December 16, 2014  |  That Was The Week That Was  |  Volume 2., No. 17

Writers in Treatment REEL Recovery Film Festival Addiction/Recovery eBulletin Website

FREE Brain Adjustment- 12/17 @7PM CST Learn How to Rein in Your Impulses    Standing Still in the Moment Wednesday, December 17, 2014 7-8 PM CST Join us for a free webinar where author of Rein In Your Brain,Cynthia Moreno Tuohy, will dig into big idea one in her new book on how to move from impulsivity to thoughtful living. Key discussion points:     * Understanding why we react to things uniquely     * A brief lesson in neuroscience     * Importance of standing still in the moment     * Understanding conflict styles     * Six steps to become more collaborative CONTINUED @ Hazelden.org   Recovering in the Limelight Elizabeth Vargas Leans on Co-worker Through Early Sobriety & Divorce Vargas earlier this year completed a second stint in rehab for alcohol addiction and is back at work at ABC's "20/20." Meanwhile, she is going through a divorce with her husband of 12 years, "Walking in Memphis" songwriter Cohn. Cohn says, "Addiction and recovery are serious challenges, and it's been a tough road for all of us ... I have been supportive of Elizabeth in the past - and will continue to be - regardless of the longstanding issues in our relationship." CONTINUED @ PageSix.com

Eggnog with No Chaser Tips For a Sober Holiday Season    "It's estimated that 18 million Americans have [an] existing alcohol use disorder and more than 38 million binge drink, which for men is five or more drinks in two hours and four for women. Celebrating with alcohol is an acceptable social activity and a time-honored holiday tradition," he said. "For a person struggling with alcohol dependency or one who may binge drink to overcome anxiety, it is a confusing message. Recognizing that you or a loved one has a problem and making a plan is the best first step. After that, build a program that will work for you." CONTINUED @ Easton Courier Drinking Kills More Than Just Alcoholics "Most people who die from liver disease AREN'T alcoholics - they just drink nearly every day" * I am the sort of guy who could die from liver disease. And possibly so are you. * The reason? I just love a drink. I don't self-medicate or blot out, I drink to enhance life. I scoff at talk like 'I don't like the taste' or 'It's empty calories'. * I love that thirst-shattering beer at the end of the working day. * Alcohol isn't a crutch for me, it's a pogo stick. * I suppose some might take issue with my phrase 'a drink'. CONTINUED @ Daily Mail

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Euphoria Sells Patients Use Excessive Amounts of Narcotic Painkillers For Longer    While a major public health campaign has had some success in reducing the number of people who take potentially addictive narcotic painkillers, those patients who are prescribed the drugs are getting more of them for a longer time.  Overdoses involving prescription drugs are a leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and opioid painkillers play a role in about 70 percent of such cases, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Opioid overdoses led to 16,000 deaths in 2012, the agency said. CONTINUED @ NY TIMES   From Tweeting to Tuinals Social Media Could Be Addictive, Associated with Substance Abuse A new study suggests that social media could be  addictive and could be tied to impulse control disorders. University at Albany-SUNY psychologist Julia Hormes recently led a team of researchers to examine the addictive nature of social media and Facebook in particular. Those meeting the criteria for "disordered social networking use" noted having problems with emotion regulation, including poor impulse control. CONTINUED @ wggb.com

MILESTONES RANCH MALIBU SUMMER HOUSE DETOX

Sometimes It's Takes Two Demi Lovato Says Wilmer Valderrama Helped Her Avoid Returning To Rehab  Getting honest and frank about things, Demi said that she'd slipped into old habits again. "It was difficult. I almost went back to rehab for my eating disorder last summer. I was obsessing over food and terrified of it at the same time," she explained.  "Wilmer noticed and called me out on it, which was a relief. I was done being afraid of food and so tired of overeating and not knowing why I did it." CONTINUED @ SugarScape.com  Sweetness Comes In Many Forms Kick Sugar Addiction and Enjoy the Holidays Sugar is addictive, as it stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain, making people want more and more of it. Research has found that sugar is actually more addictive than alcohol or cocaine. Sugar is sugar, whether you are eating it or drinking it. If you have compulsive overeating issues, this can become an issue - especially during the holidays when goodies with sugar are everywhere! - Rather than a soda, have a nice Perrier.- Instead of grabbing a piece of fudge or caramel corn, have deviled eggs, veggies and dip. CONTINUED @ CBS News

