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In this USA Today article, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky, explains the
reasons behind bi-partisan federal legislation introduced to help
non-violent offenders rejoin society and find meaningful employment.
Senator Paul states that "the war on drugs has disproportionately
affected men and women of color...[It] has not lessened drug use. It
has simply transformed a health problem into a prison problem, and
ultimately an employment and voting rights problem." The proposed
legislation would restore voting rights and provide a way for adults to
seal non-violent criminal records. Read more on 
available at The Council's Recovery Community Centers located n
Philadelphia, Southern Bucks and Central Bucks. Highlights for this
Friday, July 25th include:
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Donations help us to reduce the impact of addiction for more individuals and families. The Council is a 501(c)(3) organization.
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Sunday, July 27, 2014
WHO Urges Countries to Decriminalize Personal Drug Use to Reduce Incarceration
/By Join Together Staff
July 24th, 2014/
The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to decriminalize personal drug use, in order to reduce incarceration, The Huffington Post reports.
In a report on HIV prevention and care, WHO called on nations to work toward developing policies and laws that decriminalize injection and other use of drugs. Countries should decriminalize the use of clean needles and syringes, and permit needle and syringe programs, WHO stated. The organization supports policies that legalize opioid substitution therapy for people who are opioid-dependent.
WHO also urged countries to ban compulsory treatment for people who use and/or inject drugs.
Dr. Andrew Ball, Senior Advisor on Strategy, Policy and Equity in WHO’s Department of HIV, told The Huffington Post the organization recommends decriminalizing personal drug use, not drug cultivation, production and trafficking. He said WHO is not calling for the legalization of drugs worldwide.
“The guidelines recommend decriminalization of a range of behaviors of key populations – not just drug use – on public health grounds, so as to improve access to and utilization of health services, to reduce the likelihood of the adoption of riskier behaviors and to reduce incarceration rates,” he said.
/By Join Together Staff
July 24th, 2014/
The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to decriminalize personal drug use, in order to reduce incarceration, The Huffington Post reports.
In a report on HIV prevention and care, WHO called on nations to work toward developing policies and laws that decriminalize injection and other use of drugs. Countries should decriminalize the use of clean needles and syringes, and permit needle and syringe programs, WHO stated. The organization supports policies that legalize opioid substitution therapy for people who are opioid-dependent.
WHO also urged countries to ban compulsory treatment for people who use and/or inject drugs.
Dr. Andrew Ball, Senior Advisor on Strategy, Policy and Equity in WHO’s Department of HIV, told The Huffington Post the organization recommends decriminalizing personal drug use, not drug cultivation, production and trafficking. He said WHO is not calling for the legalization of drugs worldwide.
“The guidelines recommend decriminalization of a range of behaviors of key populations – not just drug use – on public health grounds, so as to improve access to and utilization of health services, to reduce the likelihood of the adoption of riskier behaviors and to reduce incarceration rates,” he said.
Three-Quarters of Americans Say Don’t Lower the Drinking Age: Poll
/By Join Together Staff
July 24th, 2014/
Three-quarters of Americans say they would oppose legislation to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18, a new Gallup poll finds.
Federal legislation passed in 1984 withheld a portion of federal highway funds from states that did not have a minimum drinking age of 21. A major goal of the law was reducing driving deaths involving young adults, Gallup reports. Before the law was passed, neighboring states often had different minimum drinking ages. This meant those old enough to drive, but not allowed to drink in their own state, would drive to a nearby state with a lower drinking age to buy or consume alcohol.
A review of studies published in February found raising the minimum drinking age to 21 has been associated with a reduced rate of drunk driving crashes among young Americans. The increased legal drinking age has also led to a reduction in other health threats associated with heavy drinking, including unsafe sex, suicide and dating violence.
Some experts have argued that lowering the drinking age and teaching teenagers and young adults to drink responsibly at a young age might help reduce binge drinking. They say lowering the drinking age could reduce the allure of alcohol for those not allowed to drink it.
The poll found that among people who describe themselves as liberal, 34 percent would support lowering the drinking age, compared with 18 percent of those who call themselves conservative. Among those who drink alcohol at least on occasion, 29 percent favor lowering the drinking age, compared with 18 percent of those who never drink. Among those who drink at least weekly, 35 percent would like to see the drinking age lowered.
