U.S. Attorney General and Republicans Join in Opposition to Stiff Drug Sentencing Laws

By Join Together Staff | March 6, 2014 | Leave a comment | Filed in Drugs, Legal & Legislation

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is joining with libertarian Republicans, including Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, in opposing mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenders.

This political alliance may make it politically feasible to significantly liberalize sentencing laws, according to The New York Times. Libertarian-minded Republicans oppose long prison sentences because they see them as ineffective and expensive, the article notes. Rand is backing a sentencing overhaul bill in the Senate, and the House is considering similar legislation.

In August, Holder announced a Justice Department plan to change how some non-violent drug offenders are prosecuted. Low-level, nonviolent drug offenders who are not tied to large-scale drug organizations or gangs will not face mandatory minimum sentences.

Under the plan, severe penalties will be used only for serious, high-level or violent drug traffickers. Holder will give federal prosecutors instructions about writing their criminal complaints when they charge low-level drug offenders, in order to avoid triggering mandatory minimum sentences. Certain laws mandate minimum sentences regardless of the facts of the case.

In December, President Obama commuted the sentences of eight federal inmates who had been convicted of crack-cocaine offenses. Six of the inmates were sentenced to life in prison. The inmates likely would have received much shorter terms under current drug laws and sentencing rules.

While powder and crack cocaine are two forms of the same drug, until recently, a drug dealer who sold crack cocaine was subject to the same sentence as a dealer who sold 100 times as much powder cocaine.

The Fair Sentencing Act, enacted in 2010, reduced the disparity from 100 to 1 to 18 to 1, for people who committed their crimes after the law took effect. As a result, many defendants who are caught with small amounts of crack are no longer subject to mandatory prison sentences of five to 10 years. Those convicted of crack-cocaine crimes tend to be black, while those convicted of powder-cocaine offenses tend to be white.

MARCH 6 v 32 TWELVE STEPPING WITH POWER IN THE PROVERB


But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool,
for he destroys himself.


STEP 9 We made direct amends to such people except when to do so would injure them or others.


I struggled this morning with this one. But it is something that must be discussed. Way back in my addictive state I was guilty of this one . Sex can be a drug in its own sense of the word and I know most of you will agree that's true , but most will not be willing to openly admit that they are guilty of this . Step nine teaches to make amends except when to do so would injure others. Lets examine what is more damaging ! Carrying guilt shame or regret or coming clean and causing alot of pain and hurt for the other party . I chose the first ,even when I was getting a divorce I could have used it as weapon to cause harm but what would be the point . Marriage is a sacred thing and we must guard it . There are some of you out there who are contemplating committing the haineaous act . My advice work it out with your signifcant other they are worth it ! Its the least you can do after all the hell you put them through .



Jesus said I am the truth the life the way no one comes unto the father but through me. 

Greetings!,       This month's newsletter highlights Spencer Hill. Broken and in need of the restoration and strength of Jesus Christ, he found both as a resident and later as a mentor on staff.      In just over two years, Spencer learned to trust in the Lord to get him through some rough times and insecurities. Spencer emerged with an understanding of what it means to rely on God's strength, and the knowledge that he would be used for God's "good and perfect will."      Being a mentor on The Hill has great rewards and is just as challenging as being a resident. It's a life-changing experience of serving and living in community with the Body of Christ.           Because of your generous gifts, many of our former residents, like Spencer, are able to continue their walk of faith by committing to a year or more of service after graduation.      For more on the amazing story of God's grace in Tim's life, click here for your March 2014 His Mansion Newsletter.  Thank you,   Ed Perrine CEO  P.S. If you would like give a gift to help support the redemptive work that  Christ is doing on The Hill,  simply click here and put "314" in the purpose field followed by your desired gift amount.

There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6 ESV

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New Jersey TV Stations Air First Medical Marijuana Ad

By Join Together Staff | March 5, 2014 | Leave a comment | Filed in Drugs & Marketing And Media

Some TV stations in New Jersey aired the first medical marijuana ad this week.

The ad, which aired on Comcast stations, compares medical marijuana to sushi, ABC News reports. An actor who plays a dealer says, “Yo, you want sushi? I got sushi. I got the best sushi.” He opens his coat to reveal it is lined with sushi. “Ain’t nobody sellin’ but me.” At the end of the ad, a woman’s voice says, “You wouldn’t buy your sushi from this guy, so why would you buy your marijuana from him?”

The ad was created by MarijuanaDoctors.com, which works in states with legalized medical marijuana to connect patients with doctors who will prescribe it. Currently 20 states and Washington, D.C., have enacted medical marijuana laws.

