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Thursday, November 8, 2012
Colorado and Washington Approve Measures to Legalize Recreational Marijuana
By Join Together Staff | November 7, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inCommunity Related, Drugs & Legislation
Voters in Colorado and Washington approved measures to legalize the possession and sale of marijuana for recreational use, becoming the first U.S. states to do so. A similar measure in Oregon was defeated, Reuters reports. 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 approval of the new state laws has set the stage for a potential showdown with the federal government, which classifies marijuana as an illegal narcotic, the article notes.
In Colorado, the recreational marijuana law received almost 53 percent of the vote. In Washington, early returns showed the measure was leading with 55 percent of the vote. Marijuana is already legal in Colorado and Washington for medical purposes.
In Colorado, marijuana cultivation will be limited to six plants per person. In Washington, personal marijuana plants will continue to be banned.
In September, nine former administrators of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) wrote a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, urging him to oppose the three state legalization measures. The letter stated that not opposing the measures would indicate acceptance. The former DEA officials said the measures would pose a direct conflict with federal law.
Three other states also voted on marijuana initiatives. According toCNN, a measure to legalize medical marijuana in Arkansas trailed narrowly with 89 percent of the vote in, while a medical marijuana initiative in Massachusetts was ahead by almost a two-to-one margin. In Montana, early returns showed voters agreed to make the state’s medical marijuana law more restrictive.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Half of Addiction Counselors Say It’s OK for Some Patients to Drink Occasionally
By Join Together Staff | November 5, 2012 | 4 Comments | Filed in Alcohol,Drugs & Treatment
A survey of addiction counselors finds almost half say it is acceptable for at least some of their patients to drink from time to time. The survey included 913 members of the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Counselors.
About half of the counselors said they would not object if some of their clients who abuse alcohol wanted to limit their drinking, but not totally abstain, PsychCentral.com reports. That is double the number of counselors in a 1994 survey who said moderate drinking was acceptable for some clients.
The new survey found about half of counselors said moderate drug use was acceptable as an intermediate goal, while one-third said it was adequate as a final goal.
“Individuals with alcohol and drug problems who avoid treatment because they are ambivalent about abstinence should know that — depending on the severity of their condition, the finality of their outcome goal, and their drug of choice — their interest in moderating their consumption will be acceptable to many addiction professionals working in outpatient and independent practice settings,” the researchers from Bowling Green State University noted in a press release.
Counselors were less accepting of occasional substance use for clients diagnosed with alcohol or drug dependence, which is considered more severe than alcohol or drug abuse. At least three-fourths of the counselors said they would not approve of limited or moderate consumption for these clients.
“In light of this study, we suggest that clients ask about their counselor’s openness to limited or moderate consumption as an outcome goal, and that agencies acknowledge their policy regarding negotiation of outcome goals as part of informed consent,” said researcher Harold Rosenberg, PhD.
The study was published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Ryan's Light of Hope
About
Ryan's Light of Hope is an informal non-profit organization to help people that are recovering from addiction.
MissionOur mission is to assist people in recovery from addiction with affordable housing and support after losing our son to a heroin overdose.
Company OverviewTo see more information on our organization go to, www.ryanslightofhope.org
General InformationWe bought our first Ryan House 8/2010.
Basic Info
Started June 2012
Contact Info
Phone
(770) 633-5468Email parkeraudrey13@aol.com
Website http://www.ryanslightofhope.org
Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse More Common in Boys: Study
By Join Together Staff | November 2, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed in Drugs,Research & Youth
A new study suggests boys are more likely than girls to abuse over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The study of middle school and high school students in 133 schools in Cincinnati found 10 percent said they abused over-the-counter drugs such as cough syrup or decongestants.
University of Cincinnati researchers noted this type of drug abuse can lead to accidental poisoning, seizures and physical and mental addictions.
HealthDay reports the researchers found high rates of over-the-counter drug abuse were found among both female and male middle school students, but boys had a higher risk of longtime use, compared with girls. Teens who admitted to abusing over-the-counter drugs were more likely to say they had gone to parties where the drugs were available, or had friends who abused the drugs.
Teens involved in school clubs, sports, community and church groups were less likely to report abusing over-the-counter drugs. “Findings from this study highlight and underscore OTC drugs as an increasing and significant health issue affecting young people,” Rebecca Vidourek, Assistant Professor of Health Promotion, said in a news release.
The study was presented at the American Public Health Association meeting.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Legacy Sober Living
Exclusive sober living environment in Los Angeles, with an addiction recovery program second to none.
Description
Why Legacy Sober Living
We’re often asked what sets us apart from other sober livings. We have the personal and professional experience to truly understand the issues and challenges that face someone during the "sober living" stage of recovery. We recognize that treatment is just the beginning of the journey and the willingness to continue developing sober living skills outside of treatment is cr
itical to successful recovery. There are usually external motivators in the form of consequences that lead to treatment. When the consequence motivation passes, many feel they are past the critical stage. This however isn’t the case. They need guidance, assistance and most importantly motivation to continue developing the coping skills and support systems that will ensure a productive recovery lifestyle.
We’re not part of a large corporation or treatment center. We are two individuals with recovery experience that is both personal and professional. Professional experience includes inpatient and outpatient programs, detoxes, sober coaching, relapse prevention and sober living.
We accept the disease concept of addiction and the recovery process as set forth in 12-step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. We work with addicts and alcoholics to ensure they develop a solid recovery foundation rooted in the principles and actions that have proven successful in these programs.
We believe that anyone can stay clean and sober. We have worked with many over the years and seen them embrace a recovery lifestyle and stay clean and sober. We have alumni who after multiple past attempts now have multiple years of recovery.