Younger adults were no more likely than older adults to support a lower drinking age, the poll found.
/By Join Together Staff
July 24th, 2014/
Three-quarters of Americans say they would oppose legislation to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18, a new Gallup poll finds.
Federal legislation passed in 1984 withheld a portion of federal highway funds from states that did not have a minimum drinking age of 21. A major goal of the law was reducing driving deaths involving young adults, Gallup reports. Before the law was passed, neighboring states often had different minimum drinking ages. This meant those old enough to drive, but not allowed to drink in their own state, would drive to a nearby state with a lower drinking age to buy or consume alcohol.
A review of studies published in February found raising the minimum drinking age to 21 has been associated with a reduced rate of drunk driving crashes among young Americans. The increased legal drinking age has also led to a reduction in other health threats associated with heavy drinking, including unsafe sex, suicide and dating violence.
Some experts have argued that lowering the drinking age and teaching teenagers and young adults to drink responsibly at a young age might help reduce binge drinking. They say lowering the drinking age could reduce the allure of alcohol for those not allowed to drink it.
The poll found that among people who describe themselves as liberal, 34 percent would support lowering the drinking age, compared with 18 percent of those who call themselves conservative. Among those who drink alcohol at least on occasion, 29 percent favor lowering the drinking age, compared with 18 percent of those who never drink. Among those who drink at least weekly, 35 percent would like to see the drinking age lowered.
Younger adults were no more likely than older adults to support a lower drinking age, the poll found.
New Painkiller That Combines Oxycodone and Naloxone
Approved by FDA
/By Join Together Staff
July 24th, 2014/
A new painkiller that combines oxycodone and naloxone was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday. Naloxone was included in the drug to block the euphoric effects of oxycodone, making it less appealing to abuse.
The drug, Targiniq ER, is made by Purdue Pharma, which also makes OxyContin, the Los Angeles Times reports. Targiniq ER can be crushed and then snorted or injected. If the pills are crushed, the naloxone becomes active.
“Targiniq ER can still be abused, including when taken orally (by mouth), which is currently the most common way oxycodone is abused,” according to a statement by the FDA. Targiniq is expected to “deter, but not totally prevent” abuse, the FDA said.
“The FDA is committed to combating the misuse and abuse of all opioids,” Sharon Hertz, Deputy Director of the FDA’s Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Addiction Products, said in the statement. “The development of opioids that are harder to abuse is needed in order to help address the public health crisis of prescription drug abuse in the U.S.”
Dr. Andrew Kolodny, President of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing, told the newspaper he is concerned that doctors who believe Targiniq is safe may be more likely to prescribe it than to look for alternatives. “If we really want to turn this epidemic around, the most important thing is to stop creating new cases of addiction,” he said. “Coming up with new gimmicks isn’t going to help.”
Lynn Webster, a pain and addiction specialist and former president of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, said that while abuse-deterrent drugs such as Targiniq are not a good substitute for judicious prescribing, “the obvious alternative is not to have abuse-deterrent formulations, and I don’t know anyone who would find that preferable.”
/By Join Together Staff
July 24th, 2014/
A new painkiller that combines oxycodone and naloxone was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday. Naloxone was included in the drug to block the euphoric effects of oxycodone, making it less appealing to abuse.
The drug, Targiniq ER, is made by Purdue Pharma, which also makes OxyContin, the Los Angeles Times reports. Targiniq ER can be crushed and then snorted or injected. If the pills are crushed, the naloxone becomes active.
“Targiniq ER can still be abused, including when taken orally (by mouth), which is currently the most common way oxycodone is abused,” according to a statement by the FDA. Targiniq is expected to “deter, but not totally prevent” abuse, the FDA said.
“The FDA is committed to combating the misuse and abuse of all opioids,” Sharon Hertz, Deputy Director of the FDA’s Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Addiction Products, said in the statement. “The development of opioids that are harder to abuse is needed in order to help address the public health crisis of prescription drug abuse in the U.S.”
Dr. Andrew Kolodny, President of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing, told the newspaper he is concerned that doctors who believe Targiniq is safe may be more likely to prescribe it than to look for alternatives. “If we really want to turn this epidemic around, the most important thing is to stop creating new cases of addiction,” he said. “Coming up with new gimmicks isn’t going to help.”
