Drug Used to Treat Epilepsy Can Help People with Alcoholism: Study

By Join Together Staff | November 5, 2013 | Leave a comment | Filed inAlcohol, Research & Treatment

The drug gabapentin, used to treat epilepsy and some types of pain, can help people with alcoholism quit drinking, a new study concludes.

The 12-week study of 150 alcohol-dependent participants found gabapentin decreased the number of days people drank heavily, and at least tripled the percentage of people who were able to stop drinking altogether, compared with those receiving a placebo. The drug also reduced alcohol craving and improved mood and sleep quality, Forbes reports.

After 12 weeks, 4 percent of those receiving a placebo were completely abstinent, compared with 11 percent of those receiving 900 milligrams of gabapentin, and 17 percent of those receiving 1,800 milligrams of gabapentin. Among those receiving a placebo, 22 percent reported no heavy drinking days (more than four drinks a day for women, and five for men), compared with 30 percent taking 800 milligrams of gabapentin, and 45 percent taking 1,800 milligrams.

The study appears in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Gabapentin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating epilepsy and neuropathic pain, a complex, chronic pain state that is usually accompanied by tissue injury.

“Gabapentin’s effect on drinking outcomes is at least as large or greater than those of existing FDA-approved treatments,” lead researcher Barbara J. Mason of The Scripps Research Institute said in a news release. “Plus it’s the only medication shown to improve sleep and mood in people who are quitting or reducing their drinking, and it’s already widely used in primary care—that’s an appealing combination.”

There are currently several drugs treatments available for alcohol dependence, but they have limitations, the researchers said. Disulfiram (Antabuse) and naltrexone (ReVia, Vivitrol), are relatively ineffective against anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and other withdrawal symptoms. “They are also, by design, somewhat unpleasant—which often discourages patients from using them,” the release notes.

Acamprosate (Campral), a newer drug approved for alcoholism treatment, has not been shown to improve mood or sleep, the researchers said.

POWER IN THE PROVERB

November 7 v4 v 5 POWER IN THE PROVERB
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
    and to insight, “You are my relative.”
 They will keep you from the adulterous woman,
    from the wayward woman with her seductive words.

Latest Synthetic Drug to Hit St. Louis: “N-Bomb”

By Join Together Staff | November 5, 2013 | Leave a comment | Filed inCommunity Related & Drugs


The synthetic drug known as “N-Bomb” is being seen on the streets of St. Louis, KMOX reports. The drug is also known as “Smiles,” according to Dan Duncan, with the local office of the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.


The drug is often called N-Bomb because its chemical name is 25I-NBOMe. It is made from mescaline, and is similar to LSD. It is ingested as a liquid, powder, or on a blotter, the article notes. The drug can be harmful to kidneys, and can trigger mental health issues.


Last month, WHTM reported N-Bomb was believed to be responsible for the death of a high school student in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In May, police in Scottsdale, Arizona said they were investigating whether the deaths of two 18-year-olds were linked to N-Bomb.

POWER IN THE PROVERB

November 6 v 20 v 21 v 22 v 23  POWER IN THE PROVERB
 My son, keep your father’s [God-given] commandment and forsake not the law of [God]
 Bind them continually upon your heart and tie them about your neck.
 When you go, they [ God] shall lead you; why you sleep, they shall keep you; and when you waken, they shall talk with you.
 For the commandment is a lamp, and the whole teaching [of the law] is light, and reproofs of discipline are the way of life,.
My advice read the instruction manaual  (BIBLE) !

Experts Voice Concern Over FDA Approval of New Hydrocodone Drug

By Join Together Staff | November 4, 2013 | 1 Comment | Filed in Addiction,Government & Prescription Drugs

The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of the first pure hydrocodone drug in the United States concerns law enforcement agencies and addiction experts, who predict overdose deaths will increase, Newsday reports.


The drug, Zohydro ER (extended release), was approved for patients with pain that requires daily, around-the-clock, long-term treatment that cannot be treated with other drugs. Drugs such as Vicodin contain a combination of hydrocodone and other painkillers such as acetaminophen. Zohydro is expected to reach the market in early 2014.