STICK WITH THE WINNERS! Call BRIDGES TO RECOVERY

Treatment Industry Appreciates Investors Pour Money Into Rehab Centers As Health Reform Increases Coverage  There are more than 14,500 specialized drug treatment facilities in the United States providing care for substance use disorders, Reuters reports. Currently the industry is very fragmented, with even the largest operators owning no more than several dozen treatment centers. The average facility has no more than 150 beds. Investors are eager to consolidate facilities to increase efficiencies of scale and profits. CONTINUED @ drugfree.org  Sticking With The Winners Akeela House Celebrates 40 Years Of Successful Sobriety Treatments The Akeela House in Anchorage turned 40 this year. It's one of Anchorage's oldest substance use treatment facilities. Now it has programs in communities and prisons across the state. Ron Greene graduated from the Akeela House residential treatment facility in the late 80s.  "It was crazy in those days. Sleep deprivation that kept us up for days on days end. We did just some crazy things that I know they're not allowed to do nowadays. But in those days they did them." CONTINUED @ Alaska Public Media

AUTHENTIC RECOVERY CENTER HIS HOUSE

Deadly At Any Amount Baby Dies After Drinking Liquid Nicotine    The Fort Plain, NY kid was rushed to a hospital in Little Falls, New York., after he was discovered lethargic at a home. Police are calling the event a "tragic accident" and haven't said if the nicotine was linked with an e-cigarette gadget. Liquid nicotine can be fatal for kids in dosages as little as a teaspoon. Poison Control centers said in an announcement today "One teaspoon of fluid nicotine could be deadly to a kid, and small doses can result in extreme sickness, frequently obliging trips to the hospital." CONTINUED @ Daily Mail  Technology Can Help? DUI App Aims To Prevent Drunk Driving A new app, called ENDUI-as in "End-DUI"-recently came out in Maryland. Funded with federal dollars, the app is designed to prevent people from driving drunk by acting as an intermediary to demonstrate partiers are too inebriated to get behind the wheel. CONTINUED @ Pioneer News

Double-Edged Drug? Addicts Buying Suboxone On The Street    All Chris Evers knew was he wanted to get clean. By the time he embraced that thought, it was 2011, and the court already had sent Evers to treatment three times instead of prison. Evers decided he wanted to try Suboxone, a drug used to aid treatment of opiate addiction, but couldn't afford it legally. So he began buying it illegally on the streets. "I'm not so sure we've accomplished anything," Donini said earlier this year, noting pain clinics have been replaced by Suboxone clinics. "It seems like all the money and resources being pumped into drug addiction, they're fighting drugs with drugs. I don't think they're solving the issue. " CONTINUED @ Mansfield News Journal   Sedation Nation Opiate Addiction Rises to Level of Alcoholism Opiate addiction has grown to be on par with alcoholism. At least that's what the picture shows when looking at diagnoses of people who received publicly funded treatment in fiscal year 2013, the most recent statewide data available. Of more than 87,000 clients treated for addiction, 33 percent received alcohol addiction services and 32 percent received opiate addiction services; the latter figure is up from 28 percent in 2012 and more than twice as many as in 2008. CONTINUED @ Mansfield News

