The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.                                                   and           Pennsylvania Recovery Organization --      Achieving Community Together (PRO-ACT)  Recovery in Our Communities April 7, 2015   www.councilsepa.org Information and Recovery Support Line 24/7: 800-221-6333 "Rethinking Stereotypes: Overdosing in Older Adults"            Medications, Alcohol and the Emergency Room. It's no surprise that adverse drug events are a huge public health issue across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), these events "cause over 700,000 emergency department visits each year, with nearly 20% resulting in hospital admissions."     What may be a surprise is that a growing portion of these ER visits are in people age 65 and older, involving prescription medications, including in Bucks County.     As people age, they are likely to take more medications - to cure infectious diseases, prevent problems from chronic health issues, and alleviate pain. But these same medications can also cause a great deal of harm. "When alcohol is added to the mix, it only further complicates the issue," according to Stacey Conway, Ph.D., director of evaluation and outcomes at The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. "Besides the potential dangers of using alcohol with a variety of medications, there is the additional problem of an aging metabolism, which usually doesn't tolerate alcohol as well as it did when the person was younger."    Telltale Signs for Family and Physicians. Family and friends are usually the first to notice an older parent or other loved one struggling with falls and failing memory, who may now seem more accident prone; but they may just chalk it up to the aging process. And maybe that's all it is. Or maybe there's something more significant and avoidable at play. Information and Referral Resource.  There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that this is a growing problem. "For instance, visiting nurses of older adults with chronic health problems are noticing the problem in patients they care for," according to The Council'sSandy Lochrie, R.N., who works with the medical community through a program called SBIRT - Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment. The approach incorporates simple tools that can be used during a medical visit to determine if a person's alcohol or drug use may be causing potential health problems. The program offers guidance to health care providers to determine the right questions to ask at the right time. If they suspect that a substance abuse disorder may be at the root of their patient's problem, The Council can be a valuable resource for the provider, their patient and/or the patient's family. SBIRT consultations and training are offered free of charge to all Bucks County health care providers, through the support of the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc. (BCDAC). Beyond Bucks County, the program is offered to health care providers as a fee-for-service. For confidential information and referral resources for all types of addictions recovery support, please contact The Council at our 24/7 intervention and recovery support line at 800-221-6333, by email at helpline@councilsepa.org , or by visiting us at councilsepa.org "Planting the Seeds for a Healthy Life in Recovery" The Council's Women's Recovery Community Center offers a safe environment and transitional housing for women in need from the Central Bucks area. To add to the cozy home feeling, two of the Center's volunteers are planning to establish a "Community Garden for Recovery" this spring and are looking for support to get some essential supplies. Garden donations needed include three general areas: 1) fencing, materials for raised beds and composting structures; 2) organic soil, seeds, seedlings - annuals, perennials and vegetables; and 3) basic gardening tools, hoses and tomato cages. Nominal financial donations also will be happily accepted. The project offers so many benefits for women in recovery, such as, building a sense of accomplishment that comes with the upkeep of a garden, reaping the fruits and vegetables they sow, and providing a stabilizing routine and a place close to nature filled with joy and serenity. Additionally, the project will focus on the value of home grown vegetables, using organic food sources and eating healthy as a way of life. Cooking demonstrations, canning/preserving vegetables, understanding our eco-system, and learning how to eat healthy and plan meals on a budget, are other aspects of the project. The garden co-creators, Bridgett Hagen, CRS, and Jennifer Seitzer, CLC, are both in long term recovery; and while Bridgett is an expert gardener, Jennifer brings nutritional guidance and organic knowledge to the table. If you would like more information or can help us make connections for the donations wish list, please contact Steve at  scalderbank@councilsepa.org or 267-471-6643. 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 April 10, 2015 1 pm - 2:30 pm at Central Bucks Recovery Community Center Group Leadership/Facilitation Training April 8, 2015 1 pm - 3:30 pm at Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center April 9, 2015 10 am - 1pm and 5 pm - 8 pm Philadelphia Recovery Training Center April 24, 2015 1 pm - 3 pm at Central Bucks Recovery Community Center Please contact the volunteer coordinator for questions or to attend.   AT OUR CENTERS FASD: Implications for Children and Adolescents - April 9, 2015, 9:00 am - Noon at Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center, 1286 Veterans Highway, Bristol, PA 19007.  Get an in-depth look at Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and how tools such as alcohol screening can assist in reducing the number of children born with FASD. Approved for 3 PCB credit hours. To register email or call David at 215-230-8218 x3162.  Click here for details.   Expungement Clinic - April 27, 2015 3:00 - 4:30 pm at Central Bucks Recovery Community Center, 252 W Swamp Road, Unit 12, Doylestown. Get the information you need if you believe your criminal charges are keeping you from gaining meaningful employment.  To register email or call Rick at 215-345-6644 x3151.    Planning to Sustain Recovery - every Tuesday 7 - 8:30 pm and every Thursday 10 - 11:30am at Central Bucks Recovery Community Center (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 register email or call Jeanne at 215-345-6644 xt. 3120.   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 Mondays of the month at 11:00 am at CBRCC, 252 W Swamp Road, Doylestown. Get help with resume building, barriers to employment and motivation. Contact Rick at 215-345-6644 xt. 3151 or email for more information. To find out what's happening at our centers, Click here for April calendars!    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    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. 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.

