The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.                                                   and           Pennsylvania Recovery Organization --      Achieving Community Together (PRO-ACT)  Recovery in Our Communities March 10, 2015   www.councilsepa.org Information and Recovery Support Line 24/7: 800-221-6333 Who? Me! Angry?   Coping with Anger and Resentment Anger is a feeling that everyone has and it is as normal as feeling happy.  In some situations  anger is actually a healthy and helpful response, if for nothing else than mere survival.    What can become unhealthy or destructive is the way we deal with our feelings of anger.  When we manage our anger in an unhealthy way, it can lead to negative consequences... including relapse and return to other old and self-destructive behavior patterns.   When addressing anger issues, it is important to understand what drives the feelings, and subsequent behaviors.  Distinguishing between the feeling and behaviors is critical to successfully working through angry moments. Feelings:  Anger is a feeling and is part of our emotional DNA.  All feelings or emotions, including anger, are acceptable although some are destructive in the long run. Feelings don't always make sense or fit together with each other, as we can often have two or three conflicting feelings at the same time.  For example, we can feel anger without knowing the specific reason, and we can fee love towards someone we are angry with or who has hurt us. In any case, all feelings (like thoughts) are acceptable and are not really within our control. Behaviors:  We feel what we feel, just like we think what we think.  Unlike feelings, not all behaviors are acceptable.  We have control of our behaviors.  We always have the power of choice over our behaviors.  We can change our behaviors, even old behaviors that are strong habits.  Although people use feelings as excuses or justifications for their behaviors, you are still responsible for your actions.  Actions are a choice.  For example, someone saying, "I had to hit him because he made me angry," does not justify an assault and battery. What is anger?  What is resentment?  According to Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, the following are descriptions of each:  Anger: "A strong feeling excited by real or supposed injury;" its root word means regret, anguish or fear.   Resentment: "holding an attitude from something that is in the past; resentment is old anger." Note that the 'sent' part of the word resent is related to the word sentiment, and means "feel," so to resent is to re-feel - that is to replay an old anger over and over, again. Why do I Feel so Angry?  When you get angry, it is often because you have encountered an event or person in your life that has provoked your anger emotion.  In many instances, specific events touch on sensitive areas.  These sensitive areas or "red flags" usually refer to long-standing issues that can easily lead to angry feelings. In addition to events that you experience in the "here and now," you may also recall an event from the past that made you feel angry.  Just thinking about these past events may make you feel angry.   Long waits at a check-out counter or a full waiting room at the doctor's office; heavy traffic or drivers cutting you off; a friend joking with you about a sensitive topic; being owed money; or having money/property stolen from you; a cheating spouse/loved one;  being wrongly accused of something, rumors being spread about you, etc.  This is often referred to as Resentment! Unchecked angry feelings and the negative consequences associated with poor behaviors often lead to additional problems.  There is both physical and emotional symptoms associated with prolonged anger and resentment that are not properly managed.  The good news is that there is specific help available to deal with these feelings. Help is Available The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania is pleased to announce a new program to serve the needs of those who are feeling excessively angry.  The Council has teamed up with SAMHSA to offer an Anger Management Program designed specifically for people with substance use disorders.  This program will help participants better manage the emotions and behaviors associated with anger issues.  