Sometimes A Great Notion Hooked On Failure    4-part series examines Oregon's addiction treatment system by Les Zaitz. A months-long investigation by The Oregonian discovered troubling failures in Oregon's addiction treatment system. Substance abusers are paying the price - and so are Oregonians who continue to be their victims. The estimated annual cost to taxpayers: $6 billion. Audry Hall, a working mom in Medford, has finally escaped "that little demon in my head" - her addiction to methamphetamine. Her story makes a person shudder. She was a straight A, two-sport student until age 13, when she became hooked. A long struggle, jail time and repeated treatment followed and finally took hold. CONTINUED @ Oregon Live  I'll Bet He's Wrong Mark Wahlberg: Gaming Addiction Isn't a Disease "It's less a story of addiction - and is actually more the story of a guy who's really in control of his life, but in so many ways, he's just made a choice to use gambling as a means of escape," explained director Rupert Wyatt. In the original crime drama, set in New York and starring James Caan, "it was all about the thrill, he didn't feel like he was alive unless he was in the game, win or lose," Wahlberg told The Hollywood Reporter. CONTINUED @ Hollywood Reporter

Experience, Strength & Hope Awards  6th Annual Experience, Strength and Hope Award Show Honoring Joe Pantoliano  Joe Pantoliano has more than 100 film, television and stage credits to his name, including and Emmy for The Sopranos. His newest book is Asylum, his deeply moving and inspiring memoir. HOST: Ed Begley Jr.COMEDIAN: Mark Lundholm and special guests.  Feb. 26  in Los Angeles. FOR MORE INFORMATION   WRITERS IN TREATMENT Writers In Treatment  501(c)(3) nonprofit REEL RECOVERY FILM FESTIVAL is a social, educational, networking and recovery forum showcasing first-time filmmakers and experienced professionals who make films about addiction and recovery. Our audience is treatment professionals, people in recovery, members of the entertainment industry, media representatives, educated moviegoers and the general public.    Addiction/Recovery eBulletin Publisher & Editor:   Leonard Buschel

Covering Your Bases Alcohol Dependence & Alcohol Abuse: Best result, Combination of Treatment & AA    "The best 'formula' for recovery is the combination of 12-step programs and treatment, and medication if indicated. This has been shown to have the best results for recovery." "Consequences of excessive and underage drinking affect virtually all college campuses, college communities, and college students, whether they choose to drink or not." About 25 percent of college students report having academic issues that relate to their drinking including: "missing class, falling behind, doing poorly on exams or papers, and receiving lower grades overall." CONTINUED @ Examiner.com  Poker and a Peace Pipe Indian Tribes May Legalize Marijuana Will marijuana be as legal as poker chips on Native American tribal lands in Florida? That is the question being asked after the U.S. Justice Department published a memo directing federal prosecutors nationwide to allow tribes to cultivate and grow marijuana on their sovereign lands without fear of federal harassment. Experts say the proposal opens the door for Native Americans across the country to capitalize on the lucrative new industry much in the way the tribes began selling cigarettes and opening casinos. CONTINUED @ Tampa Bay Times

California Dreaming Prop. 47 May Keep Addicts From Using Drug Court's Treatment Program    A woman with pink highlights in long, blond hair leaned onto a lectern at the front of the courtroom and smiled at her father in the front row. He was crying. She told the packed courtroom that for the first time since she was 13, her life wasn't run by meth and cocaine. Later came a middle-aged man with close-cropped hair who said he'd finally learned to stop hating everyone he knew, including himself. Another man cried as he explained a recent realization: His life wouldn't end with an overdose. CONTINUED @ LA Times   Fate and Destiny The Case for Allowing the Homeless to Drink Living on the cold streets of Seattle-decades after a war left his body 70 percent disabled-John would have never thought of himself as a role model. He wasn't just an alcoholic. He was the type who was so committed that he'd earned a reputation around town. After drinking for 25 years on the Seattle streets, alcohol had consumed his life. He'd survived Vietnam, but it seemed that he might wind up losing his life to the bottle. CONTINUED @ PSMag.com

