Saturday, January 28, 2012
GOD BLESS OUR MILITARY!!
A College Professor stood up on his chair and said "If GOD really exists then knock me off this chair." Nothing happened, as the class was quiet he said, "See!" An Army Veteran stood up and punched him in the face knocking him out and off the chair, then sat back down. As the Professor came to, he looked at his student and said "WHY DID YOU DO THAT?" The soldier said "GOD was busy protecting my buddies still fighting for your right to say and do stupid stuff like this, so HE SENT ME"!
Aerosmith Rocker Says He Spent 20 Million on Drugs
Steven Tyler says that during the drug fueled days, concert venues would set up offstage alcoves for the bad so that the rockers could scoot to the side for a quick snort of cocaine, mid show, stating, "I kept my medicine cabinet on stage, in a fourteen-inch drum head, the bottom of which contained... one Dixie cup with a straw and blow in it and the other with Coca-Cola and Jack Daniels in it.”
The now 62 year old rocker says a life of abuse hasn’t come cheap, grieving, "I blew 20 million. I snorted my Porsche, I snorted my plane, I snorted my house in that din of drugs and booze and being lost” but more than the financial costs, Tyler seems most regretful of the broken relationships left in the wake of years of heavy abuse, explaining, “I needed blow. I needed that cocaine. I needed it…That’s what drugs did. It took my children away, it took my band away, it took my marriages away, and I was on my knees
Read more: Aerosmith Rocker Says He Spent 20 Million on Drugs
Rolling Stones Guitarist Ronnie Wood Says Intervention and Rehab “Rescued Him”
Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood says that British artist Damien Hirst saved his life 18 months ago with an intervention that saw the rocker who has long struggled with alcoholism and drug abuse get the help he needed.
Speaking on his radio show, Wood credited Hirst for saving his life, saying, "I've blown millions of pounds on booze and drugs in the past, but Damien rescued me. He bundled me into the back of a bread van to avoid the paparazzi and then whisked me away on his private plane. There began my life of recovery. I owe that man a lot."
Wood says he has been sober ever since
Read more: Rolling Stones Guitarist Ronnie Wood Says Intervention and Rehab “Rescued Him”
Coroner Says Amy Winehouse Killed by Alcohol Overdose
Coroner Suzanne Greenway’s inquest report on the death of 27 year old Amy Winehouse lists massive consumption of alcohol as the cause of the singer’s ‘sudden and unexpected death.’
Although the family had speculated that alcohol withdrawal symptoms may have killed the singer, who had long battled drug and alcohol addictions, they responded to the news that she died with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.416 by saying that it was at least "some relief to finally find out what happened to Amy.”
A BAC Of 0.350 or greater is possibly fatal. No other drugs were found in her system at her time of death.
The coroner listed Winehouse as in good health at the time of death and explained that the massive quantity of alcohol likely stopped her breathing, causing her death.
In the months leading up to her overdose death Winehouse had struggled to control her drinking and had lapsed into a pattern of abstaining from alcohol for a period of weeks and then binging on alcohol for a period of weeks. She was on medications to control her anxiety and to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
According to the coroner’s report, Winehouse had abstained from alcohol for 3 weeks prior to July 22nd but on July 23rd, after she was discovered to have died, 3 empty bottles of vodka were found in her London flat.
The Winehouse family released a statement to thank those that had supported them and added, “We understand there was alcohol in her system when she passed away - it is likely a build-up of alcohol in her system over a number of days. The court heard that Amy was battling hard to conquer her problems with alcohol and it is a source of great pain to us that she could not win in time.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Internet Piracy Bill Could Help Shut Down Illegal Online Pharmacies
An Internet piracy bill that has stalled in Congress could help authorities shut down illegal online pharmacies, according to ABC News.
Work on the bill, known as the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the House and the Protect I.P. Act (PIPA) in the Senate, has halted because of charges of censorship.
The bill could help prevent purchases of unprescribed painkillers ordered from foreign websites, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cannot regulate, the article notes. SOPA could help companies take independent action against websites that endanger public health, ABC News states.
