Expanding Your Recovery

CALENDAR LISTING:  “Expanding Your Recovery Toolkit” Workshop Sept. 17 in Doylestown Free monthly workshop series for individuals and families with a current or pastdrug/alcohol addiction issue. Next session meets Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc., 252 W. Swamp Rd., Unit 12, Doylestown, Pa. Featuring presentations by speakers in recovery, plus a group discussion period. Refreshments. To register, call 215-345-6644, ext. 3120 or emailJMcDermott@councilsepa.org. 

    August 25 Psalms 107:2-3 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; And gathered them out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north, and from the south.The missionaries were prepared to share the Word of God with the natives of the small isle off the North Africa coast. They were well stocked with crosses and Bibles, and they had become well versed in the native tongue. Nothing, however, prepared them for the shock when they deplaned and were greeted by a band of natives singing out, "God bless you; Jesus loves you!" The reality of God has spread to the four corners of our globe. Voices sing out His praises continually, and it is often true that our poorer brothers and sisters have the clearest and loudest voices. We can learn a great deal from those people who live day to day in the shadow of poverty, who truly understand how fortunate they are to be alive. Let every woman, man and child sing forth in praise to God. He has been good to us all. Prayer: I have been transformed by a love far beyond my understanding. Thank You, Lord, for taking my life and making it something holy and special. Make my life a glory to Your name. Amen.Own Your Own Copy of this Devotional  goto crosswalk.com and dont forget your tickets goto CLPRM. ORG

Sober Homes Declared unfit

Unregulated “Sober Homes” Often Provide Poor Living Conditions

By Join Together Staff | July 10, 2013 | 4 Comments| Filed inAddiction, Alcohol, Community Related, Drugs & RecoveryA system of largely unregulated group homes provides poor living conditions to people throughout the country who are grappling with substance abuse, homelessness and a return to life after prison, according to Salon.com.These “sober homes” do not provide treatment on-site, but many require residents to attend outpatient therapy. In New York City, these facilities are paid for largely through welfare, disability payments and Medicaid. They are not licensed or overseen by any city or state agencies. Some advocates say the houses institute rules that violate patient rights and tenant laws.Well-run sober homes can help people in recovery, says Dr. Leonard A. Jason, Director of the Center for Community Research at DePaul University in Chicago. They can help residents develop a sense of responsibility, and provide them with skills and confidence to live productively. “If it’s a really well-run sober living home, that house could be a place of real health,” he notes. “It can be done right, but it can just as easily be done very wrong.” Jason recently wrote apolicy statement, “The Role of Recovery Residences in Promoting Long-term Addiction Recovery.”Complaints about sober homes have surfaced in communities including Los Angeles, Long Island, and Boston.In New York City, people come to sober homes from hospitals, social services agencies, prison, and the street. New York Attorney Matthew Main of MFY Legal Services, which has brought suits on behalf of sober home residents, says the system addresses a need, but can also be harmful to the people it claims to help. “This system is like a conveyor belt that grabs the most vulnerable people from our communities,” he said. “It takes people who don’t have anywhere else to turn, stuffs them into these dilapidated apartments, and has them stay there to attend a treatment program only for as long as it’s necessary to recover. And then spits them out.”

Join The Group Addicts Mom Sept.29

The Addict's MomDuana DotingaDuana Dotinga has invited you to the event 'The Addict's Mom C.A.N.(Change Addiction Awareness Now) Balloon Launch' on The Addict's Mom! Fill the skies with love and hope Time: September 29, 2013 from 6pm to 7pmLocation: Wherever You AreOrganized By: The Addict's MomEvent Description:Together We C.A.N. Fill The Sky With Love and Hope.  Join with us on September 29th, 2013 as we share awareness and sorrow over the national epidemic of drug addiction.. Thousands of mothers, fathers, recovering addicts, organizations, and those who know and love an addict have pledged to release a balloon on September 29th, at 6pm.  By releasing a balloon, we symbolize letting go in hope and solidarity.Launching a red balloon signifies an addict for which you have hope for, while a white balloon signifies an addict in recovery.  To release a black or silver balloon is a memorial for an addict who will be forever remembered and loved. See more information under our C.A.N tab, Balloon Launch.Contact addictmompnw@outlook.com for more information  or to volunteer today. See more details and RSVP on The Addict's Mom:http://addictsmom.com/events/event/show?id=6444381%3AEvent%3A72003&xgi=2Kl52Henyvt4YS&xg_source=msg_invite_eventAbout The Addict's Mom“The Addict’s Mom,” a group focusing on the mothers of addicted children. The relationship between the mother and addicted child is unique;3749 members43 songs486 discussions37 Events1153 blog posts To control which emails you receive on The Addict's Mom, click here