Alumni Participation in Legacy
"What is your success rate?" is another question we are often asked. Legacy is about community and a sense of belonging. The community continues on through our alumni. Legacy alumni, many with over five years clean and sober, are a big part of the Legacy story. The Legacy community doesn’t end when people leave. There is an open door policy so they always have a place to come back to. And they do come back. They come back to morning meditation, evening tenth step or just drop in to fellowship. We host an alumni meeting every Tuesday night where many who’ve gone through the house attend, celebrate their clean and sober milestones and share recovery with our current clients. They take the newer people out to meetings. We plan holiday parties and barbeques to ensure that not only those in our house have a clean and sober place to be, but our alumni do as well.
Our alumni have gone on to become successful, active members of society. They have gone to school, gotten jobs, reunited with family, started their own families and they come back and share their stories. They show others that it works. They bring hope and that’s what we consider success.
12079 jefferson blvd
Culver City, California 90230
Always open
Phone(310)-962-1776 or (310) 351-4990
Email contact@legacysoberlivng.com
Website http://www.LegacySoberLiving.com
Description
Why Legacy Sober Living
We’re often asked what sets us apart from other sober livings. We have the personal and professional experience to truly understand the issues and challenges that face someone during the "sober living" stage of recovery. We recognize that treatment is just the beginning of the journey and the willingness to continue developing sober living skills outside of treatment is cr
itical to successful recovery. There are usually external motivators in the form of consequences that lead to treatment. When the consequence motivation passes, many feel they are past the critical stage. This however isn’t the case. They need guidance, assistance and most importantly motivation to continue developing the coping skills and support systems that will ensure a productive recovery lifestyle.
We’re not part of a large corporation or treatment center. We are two individuals with recovery experience that is both personal and professional. Professional experience includes inpatient and outpatient programs, detoxes, sober coaching, relapse prevention and sober living.
We accept the disease concept of addiction and the recovery process as set forth in 12-step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. We work with addicts and alcoholics to ensure they develop a solid recovery foundation rooted in the principles and actions that have proven successful in these programs.
We believe that anyone can stay clean and sober. We have worked with many over the years and seen them embrace a recovery lifestyle and stay clean and sober. We have alumni who after multiple past attempts now have multiple years of recovery.
Alumni Participation in Legacy
"What is your success rate?" is another question we are often asked. Legacy is about community and a sense of belonging. The community continues on through our alumni. Legacy alumni, many with over five years clean and sober, are a big part of the Legacy story. The Legacy community doesn’t end when people leave. There is an open door policy so they always have a place to come back to. And they do come back. They come back to morning meditation, evening tenth step or just drop in to fellowship. We host an alumni meeting every Tuesday night where many who’ve gone through the house attend, celebrate their clean and sober milestones and share recovery with our current clients. They take the newer people out to meetings. We plan holiday parties and barbeques to ensure that not only those in our house have a clean and sober place to be, but our alumni do as well.
Our alumni have gone on to become successful, active members of society. They have gone to school, gotten jobs, reunited with family, started their own families and they come back and share their stories. They show others that it works. They bring hope and that’s what we consider success.
12079 jefferson blvd
Culver City, California 90230
Always open
Phone
(310)-962-1776 or (310) 351-4990Email contact@legacysoberlivng.com
Website http://www.LegacySoberLiving.com
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Cirque Lodge
About
Cirque Lodge is a nationally recognized addiction treatment and drug rehab facility in Sundance Utah.
It offers the finest in a private and exclusive treatment experience for those struggling with addiction.
Company OverviewCirque Lodge is a private and exclusive alcohol treatment and drug rehab facility in Sundance Utah. For individuals and families seeking answers for problems with alcoholism, drug addiction or prescription drug abuse, Cirque Lodge provides a balanced and unique recovery experience.
DescriptionWe are dedicated to the effective treatment of individuals and families afflicted with the disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions in a healing environment where spirituality, recovery and hope are offered in the privacy and serenity of the mountains.
General InformationFor individuals in need of care of recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction, we encourage you to call us at 1-877-99-REHAB.
Website http://www.cirquelodge.com/
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Charging into Recovery – Is Cash Really a Gateway Drug?
By TRI David Festinger, PhD; Karen Dugosh, PhD; Ashley Harron | October 26, 2012 | 7 Comments | Filed in Addiction, Recovery & Treatment
A recent article published in numerous outlets announced the debut of a special credit card for recovering substance abusers.
The card, referred to as Next Step, purports to help addicts stay clean and sober by shielding them from the powerful cravings elicited by cash. The pre-paid credit card prevents the user from making purchases at liquor stores, bars, escort services, casinos, tattoo parlors, and piercing shops. It also restricts the user from making ATM cash withdrawals or receiving cash back when making purchases. The article extols the virtues of the card and refers to cash as a “gateway drug” and a trigger for substance use.
Although the field of addiction treatment is always in need of new ideas and helpful tools, it is critical that the ideas/tools be based upon sound research. The idea that “cash in hand” is a trigger for drug use has long been an area of critical debate. Common sense suggests that cash, which is used to purchase drugs, “must” be a precursor and trigger to substance use and relapse.
However, research has found limited support for this common belief. Although some research has linked the occasional receipt of large sums of money to relapse, most studies indicate that individuals who receive money while in addiction treatment use the cash for daily necessities such as bills, food, transportation and household items. Our own program of experimental research (Festinger et al., 2005; Festinger et al., 2008) as well as research conducted by Dempsey et al. (2008) and Vandrey et al. (2007) found no connection between cash payments as high as $160 and new drug use. In fact, this was true even for individuals who were no longer enrolled in treatment.