U.S.-based payment companies such as MasterCard or American Express would be given a legal incentive to stop payments to illegal online pharmacies. Currently, private companies that stop service to these online pharmacies could be vulnerable to a breach of contract lawsuit, even if the pharmacies are illegal. SOPA would grant immunity to service providers that stop service if they believe that the customer is engaging in illegal activity. The bill would allow private businesses serving illegal websites to take action quickly, without the help of law enforcement.
It is difficult to close down a website that hosts illegal activity, unless it can be proven the website’s owner knows about the activity. The owners can often avoid prosecution if they are based outside of the United States.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Honesty.....Is of the utmost importance especially when it comes to working the 12 steps and it also is one of the toughest things a recovering addict will have to tackle. In my personal experience I was the master manipulator and the ultimate conman. Now when I look back the only one I really hurt was myself. When all is said and done lying and deception will and can be one of the most destructive forces in your life. It effects everyone and once those relationships are destroyed and trust is removed it makes our recovery ten times more difficult. Start today with, think before you decide to deceive. Try to look at the consequences of your perceived deception and what harm it will cause or could cause. Today's mission....HONESTY and you will see life will get easier especially when being honest with ones self. REMEMBER JESUS LOVES YOU!
Gunmen Execute 13 at Mexican Drug Rehab Center
According to witness reports, gunmen made the recovering addicts lay on the floor and then fired on them with automatic weapons. The gunfire was said to persist for as long as 2 minutes.
Normally about 45 residents call El Camino home, spending time at the facility to recover from drug addiction and passing the day in therapy sessions and work projects, such as making dog houses for sale. Most of these residents escaped death by hiding on the second floor of the facility.
Mexican cartel experts say that drug treatment facilities are sometimes used by cartel members as hiding locales, or as places for drug distribution, and as such are occasionally targets of the cartels’ extreme violence. In June of this year a similar attack left 19 people dead at a drug rehab center in the city of Chihuahua.
Tijuana had been touted as a center of progress in the battle against the cartels, and authorities believe that the slaying may have been in retaliation for a record seizure last week of 134 tons of marijuana in the city by the Mexican Army. Shortly after the attack, someone broke onto the police radio frequency to play a narco-ballad (a song about the drug trade) and to say that one person will die for every ton of marijuana seized. The voice also warned that the attack was just “a taste” of Juarez style violence.
In Juarez, three years of drug turf battles have left more than 6500 dead. Since Mexico declared war on drug traffickers more than 3 years ago, 28,228 people have died in related violence. This mass execution was the country’s second of the month. Earlier in October, gunmen in Juarez stormed a teen birthday party and killed 14 people, most of them high school students.
Read more: Gunmen Execute 13 at Mexican Drug Rehab Center
Thursday, January 26, 2012
“GATEWAY TO WORK” presented by PRO-ACT
LEARN THE TOOLS AND TRAINING FOR THAT
JOB AND HOW TO KEEP IT
REGISTER EARLY –LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE
A WORKSHOP TO IMPROVE YOUR JOB, FAMILY AND LIFE
MANAGEMENT SKILLS
“POSITIONING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW”
:
IN ONLY 42 HOURS.... IN 7 CLASSES....YOU WILL HAVE LEARNED THE FOLLOWING
AND MUCH MORE:
* RESUME WRITING * INTERNET LITERACY
*COMPOSING COVER LETTERS * COMPUTER SKILLS
* INTERVIEW PREPARATION * UNDERGO MOCK INTERVIEW
* PRACTICAL LlFE SKILLS * JOB APPLICATION SKILLS
*PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR * GOVERNMENTAL INCENTIVES
FOR WORKPLACE SUCCESS FOR EMPLOYERS TO HIRE YOU
GAINTHE SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES TO GET AND KEEPTHE JOB YOU WANT.