	Dear Joseph, My son, now 25, first started using drugs when he was 16. His addiction took our family on a rollercoaster ride. Life in our home was beyond a nightmare, and I kept wondering how this had happened to us. Having an addict in the family wasn’t on my list of life goals. Yet here I was, caught in the middle of a living hell. At times, I felt alone; like no one else could understand the turmoil that my family faced. I decided to share my story with the Partnership and their online community. I immediately found that talking to the people there about my son’s addiction, and learning that others had been there too, was incredibly therapeutic. It helped us cope and heal. The community has responded to my story with encouragement, support and hope. Most importantly, I learned one very important thing: I am not alone. Just like the millions of others facing addiction, there are so many people out there who have been there and understand. The Partnership is able to provide this support service thanks to generous donations from people like you. Your gift this holiday season will help sustain this invaluable community for others facing addiction. My son, now in recovery, is finally in a good place. And thanks to the Partnership's support on this journey, we are in a better place too. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today.   Dean Dauphinais Father of Son in Recovery
We're here to help. Call our Parents Toll-Free Helpline 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373)            DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. Messages sent to this email address are not read. If you have a question or comment, please use our interactive online help system. Subscribe to our RSS feeds. To prevent mailbox filters from deleting mailings from Drugfree.org, add thepartnership@drugfree.org to your address book. Partnership for Drug-Free Kids | 352 Park Avenue South | Ninth Floor | New York, NY 10010 unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences | view email in browser

Blackouts Common Among Teens Who Drink: Study

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

December 17th, 2014/

Among teens who drink, 90 percent have blacked out after drinking at least once by the time they reached age 19, according to a new study of British adolescents. Teens who black out after drinking are more likely to be female.

When a person blacks out, they appear to be awake, alert and intoxicated, but they have no memory of what has happened. At high enough doses, alcohol impairs the acquisition of memory.

Females are more likely to black out because they weigh less and have less body water to dilute the alcohol, the researchers noted. The study included 1,402 teens ages 15 to 19 who drank. Other risk factors for blacking out after drinking included smoking, having sensation-seeking and impulsive behaviors, lacking conscientiousness and having friends who also drank or used other substances, Time reports.

The findings appear in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.

“It’s not as if a blackout in these kids was an isolated phenomenon,” said lead researcher Marc Schuckit, professor of psychiatry at the University of California San Diego. “Blackouts are unfortunately often considered to be a funny thing as opposed to dangerous. I am not sure the average person realizes the dangers associated with blackouts.”

In a press release, he noted, “Someone who has had a blackout cannot remember part of their drinking episode. As you can imagine, blackouts are likely to occur when the drinker is vulnerable to a range of additional dangerous consequences. Women might have unprotected sex, place themselves in a situation where they can be raped, or not be fully capable of protecting themselves. Men can get into fights, use very bad judgment regarding another person, and are often the driver when BACs (blood alcohol concentrations) associated with blackouts can lead to a car accident. Blackouts are very dangerous for both men and women.”

States With More Traffic Stops and DUI Arrests Have Fewer Drunk Drivers

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

December 17th, 2014/

States that have a greater number of random traffic stops and a higher number of DUI arrests have a lower rate of drunk driving, a new study concludes.

The study looked at almost 6,900 weekend nighttime drivers in 30 communities who were stopped and screened for blood alcohol levels.

“Hardly any new laws are being passed regarding drinking and driving,” said study lead author James Fell, a senior research scientist with the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation in Calverton, Maryland. “So we think the best strategy for making progress on reducing impaired driving could be better enforcement of the laws we already have.”

The study is published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.

“The public notices police cars on the side of the road issuing citations or arresting drivers for DUI,” Fell said in a news release. “That serves as a general deterrent and increases their perceived risk of being caught driving impaired.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 10,076 people died in crashes involving a drunk driver in 2013 — one death every 52 minutes.

“People only change their behavior when they think they’re going to get caught,” Kara Macek, a spokeswoman for the Governors Highway Safety Association in Washington, D.C., told HealthDay. “When it comes to drunk driving you need to use the stick more than the carrot.”