Addiction treatment, and relapse prevention more specifically, typically focus on avoiding triggers such as old neighborhoods, substance abusing friends and items associated with prior substance use. The use of cash in our society would make long-term avoidance of it highly unlikely. Even assuming that cash on hand is a threat, the use of these specialty credit cards in the short term means that recovering individuals would not be exposed to cash until they are potentially out of treatment and have less structure and support. Either way, use of these new “drug-free” cards has very real and substantial costs. Their fees, admittedly among the highest in the market, stand to cause more harm than good as they further an unfounded assumption based upon the overly paternalistic view that people who suffer from addiction cannot be trusted with money. Equally interesting are the behaviors that the card company chose to restrict. Tattoo parlors and piercing shops must also have a well-documented link to relapse. Surprisingly there was no mention of limiting card purchases on rock or rap music.
Policies and programs like this one are based upon isolated events, individual observations and broad generalizations rather than empirical data. There is no doubt that individuals who abuse drugs most often use cash to purchase drugs. But they also use their feet, bikes, cars and other forms of transportation to meet their dealers. Should we enforce transportation limits on them as well? Are cars a gateway drug? Research to date indicates that cash is not, despite case examples and anecdotal reports, a major trigger to relapse.
Learning how to live with and use cash responsibly should occur as part of treatment and not come at an additional cost to those already struggling to rebuild their lives.
The writers are members of the Section on Law & Ethics Research at the Treatment Research Institute (TRI). TRI is a non-profit research and development organization dedicated to developing and providing evidence-based solutions to the problems of substance use affecting families, schools, businesses, courts and healthcare. To learn more, visit the TRI website.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Florida Sees Drop in Deaths Caused by Prescription Drugs
By Join Together Staff | October 26, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inCommunity Related & Prescription Drugs
The number of prescription drug-related deaths decreased in Florida in 2011, according to a new report. Deaths related to oxycodone decreased more than 17 percent, according to The Miami Herald.
The number of deaths due to cocaine, heroin and the cancer pain medication Fentanyl increased last year, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced this week. The department released a report based on data from every medical examiner in the state.
Alcohol continued to be the most common substance found in drug-related deaths, the report found.
The decrease in prescription drug-related deaths comes as the state has worked to close down “pill mills,” pain clinics that sell pain medications to people shopping for narcotics.
Between 2010 and 2011, the number of people who died with a fatal amount of prescription drugs in their system decreased 6.37 percent. The number of people with prescription drugs in their system, which may or may not have led to their death, dropped 2.8 percent.
According to a Department of Law Enforcement news release, the drugs that caused the most deaths in Florida last year were benzodiazepines, oxycodone, methadone, cocaine, ethyl alcohol, morphine, hydrocodone and diazepam.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Web-Based Recovery Study Runs Through October 31
By Join Together Staff | October 25, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inRecovery
A web-based survey for people in recovery from an alcohol or drug problem will be available until October 31. The “What is Recovery” study is funded by the National Institutes of Health. The researchers hope the study will help dispel the stigma that those in recovery face.
The goal of the “What is Recovery” study is to develop a definition of recovery that reflects the wide range of people who say they are in recovery, or recovered, or used to have a problem but do not now, or are in medication-assisted recovery. More than 8,700 people have completed the survey so far.
The first part of the study included 238 people who completed online surveys, and 54 who completed in-depth telephone interviews. The second phase of the study contains 47 possible definitions of recovery, which were developed based on the study’s first phase. The researchers hope to reach more than 10,000 people with Phase 2 of the study, to obtain as many perspectives on their definitions of recovery as possible.
The researchers hope to answer questions such as whether recovery requires abstinence, whether someone can be “in recovery” if they are still drinking or using, and if recovery is more than just being clean and sober.
People participating in the study, conducted by the Alcohol Research Group, do not have to provide any personal identifying information. The researchers will not be able to identify participants. Answers to the web survey are confidential. To participate, you must be at least 18, and consider yourself as being in recovery from an alcohol or drug problem. Visit the “What is Recovery” website to take the online survey.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Doctor Visits for Drug or Alcohol Use Increased 70% Between 2001 and 2009
By Join Together Staff | October 23, 2012 | 1 Comment | Filed in Alcohol,Drugs, Healthcare, Prescription Drugs, Research & Treatment
The number of doctor visits for substance use disorders increased 70 percent among American adults between 2001 and 2009, according to a new study. The increase appears to be driven in large part by prescription drug abuse, the researchers said.
The availability of effective treatment also contributed to the increase, lead researcher Dr. Joseph W. Frank of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston told Reuters. Frank estimated that 22.5 million Americans are dependent on alcohol or drugs.
The researchers analyzed data from two national surveys of physician visits, and found the number of visits involving drug or alcohol abuse or addiction rose from 10.6 million between 2001 and 2003, to 18 million between 2007 and 2009. The number of visits involving a diagnosis of opioid abuse rose almost sixfold, from 772,000 to 4.4 million.
“This finding is consistent with trends in substance use disorder-related utilization at the nation’s community health centers and emergency departments and, sadly, use of its morgues,” the researchers wrote in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
The study found the number of people prescribed medications to treat substance use disorders during doctors’ visits rose from 643,000 to 3.9 million during the study period. Buprenorphine and methadone were the most commonly prescribed medications. Talk therapy was used in about 25 million patients during the same period.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Hustlers Anonymous
Money, women, guns—these are what make a street drug dealer's life so addictive. But a ghetto version of a 12-step group is offering these young men a future other than death or prison.
“Hustlers Anonymous is a fellowship of members whose
lives have become unmanageable due to the choices they have made. The
only requirement for membership is the desire for a better life and a
willingness to take certain suggestions. Many of us have experienced
negative consequences as a result of our hustler lifestyle:
incarceration, broken families, police harassment, and near death
experiences. Due to the lure of the streets we have time and again
chosen the seemingly easy way out over our mothers, children and our own
personal freedom. If you are tired of handing over control of your life
to the system, missing your children grow up, or just ready to get out
of the game, then you are ready to take certain steps. Some of these may
seem hard but if you are ready to gain true respect for yourself, from
your family and from your community, then you are well on your way.”
