Philadelphia Decriminalizes It

Those possessing 30 grams or less in the City of Brotherly Love will get nothing more than a $25 fine.

Mayor Nutter signing the bill. Photo via

By Shawn Dwyer

10/02/14

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It's official. Philadelphia has become the largest city in the United States to formally decriminalize possession for small amounts of marijuana.

On Wednesday, Mayor Michael Nutter signed legislation that lowers the possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana to a civil offense. Those possessing that amount will be fined $25, while those caught smoking pot in public will pay $100 or be made to perform community service.

But according to police, anyone who is caught selling or distributing weed, in possession of more than 30 grams, or not providing proper identification will still be subject to arrest.

Up to this point, Philadelphia punished all marijuana possessionwith at least a $200 fine, a drug treatment course, and worst of all, an arrest record.

"This comes at a time when many other jurisdictions are re-examining their approach to marijuana law enforcement," the mayor's officetweeted.

The city also announced that it would "teach students to resist all drugs, alcohol & tobacco" through the school district's LifeSkills training program. The mayor also signed an executive order that would provide funds to Community Legal Services to allow former convicts to have their criminal records expunged.

The new law will take effect on Oct. 20. Hopefully the city will next get to work on reforming their draconian seizure laws.

Daily Quote

"You can become blind by seeing each day as a similar one. Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own. It's just a matter of paying attention to this miracle." - Paolo Coehlo

Today's Online Meetings

AA Meeting - 8:00 pm CST: "Big Book Study"

Guest Speaker - 1:00 pm CST: "The Big Book and Mike J"

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Desmond Tutu

Dear Addict's Mom Family,

I would really appreciate it if you would attend The Addict's Mom Live Online Video Meeting Tonight on In the Rooms at 7:00pm EST.

To sign up all you do it go to www.intherooms.com and create an account for f.ree. Then you just sign in tonight around 6:55pm EST and you will see a link to The Addict's Mom Online Meeting. Just Click on the link. You can remain anonymous or not.

I believe this is an important venue for the Addict's Mom and your participation would be greatly appreciated. Our goal is to have as many venues that will have us, so we can increase our members, which will increase our participation and certainly increase our ability to create change. Which is so desperately needed...

Not to repeat myself but honestly our children are dying every day, or being locked up in a cruel and inhumane criminal justice system.

I need your help and participation so we can build upon our relationship with In the Rooms which is one of the most wonderful resources for those whose lives have been touched by addiction.

Honestly I cannot do this myself...I know you got my back...I love you all and want you to know that without your help there would be no Addict's Mom with the deepest appreciation...Barbara

Visit The Addict's Mom at: http://addictsmom.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

CELEBRATING 48 YEARS OF ADDICTION TREAMENT & RECOVERY The deadline for ticket purchases to the event of the year is just around the corner! Join us as we commemorate Livengrin's 48th Anniversary with a gala celebration benefitting the First Responders Addiction Treatment Program (FRAT). This year's guest of honor is the 75th US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.  Learn More. Timothy Geithner As the 75th United States Secretary of the Treasury, Timothy Geithner played a central role in formulating U.S. domestic and international economic policy during President Barack Obama's first term. He was a principal architect of the president's strategy to avert economic collapse and to reform the financial system, while also tackling a broad set of international economic challenges. Read More. The First Responders Addiction Treatment Program treats alcoholism and other dependencies, as well as trauma and PTSD. We understand what you've been through and there is hope. Whether you are active duty or retired, FRAT can help. With an active-duty officer at the helm, FRAT helps First Responders get back on their feet. You can conquer addiction and return to family and community as a respected professional with this treatment program that serves the particular needs of First Responders and combat veterans.   Learn More. Sponsorship & Advertising To advertise in the Tribute Journal and for more information regarding sponsorship, download the Reply Card. Click here.  Discounted Price for 2 Tickets $300 Click Here to Purchase Tickets When Thursday, October 30, 2014 VIP & General Receptions at 6:30PM Dinner at 7:15PM Where Northampton Valley Country Club 10 Harmony Dr. Richboro, PA 18954 Quick Links Directions Sponsors Contact More Info Scott F. Blacker Vice President for Development Livengrin Foundation 4833 Hulmeville Road Bensalem, PA 19020 215.638.5200 ext. 207 sblacker@livengrin.org Stay Connected

Survey: People Have More Negative Opinions About Drug Addiction Than Mental Illness

/By Join Together Staff

October 2nd, 2014/

A national survey finds Americans are significantly more likely to have a negative attitude about drug addiction than mental illness. 