Our next Anger Management Program is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 6, 2015 at 6:00 pm at PRO-ACT's Central Bucks Recovery Resource Center located at 252 W. Swamp Road, Unit 12, Doylestown, PA 18901.  The cost for the 6 week-12 session program is $150 (this is an introductory price - normally $300). Enrollment is limited to 10 participants.  Each session is 90 minutes in length.  Attendance to all sessions is required to receive a certificate of completion.  To register for the program and for more information, please contact Stephen Osborne, CRS at 215-345-6644 x3113 or email him atsosborne@councilsepa.org. Each session builds on the next in order to develop a solid foundation to more effectively deal with unresolved anger. Topics include:  Simple Ways to Monitor Your Anger; How to Identify Anger Triggers; How to Create an Anger Control Plan; Relaxation Techniques; The Aggression Cycle; Assertiveness & Awareness Training; Conflict Resolution; and much more.    Volunteer for The Council/PRO-ACT !! Contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators: Central Bucks:  Email or call Rick at 215-345-6644 Southern Bucks:  Email or call Karen at 215-788-3738 x100 Philadelphia: Email or call She-Ria at 215-233-7700 or Email John or call 215-923-1661  Chester, Delaware and Montco: Email or call John at 215-923-1661 PRO-ACT Recovery Walks! Committees: Email  or call John at 215-923-1661 Volunteer Training Schedule Volunteer Orientation Training March 13, 1 pm - 2:30 pm at Central Bucks Recovery Community Center, 252 W Swamp Road, Doylestown PA 18901 Group Leadership/Facilitation Training March 11, 2015  1 pm - 3:30 pm at Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center, 1286 Veterans Highway, D-6, Bristol, PA 19007 March 12, 10 am - 1 pm and 5 pm - 8 pm at Philadelphia Recovery Training Center, 444 N 3rd Street, Suite 307, Philadelphia, PA 19123 March 27, 1 pm - 3 pm at Central Bucks Recovery Community Center, 252 W Swamp Road, Doylestown, PA 18901 Peer Mentoring Training March 16 & 17, 2015 9 am - 4 pm at Philadelphia Recovery Training Center, 444 N 3rd Street, Suite 307, Philadelphia, 19123 Please contact the volunteer coordinator for questions or to attend. AT OUR CENTERS TONIGHT at our NEW LOCATION!   Family Education Program - Tuesday evenings March 10, 17, 24 & 31 from 7 - 9 pm at 1062 E Lancaster Ave. Suite 22-A, Rosemont, PA  19010 from 7 - 9:00 pm.  To register call 800-221-6333. Planning to Sustain Recovery - every Tuesday 7 - 8:30 pm and every Thursday 10 - 11:30 am at CBRCC, 252 W Swamp Road, Unit 12, Doylestown.  Educational support group to help individuals in all stages of recovery plan goals and action steps to sustain recovery. To registeremail or call Jeanne at 215-345-6644.   Gateway to Work every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 11:00 am at SBRCC, 1286, Veterans Highway, Unit D-6, Bristol; Mon. - Fri. the first week of the month at PRCC, 1701 W Lehigh Ave., #6, Philadelphia, PA 19132; 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 1:00 pm at CBRCC, 252 W Swamp Road, Doylestown. Get help with resume building, barriers to employment and motivation. Contact Rick at 215-345-6644 or email for more information. Click here for March calendars!    Upcoming Events: Why Can't They Just Stop? with Kevin McCauley, MD - Tonight! Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30 pm at Horsham Community Center, 1025 Horsham Road, Ambler PA. Our brains are amazing and complex. We'll have a conversation about how substance use can be relatively harmless for some, yet for others, can lead to abuse, or the disease of addiction. Click here for flyer.   ADDICT a one act play - March 19 & 21 at 6:30 pm at Hatboro-Horsham High School. The play brings to life the impact of substance abuse among adolescents through ten vignettes, each focusing on a specific drug. Click here for flyer.     AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to The Council. Go to www.smile.amazon.com  Log in with Amazon account info or register if you are a new member Type in The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. and click SEARCH We will come up, hit SELECT Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Council. Save the date!  Gather your team, consider sponsorship!   PRO-ACT Recovery Walks! 2015 September 19 Register free; Form a team; Join the Honor Guard; Donate; Volunteer; or become a Sponsor by  clicking here www.recoverywalks.org Employment Opportunities: Click here