Ten Percent

Ten Percent of Americans Admit Taking Medication They Have Not Been Prescribed

By Join Together Staff | August 15, 2013 | 1 Comment | Filed in Prescription DrugsA new poll finds 10 percent of Americans admit they have taken someone else’s prescription drugs. One-quarter of those people used the drugs to get high.The Reuters/Ipsos poll found about 60 percent of Americans who used someone else’s prescriptions were seeking pain relief, while 20 percent took them to sleep, or to manage anxiety and stress, Reutersreports.Two-thirds of those who said they used other people’s prescriptions said the drugs were given to them by a family member, friend or acquaintance. Some people use another person’s prescriptions to save on costs, the article notes.Dr. Wilson Compton, a Division Director at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, warned against taking someone else’s prescription drugs. He noted doctors prescribe specific dosage levels according to a person’s individual needs. “Simply because it’s a medicine that comes from a pharmacy does not mean it is without risk,” he said. “There’s a reason they require a prescription.”The online poll included the responses of addiction.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS

             August 23 Psalms 106:43Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.The agent folded his arms and shook his head. The offer was totally unacceptable. He wanted his ball player to receive top dollar. The team owners conferred and made another offer substantially higher than their previous one. Still the agent held out. To his dismay, the owners threw up their hands in disgust and closed the talks. The ball player would not play; the owners would look elsewhere. Greed causes so many problems. We only want a little bit more, but each time we take a little, we leave less for others. God gives great things to His people, but when they continually look for ways to get more, then He is not so free to give. There are too many people who will appreciate what the Lord has to give. God will bring low those who try to take more than their share. His love is freely given, but it is given to be shared, not taken advantage of. Prayer: Do I provoke you, Lord, through my many sins, both large and small? Help me to do what is pleasing in Your sight, and to use the gifts You have given me to spread Your Good News. Amen.Own Your Own Copy of this Devotional goto crosswalk. com Don't forget your tickets goto CLPRM.ORG

NAADAC CONFERENCE. LAST CHANCE TO SAVE!

Last Chance to Save on NAADAC Conference Registration!Members: $375Non-Members: $500 Want to get the most out of the NAADAC Annual Conference – for as little money as possible out of your pocket? Register by today and save $50 on your registration. The 2013 NAADAC National Conference will be held from October 11-15, 2013 in Atlanta. Don't miss this opportunity to learn cutting edge information and techniques from the profession's leaders - all at a reduced rate. Over 30 hours of education will be available with two pre-conferences, five plenary sessions, 54 workshops and three post-conference sessions. Visit the NAADAC conference page for full conference information or register online. You received this email because you or someone else added your email address to a NAADAC mailing list. If you would prefer not to receive emails regarding the NAADAC 2013 Annual Conference in the future, please click on the link below: 

Wisdom from the psalms

             August 21Psalms 105:5Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.The old pastor was only a few months out of the church, and it seemed like everyone took glee in recalling his faults and shortcomings. The problems of the church were all attributed in some form to the inadequacies of the pastor just past. It was the rare individual who stopped to recall all the wonderful qualities the former pastor had possessed. In his time he had served with love and affection, and the glories of his love far exceeded any shortcomings he displayed. Do we spend much time glorying in all that the Lord has done for us, or do we lament over what has yet to occur? So often we can find ourselves blaming God when things don't go right. The Hebrew people did it. The kings did it. Even early Christians did it. We should be careful to learn from their mistakes and fill our hearts and mouths with the praise that God surely deserves. Prayer: Remove from my mouth any curse, Lord. Fill me with praise and thanksgiving for all that I have and all that I am. Amen.Own Your Own Copy of this Devotional goto crosswalk. Com.Dont forget to get your tickets for the greatest Recovery concert on the East Coast. Goto CLPRM. Org

Wisdom from the psalms

August 20Psalms 104:32He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.The volcano rumbled, then fell silent. Clouds of smoke billowed from its crown, and the people in the towns surrounding it made hasty plans to leave. Experts were assuring people that there was no immediate danger, but when the old mountain began to grumble, the people tended to listen to it rather than the experts. Wisdom being the better part of valor, the neighboring residents departed until the danger was clearly through. In nature there is mighty destructive power. This world of God's contains forces beyond our wildest dreams. It is wise to respect the forces of nature, and it is wise to respect the forces of our Lord. No one can challenge the Lord as to truth and justice. God wields the true power, and He does so with perfect love and compassion. God has made His desires known to His children. To ignore the rumble is foolishness. Prayer: Lord, make me an obedient child and a willing follower. Break my willful nature, and help me to see the wisdom of Your ways. Amen.Own Your Own Copy of this Devotional