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My road to hell was paved with Xanax (and Klonopin, and Ativan, and Halcion)

My road to hell was paved with Xanax (and Klonopin, and Ativan, and Halcion)

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/No-More-Skinny-Models-Addiction-Recovery-eBulletin-April-7.html?soid=1105430428303&aid=b1CHTyg9T1A

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April 7 CHP 18 v 30 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS

As for God His way is perfect.

The lords word is flawless (GODS BIG BOOK)

He shields all who take refuge in Him.

STEP 3 Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God .

It took me along time to realize how much I needed God ,until the shame and fear became unbearable. The game was also getting old and God only knew how much longer my luck or His grace was gonna hold out .Life for me became a self scripted movie. I should have received the Grammy for best actor and best supporting actor in a Drama. I played duel roles in life and with me ,It was like a box of chocolates you never knew what you were gonna get. Like a light switch they could be turned off and on in an instant. Sitting writing and reflecting ,I can see how i got so caught up in self that I couldn't see how low my life had become and blind too so much more so i settled. On my own ,unprotected acting out every scene of life manipulating the script to suit ME ,MYSELF ,and I . I was so full of me there was no room for God. God patiently waited for to come to the end of myself. Sorry and sad I was for along time because of the life I had been living.I never want to forget those sorrows because they led be to God who promises bright new tomorrows. 

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.(GODS BIG BOOK) By Joseph Dickerson

19 Percent of Americans Say They Take Some Sort of Drug Daily to Help Them Relax

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

April 2nd, 2015/

A new survey finds almost 19 percent of Americans say they take some sort of drug daily to help them relax. The rate of drug use varies widely by state, from 28 percent in West Virginia to 13.5 percent in Alaska.

The findings come from an ongoing Gallup survey, conducted with health consultants Healthways, according to NBC News. The survey included calls to more than 176,000 adults nationwide. They were asked how often they use drugs or medications, including prescription drugs, which affect their mood and help them relax. Respondents were not asked about the types of drugs used.

After West Virginia, the states with the highest daily drug use were Rhode Island (26 percent), Kentucky (24.5 percent), Alabama (24.2 percent), Louisiana (22.9 percent), South Carolina (22.8 percent), Mississippi, Missouri and Indiana (22 percent) and Oregon (21.9 percent).

The states where the fewest people use daily drugs, after Alaska, are Wyoming (15.5 percent), California (15.8 percent), Illinois (16 percent), North Dakota (16.4 percent), New Jersey (16.5 percent), Colorado (16.7 percent), Texas (16.7 percent), Utah (16.8 percent) and Maryland (17.3 percent).