DONATE Donations help us to reduce the impact of addiction for more individuals and families. The Council is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Moms! Please meet Matthew Cohen, who is our featured guest expert on In The Rooms this Thursday, March 12, at 7 PM ET.

Matthew is in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder. Matthew has been clean and sober since December 14th, 2012. As a result of being clean and sober, his life has improved.

Matthew is 30 years old. He reports that “after drinking and using for 16 years I finally couldn't take it anymore so I asked for help. Since going to High Watch Recovery Center to begin building a foundation for my recovery, I became very passionate about recovery and decided to become a voice. I speak out to the community about my recovery, not for me but to raise awareness and help build a strong recovery community.”

Matthew is a Certified Medical Assistant.

Matthew is also a Certified Addiction Profession (CAP). Soon, Matthew will be seeking to obtain his license.

Matthew is also a Certified Peer Recovery Coach

He is currently enrolled in the University of Phoenix School of Business to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Business.

Matthew has worked in the field of addiction for several years. He was a Behavioral Heath Technician for 1 year at New Found Life of Delray Beach .

Currently, he is Director of Operations with Life Steps Counseling Center, where he has been since September 2014.

Matthew is the Chapter Lead for Young People in Recovery of Delray Beach.

Matthew writes for thatsoberlife.com which is a site that was started to bring encouragement and hope to the recovery community and to raise awareness about the help and support that is available. Whether you are a person in recovery, a person in active addiction, or know and love someone with an addiction, you have a place here.

In April, Matthew will serve as Clinical Outreach Coordinator for Life of Purpose Treatment Center. Building relationships within the community is a priority for Matthew.

For our program on In The Rooms, Matthew will be sharing with us his insight into recovery. He will discuss Young People in Recovery and how they are organizing in Delray Beach, Florida to build a stronger recovery ready community.

Young People in Recovery is a national grass roots advocacy organization that advocates for people in recovery in the areas of Education, Employment, Housing, and Access to treatment. We promote legislation in our communities, as well as fight the stigma associated with Substance Use Disorder. Empowering people to sustain long term recovery is important in our communities.

in The Rooms Meeting Thursday 7pm ET. Meetings cannot be accessed via phone or tablet. Must use Firefox or Google Chrome as your browser. Please join us!www.intherooms.com

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

Heroin-Related Drug Deaths Highest Among Young, White Males in the Midwest

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

March 4th, 2015/

Heroin-related deaths are now most common among young, white male adults in the Midwest, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fifteen years ago, the death rate was highest among older black males in the West and Northeast.

In 2013, there were 8,257 heroin-related deaths in the United States, up from 5,925 the previous year, CBS News reports. There were about 3,000 heroin-related deaths in 2010. The deaths have increased among both men and women, in all ages groups, and in whites, blacks and Hispanics, the article notes.

In 2000, the highest heroin death rate was among blacks ages 45 to 64. By 2013, the highest rate was among whites ages 18 to 44.

Drug overdoses are the number one cause of injury-related death in the United States, with 43,982 deaths occurring in 2013, according to the CDC.

According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, opioid use disorders often begin with a prescription or taking pills from a home medicine cabinet. Almost 68 percent of people who begin using prescription drugs non-medically for the first time get the drugs from a family member or friend. Many people who initially abused prescription painkillers shifted to heroin, which is cheaper and easier to obtain.