So
goes the Hustlers Anonymous preamble—read, in traditional 12-step
style, at the start of every meeting. Printed on unadorned white paper,
blotted with fingerprints photocopied into the page, it looks a mess
because it’s been passed around, copied and recopied so many times. In
fact, since the group’s start early this year, copies of the original
have circulated to most of the drug treatment sites in Philadelphia’s
poorest neighborhoods. Following the preamble are 10 steps:
“1. We admitted that our values have become distorted and that the streets is a game you cannot win.
2. We came to believe that the power to change is within us.
3. Made a decision to embrace the concept of faith.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. We were entirely ready to give up our old behaviors and attitudes.
6. We admitted to ourselves the harm we caused others.
7. Made a decision to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
8. Made a commitment to be honest in all our affairs, except when to do so would cause injury to others.
9. Continued to work the concept of faith in our daily lives.
10. Having gotten out of the game and experienced a productive life we pass on what we have learned.”
The
origins of Hustlers Anonymous are murky, but its use spread quickly
across Philadelphia this year because it helps solve an increasingly
common problem facing urban drug-treatment sites: What to do with drug
dealers stipulated into the substance-abuse treatment system by the
courts? As probation offices and diversion programs use the drug
treatment system more heavily as a way to keep nonviolent offenders with
drug arrests out of prison, counselors find themselves saddled with a
growing number of clients who refuse to identify as addicts and insist
on qualifying themselves as hustlers.
The reach of courts into the
clinical realm of drug treatment is a long, hotly debated trend with
armies of friends and foes. President Barack Obama strongly backs these
initiatives, claiming that they improve public health while monitoring
public safety. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Criminal Justice site details
the broad array of pretrial and post-conviction drug treatment–related
interventions it supports. On the opposing side, there’s a chorus of
voices arguing, for example, that there’s little evidence for the efficacy of such interventions
and that courts shouldn’t intervene in issues of public health. Some
critics say that such tinkering with the justice system is another way
to not admit defeat in the War on Drugs.
Regardless of its
benefits or harms, the justice system’s change in focus from
incarceration to treatment has inarguably—and drastically—altered the
landscape of substance abuse treatment, as users who don’t fit a typical
addict profile wind up in outpatient groups. In urban settings like
Philadelphia, this new type of treatment consumer is a self-described
“hustler.” He’s young and typically black or Latino, was caught selling
drugs like heroin and crack, and reports using heavy daily amounts of
marijuana and frequently other popular hustler drugs like Xanax (an
anti-anxiety prescription drug), wet (the anesthetic PCP) or codeine
cough syrup.
Hustling is his best opportunity to make a decent living, the sole job available that he finds appealing, and an essential part of his personal identity.
According to
treatment sites, hustlers meet the clinical definition of a substance
abuser necessary to fit the criteria for placement in an outpatient
group—low level, inexpensive care. And some hustlers do self-report
consuming mind-boggling amounts of less harmful drugs like marijuana
while working the corner: 20 or 30 blunts a day is not uncommon. But
hustlers unequivocally do not see themselves as drug addicts; in fact,
they find the “drug addict” description insulting. On the streets there
is a social hierarchy, and those who run the corners are locally viewed
as on top, those coming to the corner to cop drugs as on bottom.
Hustlers resent even being near someone they used to serve.
This
new mix of weed-smoking, pill-popping, crack-selling hustlers sent to
groups mingling with hardcore addicts who came voluntarily off the
streets has created other complications which in retrospect seem obvious
and unavoidable.
“I ain’t real proud of this,” admits Fredo, a
24-year-old Latino from the Badlands barrio in North Philly who has
since left the game. “I stood right outside the [drug treatment] place
and served everyone in my group. I knew that wasn’t right—honestly, I
regret that. Those people were trying to get help. But what was I
supposed to do to eat?”
Fredo says that he was placed in drug
treatment by the courts because he tested positive for Percocet and
Xanax after being arrested for selling heroin. Taking pills was
moderately problematic for him, he says, and impacted his hustling
judgment in a way that led to his getting arrested (“I got sloppy”). But
he doesn’t identify as an addict and had no difficulty abstaining from
drugs in order to complete probation. But abstaining from selling drugs
was another matter.
“My probation officer had me on house arrest
so I was off the corner, out of the game,” Fredo says. “I was looking
for work but I couldn’t find anything. How was I supposed to support my
kids? So I worked where I could to make a little bread, which was on
break outside [the treatment facility] during group.”
Treatment
sites of course know about their potentially toxic new mix of sellers
and users, and some have tried to use it as an opportunity to innovate.
They are most often creating separate tracts of curriculum for
court-stipulated participants, where the focus is less about drug
addiction and more about the hustling lifestyle. While no hustler will
admit to being a drug addict, nearly all will admit to being “addicted”
to the lifestyle. Once the program is overhauled to become truly
relevant to them, hustlers suddenly become very active in the treatment
process.
Please Help Olivias Village
About
It takes a whole village to raise a child and it is time for my family to ask the village for help.
Description
Since
December 1st my daughter Olivia has been in a long-term residential
treatment center. The emotional and financial toll has been overwhelming
and I am reaching out to ask everyone to help us through this!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We will be planning a series of benefit fundraisers including some concerts and guest workshops. Please attend the events that interest you, and pass the word along.
I am still looking for anyone who can offer their creative talents or professional services, assist with planning or running events, or even prepare some catering or bake sale items to offer at them.
I am so grateful to the community for all the support and love you have given in so many forms (listening, rides to the airport, financial support, childcare for Elisha, dinners together). Thank you!!!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We will be planning a series of benefit fundraisers including some concerts and guest workshops. Please attend the events that interest you, and pass the word along.
I am still looking for anyone who can offer their creative talents or professional services, assist with planning or running events, or even prepare some catering or bake sale items to offer at them.