Study Finds Meth Users Three Times More Likely to Get Parkinson’s

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

December 17th, 2014/

A new study finds people who use methamphetamine are three times more likely than those who do not use illicit drugs to develop Parkinson’s disease.

Methamphetamine use is associated with a number of serious health issues including severe dental problems, convulsions, changes in brain structure, strokes, heart attack and death.

The new study, by researchers at the University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare, found women who use meth may be almost five times as likely to develop Parkinson’s compared with women who do not use drugs, according to MedicalXpress.

“Typically, fewer females use meth than males do,” study senior author Glen R. Hanson, D.D.S., Ph.D., noted in a press release. “Even though women are less likely to use it, there appears to be a gender bias toward women in the association between meth use and Parkinson’s.”

The researchers reviewed more than 40,000 records in the Utah Population Database, which provides genealogical, medical and government-provided information on Utah families. They looked at medical records of almost 5,000 people whose health records indicated they had used meth, more than 1,800 people who had used cocaine, and more than 34,000 people whose health records showed no illicit drug use.

The study found people who used cocaine were not at increased risk for Parkinson’s. “We feel comfortable that it’s just the meth causing the risk for Parkinson’s, and not other drugs or a combination of meth and other drugs,” Hanson said in a news release.

The study is published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

A study published in 2011 also found a link between methamphetamine and the risk of Parkinson’s. That study did not report risks based on gender, and only included records of hospital inpatients, the article notes. The new study used both inpatient and outpatient records, which captured a wider segment of the population, the researchers said.

CALL OUR ADDICTION & COUNSELING HELPLINE: 1-844-543-3242 (1-844-LIFE-CHANGE) Share Tweet Forward   Tune in Thursday, December 18 Lighthouse Network's Dr. Karl Benzio on "Hearing Hearts" (WEHA) at 9:30 a.m. ET   Karl Benzio, M.D. Shares Insights on WEHA's "Hearing Hearts" about Managing Holiday Blues   STATION: WEHA "Hearing Hearts" (Pleasantville, NJ) DATE: Thursday, December 18 TIME: 9:30 a.m. ET TOPIC: Alone or Lonely? Is there a choice? Dr. Benzio shares ways to handle holiday blues. STREAM LIVE ONLINE: http://www.wehagospel887.com/   Check out other media interviews including TV appearances, radio programs, print features and articles here. Lighthouse Network is a Christian non-profit organization whose primary mission is to help those struggling with addiction and mental health issues find lasting healing. We also help understand and treat these issues using sound science and spiritual truths. Lighthouse Network provides help through these two main services: Christian Addiction Helpline - We provide hope, encouragement and answers to help you navigate the complex system and find the right Christian addiction treatment option or secular traditional option. Our Christian Helpline is very skilled at helping you maximize your insurance whether you have a PPO, HMO, TriCare, or Medicare, to minimize your out of pocket expense. This unique service is free.   Life Growth Resources - We want to equip you to find Christian Recovery and lasting healing for your addiction or mental health struggle and to build resilience to overcome future storms and adversities. We develop many reosurces with practical tips and skills to help you achieve the fulfilling and abundant life you desire. unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences Facebook Twitter Website