Join us this          Saturday March 14, 2015     @ 7- 10:00pm doors open at 6:30 Join us for a Night of  Rock & Worship    Featured Artist: "Gracious Vine"    Plus Special Guest "Kris and Ed Vincent"   Join us for a Night of High  Energy Worship!!      FOOD, COFFEE, FUN AND FELLOWSHIP FOR ALL!   ADMISSION IS FREE!   (Donations appreciated to cover costs and for the band. Thanks for your prayerful consideration and generosity so we can keep this event FREE!)           WHERE:  The Edge Building at Christian Life Center                         3100 Galloway Rd Bensalem, PA    QUESTIONS: Contact  Bob Sofronski   215-833-2512 3rd Annual Conquering Grounds Outdoor  Music Fest Next Music Fest will be: Saturday September 12, 2015 12pm to 6pm On the Grounds of Christian Life Center Stay tuned for more details or visit the website for Sponsor Packs and Info at  www.musicfest2015.org We are calling on Business and Ministry friends to support the CLPRM upcoming Music Fest in September 2015. We have started our annual drive for sponsorships and spots are already filling up. Sponsor Pack are available for you so that you can see the many ways you are able to help those in addiction and recovery with your support!   The Music Fest is our annual benefit which takes over a year in planning. Even though it rained last year we had over 1100 people, 50 Vendors and 10 Bands and raised over $10,000!  We are starting to make our Sponsor packages available and I have attached the details about the different levels for Corporate or Personal involvement.  Please share this with anyone else you may think would want to purchase a tax deductible package, there are 4 different levels of sponsorship.  It isfor such a great cause and an inexpensive way to get your business in front of 1000's!               2015 Conquering Grounds Outdoor Music Fest Artists and Speakers Booked so far see below: Guest Speaker Steve Arterburn Founder of New Life Ministries Click here for his Bio Dana Isles and Facedown  Click Here for Band Info Dez Childs   Click Here for Band Info The Travis Lee Band Click Here for Band Info Has this ministry been a Blessing to you or someone you Love?  Would you prayerfully consider a  Gift to CLPRM? This ministry, coffee house, recovery meetings, prison chapel services and ALL Special Events operate because of private donations from people like you. Your Gift  will be fully  Tax-deductible and will help us to reach those trapped in addiction and crime with the Hope of Jesus Christ! Click Here to donate at our secure website www.clprm.org or you can send a check to  CLPRM Po Box 1624  Southampton, PA 18966  Thank you and Blessings to All of you in 2015!! The Conquering Addiction Hour with CLPRM Click Here to Listen to the Archives UPCOMING CAFE EVENTS March 14th "Gracious Vine" Plus Special Guests Kris and Ed Vincent April 11th "Barry Maguire and 288" Plus Special Guest Reason 4:13 May 9th "Against the Slate" Plus Special Guest Joe Antonelli June 13th "Open Mic Night" MUST SIGN UP THROUGH OUR WEBSITE July 11th "Glorify" Plus Special Guest Cristabelle Braden  MMMMMM Conquering Grounds Café, our monthly coffee house ministry, reaches out to individuals and families who have been affected by substance abuse. The Café serves up Christian bands, plus FREE beverages and baked goods in a laid-back atmosphere. ALL are invited to this FREE event! Thanks to Shoprite Bensalem and Hornbergers Bakery for their generous donation of baked good to Conquering Grounds.   RECOVERY RESOURCES   Christian Life Prison and Recovery Ministries, Inc.  Transformations Treatment Center  Kingdom Recovery Network CRC Healthcare  HillSide Recovery Center  Addictions Victorious Ambassadors for Christ COA Recovery Radio  City of Angels  The House of Adonai Liberty Ministries Lighthouse Network  Road To Recovery  Teen Challenge  Follow Us Here Make a one-time financial gift. Become a monthly sponsor. Or send a gift to: CLPRM PO Box 1624 Southampton, PA 18966 You can download our new 10 second PushPay Giving App here  "My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare."  ~Psalm 25:15 OUR MISSION: CLPRM is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping those incarcerated and to stop substance abuse in the community by offering support to those actively struggling with addiction, as well as to their families. We offer recovery meetings, resources, counseling, and referral services to those who wish to seek treatment.