In December 2012, a panel of experts assembled by the FDA voted against recommending approval of Zohydro ER. The panel cited concerns over the potential for addiction. In the 11-2 vote against approval, the panel said that while the drug’s maker, Zogenix, had met narrow targets for safety and efficacy, the painkiller could be used by people addicted to other opioids, including oxycodone.


Zohydro is potentially 10 times stronger when abused than hydrocodone combination products, according to the article. Zohydro is designed to be released over time, and can be crushed and snorted by people seeking a strong, quick high. The opioid drug OxyContin has been reformulated to make it harder to crush or dissolve, but Zohydro does not include similar tamper-resistant features, the newspaper notes.


Zogenix has started the development of an abuse deterrent formulation of Zohydro , according to a company statement.


“That the FDA has approved another incredibly powerful painkiller without [tamper-proof features] is both disconcerting and dangerous,” said Jeffrey Reynolds, Executive Director of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, who told the FDA expert panel he opposed Zohydro’s approval without safety features. “While this drug might be a godsend for people with acute pain, it’s a potential nightmare for those struggling with or at risk for addiction.”

POWER IN THE PROVERB

November 5 v21 v22 v23 POWER IN THE PROVERB
 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings.

 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

Study: 10% of Teens Treated in the ER Admit to Misusing Prescription Drugs

By Join Together Staff | October 31, 2013 | Leave a comment | Filed inHealthcare, Prescription Drugs, Young Adults & Youth





Ten percent of 14- to 20-year-olds treated in the emergency room for any reason say they have misused prescription drugs at least once in the last year, a new study finds. The researchers at the University of Michigan found most of the teens who admitted to misusing prescription drugs used other people’s medications.


Teens who misused prescription drugs were significantly more likely to also have abused alcohol and non-prescription drugs such as cough medicine, or to have used marijuana, in the past year, the study found. They were also more likely to have ridden with a drinking driver.


The findings appear in the journal Pediatrics.


The researchers say this is the first time prescription drug abuse in teens has been studied in an emergency department setting, even though opioid painkillers and sedatives are often prescribed by emergency department doctors, PsychCentral reports.


While school-based studies have found rates of prescription drug misuse among young people to be around 8 percent, these studies do not include teens who have dropped out of school or did not continue their education past high school, the article notes.


Study author Lauren Whiteside, M.D., said the findings suggest that emergency departments could be an effective place to screen teens and young adults for prescription drug misuse, and for intervening early before problems begin. “These patients are often using the emergency department for their medical care, not primary care settings,” she noted in a news release. “So, in order to curb this problem and address overdose and addiction, the ED is a good place to start.”

POWER IN THE PROVERB

November 4 18 v19 POWER IN THE PROVERB
 But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
 The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know what makes them stumble.

POWER IN THE PROVERB

November 3 v 30 POWER IN THE PROVERB                                              
  Do not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm. My advice mind your own buisness and lead a quite life.

POWER IN THE PROVERB

November 2v21v22 POWER IN THE PROVERB
For the upright shall dwell in the land,and the men of integrity,blameless and complete (in  God's sight) shall remain in it.But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth,and the treacherous shall be rooted out of it.

POWER IN THE PROVERB

November 1v33 POWER IN THE PROVERB
But all who listen to God will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm. My advice listen up by praying and reading the word  then goto a quite place and wait.

PRO ACT COLLECTING WINTER WEAR FOR KIDS

Good Morning! Please see the attached flyer regarding a project through PRO-ACT Central Bucks Recovery Support Services to collect winter coats, boots, hats, gloves and scarves for children of families in need in Bucks County.  There will be two collection sites throughout Bucks County, one at The Council Unit 12 in Doylestown and one at the Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center in Bristol. We ask that all donations are either new or lightly used and clean.  All items will go to children of Bucks County families in need. Please distribute the flyer freely!! If you have any questions, contact me any time. Thank you!!  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! and Twitter https://twitter.com/TheCouncilSEPA Jessica SchwartzVolunteer Coordinator & Prevention SpecialistThe Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.252 West Swamp Road, Unit 33Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901Phone: (215) 230-8218 ext. 3158Fax: (215) 230-8205(800) 221-6333 - 24 Hour Information Linejschwartz@councilsepa.org 

POWER IN THE PROVERB

October 29v17 POWER IN THE PROVERB
Discipline your children,and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.My advice control them when they are toddlers so they will learn to control themselves when they become young adults.