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.                                                   and           Pennsylvania Recovery Organization --      Achieving Community Together (PRO-ACT)  Recovery in Our Communities December 16, 2014  www.councilsepa.org Information and Recovery Support Line 24/7: 800-221-6333 How Schools Can Help Preserve the Next Generation   Through our "Preserving the Next Generation" series, we have discussed the importance of addressing the intergenerational cycle of addiction and using the Search Institute 40 Developmental Assets to build protective factors in our youth.  Schools also play a huge role in the lives of our youth and can be powerful in the prevention of youth substance use.  One of my favorite quotes by Ron Edmonds, 1986 states "A school can create a coherent environment, a climate, more potent that any single influence - teachers, class, family, neighborhood, so potent that for at least six hours a day it can override almost everything else in the lives of children". Academics remains the forefront in any educational setting, however, as needs of students have grown, so has the ability of schools to address the social-emotional needs of students and families.  One of the most successful programs in Pennsylvania that addresses the needs of students is the Student Assistance Program (SAP).  Now in its 30th year, SAP helps schools identify students who are experiencing behavior and or academic difficulties that are posing a barrier to their learning and success in school. SAP offers support to those students and their families.  The Council has been a proud Commonwealth Approved Trainer in the Student Assistance Program, training over 75 education professionals each year how to assist students and their families.  Schools can identify students, through observable behaviors, who may need support in academics, attendance, health or behaviors.  This comprehensive program is confidential, supportive and successful.  Through SAP, students and families may be linked to school or community-based supports to help the student maintain a healthy and happy future.  (continue reading)  Tomorrow is Tree of Hope!  Can you join us? The Council and PRO-ACT will celebrate the 24th annual dedication of the "Tree of Hope," in the Bucks County Courthouse lobby on 55 Court Street in Doylestown, PA at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, December 17, 2014.  The event is free and open to the public, and the Tree of Hope will remain in the Courthouse lobby throughout the holiday season.  Click here for more info and to dedicate an ornament. Overdose Prevention, Education and Naloxone  Response Training Learn how to recognize, prevent and respond to an overdose!  Learn what to do in case of an overdose and how to administer the life-saving overdose-reversal agent called Naloxone.  In addition, learn about the recently enacted 911 Good Samaritan Law.   Thursday, December 18, 2014 Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center 1286 Veterans Hwy, D6, Bristol, PA  Two trainings available: 12:30 to 1:30 pm and 7:00 - 8:00 pm   Space is limited! To register email or call David at 215-230-8218x3162   AT OUR CENTERS Planning to Sustain Recovery - every Tuesday 7 - 8:30 pm and every Thursday 10 - 11:30 am at CBRCC, 252 W Swamp Road, Unit 12, Doylestown.  Educational support group to help individuals in all stages of recovery plan goals and action steps to sustain recovery. To registeremail or call Jeanne at 215-345-6644.   Recovery Enhancement Classes at PRCC, 1701 W Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, 19132. 10 week course running Thursdays through Feb. 12 from 5 - 7 pm.  Various topics.  Call 215-223-7700 to register. Space is limited.    Gateway to Work every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 am at SBRCC, 1286, Veterans Highway, Unit D-6, Bristol; 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 1:00 pm at CBRCC, 252 W Swamp Road, Doylestown. Get help with resume building, barriers to employment and motivation. Contact Rick at 215-345-6644 or email for more information. Click here for December calendars!    WAYS TO GET INVOLVED WITH PRO-ACT Volunteer for The Council/PRO-ACT !! Contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators: Central Bucks:  Email or call Rick at 215-345-6644 Southern Bucks:  Email or call Karen at 215-788-3738 x100 Philadelphia: Email or call She-Ria at 215-233-7700 or Email John or call 215-923-1661  Chester, Delaware and Montco: Email or call John at 215-923-1661 PRO-ACT Recovery Walks! Committees: Email  or call John at 215-923-1661 Employment Opportunities: 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.

December 15 Chp 32 v 5 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS

Finally , I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt .I said to myself , " I will confess my rebellion to the Lord."and you forgave me ! All my guilt is gone .

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

Gods Big Book agrees with step five. Guilt will crush you !It will steal your sleep and ruin any chance you have of finding peace. Guilt always brings friends , shame fear and sadness .The only way to lighten your load , is to get the junk out of your trunk . A good friend can listen too you dump but only God can forgive and remove the guilt and its friends . The forgiveness we get from God brings peace and a freedom most have yet to experience . 

Revelation 21 : 4 - And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. By Joseph Dickerson