I am so grateful to the community for all the support and love you have given in so many forms (listening, rides to the airport, financial support, childcare for Elisha, dinners together). Thank you!!!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Keswick New Jersey
About
The purpose of America's Keswick is to model and teach Biblical victorious living in Christ Jesus, to provide an environment in which Biblical life transformation takes place and to foster active personal involvement in the local church.
Mission America's Keswick is multi-generational, cross-cultural ministry where biblical teaching leads to deeper personal relationships with Jesus Christ and transforms lives. We serve people with excellence through addiction recovery, conferences, retreats and outreach.
General InformationAmerica's Keswick is a ministry that teaches and models the Victorious Christian Life message through Addiction Recovery for men and their loved ones, through Christian Conferences, Concerts, and Events, through Training and Resources, and by providing rental facilities and service to other like-minded organizations.
601 Route 530
Whiting, New Jersey 08759-3599
Phone (800) 453-7942
Email info@americaskeswick.org
Website http://www.americaskeswick.org
“Love Hormone” Oxytocin May Block Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
By Join Together Staff | October 19, 2012 | 1 Comment | Filed in Alcohol,Research & Treatment
The hormone oxytoxin, known as the “love hormone” because of its role in social bonding, may help block symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, a new small study suggests.
Previous studies conducted in rodents have shown the hormone can block alcohol and heroin withdrawal symptoms, Time reports. If given before someone becomes addicted, oxytocin might prevent the development of tolerance and dependence, according to the magazine.
The new study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, included 11 people whose alcoholism produced withdrawal symptoms that were not severe enough to cause potentially life-threatening seizures.
During detox, people with alcoholism generally are given benzodiazepines, such as Valium (diazepam) or Ativan (lorazepam), to relieve withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. People who do not suffer seizures are given the drugs as needed, so the amount of benzodiazepines they take can be used as a measure of how severe their withdrawal is.
The study found participants given oxytocin through a nasal spray needed almost five times less lorazepam, compared with those given a placebo medication. They also experienced less anxiety. Oxytocin itself is not addictive, the article notes.
The researchers say their study is the first evidence that oxytocin may block alcohol withdrawal symptoms in humans. They add the results should be considered very preliminary, because the study was so small.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
NEXT G.R.A.S.P. (Grief Recovery after a substance passing) GROUP SUPPORT IN BUCKS COUNTY
NEXT G.R.A.S.P. (Grief Recovery after a substance passing) GROUP SUPPORT
meeting:
Thursday, OCTOBER 4, 2012.
Meetings: First (1) and Third (3) THURSDAY of each month
Location: Southern Bucks Community Center @ Pro Act facility 1286 Veterans Highway Bristol Pa 19007
Time: 7:OO - 8:30 pm
Dave Chairperson: Newcomers- Open Forum
Contact: Barbara Hentosh (C)215-264-6768 H) 215-428-1637
Pro-Act215-788-3738 dial 0 INFORMATION
e-mail: graspbuckscounty@gmail.com
FYI: Please forward to anyone who may have lost a loved one to USE, MISUSE OR ABUSE of addiction.
meeting:
Thursday, OCTOBER 4, 2012.
Meetings: First (1) and Third (3) THURSDAY of each month
Location: Southern Bucks Community Center @ Pro Act facility 1286 Veterans Highway Bristol Pa 19007
Time: 7:OO - 8:30 pm
Dave Chairperson: Newcomers- Open Forum
Contact: Barbara Hentosh (C)
215-264-6768 H) 215-428-1637Pro-Act
215-788-3738 dial 0 INFORMATIONe-mail: graspbuckscounty@gmail.com
FYI: Please forward to anyone who may have lost a loved one to USE, MISUSE OR ABUSE of addiction.
HOPE FOR ADDICTION IN BUCKS COUNTY RECOVERY EVENT
COACH BINGO!!
Mark your calendars for Coach Bingo to be held Friday, November 2, 2012. Doors open 6:00pm Bingo begins at 7:00pm. Tickets $30.00 (Proceeds benefit the Hope for Addiction Foundation and St. Joseph's the Worker)
Admission fee includes 1 game packet for entire night (15 games)
Additional cards and 50/50’s will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Desserts, coffee and tea provided. BYOB permitted. Additional refreshments available for purchase.
Tickets are available at St. Joseph the Worker Rectory or call215-547-5456
Mark your calendars for Coach Bingo to be held Friday, November 2, 2012. Doors open 6:00pm Bingo begins at 7:00pm. Tickets $30.00 (Proceeds benefit the Hope for Addiction Foundation and St. Joseph's the Worker)
Admission fee includes 1 game packet for entire night (15 games)
Additional cards and 50/50’s will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Desserts, coffee and tea provided. BYOB permitted. Additional refreshments available for purchase.
Tickets are available at St. Joseph the Worker Rectory or call
215-547-5456
Friday, October 19, 2012
DEA Focuses on Drug Distributors in Fight Against Painkiller Abuse
By Join Together Staff | October 18, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inGovernment, Legal, Prescription Drugs & Prevention
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is focusing on drug distributors in an effort to fight prescription painkiller abuse, The New York Times reports. In the past, the agency has tried tactics including arresting doctors and closing pharmacies.
Drug distributors are now trying to limit their liability by monitoring their distribution pipeline more closely, and refusing to supply some pharmacy customers.
Earlier this year, the DEA charged drug distributor Cardinal Healthand four pharmacies with violating their licenses to sell controlled drugs. The DEA said Cardinal had an unusually high number of shipments of controlled painkillers to four pharmacies. The agency suspended Cardinal’s controlled substance license at its distribution center in Lakeland, Florida. The center serves 2,500 pharmacies in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
Cardinal no longer does business with a dozen pharmacies in at least four states, the article notes. Some of the drugstores unsuccessfully sued the company to resume shipments. Cardinal’s Chairman and Chief Executive, George S. Barrett, said the company has strengthened the criteria it uses in deciding whether to sell painkillers to a pharmacy. “We had a strong antidiversion system in place, but no system is perfect,” he told the newspaper. Cardinal has created a committee that evaluates pharmacies that order large amounts of narcotic drugs.