Classes will be on the following dates:
Tuesday, February 14, Thursday, February16, Friday, February 17,
Tuesday, February 21, Thursday, February 23, Friday, February 24,
Tuesday, February 28
CLASS HOURS EACH DAY FROM 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
CLASS WILL BE HELD AT PRO-ACT
444 North 3rd
Street, Suite #307 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19123
To register: Call 215-923-1661 ask for SEAN or 215-680-3466 ask for Jack
Google Drug Sales Settlement Involved Evidence Obtained in Sting Operation
Google’s $500 million settlement with the U.S. government over allegations the company aided illegal online drug sales involved evidence the government obtained during a sting operation, The Wall Street Journal reports.
A convicted con artist, David Whitaker, posed as an agent for online drug dealers in email exchanges and phone calls with Google sales executives, according to the newspaper. He spent $200,000 in government funds for ads selling narcotics, steroids and other controlled substances, all while wearing leg irons and guarded by federal agents.
Last summer, Google agreed to pay $500 million to avoid being prosecuted for aiding illegal online pharmaceutical sales. In the settlement, the company acknowledged it had improperly and knowingly assisted online pharmacy advertisers, allegedly based in Canada, to run ads for illegal pharmacy sales that targeted American customers.
Whitaker started an online pharmacy in Mexico in 2006, selling human growth hormone and steroids to American customers through Google ads. These drugs, sold by prescription only in the United States, are popular with body builders who want to bulk up muscles and people who want to slow the signs of aging. The drugs are not approved in the U.S. for these uses, and Google’s policy prohibited advertising them online.
“It was very obvious to Google that my website was not a licensed pharmacy,” Whitaker told the newspaper. “Understanding this, Google provided me with a very generous credit line and allowed me to set my target advertising directly to American consumers.” He was arrested in 2008 for entering that country illegally, and returned to the U.S. to face charges in another case. He told the authorities about how Google allegedly helped his online pharmacy.
Federal prosecutors set up a task force to investigate the allegations, and had Whitaker pose as an agent for advertisers looking to spend a large amount of money with Google. Federal agents set up fake websites for human growth hormone and steroids.
They added websites for weight-loss medications, the abortion pill RU-486, and prescription-only narcotics such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. To end the sting, the agents told Google that Whitaker’s fictional character had died
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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
What can you do today to change the world? It's simple, you don't have to donate a billion dollars to a charity, you don't have to create a cure for cancer (though that would be nice). All you have to do, Is change your attitude and start being just a little bit nicer. When you stop to get your morning coffee, hold the door for a stranger. Give someone your place in line etc. When that guy is trying to get out of a parking spot, give him room and wait a minute. Your attitude first thing in the morning will not only set the tone for you day but it most certainly will set the tone for someone else. Your mission today is to live, laugh, love and do everything you can to help those around you! REMEMBER JESUS LOVES YOU!
How does an intervention work?
Ideally an intervention will include all family members and close friends meaningful to the addict. Family and friends contemplating an intervention often feel anxiety and apprehension, sometimes even fear, and as such the pre intervention preparation period is important for the success of the intervention.
Generally the intervention professional will meet with the family and friends of the addict, and explain what will happen during the intervention, more about addiction in general, and what each persons specific role in the process will be.
Normally 2 or 3 meetings are held, and loved ones share their feelings and discuss what the most appropriate treatment options for the addict are. An informal practice session is often recommended, and this can increase the confidence and readiness of the participants, as well as improve the eventual intervention when it occurs.
The intervention will be scheduled, and may occur at any place deemed appropriate. The home is the most common site for an intervention, but a workplace, church, or any other comfortable venue may be used. The intervention professional will lead the process, and keep the tone of the intervention non confrontation, making sure that the addict realizes that what is being said is said with love and concern. The addict will hear from all in attendance, and letters from geographically distant relatives may also be read. The addict is forced to accept the gravity of the addiction, and the pain that this addiction is causing. The ultimate goal of an intervention is for the addict to accept that treatment is necessary, and immediately proceed to treatment that has been prearranged.
The vast majority of addicts, when confronted with the pain and suffering they cause, will accept the concern of their friends and family and begin the pre arranged treatment. Some will not go at first; but later that day, that week, or even weeks later, most people will get the help they need.