People who take drugs daily to relax have an overall lower feeling of well-being, Gallup noted in a statement. “One possibility is that taking mood-altering drugs or medication nearly every day contributes to lower well-being,” the organization noted. “But a more probable explanation is that Americans who already have lower well-being are more likely to use drugs or medication to relax or alter their mood, possibly to help cope with challenges related to their low purpose, social, financial, physical or community well-being.”

Women for Sobriety, Inc. "...happiness is obtainable when you work at creating it." ҉  “It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” -Charles Spurgeon “Be happy for this moment.  This moment is your life.”  -Omar Khayyam “Happiness is not something ready-made.  It comes from your own actions.”  -Dalai Lama “Happiness depends upon ourselves.”  -Aristotle *************************************************** Statement #3, “Happiness is a habit I will develop.” Happiness is created, not waited for. *************************************************** +++++++++++++++++++ + Karen’s Perspective + +++++++++++++++++++      Happiness, in my life today, consists of openness, activity and, surprisingly, even release.  In the past, I tried to find it elsewhere, in relationships, material things, in activities and especially in alcohol.  I recall feeling confused; what had once brought happiness instead brought guilt, shame and deep emotional turmoil.  My life was chaotic and impulsive with genuine happiness elusive.      Eight years ago today I chose to create happiness, even though I had no idea which way to turn or which way to go.  It was the beginning of my New Life and what is even greater than being sober eight years is the many changes that I have gone through.  WFS is the binding that provides a never ending course to follow.  I feel connected to life and to myself, not some stranger in the mirror.  I like and love who I see, who I am today.      Clueless as to what sobriety would bring in my life, I set out on this path of discovery.  I was (still am) relearning myself.  I was finding my likes (many) and dislikes (not so many) while growing into happiness.  It was challenging at first.  I felt so empty initially; but, no one else knew (how could they?) what brought feelings of happiness out in me, so I was akin to an explorer ...and began to uncover myself.  Layers of sadness and pain began to fall away and I began to glow inside.      I have so much in my life today.  Material things, although nice, no longer define me.  Sobriety and discovery are my first priority always.  No matter what a day holds, I can walk into genuine happiness at anytime, anywhere.  Of course, sobriety is not the eraser of problems and challenges; but, I do have the emotional stamina and skills to move through discomfort and learn from it.      Habitual happiness?  Yes, from planned goals and dreams to surprising and stunning moments happiness surrounds me, twirling and dancing in every direction!  Hugzzz, Karen Are you making happiness habitual? +++++++++++++++ +  Dee’s Insights  + +++++++++++++++      Hi 4C Women, Happiness, that elusive emotion we all seek.  Karen expressed it so well when she said that material things, although nice, no longer define her.  There was a time when I envied those with what seemed an abundance of money, perfect families, perfect life.  Those were the outside appearances that I judged happiness by and, no matter how blessed my life was, I couldn’t get past the “perfect” life of others.  Jealousy and envy were my main emotions and those led to feelings of inadequacy and anger for what I didn’t have.      It is amazing to realize that I have less now (material wise) and yet I am happier than I ever thought possible.  I still experience times of sadness, fear and anger but that is usually related to relationships that need mending and I know it is a work in progress or being physically in pain and fear starts tugging at my emotions.  Yet the foundation of peace and contentment helps me know that these situations are temporary and I am in a much better place in coping with them.      Alcohol won’t ever make relationships heal or myself for that matter.  It is not always easy being responsible for my thoughts and my actions yet it is a lot better than living in regret and shame.  For me, the most important part of Statement #3 is the action part - happiness is created, not waited for.  I put a huge burden and an impossible one, on expecting others to make me happy.  Talk about feeling powerless over my own life!  This Statement made a phenomenal impact on my attitude and is always a wonderful reminder of how empowering the WFS program is and knowing that happiness is obtainable when you work at creating it. –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