In August, Amerisource Bergen, the third-largest drug distributor in the United States, received subpoenas from the DEA and federal prosecutors seeking information on how the company monitors for possible diversions of opioids and other drugs with high potential for abuse.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Recovery Connections Reaching The World
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While Illicit Drug Use Decreases in Cities, Prescription Drug Abuse Climbs
By Join Together Staff | October 16, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inCommunity Related, Drugs & Prescription Drugs
While illicit drug use has decreased in most large American cities, prescription drug abuse has climbed, according to a new study.
The study evaluated emergency room visits related to drug abuse in 11 major metropolitan areas, and some smaller urban areas, from 2007 to 2009. The researchers found illicit drug use accounted for more emergency department visits than prescription drug abuse in 2007 (26 percent vs. 20 percent), for all metropolitan areas except Phoenix.
From 2007 to 2009, emergency departments reported an 8 percent drop in visits for illicit drug abuse, while visits for prescription drug abuse rose 2 percent, HealthDay reports. In 2009, illicit drug use accounted for 28 percent of ER visits, while prescription drug abuse accounted for 22 percent.
The findings were presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
“The harsh reality is prescription drug abuse has become a growing problem in our society,” study author Dr. Asokumar Buvanendran of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, said in a news release. “We hope the results of this study will aid physicians in effectively treating patients who struggle with prescription drug abuse, as well as encourage widespread patient education about the safe use, storage and disposal of medications.”
City of Angels of NJ upcoming events
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| Don't Miss These Events! |
Annual COA Halloween Party
Saturday, October 27, 8 pm - midnight
Don't miss this ghoulishly great Halloween Bash! There will be music, dancing, food and tons of fun. Come in costume or just come as your scary self! All are welcome. To watch a video of last year's Halloween party, featuring Redneck rocking the dance floor in a print dress & high heels,click here.For more details, contact
COA Thanksgiving Dinner
Sunday, November 18, 4 pm - 7 pm
Celebrate everything we have to be thankful for at this bountiful dinner at the Dwier Center with your COA family! COA will roast the turkeys....just bring a dish to share or a few good jokes to tell! There'll be plenty of food, fun and good cheer. Live music will be provided by Facedown, a local band that is quickly building a big following. All are welcome. For more details, contact
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Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Florida Needs More Resources to Help Babies Exposed to Opioids, Experts Say
By Join Together Staff | October 15, 2012 | 2 Comments | Filed in Addiction,Community Related, Drugs, Parenting & Youth
Florida needs more resources to help the many newborns exposed to opioids, experts told a statewide task force. They said the number of such babies far exceeds the number of treatment beds available for mothers addicted to prescription drugs, and their newborns.
For example, in Duval County, Florida, 113 babies were born with neonatal withdrawal syndrome in 2010, but only 13 treatment beds were available, the Sun-Sentinel reports. These babies suffer symptoms of withdrawal, including shaking, inconsolable crying, skin rashes, vomiting and diarrhea.
Florida’s Targeted Outreach for Pregnant Women Act is severely underfunded, with just $1 million allocated, according to state Representative Dana Young, a member of the Statewide Task Force on Prescription Drug Abuse & Newborns. The task force was formed by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. It is charged with defining the severity of the problem and devising solutions.
“The task force will draft a recommended policy designed to address the problem that will be sent to the legislature after the first of the year and will hopefully serve as a model for the rest of the country,” Bondi said.
Earlier this year, hospitals on the west coast of Florida reported a rise in the number of newborns exposed to opioids.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Last Door recovery Society
About
Join discussions or simply just let people know you support us, thanks
Company OverviewLAST DOOR RECOVERY SOCIETY has been providing addiction treatment and support services since 1984. Last Door has two core programs = Last Door Youth Program 14 - 18 years old and Last Door Adult Program 19 and over. as well as several adjunct programs including Last Door' Family Program.
Our core philosophy of providing abstinence based quality treatment has remained intact over the years. Level and types of services have increased over the years as we respond to community needs. Our programs continue to grow ever year, thank you for your support.
Description
LAST DOOR YOUTH PROGRAM provides long term residential treatment for male youth 14 to 18 years. We provide a healthy environment to halt the development of addictive behaviors and assist the youth to gain self esteem and a healthy peer support network.
LAST DOOR ADULT PROGRAM provides long term residential treatment for males 18 and older. We provide an opportunity for them to overcome unproducti
ve habits and gain new attitudes, better values and a renewed zest for life.
LAST DOOR FAMILY PROGRAMS help families get the knowledge, skills and and support that enables them to deal productively with their family members’ addiction and recovery. A sense of freedom and security is gained through interactions with other families who are dealing with the same dilemmas. Program provides services for couples, parents, co-parenting, women and peer support groups.
LAST DOOR TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAMS provides residents with transitional living residences and access to a large Alumni base that are part of a thriving recovery community. Giving residents the optimum opportunity to maintain long term recovery using a total abstinence model.
Please visit www.lastdoor.org for more information about Last Door and donate to the "Continuing our Legacy" Campaign.
Location 323 8th Street, New Westminster, British Columbia V3M 3R3
Contact Info
Phone
(888) 525-9771Email publicrelations@lastdoor.org
Website http://www.lastdoor.org
Injecting Painkiller Opana Can Lead to Serious Blood Disorder, FDA Warns
By Join Together Staff | October 12, 2012 | 1 Comment | Filed in Prescription Drugs
Injecting the painkiller Opana ER can lead to a serious blood disorder that can result in kidney failure or death, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Thursday.
Opana is an opioid that contains the ingredient oxymorphone,Reuters reports. The drug is made by Endo Pharmaceuticals. Injecting Opana can cause thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which causes clots to form in small blood vessels throughout the body. These clots limit or block blood flow to the organs, the article explains.