Women for Sobriety, Inc. Claim Your Competence & Freedom from Fear ҉  "I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”  -Rosa Parks “Fear can be good when you’re walking past an alley at night or when you need to check the locks on your doors before you go to bed, but it’s not good when you have a goal and you’re fearful of the obstacles.  We often get trapped by our fears, but anyone who has had success has failed before.”  -Queen Latifah “Always do what you are afraid to do.”  -Ralph Waldo Emerson “When I give power to my fears, I become like a knight in shining armor.  My defenses shield me from what I fear but also block me from authentic human connection.  As I release any worry about whether I am good enough, I am free to grow into my full potential.  As I release the fear of getting hurt, I am free to feel all my feelings.  Knowing at depth that I am worthy, I open my heart to give and receive love freely.  I choose vulnerability rather than defensiveness, humility rather than aggression.  I allow my heart to open to all that is, to live from a center of love, and to treat others as I would like to be treated.  As I shed my armor and embrace my vulnerability, I allow myself to live fully.  Free from fear, I celebrate life.” -Daily Word (March/April issue) from Unity ************************************************************** Statement #12, “I am a competent woman and have much to give life.” This is what I am and I shall know it always. ************************************************************** +++++++++++++++++++ + Karen’s Perspective + +++++++++++++++++++      Little did I understand that I was living with fear wrapped around my every thought, memory and activity.  In fact, I thought the opposite; I felt that I was quite brave.  I was unafraid to be aggressive, bold and loud, especially under the influence (that false shield of alcoholic armor).  It was not until I became sober and heard others sharing their feelings of being fearful or being filled with doubt did I begin to understand the depth of my own fears.  Where I am in this moment in my life is a direct result of my sobriety and recovery and by putting healthy action behind Statement #12.      I began to examine my fears.  I started with an obvious one; snakes.  I had fallen into this stereotypical role of victim around spiders and snakes and when I examined this fear with logic, I realized that I wasn’t really afraid of them, I was just living a role that I had witnessed countless others rehearse.  Recently I spent an astounding summer watching the life cycle of a colorful arachnid.  Score ONE for me and a big ZIP for fear!  I was learning to teach myself competence!  WOW!      It wasn’t long before I began to dive into the very things that I felt fearful about.  With the powerful words of Statement #12 running through a freshly installed loop in my mind .....(I AM A COMPETENT WOMAN!  I AM A COMPETENT WOMAN!  I AM A COMPETENT WOMAN!  I AM A COMPETENT WOMAN!)  I began to try new experiences, and..... can you even believe it...even really LIKE some of them!  I was quickly becoming authentically confident and competent woman!      Do I still have fear in my life?  Of course.  It is natural and healthy for me to feel certain fears.  Except today it is not debilitating or leading to self-destruction.  I try, learn, experience and try again if need be.  No matter what the fear, there is a complimentary feeling or action to erase that freedom taker and hostage maker.  Today I claim my freedom with competence! Hugzzz, Karen  Do you claim your competence and freedom or is there a fear claiming you? +++++++++++++++ +  Dee’s Insights  + +++++++++++++++      Hi 4C Women, I love the expression, “Feel (face) the fear and do it anyway.”  Feeling the fear is the easy part, doing the action related to facing the fear is another story.  At one time, my greatest fear was being alone and being destitute.  When I reflect on that fear, I realize I stayed in an unhappy and unhealthy marriage for too long - 27 years.  It was the fear of being unloved because I felt unlovable and being homeless because that was how powerless I felt.  When the day came that I said I wanted a divorce, I was scared to the core of my being.  The one thing I learned was how to love myself enough that being alone didn’t mean I was unlovable; that I was powerful and could fight for myself.  Twenty-one years later, I am alone but not lonely.  I live in a house and learned to budget within my means.  A lot of valuable lessons resulted in facing my fears.      I relate to what Karen said about learned fear.  When my mom and dad divorced, it was difficult emotionally and financially for my mom.  She worked 2 jobs, had 2 young girls and no financial assistance from my dad or the government.  While I didn’t understand all of this at my young age, I felt it and heard about it most of my growing up years.  It sank in deep.  So, feeling competent took a lot of work and I am grateful to WFS and therapy for guiding me in the direction I needed to go.      Now when I feel fearful, I choose to face it with confidence and maybe a little healthy trepidation.  If it doesn’t quite work out the way I hoped, I do my best to learn from it and be proud that I at least gave it a try.  Otherwise, how do we learn and grow without trying?  Think about the last fear you faced.  What was the outcome?  What did you learn from it?  How have you changed due to the lessons learned?  -Dee _________________________ Thank you, Karen and Dee, for your words of encouragement and inspiration to start off our week!  ~Becky Fenner, WFS Director   Email:  newlife@nni.com   *   Tel: 215-536-8026   *   Fax:  215-538-9026 http://www.womenforsobriety.org   *   http://www.wfscatalog.org