Wisdom from the psalms

             August 19Psalms 104:24Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.Timmy did not want to go on the science field trip. Science was so boring. They were going to climb around on rocks and look for fossils of animals dead a half a million years. Big deal! Nothing could interest Timmy less. Then, an amazing thing happened. Timmy was one of the first to find fossilized remains. He held the rock in his hands and traced the fragile trilobite fossil with his finger. He was enthralled by the sight, and a new love was born in Tim's heart. Timmy saw the earth as a treasure house of wonders too magnificent to understand. We ought to take time to study this wonderful world of ours. There is so much to behold. God has done so many wonderful things, and He has given them over to us to enjoy. Search out the riches of God's world, and you will never be poor. Prayer: Have I lost the capacity to believe in miracles, O Lord? Show me the wonders of Your creation. Let me take nothing for granted. Indeed, Lord, make all things new in my eyes. Amen.Own Your Own Copy of this Devotional        

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS

August 16

Psalms 103:17
But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children.

Some people can't understand how the raging, harsh God of the Old Testament can be the same God of love in the New Testament. Has God really changed? Of course not. God is the same in all times and in all places. What has changed is men and women's views of God. It is difficult to make sense of all that God does, and we all must do our best to understand Him. From the beginning of time until this day, God is the same. The righteousness He held forth for the children of Israel is the same righteousness He holds forth for us today. In a world where all else changes so quickly, we can find great security in knowing that our Lord never changes.

Prayer: Be the anchor in my life, O Lord, so that I might not be tossed around by all the winds of change in my world. Make my faith constant; remaining true to You. Amen.

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'That 70s Show' actress Lisa Robin Kelly dies

USA TODAY staff 4:26 p.m. EDT August 15, 2013

The actress, 43, died in a rehab facility of unknown causes.

(Photo: Kevin Winter Getty Images)

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That 70s Show actress Lisa Robin Kelly has died, according to reports.

The actress, 43, died in a rehab facility of unknown causes.

Kelly's agent, Craig Wyckoff released the following statement to People:

"Unfortunately Lisa Robin Kelly passed away last evening. Lisa had voluntarily checked herself into a treatment facility early this week where she was battling the addiction problems that have plagued her these past few years.

"I spoke to her on Monday and she was hopeful and confident, looking forward to putting this part of her life behind her. Last night she lost the battle. Cause of death has not been issued yet and no death certificate has been issued either."

Kelly played Laurie Forman, the older sister of the Topher Grace character, Eric Forman, on the hit Fox show, which aired from 1998-2006.

Kelly had a troubled past. She was arrested June 23 on suspicion of drunken driving. Kelly and her husband, Robert Joseph Gilliam, were arrested last November in connection with a disturbance at their home in Mooresville, N.C., a suburb of Charlotte.

Wisdom from the Psalms

August 15

Psalms 103:15
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Deanna built a career on her looks. She had been the dream girl of Hollywood and had loved living the fast life. Now, her looks were fading and Deanna had nothing to fall back on. She had believed her charmed life would never end, but the hard reality was that she no longer could bank on her beauty.

We are given each day as a gift. Once a day is gone, it can never be recaptured. Too often we live our lives as if they are going to go on forever just as they are. Lives change, and we need to be ready to change with them. God helps us to accept where we are and to grow to new levels of maturity. Before this day passes and is gone, call upon the Lord to help you make the most of it. Then, when the new day dawns, be ready for the challenges it brings.

Prayer: Help me to live for what is important this day, so that I might truly be ready for all the days to come. Your gifts are so won derful, Lord. Please don't allow me to take them for granted. Amen.

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Excessive Alcohol Use Costs $223.5 Billion Annually, CDC Reports

By Join Together Staff | August 14, 2013 | Leave a comment | Filed in Alcohol

Excessive alcohol use costs the United States $223.5 billion annually, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Binge drinking accounts for more than 70 percent of these costs.
“It is striking to see most of the costs of excessive drinking in states and D.C. are due to binge drinking, which is reported by about 18 percent of U.S. adults,” report author Dr. Robert Brewer, alcohol program lead at CDC, said in a statement.
CBS News reports the median state cost associated with excessive alcohol use was $2.9 billion; about $2 of every $5 was paid for by the government. Alcohol-related costs totaled almost $32 billion in California, compared with $420 million in North Dakota.
The authors concluded costs due to excessive drinking largely came from losses in workplace productivity, healthcare expenses and costs resulting from criminal justice expenses, motor vehicle crashes and property damage. The report found underage drinking accounted for $24.6 billion, or 11 percent, of the total excessive drinking costs.
The findings are published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
In 2012, the CDC released a report that found 38 million American adults are binge drinkers, and most of them are ages 18 to 34. Binge drinking is defined as men who have five or more drinks in one sitting, and women who have four or more drinks at one time.
The CDC recommends a number of strategies to reduce alcohol-related costs, including increasing alcohol taxes, limiting the number of alcohol retailers in certain areas and holding retailers liable for selling alcohol to obviously intoxicated people or minors who cause death or injury to others.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS

August 14

Psalms 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
A woman asked God for forgiveness for a sin she had committed. He granted her pardon, but she had a tough time forgetting what she had done. She just couldn't let go of her guilt. In desperation she returned to God to ask His forgiveness once more. When she asked Him to remember what she had done, He said, "I can't remember what you're talking about. It never happened. Once sin is forgiven, it is dropped into the sea of forgetfulness, and it is no more. Go your way. No one condemns you; not even I."