“While drug addiction and mental illness are both chronic, treatable health conditions, the American public is more likely to think of addiction as a moral failing than a medical condition,” said study leader Colleen L. Barry, Ph.D. of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “In recent years, it has become more socially acceptable to talk publicly about one’s struggles with mental illness. But with addiction, the feeling is that the addict is a bad or weak person, especially because much drug use is illegal.” 

The survey included a nationally representative sample of 709 participants who were asked about their attitudes toward either mental illness or drug addiction, Newswise reports. 

The survey found 22 percent of respondents said they would be willing to work closely on the job with a person with a drug addiction, compared with 62 percent who said they would be willing to work with a person with mental illness. Sixty-four percent said employers should be able to deny employment to people with a drug addiction, compared with 25 percent who said the same about a person with a mental illness. Forty-three percent said they opposed giving people with a drug addiction equivalent health insurance benefits to the public at large, compared with 21 percent who opposed giving the same benefits to people with mental illness. 

The findings are published in the journal Psychiatric Services. 

“The more shame associated with drug addiction, the less likely we as a community will be in a position to change attitudes and get people the help they need,” study co-author Beth McGinty, Ph.D. said in a news release. “If you can educate the public that these are treatable conditions, we will see higher levels of support for policy changes that benefit people with mental illness and drug addiction.”

October 2 Chp 33 v 13 v 14 v 15 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS

The lord looks down from Heaven and he sees the whole human race.

From His throne He observes all who live on the earth.

He made their hearts , so He understands everything they do .(Gods Big Book) 

STEP 2 - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

God understands everything we do .What a powerful statement ! GOD sees us and is constantly watching over us ! When I was wondering in the wilderness of my various addictions , desperately seeking happiness and fulfillment , my response to this statement would have been that's creepy . Now this statement brings an unexplained peace and comfort .God understands every aspect of your life ! When I was wandering in my wilderness God was watching over me ! All those times I took it right too the edge of a cliff GOD was with me. All those nights I cried myself to sleep GOD was sitting by my bedside . Those nights where I was in a place I should not have been , consumed with fear , I was gonna get caught up in something I would not be able to get out of , God was there . The million times I hit my knees and prayed to God to get me out of this one and I will never do it again . I lied and GOD knew but GOD was with me anyway . Finally everything we do , not some things , everything . GOD is with you every minute of everyday you cant see God or hear GOD if you keep listening and looking to the world for the answer .

Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. (Gods Big Book)

By Joseph Dickerson

Risk of Opioid Overdose, Addiction Outweighs Benefits in Many Cases: Neurologists

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

September 30th, 2014/

The risk of death, overdose and addiction from prescription opioids outweighs the benefits in treating headache, chronic low back pain and other non-cancer conditions, according to a new position paper from the American Academy of Neurology.

The doctors’ group says research shows that half of patients who take opioids for at least three months are still on them five years later, HealthDay reports.

“Whereas there is evidence for significant short-term pain relief, there is no substantial evidence for maintenance of pain relief or improved function over long periods of time without incurring serious risk of overdose, dependence, or addiction,” the statement noted.

“More than 100,000 people have died from prescription opioid use since policies changed in the late 1990s to allow much more liberal long-term use,” Dr. Gary Franklin of the University of Washington in Seattle said in an academy news release. “There have been more deaths from prescription opioids in the most vulnerable young to middle-aged groups than from firearms and car accidents,” he added. “Doctors, states, institutions and patients need to work together to stop this epidemic.”

The group advises doctors to consult with a pain management specialist if a patient’s daily opioid dose reaches 80 milligrams to 120 milligrams, especially if the patient isn’t showing a major reduction in pain levels and improvement in physical function. The statement outlines a number of steps doctors can take to prescribe opioids more safely and effectively. These include creating an opioid treatment agreement, screening for current or past drug abuse, screening for depression and using random urine drug screenings.

New Drug and Alcohol Regulations for Railroad Maintenance Workers Delayed

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

September 30th, 2014/

The Federal Railroad Administration (FDA) has delayed implementing new alcohol and drug regulations for railroad maintenance workers. It is extending the comment period at the request of industry groups, The Hill reports.

Some railroad employees, including engineers, conductors and dispatchers, have long been subject to drug and alcohol regulations. The new rules would expand to include track workers, the article notes. Under the regulations, track workers would be subject to random drug testing. They could be tested before employment, after accidents or in cases in which there is reasonable suspicion of drug use.

“(Track workers) directly affect the safety of railroad operations, because they work on or near railroad tracks, operate on-track or fouling equipment and assist in directing trains through work areas,” the agency wrote.

The delay was requested by American Public Transportation Association, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, the Association of American Railroads and the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association. The public comment period has been extended to November 25.