DEA and You – Ending the Epidemic of Prescription Drug Abuse Together

DEA and You – Ending the Epidemic of Prescription Drug Abuse Together

By Michele M. Leonhart | October 25, 2013 | Leave a comment| Filed in Government & Prescription DrugsWhile the abuse of controlled prescription drugs has been happening since prescriptions were first written, the recent surge in controlled prescription drug abuse is both alarming and dangerous.It is alarming because increased abuse impacts so many people. The 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, released just last month, shows that approximately 6,700 Americans are using psychotherapeutic drugs non-medically for the first time each day.It is dangerous because prescription drugs, while they have an important role when used correctly and under a doctor’s supervision, can be just as dangerous as methamphetamine, Ecstasy, or heroin if used incorrectly. In 2010, of the 38,329 drug overdose deaths in the United States, 22,134 – 60 percent – were related to prescription drugs. Of those, 75 percent involved prescription painkillers.Whether I look at these facts as a grandmother or as a cop, the conclusion is the same: we must stop this cycle of addiction and death. Doing so will make a difference in the quality of life in every American community.The Drug Enforcement Administration is dedicated not just to the enforcement of federal drug laws, but to the regulation of access to dangerous substances. We ensure that manufacturers, distributors, doctors and pharmacists are properly licensed and have sufficient controls in place to minimize the risk of diversion of dangerous controlled prescription drugs. And while there are a few bad apples, a vast majority of those we regulate share our common objective of ensuring the right medicine goes to the right people, while ensuring these drugs are produced, stored and distributed in a controlled manner to minimize the chance that they will be abused.Finally, after controlled prescription drugs have served their legitimate purpose, often there remains unused, unwanted, or expired drugs that still hold the potential for misuse. DEA is in the process of finalizing regulations as part of the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act that will allow for a permanent nationwide solution to the disposal of controlled substances.Until that process is completed, the DEA will sponsor our National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events that many of you have supported. All told, the last six Take-Back Days have collected more than 1,400 tons of pills, including a record breaking 371 tons this past April alone.The next National Prescription Take-Back Day is tomorrow, Saturday, October 26 at more than 5,000locations around the country. Your participation along with that of your friends, neighbors and community leaders will be critical, as it always is, to the success of this campaign that takes tons of drugs out of harm’s way and ensures their safe and secure disposal.I appreciate all you do to help us keep our country safe and drug free, and thank you for being our partner in this important cause.Michele M. LeonhartAdministrator, Drug Enforcement Administration