Opana ER is a pill meant to be taken orally. It causes the blood clotting disorder only when it is abused by being crushed and injected intravenously, according to the FDA. The pill has an extended-release design, but crushing it releases the drug all at once.
Law enforcement officials are alarmed by the rise of Opana abuse, which they said started after OxyContin was changed in late 2010 to make that drug more difficult to snort or inject for a heroin-like high. OxyContin is a brand of oxycodone.
Opana abuse can be deadly because it is more potent, per milligram, than OxyContin and users who are not familiar with how strong it is may be vulnerable to overdosing.
Endo Pharmaceuticals has announced it is reformulating the drug. The pill will be more difficult to crush, and will turn gooey if liquid is added to it. Opana is prescribed for chronic back pain, as well as pain related to cancer and osteoarthritis.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Tennessee Officials Study Drug-Testing Programs for Welfare Recipients in Other States
By Join Together Staff | October 11, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inCommunity Related, Drugs & Legislation
Tennessee state officials are studying drug-testing programs for welfare recipients in six other states, as they shape their own program, The Tennessean reports.
Earlier this year, the state legislature passed a law that mandates drug testing for welfare recipients. The state’s Department of Human Services has until January 2014 to finalize a plan. Department Commissioner Raquel Hatter reported to two legislative committees that her agency is studying similar programs in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma and Utah, to gain insight into how they have implemented their policy, and any obstacles they have faced.
The Tennessee law requires drug testing for any welfare applicant with a prior drug conviction or anyone who raises suspicion based on a screening. Human services officials must consult with drug treatment experts to set up a screening program to establish reasonable cause for drug testing of welfare applicants.
Arizona’s program, in place since 2009, requires adult applicants to fill out a three-question statement on illegal drug use. They must submit to drug testing if their answers provide a reasonable cause. In Florida, 108 adults out of 4,000 applying for welfare benefits who took a drug test failed. Florida’s law has been challenged in federal court.
Georgia has passed a drug-testing law for welfare recipients, but put implementation on hold until the Florida case has been resolved, the article notes.
Under all six state laws, a person who fails a drug test is ineligible for benefits for a defined period of time, between one month and three years. In most of the states there is a provision that reduces that period if the person enters a drug rehabilitation program, according to the newspaper.
By Join Together Staff | October 11, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inCommunity Related, Drugs & Legislation
Tennessee state officials are studying drug-testing programs for welfare recipients in six other states, as they shape their own program, The Tennessean reports.
Earlier this year, the state legislature passed a law that mandates drug testing for welfare recipients. The state’s Department of Human Services has until January 2014 to finalize a plan. Department Commissioner Raquel Hatter reported to two legislative committees that her agency is studying similar programs in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma and Utah, to gain insight into how they have implemented their policy, and any obstacles they have faced.
The Tennessee law requires drug testing for any welfare applicant with a prior drug conviction or anyone who raises suspicion based on a screening. Human services officials must consult with drug treatment experts to set up a screening program to establish reasonable cause for drug testing of welfare applicants.
Arizona’s program, in place since 2009, requires adult applicants to fill out a three-question statement on illegal drug use. They must submit to drug testing if their answers provide a reasonable cause. In Florida, 108 adults out of 4,000 applying for welfare benefits who took a drug test failed. Florida’s law has been challenged in federal court.
Georgia has passed a drug-testing law for welfare recipients, but put implementation on hold until the Florida case has been resolved, the article notes.
Under all six state laws, a person who fails a drug test is ineligible for benefits for a defined period of time, between one month and three years. In most of the states there is a provision that reduces that period if the person enters a drug rehabilitation program, according to the newspaper.
Medicine Abuse drug guide for parents
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Thursday, October 11, 2012
“Red Ribbon Week” October 23-31 Raises Awareness About Drug Prevention
By Join Together Staff | October 10, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inCommunity Related, Drugs, Marketing And Media, Parenting, Prevention &Youth
The 27th annual “Red Ribbon Week,” October 23-31, will raise awareness about drug prevention around the country. Families can get involved this year by entering a contest to promote awareness in their neighborhoods, and win a drug prevention grant for their children’s school.
The week was created after parents, students and teachers began wearing red ribbons in commemoration of the 1985 murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Kiki Camarena.
The National Family Partnership has announced a Red Ribbon Week contest that families can enter to win a $1,000 grant for their school, and a new iPad for their home. The DEA is co-sponsoring the contest. To participate, families and students are invited to decorate the outside of their homes with the message, “The Best Me is Drug Free.” They can take a photo with the family and their Red Ribbon Week decoration, and upload it towww.redribbon.org/contest or www.facebook.com/RedRibbonWeekby November 2nd. To upload the photos, you must be at least 18 years old.
Voting for entries will take place November 2-16 atwww.redribbon.org/vote. There will be 10 winners from across the United States, who will be announced at events at their schools in December.
Free Family Addiction Education program
CONTACT:
Noni West, strategic marketing coordinator Cathie Cush
PRO-ACT C2 Communications
215-345-6644, ext. 3111 215-579-2076nwest@councilsepa.org CathieCush@comcast.net
Beverly J. Haberle, executive director
The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.
215-345-6644bhaberle@councilsepa.org
PRO-ACT Family Addiction Education Program helps families address drug and alcohol addiction
Next free sessions start Nov. 1, 6 and 7 at various locations in five counties
Each month PRO-ACT (Pennsylvania Recovery Organization–Achieving Community Together) hosts a free Family Addiction Education Program to help individuals and families recognize and address an addiction problem in a spouse, parent, child or other loved one. Led by trained volunteers who have been in the same situation, these information and support programs begin the first week of each month and run one evening a week for three consecutive weeks. Each session lasts two hours.
