyThursday night at 7:00 p.m., on www.intherooms.com.

Go to www.intherooms.com now and register today, so you will be ready to participate in our first Online Video Meeting sometime in August 2014.

About The Addict’s Mom

The Addict’s Mom reaches out to families dealing with addiction. We invite mothers and families of addicts to join us. The Addict’s Mom is a community where members can “Share Without Shame,” their daily struggles, their sorrows, and their victories with others who understand the impact of this devastating disease. 

Started in 2008, The Addict’s Mom has grown from one brave mother’s efforts to reach out to other mother’s walking in her pain filled shoes...to over 20,000 today. We offer resources, groups, and referrals, but most importantly we offer hope and the knowledge that we are not alone in this fight to change perceptions and to save lives. 

The Addict’s Mom is currently registering for non-profit status and growing stronger daily. We will become a force behind change. Join our online community at www.addictsmom.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and many other social media sites.

Visit The Addict's Mom at: http://addictsmom.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

CALL OUR ADDICTION & COUNSELING HELPLINE: 1-844-543-3242 (1-844-LIFE-CHANGE)

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7 Dangers of Meth Addiction By Karl Benzio, MD Stimulants, some with the same effects as methamphetamine, have been used and abused for almost 500 years, starting with nicotine since the early 1500s and progressing to cocaine in the 1800s. Although, knowing the curiosity of mankind and the need for an escape or quick high, stimulants were probably abused even earlier. In fact, Ma Huang, a Chinese herb whose main ingredient was the stimulant ephedra, was used as early as 5000BC, and evidence shows the “medicinal” use in the Middle East at similar time period, if not earlier. Today, the most common stimulants are caffeine, the most common addiction in the world, nicotine, cocaine and crack cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine, MDMA or Ecstasy, and Pseudoephedrine, Phenylpropanolamine and Ephedrine—commonly used in over-the-counter decongestants and cough syrups and sometimes the precursors for home-brewed Crystal Meth. There are 7 tragic dangers of Crystal Meth use: Spiritual: the most damaging effect of all Psychological: acute and chronic damaging effects of the stimulant chemical on brain circuitry Physical: acute death to chronic wasting Addiction: Meth is one of the most quickly addicting drugs of all Financial: quickly spiraling out of control Relational: many broken relationships stem from addiction Legal: problems abound with arrests, Click here for more details of theses tragic consequences... Utah Woman Who Killed Six Babies Struggled with Meth Addiction Lighthouse Network’s Dr. Karl Benzio Says Megan Huntsman is Viewed as a Monster but a Callous Society Accepts Abortion  The story of a Utah mother who killed six of her newborn babies over a decade outraged the world. After killing each of the infants, Megan Huntsman kept the bodies of the infants in her garage, where one was discovered by her ex-husband, leading to the investigation and her arrest. Just last week, USA Today reported a possible cause for the tragedy—that Huntsman was addicted to methamphetamine and couldn’t cope with caring for the children. Dr. Karl Benzio of the Lighthouse Network (www.844LifeChange.org) says that addictions combined with postpartum issues and financial stressors can sometimes form a tragic ‘perfect storm’ that leads to desperate behaviors. “I won’t speculate the exact reason Ms. Huntsman killed her babies,” Benzio said, “but we know that meth addiction causes significant levels of depression and anxiety, lowers frustration tolerance, increases agitation levels and interferes with decision making and problem solving. Add in stimulant-induced decreased appetite, which leads to the brain not getting enough nutrition, and stimulant interference with sleep, and it’s a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately, we often see in the news that those struggling with addictions will do almost anything, regardless of morals or values, to save themselves and preserve their addiction.” Click here to read more... Tune in to hear Lighthouse Network's Karl Benzio, MD, on the air! Hearing Hearts with Gloria Gay "Relationships" Listen online... Living Well "Victory Over Stress" Watch online... In Print...   In Touch Ministries Magazine "Help for the Hurting Soldier" When soldiers return from the front, their most debilitating wounds are often invisible. By Tom Neven Read Online... Check out other media interviews including TV appearances, radio programs, print features and articles here... Lighthouse Network Radio Feature:"Life Change with Dr. Karl” Lighthouse Network is sharing its newest, life-changing radio features with the purpose of bringing scientific expertise and Biblical principles together to examine some common daily struggles to help people successfully navigate life’s obstacles and enjoy fulfilled lives. Lighthouse Network's "Life Change with Dr. Karl" radio feature airs Monday through Friday on more than 425 radio stations nationwide. Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from July 14: Jesus' Decisions Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from July 15: Decision-Making: Where Science and Faith Meet Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from July 16: Decision-Making: Pray Without Ceasing Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from July 17: Key to Life Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from July 18: Jesus' Sermon on the Mount   Click here to listen to “Life Change with Dr. Karl” archives or read transcripts. Truth For Women Mentor Training September 27 | Bethlehem, PA This event will train ladies who mentor other women who are struggling. They will be trained in counseling and in teaching decision-making skills using the SPEARS decision-making model. Moments of Change 2014 Addictions Conference September 29-October 2 | Palm Beach, FL Dr. Karl Benzio, MD will present on "Addiction: Sin, Disease, or Psychological Defect?" as well as his SPEARS decision-making model, which is key to real biological-psychological-spiritual treatment by integrating science and faith. He encourages people to practically apply the Bible in daily living to truly renew the mind.  Focus on the Family Physicians Resource Council October 1-5 | Colorado Springs, CO This is a meeting of Christian physicians who help guide and define Focus' position on various medical and psychiatric/psychological issues which affect individuals, families, society and public policy. All Access ARC Conference November 4-6 | Saddleback Church, Orange County, CA Dr. Benzio will equip church leaders with his insights in decision-making and using science to squeeze the powerful life transforming juice out of the Bible for practical growth and maximal fulfillment. National Association of Christian Social Workers National Conference November 6-9 | Annapolis, MD Lighthouse Network's Dr. Karl Benzio will lead a workshop on how to be a shining light through godly decision-making skills as he teaches his unique bio-psycho-spiritual model which actually rewires your brain circuits, thus renewing your mind as Romans 12:1-2 clearly states. Click here to view all events.  Resources from Lighthouse Network