Recovery Walk 2013 Huge Success

Like us on Facebook                                www.recoverywalks.org                  Follow us on TwitterTHANK YOU for Your Support,Participation and Celebration!              What a joy it brought to our hearts to see more than 20,000 supporters of recovery together at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia on September 21st.  We all contributed greatly to chipping away at that nasty word STIGMA. Everyone walked boldly and proudly, some carrying signs to let everyone know the number of hours, weeks, months, years or decades of recovery they had achieved, and others held banners to commemorate loved ones lost to the disease of addiction. We walked through the most historic and most visited areas of Philadelphia happily showing the public that there is hope for those suffering with the disease of addiction. There is recovery.And it is happening now.           In keeping with SAMHSA's theme for Recovery Month this year, PRO-ACT believes there are multiple pathways to recovery. None of them is wrong. Whatever recovery pathway works for us and puts smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts is the correct pathway for us. These young men are with The Haven at College, the first college-level sober residence just opened in Philadelphia.Honor Guard         As the sun rose high over the river, 159 Honor Guard members collected their purple ribbons and buttons and wrote their number of years in recovery on them. People with 10 or more years in recovery participate as Honor Guard members and lead the Walk. This year they ranged from 10 to 43 years, two people having more than 40 years. And atotal of 2,648 years of recovery guided the Walk through the Old City and back.          The Phillie Phanatic and the Mummers added some color, amusement, and fun music as everyone, including those in wheelchairs, family dogs, and babies in strollers enjoyed the day. And after returning back to Penn's Landing, several mascots taught the younger children how to do some line dancing.  Stage Program               Among the officials participating in the post-Walk Program was Benjamin B. Tucker from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Mr. Tucker is shown here presenting a Proclamation from the White House to Beverly Haberle, Program Director of PRO-ACT.         During the Program, PRO-ACT recognized several legislators and others whose work has directly or indirectly supported the recovery community through support for Medicaid expansion, restoration of General Assistance and prevention of predatory Pay Day Lending legislation.         Also making a presentation was Dr. Arthur Evans, Director of Philadelphia's Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, the Presenting Sponsor of the Walk.Dr. Evans is shown here along the walk route leading his team.          And there was plenty of entertainment to the delight of everyone. PRO-ACT thanks the DL & the Zone Band for playing throughout the morning as well as for the Recovery Idol Competition. The two finalists of the Competition, Mark Dixon and Ronald Davis, both performed following which Mark Dixon was announced as the winner of Recovery Idol 2013.        We cannot close without giving a shout-out to the SEAMAAC Hip Hop Heritage Dancers who performed on stage and made many of us feel we need to do more stretching and limbering up but even then might not be able to match their talents and skills.Teams         Right up to the end, there was tight competition among the teams for the two prizes for Team Captains. The prize for the team that raised the most in donations went to Team Captain Christina Reice, whose team 12 Step Fighters raised $2,445 for PRO-ACT. Christina will receive the Phillies Packet, which includes her throwing out the first pitch next year at Recovery Night at the Baseball Game. Here's a photo of Jackie Ferrer preparing to throw out the first ball this year because her team won this prize last year.         A $100 gift card was given to the Team Captain of NJ Buses, Rob Lightfoot from the New Jersey Prevention Network for having the largest team of 468 members. To all of our Sponsors, we say a huge thank you.Without them, this Walk truly could not have happened.Please support them.Major sponsors appear below but to see the complete list of Walk sponsors, click here 

Addicts Mom911

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change theworld.” ― Nelson Mandela The Addict's Mom is dedicated to educating mothers andfamilies of addicts..An "Educated Addict's Mom is an Empowered Addict's Mom."We are so proud to present our new show Addict's Mom 911 Has your life been touched by addiction?Are you willing to take 45 minutes to become educated?If so go to http://addictsmom911.podomatic.com/follow and like our page. You will be notified when newinterviews come out.Would you be a good candidate to interview? Message us!Why else should you "LIKE" and "Follow"ournew show? It is NOT out of some self-centered gratification to get themost likes on Podomatic. It is NOT out of greed it is NOT because, we wantsomething from YOU. By liking our page you will become educated, by sharing ourpage there is a greater chance another mom will discover our group who may notknow we are here yet. She will see she is not alone, and she will receive help,hugs, and hope. She will receive resources, recovery, and resolve. By likingand sharing our page you help spread awareness of the epidemic of addiction inthis nation. An epidemic that has touched 23.5 million Americans. Hugs,BarbaraVisit The Addict's Mom at:http://addictsmom.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network To control which emails you receive on The Addict's Mom,click here

"Parents: You Matter"

"Parents: You Matter" Follow-Up Survey  Dear Joseph,  You are receiving this email because, in the past several months, you attended a Parents360 - "Parents: You Matter" presentation delivered by your local law enforcement, treatment and prevention professionals.We are always looking for ways to improve the program and would like to learn more about your experience and thoughts about the presentation you attended.The link below will bring you to a brief survey that should take no longer than five minutes to complete.We would greatly appreciate your help and participation. Please click this link or cut and paste it into your browser:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FollowUpParentsYouMatter Thank you for completing the survey and again for attending the Parents360 presentation. Best Regards,The Partnership at Drugfree.org's PACT360/Community Education Team If you have questions, please contact us atpact360@drugfree.org. You are receiving this email because you attended one of our community presentations.You may unsubscribe below if you no longer wish to receive email about the Parents360 Program.