It is not that God has a bad memory, but that His love is so complete and boundless that He will not retain the memory of something we ask to be forgiven for. He erases the sins from our slate, and we start fresh. As far as the east is from the west, that is how far God removes our sin from us.

Prayer: Though I don't deserve Your loving care and forgiveness, Lord, I conti nually thank You that You give it to me so freely. Help me to accept it graciously, and to know that You hold nothing against me once I ask Your pardon. Amen.

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Drug Company Has List of MDs Who May Recklessly Prescribe Painkillers: Newspaper

By Join Together Staff | August 13, 2013 | Leave a comment | Filed in Healthcare, Marketing And Media, Prescription Drugs & Prevention

Purdue Pharma, which makes the opioid painkiller OxyContin, has compiled a database of about 1,800 doctors it suspects may have recklessly prescribed the drug to people addicted to it, as well as to drug dealers, the Los Angeles Times reports. The company has kept most of the list private.
The company has maintained the list over the last decade, according to the newspaper. It has only alerted law enforcement officials or medical authorities about a small percentage of doctors on the list. Many of the doctors in the database have continued to write prescriptions for the drug, the article notes.
The list was discussed for the first time in public at a drug dependency conference in San Diego in June.
Robin Abrams, a Purdue attorney, said the database was created so the company’s sales representatives would steer clear of the doctors on the list. She argued policing doctors is not the company’s responsibility. “We don’t have the ability to take the prescription pad out of their hand,” she told the newspaper.
The company has told law enforcement officials or medical regulators about 154, or 8 percent, of the doctors in the database, Abrams said. She noted the company would alert authorities in some situations, such as cases in which their sales representatives witness apparent drug deals in doctors’ parking lots, or observe doctors who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Mitchell Katz, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, says the company is obligated to report all the doctors in the database. “There is an ethical obligation,” he said. “Any drug company that has information about physicians potentially engaged in illegal prescribing or prescribing that is endangering people’s lives has a responsibility to report it.”

Prosecutors Charging Drug Dealers in Heroin Overdose Deaths

By Join Together Staff | August 12, 2013 | 1 Comment | Filed in Drugs & Legal

A growing number of law enforcement officials around the country are prosecuting drug dealers for causing heroin overdose deaths, the Associated Press reports. Prosecutors are using laws that come with stiff penalties to target drug dealers and members of the drug supply chain, and connect them and the drugs they sell to deadly overdoses.
Many people who were addicted to prescription painkillers switched to heroin after drug companies made their products more difficult to crush and snort. Heroin is also much less expensive than pills such as oxycodone.
According to the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the number of people who were past-year heroin users in 2011 (620,000) was higher than the number in 2007 (373,000).
“We’re going to be ruthless,” Prosecutor Joseph Coronato of Ocean County, New Jersey, told the AP. “We’re looking for long-term prison sentences.” He and other prosecutors in New Jersey are using the state’s “strict liability for drug death” statute. The law holds dealers and producers responsible for a user’s death, and comes with a 20-year maximum sentence.
Until recently, overdoses were treated by law enforcement officials as accidents, the article notes. Now, when law enforcement hears about an overdose, detectives are immediately dispatched to the scene. Paramedics are instructed to treat overdoses as crimes, and coroners are requested to order autopsies and preserve evidence. It can be difficult to prove a death was caused only by heroin if a person also used other opioids, drugs or alcohol.
Kerry Harvey, the U.S. Attorney for Eastern Kentucky, has started prosecuting people who sold prescription opioids and heroin, under a federal law banning the distribution of illegal substances. The law allows for additional penalties if a death occurs.
Officials are also using cellphones to track text messages and calls related to drug purchases.

Gaudenzia Gala, Hershey, PA

The 8th Annual Gaudenzia Gala will honor Pete Wambach, former Pennsylvania State Representative and advocate drug and alcohol legislatio.

Live and Silent Auctions, Presentation of the Community Champion Award 

Online Auction starting June 20

For more information, please contact Julie Girsch at 717-579-3636 or jgirsch@gaudenzia.org

Date(s):	November 2, 2013
Time(s):	6:00 p.m.
Location:	Hershey Lodge & Convention Center 325 University Drive Hershey, PA 17033