Lynn Webster, a pain and addiction specialist and former president of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, said that while abuse-deterrent drugs such as Targiniq are not a good substitute for judicious prescribing, “the obvious alternative is not to have abuse-deterrent formulations, and I don’t know anyone who would find that preferable.”
Thursday, July 24, 2014
JULY 24 CHAPTER 91 v 3 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS
For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease .
STEP 3 - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God
Maybe this verse from Psalms is the reason Bill included God in the twelve steps . Addiction and Alcoholism are just that a trap and a deadly disease . Once an animal is caught in a trap it gets stuck and no matter how hard it struggles it cannot get free . Sounds like addiction too me ! Bill recognized without Gods help your not going to get out . His creation of the 12 steps and assistance from God above has freed millions from the trap . If you want out of the trap recognize your stuck and you need help ! Many die in the trap because they think they can get free without help ! There are millions in the world that know how to get free from the trap , be humble and willing and you will get free.
John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set
you free .
By Joseph Dickerson
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The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids today released new research from the latest Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS), a nationally projectable survey that tracks teen drug and alcohol use and parent attitudes toward substance abuse among teens. The research, sponsored by MetLife Foundation, shows a significant increase – a doubling – in the reported lifetime use of synthetic human growth hormone (hGH) among teens.
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According to the survey, 11 percent of teens in grades 9-12 reported “ever having used” synthetic human growth hormone without a prescription, up dramatically from just 5 percent in 2012.
These findings underscore teens’ growing interest in performance enhancing substances, as well as the need for tighter regulation and more accurate labeling of “fitness-enhancing” over-the-counter products implying they contain synthetic hGH. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Wednesday, July 23, 2014
More Than 46,000 Drug Offenders Eligible for Early Release Under Plan
July 22nd, 2014/
More than 46,000 drug offenders will be eligible for early release from prison, after the U.S. Sentencing Commission voted to reduce terms for low-level drug traffickers who are already incarcerated. The vote was unanimous, NPR reports.
The sentences could be reduced by an average of more than two years, unless Congress stops the plan by November 1.
“This amendment received unanimous support from Commissioners because it is a measured approach,” Judge Patti B. Saris, Chair of the Commission, said in a news release. “It reduces prison costs and populations and responds to statutory and guidelines changes since the drug guidelines were initially developed, while safeguarding public safety.”
Each offender’s petition will be considered individually by federal judges, the article notes. None of them will be released before November 1, 2015.
In April, the Commission voted to reduce the base offense for criminals caught with various amounts of drugs. The new vote makes the reduced sentencing guidelines retroactive for most drug traffickers. In June, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said the new sentencing guidelines will make the federal prison system more fair to minorities, and will reduce taxpayer costs.
FedEx Faces Charges for Delivering Prescription Drugs for Illegal Internet Pharmacies
July 22nd, 2014/
A federal grand jury in San Francisco has indicted FedEx for drug trafficking, USA Todayreports. The company is accused of conspiring to deliver prescription drugs for illegal online pharmacies.
According to the indictment, the shipping company knew for a decade that illegal online pharmacies used their services. “While some Internet pharmacies were managed by well-known pharmacy chains that required valid prescriptions and visits to the patient’s personal physician, others failed to require a prescription before filling orders for controlled substances and prescription drugs,” a U.S. Sentencing Commission news releasestates. “These Internet pharmacies filled orders based solely on the completion of an online questionnaire, without a physical examination, diagnosis, or face-to-face meeting with a physician. Such practices violated federal and state laws governing the distribution of prescription drugs and controlled substances.”
According to prosecutors, government officials warned FedEx at least six times since 2004 that illegal Internet pharmacies used the company to deliver drugs.
FedEx was summoned to federal court in San Francisco for a July 29 hearing. No officers of the company were charged, the article notes.
In a statement, FedEx said it is innocent of the charges. “We’re proud to say that we have partnered with the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, DEA, and other federal, state and local law enforcement teams around the world to help stop illegal drug activity and bring criminals to justice. These efforts include providing assistance to the DEA in combatting rogue internet pharmacies.”
The company said it repeatedly asked the government to provide a list of online pharmacies engaging in illegal activity. “Whenever DEA provides us a list of pharmacies engaging in illegal activity, we will turn off shipping for those companies immediately. So far the government has declined to provide such a list.”