“We felt the viewing public would agree that in the states providing safe access, continuing to obtain medicine illegally is as absurd as purchasing raw fish from a drug dealer,” Jason Draizin, founder and CEO of MarijuanaDoctors.com, said in a news release.

According to Comcast spokeswoman Melissa Kennedy, the ads will only air in states where medical marijuana is legal, between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. It will not run during children’s and family programming, she said.

New Products Similar to E-Cigarettes are Attracting Teens

By Join Together Staff | March 5, 2014 | Leave a comment | Filed in Marketing And Media, Tobacco, Young Adults & Youth


A growing number of teens are starting to use devices that are similar to e-cigarettes, with names such as “hookah pens,” “e-hookahs” or “vape pens.” The devices are being marketed to avoid the stigma associated with smoking any kind of cigarette, The New York Times reports.

The new devices are colorful and come in candy flavors, but are otherwise almost identical to e-cigarettes, according to the article. Like e-cigarettes, they have nicotine and other chemicals, which are unregulated.

Health officials say surveys about e-cigarette use generally don’t ask about these other products, so they may be greatly underestimating how many people are using e-cigarettes and similar devices. They say teens appear to view e-cigarettes and e-hookahs as being different products, even though they are basically the same. Many young people say they are not interested in using e-cigarettes, but have tried hookah pens, vape pens or e-hookahs.

Emily Anne McDonald of the University of California, San Francisco, who is studying e-cigarette use among young people, told the newspaper that the lack of information about nicotine-vapor products was creating a vacuum “so that young adults are getting information from marketing and from each other. We need to understand what people are calling these before we send out large surveys,” she said. Otherwise the responses are not accurate, “and then you’re back to the beginning.”

Critics of e-cigarettes say secondhand vapor is a pollutant, and e-cigarettes can get more people addicted to nicotine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will soon propose rules on regulating e-cigarettes. The FDA is expected to consider e-cigarettes as tobacco products, which will allow the agency to provide the same federal oversight that applies to cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigarette tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco. E-cigarettes could be subjected to the same requirements for disclosure of ingredients, manufacturing quality and restrictions on sales to minors that apply to regular cigarettes.

Photo source: www.hookahpencentral.com

Rx Summit Focuses on National Collaboration

By Dan Smoot | March 5, 2014 | Leave a comment | Filed in Advocacy, Community Related, Healthcare & Prescription Drugs


Statistics continue to paint a stark reminder about the devastating impact of prescription (Rx) drug abuse and diversion.

Hydrocodone and other opioid analgesics were involved in about three of every four pharmaceutical overdose deaths in 2010, according to a February 2013 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the Trust For America’s Health, every day in the United States, 50 people die from an overdose of prescription drugs.

This is unacceptable.

Two years ago, Operation UNITE recognized that many good, successful initiatives were being implemented across the United States, but there was a lack of coordination, some duplication of efforts and many folks just not knowing where to turn to try and impact the problem.

So, in 2012, we launched the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit to spark a conversation among this country’s top legislators, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, treatment providers, law enforcement personnel, insurance payers, researchers and community advocates. We were overwhelmed with the response. Last year nearly 900 individuals from 49 states, the District of Columbia and two other countries shared their latest findings and strategies to bring solutions to the Rx drug abuse epidemic.

We have witnessed substance abuse problems spread from community to community, seemingly unabated. The Rx Summit is helping to meet challenges head-on through an unprecedented collaboration. We’re still far from declaring victory, but multi-disciplinary discussions are yielding results at all levels.

I am proud to be a part of the effort to help guide this national discussion. You, too, can let your voice be heard by participating in the third annual National Rx Drug Abuse Summit, to be held April 22-24, 2014, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Once again our National Advisory Board has assembled an exceptional line up featuring more than 100 presenters, and we will be offering an opportunity to receive approximately 20 continuing education credits for your time.

How impactful is the Rx Drug Abuse in addressing this issue?

It’s so important that five of our nation’s top leaders will provide keynote addresses: Dr. Francis S. Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH); Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Michael Botticelli, deputy director for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP); and Dr. Margaret Hamburg, Commissioner, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, Matthew Perry, an Emmy-nominated actor and recovering addict, will drive home the point that substance abuse can happen to anyone, and that it is possible to overcome the disease of addiction.

Other highlights of the 2014 Summit include:

• Thirty-five breakout sessions grouped into educational tracks – Third-Party Payer, Education & Advocacy, Treatment, Pharmacy, Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs), Clinical, and Law Enforcement. These sessions, led by frontline professionals, are tailored to provide you, the stakeholders, timely and relevant information and equip your organizations with the data, evidence and programs they need to maximize resources.