Made for Good Works This video focuses on assessing options and making good choices, focusing on Lighthouse Network’s decision-making process, S.P.E.A.R.S.   Comfort At All Cost What we believe about pain will determine our destiny. Learn more in this DVD.   Heirs of the Crown   This 60-minute DVD explores the process of making good, healthy decisions and renewing our minds. Healthy, accurate decision-making is at the heart of real life success.

Free Stepping Stones Devotional Click here to receive The Stepping Stones Daily Devotional, which will encourage and challenge you while helping you grow in your daily walk with God. If you or someone you love needs help, call our FREE 24/7 Lighthouse Network addiction and counseling helpline, 1-844-LIFE-CHANGE (1-844-543-3242). Lighthouse Network is a Christian-based, non-profit organization that offers an addiction and mental health counseling helpline providing treatment options and resources to equip people and organizations with the skills necessary to shine God's glory to the world, stand strong on a solid foundation in the storms of their own lives, and provide guidance and safety to others experiencing stormy times, thus impacting their lives, their families and the world. Lighthouse Network offers help through two main service choices: Lighthouse Life Change Helpline (1-844-LIFE-CHANGE, 1-844-543-3242), a 24-hour free, national crisis call center, where specialists (Care Guides) help callers understand and access customized treatment options. Life Growth and self-help training resources for daily life, including online and DVD series and training events to help individuals achieve their potential.   unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences Follow Us On Facebook Follow Us On Twitter

Private Drug-Sniffing Dog Businesses Becoming More Popular Among Parents

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

July 17th, 2014/

A growing number of parents are hiring private dog-sniffing businesses to find out if their teens are using illegal substances, NPR reports. The dogs are also being requested by schools, businesses, landlords and halfway houses.

One such business, Discreet Intervention, is run by Tom Robichaud, a former dog trainer. Robichaud, based in Massachusetts, attended classes along with his dog, Ben, at LaFollette K9 Training Center in Missouri, which trains police dogs. He says the fledgling industry could use more regulation to protect parents.