College Students Involved in Alcohol-Related Offenses Often Receive Light Penalties
July 22nd, 2014/
A new study finds U.S. college students involved in alcohol-related offenses and incidents often receive light penalties.
The study of alcohol-related incidents on and off campus at 343 colleges found law officials were not likely to issue citations to students for violation of alcohol laws, according toHealthDay. Instead of being charged and having to appear in court, students often were referred to university officials for discipline. Students were generally not referred to a campus health center for alcohol screening or intervention. The college rarely contacted parents.
The study authors suggest minor consequences for drinking may contribute to binge drinking among college students. Lead researcher Toben F. Nelson of the University of Minnesota said factors that appear to contribute to higher rates of binge drinking among college students include easy availability of alcohol in bars and liquor stores, fraternity houses and college-rental houses that serve alcohol at parties – especially to underage students, cheap drink specials, low alcohol taxes and heavy marketing of alcohol.
In a news release, Nelson added, “a student social life that emphasizes drinking – such as fraternity and sorority life, and spectator rather than participatory collegiate athletics – create an environment where binge drinking is a normative and expected part of college life.”
The study appears in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. It is the first such study to examine enforcement actions for alcohol laws by campus police and security agencies in a large, nationally representative sample of colleges, according to Nelson.
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Tuesday, July 22, 2014
JULY 22 Chp 27 v 10 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS
Even if my Father and Mother abandon me , the Lord will hold me close .
STEP 4 - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves .
Working step four is going to reveal a lot of pain and very possible the root cause of your addictions . Addiction can separate us from the very ones who brought us into this world and we cannot hold it against them . Abandon is what we feel all alone too face the horrors of our addictions . People can only take so much abuse and that is what we deliver on a regular basis . The good news is we are not alone through steps 1 through 12 we have found our creator but He is much , much , more than that ! He is a loving father that whispers guidance to our hearts , He supernaturally sends comfort and takes away our sadness . I could never find enough paper to write down all God does ! Be fearless when working those steps and realize your not alone even if you are separated from your loved ones at this moment . Talk to God about everything ,work the steps with Him , He already knows everything , He is waiting for you to share , so He can release you from the fear , sadness , guilt , regret , resentment , unforgiveness , and shame . If you don't let it out and let it go then you will remain trapped , give it too God and get free .
1 Peter 5:6-7 (KJV) Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you
By Joseph Dickerson
Petition Update
Joseph Fed Up Coalition just posted an update on the petition you signed:
MOMENTUM IS BUILDING FOR FED UP! RALLY IN WASHINGTON!
Fed Up Coalition Jul 22, 201 Remember to
Sent to recoveryfriends@gmail.com. You received this email because you signed "Reconsider Approval of Dangerous New Opioid Zohydro." To stop news updates from this petition, you may unsubscribe here.
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register for the FED UP! Rally and March to the White House on September 28th, 2014. A reception will be held at the Washington National Press Club the evening prior,...
Sunday, July 20, 2014
JULY 20 Chp 69 v 20 TWELVE STEPPING WIT STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS
Their insults have broken my heart , and I am in despair .If only one person would show some pity ;
if only one would turn and comfort me .
Step 1 - We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable.
Fear , anger , and insecurity were the roots of my addiction . Let me try and explain ! First of all the verse from the Psalm is where I found myself .Thirty years of my life were spent in a dungeon of despair ! My childhood was developed by negative words and sexual abuse delivered to me by an older cousin . From the age of ten the seeds of anger and fear were planted and the icing on my cake of life was the constant fear of failure . The fear of failure came from the constantly being told I was going to fail , so my mindset became why try , I'm a screw-up ! Paralyzed is how I spent most of my young life . Then I discovered Alcohol and now I don't have to be afraid anymore . Alcohol mixed with pills was my new me , and no one was gonna make me afraid anymore , I can do anything and not worry about failure because my homemade medicine helped me not give a crap . As time went on living this way I became weighed down with guilt , regret , resentment and disgust . Who the hell am I and what have I become . I could go on for hours trying to describe my own personal private hell ! In my dungeon of despair way back in the corner I noticed a shadow as I moved closer to it , I noticed a set of steps and at the top of the steps the sun is shining . Now all I have to do is silence all the negative voices in my head and lift my leg and take that first step. As I began to use those steps I discovered that my chains began to fall off ! By Gods grace and those Steps I am free , unafraid , living my life to the max !