In 2012, a report by the Amtrak Inspector’s office found a growing number of Amtrak employees were testing positive for drugs and alcohol, increasing the risk of a serious railroad accident. The report stated that drug and alcohol use by conductors, mechanics and engineers who operate the trains greatly exceeds the national average for the railroad industry. Amtrak’s signal operators and mechanics tested positive for drugs four times as frequently as those working for other railroads. Cocaine and marijuana are the most frequently used drugs.

The report recommended that Amtrak test a larger percentage of its workers and expand its program for physical observation.

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.                                                   and           Pennsylvania Recovery Organization --      Achieving Community Together (PRO-ACT)  Recovery in Our Communities September 30, 2014      Like us on Facebook                                   www.councilsepa.org                       Follow us on Twitter   Information and Recovery Support Line 24/7: 800-221-6333 Coming together is a beginning.  Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. HENRY FORD GOVERNOR CORBETT TO SIGN OD LAW TODAY Will Save Lives and Affirm Dignity  of Persons In Need of Recovery  On September 24, 2014, the PA Legislator unanimously passed a bill providing for two important protections against OD deaths:  "Good Samaritan" immunity and naloxone access for first responders.  This afternoon Governor Corbett is scheduled to sign this bill into law.  Read a summary of SB 1164.   To our Legislators, Governor and all those in the Recovery Community who supported passage of SB 1164, we say thank you.  This law affirms the dignity of every individual who suffers from the terrible disease of addiction.       CALL TO ACTION  Thank Your PA Legislator  Please take a few moments to contact your state representative and the Governor's Office to thank them for passing SB 1164.  Take this opportunity to support recovery and recognize an important milestone in Pennsylvania's legislative and recovery history.   Email the Governor and  Find your legislator. UNGUARDED Chris Herren to Speak at Conestoga High School Tomorrow Parents and middle school students are invited to a Community presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 1st at 7:00pm, where Chris Herren shares his story of addiction and recovery in the hope of convincing others to start making the right choices. Chris will also speak at a student assembly, which is closed to the public.  Event information. Upcoming Events Oct. 17th: Meet The Council Open House, 8 - 9 am at 252 West Swamp Road, Bailiwick Office Campus, Unit 12, Doylestown, PA 18901 VOLUNTEER FOR PRO-ACT AND GET INVOLVED!!        Phila. Training Center, 444 N. 3rd St      Contact John Phila Rec. Center, 1701 W. Lehigh        Contact She-Ria C.Bucks Rec Center, Doylestown          Contact Rick S. Bucks Rec.Center, Bristol                  Contact Karen Employment Opportunities: Please click here

DONATE Donations help us to reduce the impact of addiction for more individuals and families. The Council is a 501(c)(3) organization.

CALENDAR LISTING: 

“Expanding Your Recovery Toolkit” Workshop Oct. 21 in Doylestown

Free monthly workshop series for individuals and families with a current or pastdrug/alcohol addiction issue. Next session meets Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc., 252 W. Swamp Rd., Unit 12, Doylestown, Pa. Featuring presentation on “Thinking S.M.A.R.T. in Recovery,” with two keynote speakers and group discussion period led by the program’s new facilitators, Billy McFadden and Steve Osborne. Refreshments. To register, call 215-345-6644, ext. 3151 or emailRPetrolawicz@councilsepa.org.

September 30 Chapter 41 v 7 v 8 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS

All who hate me whisper about me ,imagining the worst ."He has some fatal disease,"they say "He will never get out of that bed!" Source : ( Gods big Book )

Step 5 - Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

My first couple of weeks of sobriety placed me in a holding cell . Isolation was my way of staying safe and holding onto my first couple of days of sobriety for dear life . The verse from the psalm was describing to perfection what I kept repeating in my head. The voices of self hounded me relentlessly . I know now my biggest enemy was me. . I fed my inner demon for sixteen years . Isolation at this point in my life was a path of self discovery and examination.I remember laying in a ball for twenty four hours or more it felt like a year .Death in my mind was coming the pain was excruciating the tears and the sweat poured from body like a river . Guilt discouragement fear and shame kept me down and I had nothing left . Life at this point was ending or at least the one I was living . Somewhere in my isolation I discovered freedom .If only I could get up and get out of this awful place .

Galatians 5 :1

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

byJoseph Dickerson

REHABILITATION NOT INCARCERATION

As my son and many of yours sit in jail without treatment, I can't help but think we need change, there has to be a better way. I hope you wear this shirt proudly....our voices must be heard. We need our help for our children, I don't believe jail is the answer especially if there are no programs to support them while they are incarcerated.

REHABILITIATION NOT INCARCERATION - To purchase yours go to http://www.teespring.com/addictsmom1

Much love to all addict's moms and their families...Barbara

Visit The Addict's Mom at: http://addictsmom.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network