• Three special panel discussions featuring: 1) members of the bi-partisan U.S. House Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse, 2) state governors and 3) state attorneys general. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn what is being done at the state and federal levels – and how you can impact legislative changes.

• Eleven vision sessions offering in-depth examination of innovative programs and strategies from organizations and businesses deeply involved in the fight against Rx abuse and diversion. You will learn firsthand what is being done NOW and what tools can be brought to bear in your efforts.

Where else can you find so many thought leaders gathered together to share their insights – and listen to YOUR perspective?

Let your voice be heard. Join the more than 1,000 expected Summit attendees sharing timely data about the prescription drug abuse crisis as we formulate impactful solutions at the local, state and national levels. Together we can make a lasting impact.

For information about the Summit visit www.NationalRxDrugAbuseSummit.org, or follow news about the event at Twitter.com/RxSummit, Facebook.com/RxSummit, or LinkedIn.com/RxSummit. Questions may be directed to Cheryl Keaton at 606-657-3218606-657-3218 or ckeaton@centertech.com.

Dan Smoot
President/CEO
Operation Unite

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February 5 v 21 TWELVE STEPPING WITH POWER IN THE PROVERB 

For the Lord sees clearly what a man does,

examining every path he takes.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

God already knows everything about you. He knows your struggles and pain .God does not want you to continue to suffer , He has a good life planned for you but you are going have to commit step three and get out of the way . Dont let shame and fear get in the way or you will stay trapped right where you are . A brother told me once , I have tried everything else I might as well try God . He did and discovered , God did loved him for who he was . My brother Clark also discovered Sobriety ,sanity , peace , love , joy ,forgiveness , dignity and integrity .So what are you waiting for get to stepping !

Heroin Addicts Seeking Treatment Face Insurance Roadblocks

By Join Together Staff | February 18, 2014 | 8 Comments | Filed in Addiction,Drugs, Healthcare, Insurance & Treatment

As heroin use escalates across the U.S., addicts and their loved ones who are seeking treatment face a lack of services and strict constraints placed by insurance companies, according to health care and addiction professionals.

Specialists say before insurance companies agree to cover inpatient services they require evidence that the addicted patient has tried one or more outpatient programs. Some insurance companies also demand proof that the individual has little or no outside support network, has already failed at a less expensive treatment facility or has a health condition that makes treatment a medical necessity, the Courier Post Reports.

The demand for treatment is also quickly outpacing the available supply for help, often leaving those who are struggling with a heroin addiction without the services they need to be on a path to recovery.

A study released late last year by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that while use of other drugs like methamphetamine is decreasing, heroin use continues to rise across the nation.

MARCH 4 v 23 TWELVE STEPPING WITH POWER IN THE PROVERB

Keep your heart with all diligence,

For out of it spring the issues of life.

diligence - careful and persistent work or effort.

STEP 4. I will take a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself.

Step four will unlock a door ! The Proverb is telling us that our hearts contain the issues of life !Could it be that the treatment realm could be missing the mark . Addiction treatment puts all of our focus on the mind and head. Think about that for a moment ! We label everything ,narcissistic , bi -polar , schizo and the list goes on .Have you ever heard a counselor say your addiction is a by product of a broken heart. Fix your heart and the head will follow. I think this is why the Christian recovery approach is so successful . As Christians we are taught that issues of life flow from the heart including all that is wicked . In order to properly clean a heart out we need to invite Jesus in to the heart . Gods only son who died for us and paid the penalty for our sins. Secular treatment labels you and in some cases give you more drugs. As Christians the only medicine we give is love acceptance and support . Before you commit step four ask Jesus in to your heart ,He will help you deal with what you are gonna dig up. Step four for me brought much pain and it was difficult but in the end buried underneath all that pain , guilt , shame , fear , sadness , anger and regrets was peace love and inexpressible joy. 

Jesus said I am the truth , the life , the way , no comes unto the father but through me.