The Recovery lanaguage

Like us on Facebook                                   www.councilsepa.org                              Follow us on TwitterPlease scroll down to see AA's letter on Anonymity"OUR STORIES HAVE POWER" A free training for people in recovery from addiction, family membersand supporters of recovery, designed to reduce stigmaby learning the language of recovery    Join thousands of advocateswho have taken this training across the country!      Wednesday, December 11, 20136:00 pm - 8:30 pm (light refreshments included)  PRO-ACT/The Council of Southeast PABailiwick Office Campus Unit 12252 West Swamp Road, Doylestown, PA 18901, 215-345-6644  Registration RequiredTo register for this free training, please callFred Martin at 215-923-1661or email him by clicking here  Letter from AA on "Anonymity"  The following is excerpted from a letter from the General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous in New York to General Services Conference Delegates. The subject is "Anonymity and A.A."  "We have received inquiries from A.A. members regarding a documentary on anonymity being screened in many communities. In keeping with our Tenth Tradition, Alcoholics Anonymous expresses no opinion on books, films, television shows or other media generated or distributed by other organizations. We find it best to simply provide clear and consistent information about our organization and our principles, in order to help the general public and our friends in the media best understand what A.A. is and is not.  Below are a few questions we have received, along with our shared experiences that is available in our literature on these topics. We hope this information from your General Service Office is helpful to any local discussions on this topic.  Q.   Why is anonymity important in A.A.?A.   In Alcoholics Anonymous, our Traditions urge members to maintain anonymity regarding their membership in A.A. for three reasons, as described in our wallet card "What Does Anonymity Mean to A.A.?"     1. We have learned from our own experience that the active alcoholic will shun any source of help which might reveal his or her identity.     2. Past events indicate that those alcoholics who seek public recognition as A.A. members may drink again.     3. Public attention and publicity for individual A.A. members would invite self-serving competition and conflict over differing personal views.  Q. Is it an anonymity break to tell people I am a sober alcoholic?A. On page 11 of our pamphlet "Understanding Anonymity" the following suggestion can be found:        "A.A. members may disclose their identity and speak as recovered alcoholics, giving radio, TV and Internet interviews, without violating the Traditions -- so long as their A.A. membership is not revealed."  Q. Is it okay for A.A. members to be involved in lobbying for new legislation?A. As an organization,Alcoholics Anonymous would not be involved in such efforts. . . .  Q. Is it okay for an A.A. member as an individual citizen to be involved in such efforts?A. As stated above, so long as membership in A.A. is not disclosed, recovering alcoholics may speak of their recovery and sobriety without breaking their anonymity. . . ."  Click here to view the entire letter.

NAADAC & New Jersey Development Committee are proud to introduce:

REALITIES IN RECOVERY

NAADAC & New Jersey Development Committee are proud to introduce: 

Dr. Carlo DiClemente &Cynthia Moreno Tuohy

to Morris Plains, NJ on December 6th, 2013! Dr. Carlo DiClemente is conducing his training titled “Client Collaboration and Integrated Care” which discusses the reality of complicating problems, provide a client centered, process of change perspective, and offer ideas about how to create collaborative, ntegrated care.Cynthia Moreno Tuohy is conducting her training titled “Conflict Resolution in Recovery” which is skilled-based and focused on the brain; how the brain works in conflict and strategies to affect the quality of recovery in relationships. 

Join us in December and continue to  serve all in recovery!

 

 Register Here!

 

When:

December 6th

9 am—4 pm

Where:

Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital

59 Koch Ave

Morris Plains, NJ 07950

PARKING:Attendees to use parking lots across from the hospital and check-in at the Front Desk in the Main Lobby. 

COST:

Member—$15.00

Non-Member—$100.00

Lunch (optional) —Free

 

Register Here!

October 28v27 POWER IN THE PROVERB He

October 28v27 POWER IN THE PROVERB
He who gives to the poor will lack nothing , but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. My advice when you give to the poor you are really giving to the Lord so be generous.