Read more: How does an intervention work?
Bon Jovi Co-Founder, Richie Sambora, Arrested for DUI - 10 Year Old Daughter in Car
Police await the results of a blood test as they consider pressing the more serious charges of endangering a child.
Bon Jovi lead guitarist, Richie Sambora, was charged on Tuesday night in Laguna Beach on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police say they pulled the rocker's black Hummer over after it drifted across the center lane into oncoming traffic. Sambora was given a field sobriety test, which he failed, and was taken to the police station for a blood test. Sambora, police say, was cooperative.
Because Sambora was in the car with three passengers, including 2 minors, he may face an additional charge for endangering the welfare of a child. Police are awaiting the results of the blood test before deciding whether to press additional charges, and expect the results within the week. One of the minors in the car was Sambora's 10 year old daughter.
Sambora spent time in alcohol rehab earlier last year, after the death of his father and a break-up with girlfriend Denise Richards. Sources close to Bon Jovi report that bandmates pressured the lead guitarist to get some help.
After spending about 5 hours in custody, Sambora was released on his own recognizance
Read more: Bon Jovi Co-Founder, Richie Sambora, Arrested for DUI - 10 Year Old Daughter in Car
Recovery Connections: HARBOR COUNSELING OF WELLSBORO
Recovery Connections: HARBOR COUNSELING OF WELLSBORO: Harbor Counseling of Wellsboro , offers most D&A treatment services and now has added a Certified Recovery Specialist to their staff.The Rec...
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
THOUGH FOR THE DAY
I believe that one of the greatest God given gifts we have obtained is children. We can get so caught up in the madness of every day life that at times we forget they are standing right beside us. When they are born and start to grow their mind is a blank page and it is up to us to fill that page with goodness, love, kindness and education. We must be careful that our behaviors do not impact their lives in a negative way. They didn't ask to be here they were sent as gift. Be careful conscientious and cautious and very aware that all that we do they will repeat. This is the first step in breaking the cycle of addiction. By changing the way we raise the next generation will impact future generations. REMEMBER JESUS LOVES YOU!
“Shake and Bake” Formula for Making Meth Leads to Influx of Burn Patients in Hospitals
A new method of producing methamphetamine called “shake and bake” is leading to an influx of burn victims in the nation’s hospitals, the Associated Press reports.
A person making meth using this technique combines raw, unstable ingredients in a 2-liter soda bottle. If the cap is removed too soon or the plastic is accidentally punctured, the bottle can explode, causing serious damage or even death.
Up to one-third of patients in some burn units were injured while making meth, according to an AP survey. Most did not have health insurance. Treating meth-related burns costs an average of $130,000 per patient—60 percent more than other burn patients.
The costs of meth-related burns are overwhelming some hospitals, and have contributed to the closure of some burn units, the article notes. At least seven burn units have closed in the last six years, in part due to treatment of uninsured patients, including patients with meth-related burns.
Burning meth labs are nothing new. But in the past, people usually were able to escape. With the new shake and bake method, a person making meth holds the bottle close to the face, causing burns if there is an explosion.
Shake and bake is popular because it requires less of the cold medicine ingredient pseudoephedrine than the older method. It also takes less time to make, is less expensive, and is easy to hide in a backpack.
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.
URGENT ASSISTANCE NEEDED!!
Anyone viewing this blog in any of the 50 U.S. states have the ability to help especially those who struggle in active addiction or are in sobriety. Recovery Connections purpose is to build a super highway of resources for those still out there. We need your stories about stays at treatment centers recovery houses, also names locations phone numbers etc. There is a lot of good places out there that offer help, but there also places where you would never want to go again. This is your opportunity to tell the world go here they helped, and don't go here it was hell! Being in recovery myself I know how critical and difficult it can be just getting started in finding sanity and sobriety. Your knowledge and experiences in these places could mean the difference between life and death literally! You can e-mail us or post a comment with the info you want to share! If remaining anonymous is of the utmost importance then post comment, if you want to tell the world then send e-mail our address is posted on cover page at top of blog. This blog was created for you and our vision at Recovery Connections is to unite the recovery community through out the U.S. and then possibly overseas into the greater unknown.