Programs are offered at several locations throughout the five-county southeast Pennsylvania region:
· Tuesdays—From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Media and Northeast Philadelphia.
· Wednesdays—From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Pottstown; from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in North Philadelphia; and from 7 p.m.to 9 p.m. in West Chester.
· Thursdays—From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Northern Liberties; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Bristol and Colmar
Sessions are free and confidential—first names only. Pre-registration is required. To register, call
800-221-6333, weekdays 9 a.m. through 5 p.m., or visit www.proact.org and click the Family Addiction Education Program link.Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Trents Lighthouse Ohio
About
Transitional Living for Men in Recovery - Cincinnati, Ohio
Description
For More Information Please see:
www.trentslighthouse.com
Facebook: Trents Lighthouse
Contact Information for Trent's Lighthouse:
Kim Trent
(513) 546-5151Owner/Operator
trentslighthouse@aol.com
kimtrent@trentslighthouse.com
Jack Whittle
(513) 526-2587General Manager
General InformationTransitional Living for Men
Providing a safe, sober-living environment for men who are in recovery from
addiction and/or alcoholism.
Located in Northside
4576 Hamilton Ave
Cincinnati, Ohio 45223
Always open
Phone
(513) 546-5151Email trentslighthouse@aol.com
Website http://www.trentslighthouse.com
Recovery Revolution Inc. PA.
About
We are a charitable non-profit premiere licensed treatment facility that treats individuals and families that are impacted by addiction.
MissionIt is the mission of Recovery Revolution Inc. to promote healthy, responsible, and individualized treatment for addictions through programs responsive to family and community needs.
Company Overview
Recovery Revolution, Inc. is the only licensed drug and alcohol treatment center in the Slate Belt Region of PA. We offer outpatient and intensive outpatient services for adolescents and adults as well as family members of our clients. RR, Inc has group counseling on different days and times to accommodate many different schedules. We also offer an outpatient program in Colonial Academy, which
is an alternative school in Wind Gap, PA. We offer sober activities and events to benefit our clients and educate the community as a whole. Recovery Revolution Inc. is a non-profit organization with the mission to promote healthy, responsible, and individualized treatment for addictions through programs responsive to family and community needs. Please call for any additional information or check out our website.
DescriptionWe accept individuals with or without insurance. We believe that addiction impacts the body, mind, and spirit. Therefore, treatment must address each of these areas to be successful in the recovery of the whole person. Call today and take the first step towards a new life.
General Information1 out of every 8 Americans will have a significant addiction in their lifetime. 1 in every 4 Americans are impacted by a close family member or significant other by addiction.
Opened November 22, 2005
Awards 2010 Most Innovative Program (Magellan Health Services)
Best Outpatient Treatment Center (Our Alumni Association, Our Staff, and Many Community Members)
Hours
Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Products Recovery Revolution provides a level of care assessment by a Master’s level clinician to indicate addictions treatment needs. We accept adolescents and adults for individual, group, and family sessions ranging from 1 hour to 9 hours a week of treatment, dependent on the individuals needs. We offer ancillary services such as a educational support group for families and loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction, free educational seminars, 12 hour DUI Class, Sober Activities with our active Alumni. Recovery Revolution also provides a school based addictions treatment program at Colonial Academy, in Wind Gap, PA. We provide 1-5 hours of treatment a week for student participants.
We provide treatment to people that "for profit" facilities turn away. We are the only treatment that offer indigent people for addictions treatment within a 25 mile radius. We average about 100 clients that we see on a weekly basis and about half of them are under the age of 25.
Recovery Revolution holds an annual fundraiser so that we can continue to take clients that are indigent. Part of our mission is to continue to provide life changing treatment to people based on clinical necessity, not financial status. This money is used to help pay for client's that can not afford treatment.
109 Broadway
Bangor, Pennsylvania 18013
Today 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Phone
(610) 599-7700Email info@recoveryrevolution.org
Website http://www.recoveryrevolution.org
Milestone House Dover NJ
About
www.themilestonehouse.com
DescriptionSober Living Facility
General Information
The Milestone House is a premier Sober Living Facility for Men and Women who want to make recovery a way of life. We are proud to be a leader in the industry and currently have three sites located in historic Dover, New Jersey.
Our residents typically have completed some level of structured treatment prior to entering our house. At Milestone there is opportunity to continue growth in recovery, li
ving in “real” life as responsible adults. All residents must be drug and alcohol free before entering.
The “recovery community” is very supportive of us and, overall, our residents have been very successful at remaining drug and alcohol free. We create an opportunity where one can live “real life” and have the extra support that they may have been lacking during previous attempts to stay clean and sober. Men and women ages 18 and up are welcome here.
Willingness and taking action is the fundamental expectation we embody. A large percentage of our residents have multiple years of recovery, highlighting the essence of what true Sober Living encompasses. It has been proven to be beneficial to mix residents who are new in recovery with others that have multiple years clean and sober.
We offer many amenities and comforts, but what are truly priceless are the energy of our environment and the spirit of love, tolerance, helpfulness, serenity and usefulness; which absolutely results from the working and re-working of the 12-steps.
You will be encouraged to join us at all of our on-site, solution-based meetings and workshops and to truly experience a “new freedom and happiness”.
60 N. Sussex Street
Dover, New Jersey 07801
Phone
(973) 442-4600Email info@themilestonehouse.com
Website http://www.themilestonehouse.com
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Serenity Solutions Philadelphia
About
Offering Individual, Group, and Couples Counseling, Interventions and Clinical Supervision
DescriptionHelping people find peace and serenity in their stressful lives by teaching them how to change thoughts and behaviors and be in the present moment.
Specializing in Anxiety Management, Anger Management and Recovery from Addictions.
135 South 19th Street, Suite 250
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Phone
(215) 285-1084Email alisa@SerenitySolutionsTherapy.com
Website http://www.SerenitySolutionsTherapy.com
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