JAMES 3 ; 8 - But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
By Joseph Dickerson
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Joey’s Story
Joseph Michael Lavin was born on August 26, 1986 in Newton, among the rolling hills of Sussex County, New Jersey. He spent his entire childhood in Wantage, N.J. and was one of six children, second to the youngest. He suffered from clinical depression from the tender age of 8 years old. He was on medication when he entered high school but it did not eliminate all of his symptoms. Joe was about 16 when he took his first drink and he discovered that alcohol did eliminate all symptoms of depression. He had said he was hooked the first time he drank because he finally felt happy and it had given him the ability to be himself. It wasn’t until his addiction took hold did he realize the price he would pay for those artificial moments of temporary relief. Joe attended Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta NJ for almost three years of his high school education. He transferred to High Point Regional in Wantage when his addiction to alcohol became evident. He was 17 years old when alcoholism became his second diagnosis.
Joe was unusual in that he always wanted help and was willing to accept any treatment recommended to him. He attended a program at Sunrise House in Lafayette when he was a senior at High Point High School. Joe was always grateful for that experience as he learned so much about himself, his depression and its effect on his childhood and his feelings of loneliness and isolation. Due to his depression, Joe did not feel the love of his family or his friends past the age of the onset of the disorder. His experience at Sunrise House changed that for him and he ultimately formed very close relationships with each member of his family.
For nearly seven years, Joey valiantly fought this disease with every fiber of his being. In September of 2008, he was in a car accident that made him realize he had to leave Sussex County if he wanted to remain sober. In early October, he admitted himself to Sunrise House for the second time in 4 years. After completing the 28 days, Joey moved to Boca Raton, Florida to start a new life, a sober life. He secured a position at Fedex Office in Boca Raton, acquired his own apartment and discovered the love of his life, all in his first year. Joe managed to stay sober for the majority of that first year in Florida. He began to relapse in November of 2009. To complicate his addiction further, Joe would take any drug available once he was under the influence of alcohol. He had lost all impulse control once alcohol was in his system.
On March 19, 2010 Joe entered a rehab in Deerfield Beach, Florida. His stay lasted 40 days. When he was informed that he would be discharged on April 26th, Joey was panic-stricken. He did not feel that he was ready to be on his own yet and requested a little more time. That time was not afforded to him as his insurance company would not cover any further in-patient care. Joey was discharged and dropped back at his apartment on the evening of April 26, 2010. By 9 pm on April 27th, Joe had relapsed. He called home the following day requesting advice. As advised, he returned to the rehab seeking assistance. Joe was still extremely intoxicated when he arrived at the rehab center. He was transported to a detox center as his alcohol level was so very high. That evening, he was dropped back home to his apartment. On April 29th, Joe called the rehab and asked if he could sign himself into the 6 month in-patient program. He was willing to give up his job, his apartment, anything to get well. Sadly, he was turned away due to lack of insurance coverage. Joseph Michael Lavin passed away 64 days later on July 2, 2010. The cause of death was determined to be acute alcohol intoxication coupled with the interaction of the consumption of oxycodone tablets. No one wanted help more than Joe yet he was denied the help and care he so desperately needed. Joey’s story is a compelling one that needs to be told in order to effect change for so many others like him!
Joe’s life was abruptly cut short but he led a substantive one. All who truly knew Joe would attest to his character. He was the personification of integrity, honesty, and loyalty. He possessed a phenomenal work ethic. His family was awed by the response to Joe’s passing by all who loved him here in New Jersey. If you were fortunate enough to be his friend, you knew you had found a “true” one.
Joey was not a saint. He was a flawed individual as we all are but he left a positive impact on so many people in his 23 years of life. He is loved and missed by hundreds who knew him. Joe was known for his passion for life, his giant heart, his warm sense of humor, and his contagious laughter. Above all, he was a loyal friend, hard worker, and a young man who loved and cherished his family.
Addiction is a very treatable disease and every person who seeks to be well, deserves the opportunity to obtain treatment.
www.joeylavinfoundation.org
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