Recovery Connections: MAPLE MANOR PORT ALLEGANY PA.
Recovery Connections: MAPLE MANOR PORT ALLEGANY PA.: Struggling with addiction!Maple manor can help,call 814-642-9522 and speak to one of our caring staff who will assist you in getting the treatment you need!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
For Violating Americans with Disabilities Act, Federal Government Sues Trucking Company Which Fired Alcoholic Driver Read more: For Violating Americans with Disabilities Act, Federal Government Sues Trucking Company Which Fired Alcoholic Driver
posted 11:41 PM EST, Tue August 30, 2011
-- filed under: legislation | lawsuit
ting the disability act rights of a driver they fired for being an alcoholic (the driver had never violated the company’s alcohol policies).
Under the conditions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person with an alcohol abuse problem has a recognized disability. If that person gets treatment and follows the alcohol policies of the employer then he or she cannot be terminated or sanctioned based on the alcohol abuse or alcoholism – no matter what the occupation.
Old Dominion Freight Line is facing a federal lawsuit for sanctioning (effectively terminating) a driver who self reported an alcohol abuse problem and who was sent for treatment counseling. The driver had worked for the company for 5 years and had never been found in violation of alcohol polices. Nevertheless, the driver was told that upon completion of alcohol treatment he would never again be reinstated as a working driver with the company.
After evaluating the case, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has determined that the company is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and has filed suit on behalf of the terminated employee.
In a statement, the EEOC wrote, “The ADA mandates that persons with disabilities have an equal opportunity to achieve in the workplace. Old Dominion’s policy and practice of never returning an employee who self-reports an alcohol problem to a driving position violates that law. While the EEOC agrees that an employer’s concern regarding safety on our highways is a legitimate issue, an employer can both ensure safety and comply with the ADA.”
Read more: For Violating Americans with Disabilities Act, Federal Government Sues Trucking Company Which Fired Alcoholic Driver
The United Nations' Human Rights Guidelines for Addiction Treatment Read more: Addiction Treatment Rights - The United Nations' Human Rights Guidelines for Addiction Treatment
According to The United Nation’s policy statement in the ‘Principles of Drug Dependence Treatment’ all people receiving drug addiction treatment are entitled to certain basic rights.
It doesn't matter who they are, what they've done (or are using) and whether or not they are incarcerated. According to The United Nations, your addiction treatment human rights are:
1. The right to treatment without discrimination
Addiction is a disease and no one should be discriminated against for past or present drug use, or for any other reason, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender disability status etc.
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2. The right to the same ethical standards of treatment as is given to those with physical health conditions
There should be no difference between the ethical standards of care delivered to a cancer patient or an alcoholic or a heroin user.
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3. The right to access to treatment during all stages of the disease
People with addictions have a right to access to treatment during all stages of this chronic disease. This includes during periods of incarceration.
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4. The right to deny treatment
Only in the most exceptional circumstances, such as when a person is an immediate risk to self or others, should any treatment ever be forced on another person. A person with addiction has the right to accept or deny any medical or psychosocial treatment.
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5. The right to treatment that is never inhumane or degrading
Drug addiction does not diminish a person’s human rights and so practices that would be considered degrading or inhumane for any person are degrading and inhumane for people with drug addictions.
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6. The right to informed consent and withdrawal from treatment
All people receiving drug addiction treatment have the right to full information about any treatment procedures and must provide their informed consent before receiving any treatments. Even after consenting to treatment, any person has the right to withdraw from treatment at any time, for any reason.
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7. The right to privacy of information
Your treatment and medical records must remain confidential and be released to outside parties only with your written consent.
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8. Your right to medical services should not depend on your participation in addiction treatment
You have the right to access all medical services whether or not you choose to comply with recommended addiction treatments.1
Read more: Addiction Treatment Rights - The United Nations' Human Rights Guidelines for Addiction Treatment
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