www.councilsepa.org Like us on FACEBOOK!             Follow us on TWITTER!     INTERVENTIONIST TRAINING  (21 PCB Credits) Three-Day Program March 17, 18, and 19, 2014 A few seats left--register below now! Location: Doylestown Presbyterian Church 127 East Court Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
This training prepares individuals to assist families in the process of intervention for loved ones with a substance use disorder.  Participants will be trained in the model adhered to by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence's (NCADD) National Intervention Network (NIN). Extensive experiential learning includes participation in a full-scale mock intervention.
Featured Trainer Beverly J. Haberle, MHS, LPC, CAADC   Ms. Haberle is a founder and chairperson of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence's (NCADD) National Intervention Network and is a Certified National Intervention Network Trainer and a Johnson Institute Trained Interventionist. She has assisted numerous families and individuals with interventions and trains extensively on the intervention process locally, regionally, and nationally.  Ms. Haberle has served for 32 years as the Executive Director of The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. and, for the past 14 years, she has also served as the Project Director for the Pennsylvania Recovery Organization--Achieving Community Together (PRO-ACT).  She has been an advocate on behalf of those addicted to alcohol and other drugs, as well as their families and the community at large, for more than 36 years.            REGISTER TODAY! Class size limited Register today for the opportunity to train with one of the country's most well-respected experts and advocates for recovery from substance use disorders. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Questions? Contact us at 215-345-6644 or send an email here  Dates and Times Monday Through Wednesday, March 17 - 19, 2014  9:00 am to 5:00 pm  Continental Breakfast included; Lunch on your own Program Fee: $550
Program Sponsorship and Accreditation: The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc., is a PCB-approved provider (#031) and affiliate of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, serving the southeast region of Pennsylvania.

Join us this          Saturday, March 8, 2014     @ 7- 10:00pm doors open at 6:30     F e a t u r i n g: "Patrizsha and the Soulterior Motives Worldwide Band"        Plus Special Guest      Joe Antonelli    Join us for a night of High Energy Worship and Testimony!!       FOOD, COFFEE, FUN AND FELLOWSHIP FOR ALL!   ADMISSION IS FREE!   (Donations appreciated to cover costs and for the band. Thanks for your prayerful consideration and generosity so we can keep this event FREE!)           WHERE:   The Edge Building at Christian Life Center  3100 Galloway Rd., Bensalem, PA    QUESTIONS: Contact Bob Sofronski 215-833-2512 Conquering Grounds Outdoor Music Fest     2014 Conquering Grounds Music Fest Sponsor Form On September 13, 2014 We will have our annual outdoor music fest to help fight addiction. If you would like to become a sponsor of this life changing event, PLEASE click on the link for more information.   The Conquering Addiction Hour with CLPRM Click Here to Listen to the Archives UPCOMING CAFE EVENT   March 8th Patrizsha Plus Joe Antonelli   April 12th  The Paul Paoli Band Plus Joe Miralles   May 10th Dez Childs Plus Fred Hermaman   June 14th  OPEN MIC NIGHT Plus Worship Band  Exalted  MMMMMM Conquering Grounds Café, our monthly coffee house ministry, reaches out to individuals and families who have been affected by substance abuse. The Café serves up Christian bands, plus FREE beverages and baked goods in a laid-back atmosphere. ALL are invited to this FREE event! Thanks to Shoprite Bensalem and Hornbergers Bakery for their generous donation of baked good to Conquering Grounds.   RECOVERY RESOURCES   Christian Life Prison and Recovery Ministries, Inc.  Transformations Treatment Center  Family Freedom Solutions  HillSide Recovery Center  Addictions Victorious Ambassadors for Christ COA Recovery Radio  City of Angels  The House of Adonai Liberty Ministries Lighthouse Network  Road To Recovery  Teen Challenge  Follow Us Here Donate HERE to the Ministry  of CLPRM "My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare."  ~Psalm 25:15 OUR MISSION: CLPRM is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping those incarcerated and to stop substance abuse in the community by offering support to those actively struggling with addiction, as well as to their families. We offer recovery meetings, resources, counseling, and referral services to those who wish to seek treatment.

March 3 v 3 v 4 TWELVE STEPPING WITH POWER IN THE PROVERB

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!

Tie them around your neck as a reminder.

Write them deep within your heart.

Then you will find favor with both God and people,

and you will earn a good reputation.

STEP 6 : I will become entirely ready to have God remove all of my sins.. 

Loyalty and kindness two character traits I did not Have when I was at the height of my game. That's what I called it , my addiction was a game. My loyalty was to the drug ,I was the slave and it was my master . Kindness their is no such thing when your in the game .Hard core all the way ,or you will be the one getting rolled . Even talking like this at times scares the hell out of me and I have to remind myself what once was is no more , Thank God ! Now that I am outta the game and truly living life the way it supposed to be lived ,I have discovered one simple fact . When we live for others we find true happiness and peace. No I cant explain it but its true . Stop living in your own world and start living for others . Selfishness will suck the life right out of you. Start living out the proverb and step six and you will earn a good reputation !

Jesus said I am the truth the life the way no one comes unto the father but through me.

Oscars and Alcoholics: What a Great Movie! | The Fix

Oscars and Alcoholics: What a Great Movie! | The Fix