“A lot of people are jumping on the bandwagon. Anyone can buy a dog in a pound, and [parents] wouldn’t even know if it’s a drug dog,” he said. Robichaud knows firsthand how destructive drugs can be. His brother died of an overdose, the article notes. “Every time I go into a house, I see those parents like my parents, [and] what they went through,” he said. “It just destroyed my family.” He says in order for parents to help their children, they need to know whether they are using drugs.

Privacy experts are concerned about the trend. Jay Stanley of the American Civil Liberties Union says he thinks drug-sniffing dogs cross a line. He points out dogs can sniff out more than illegal drugs, and can invade people’s privacy. “There’s a fundamental principle here that we don’t intrude in that way on people’s homes,” he said. “And I don’t think we want to go down the road to allowing open season for neighbors to spy on each other.”

It is unclear whether evidence from privately trained dogs can hold up in court, some prosecutors say. They note there is no official national accreditation standard or license for private drug-sniffing dogs, or for their trainers.

	To our friends and supporters, You may have noticed some changes since visiting drugfree.org in the past few weeks. We are thrilled to launch not only a newly revamped website, but also a new name: Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.  With our new name, we're communicating more directly why we exist, and that's to reduce teen substance abuse and support families impacted by addiction. Through our revamped website, our toll-free telephone helpline (1-855-DRUGFREE) and all of our communications, we are committed to being the place where you and your family find answers.   We hope you’ll take some time to browse the new drugfree.org. There, you’ll find the same informative, science-based resources you've come to rely upon as well as many new features – including a brand new interactive online community where you can post memorials, chat with experts, talk to others on forums and more.     Thank you, as always, for your support. - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
We're here to help. Call our Parents Toll-Free Helpline 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373)            DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. Messages sent to this email address are not read. If you have a question or comment, please use our interactive online help system. Subscribe to our RSS feeds. To prevent mailbox filters from deleting mailings from Drugfree.org, addthepartnership@drugfree.org to your address book. Partnership for Drug-Free Kids | 352 Park Avenue South | Ninth Floor | New York, NY 10010 unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences | view email in browser

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To Recovery Community Members   We are performing a survey covering the impact of HealthReform, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act on the Pennsylvania recovery community. The survey takes a few minutes and can be accessed by clicking here. All responses are anonymous.    Survey Covers PennsylvaniaWe are performing this study through Pennsylvania Recovery Community Organizations as part of our SAMHSA-awarded BRSS-TACS Health Reform Education grant. Information will be gathered in Central, Southeastern and Western Pennsylvania. Your participation and feedback are important. Continued Education to the Recovery Community   Our goal is to continue outreach and education to the Recovery Community about the impact and importance of the Affordable Care Act and Parity on access to quality healthcare for treatment and recovery support services. What We Need to Learn We are seeking to understand the experiences of individuals and families with the Affordable Care Act.  If you or a family member have obtained (or tried to obtain) insurance coverage through the marketplace (www.healthcare.gov), we want to hear from you! If you were already insured or are uninsured we need to hear from you too!   The survey is brief, anonymous, and will help us educate the Pennsylvania Recovery Community about the complex issues of healthcare reform and its positive effects on access to treatment and recovery support.   Thank you in advance for your participation.

Sterling Augustine http://atfaithchurch.com/hope

Faith Worship Center of Schuylkill County, PA is starting the Hope Initiative this month. Please click the above link for more info.

It is a program designed to serve the community and educate those affected by addictions and to support the families of those addicted.

The program will bring together local resources such as counselors, local/state/federal government agencies, financial resources, etc. and provide non-profit help and guidance.

This program has already sparked the interest of local TV, radio, and newspapers as well as a church in West Virginia that contacted Faith for more info.

The goal is to design a program that can be a model for other churches and organizations to offer help for the hurting in every community.

Instead of offering ridicule, lets help those in need.

HOPEatfaithchurch.com

The Hope Initiative is a new ministry of Faith Church. We noticed a need in our community and we are responding to it. Please join us to learn more information, help us or get help.