Binge-Eating Drug, with High Potential for Abuse, Being Aggressively Marketed: Experts

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

February 25th, 2015/

The drug Vyvanse, which is being aggressively marketed as a treatment for binge eating, is classified by the federal government as having a high potential for abuse, The New York Times reports.

The drug is a type of amphetamine. Retired tennis player Monica Seles, a paid spokeswoman for the company that makes Vyvanse, has been on a media tour to promote the drug. Shire, which makes Vyvanse, received approval late last month to market the drug for binge-eating disorder.

Vyvanse was already approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Federal officials have cited the company for inappropriately marketing Vyvanse and other ADHD drugs.

Amphetamines suppress appetite. For decades, they were widely abused as a treatment for obesity, some drug safety experts point out.

“Once a pharmaceutical company gets permission to advertise for it, it can often become quite widely prescribed, and even tend to be overprescribed, and that’s a worry,” said Dr. B. Timothy Walsh, professor of psychiatry at the New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University. He said that Vyvanse shows promise, but other treatments such as talk therapy have been more widely studied.

Some experts said a Shire website, BingeEatingDisorder.com, does not mention Vyvanse but explains how patients can talk to their doctor about binge-eating disorder. The site also tells patients “don’t give up” if their doctor does not address their concerns. Some experts in prescription drug abuse said they are troubled by the website, because it appears to coach patients in how to receive a diagnosis for binge-eating disorder. It also explains how to shop for a new doctor if they are not successful, the article notes.

'Out of Reach' - Documentary of Medicine Abuse Through the Eyes of a Teen | The Medicine Abuse Project

'Out of Reach' - Documentary of Medicine Abuse Through the Eyes of a Teen | The Medicine Abuse Project

Use of Stronger Painkillers on the Rise: Study - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Use of Stronger Painkillers on the Rise: Study - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Fast-Spreading HIV Outbreak in Indiana Linked to Injection of Painkiller

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

February 26th, 2015/

Health officials in Indiana say a fast-spreading outbreak of HIV in Indiana is largely due to injection drug abuse of the prescription painkiller Opana. The powerful drug is more potent, per milligram, than OxyContin.

State health officials said Wednesday they have confirmed 26 cases, and have four additional suspected cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, injection drug users represent 8 percent of new HIV infections annually.

Indiana State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams says most of the residents who tested positive for HIV contracted the virus recently, and may spread it to others, USA Todayreports.

“Because prescription drug abuse is at the heart of this outbreak, we are not only working to identify, contact and test individuals who may have been exposed, but also to connect community members to resources for substance abuse treatment and recovery,” Adams said in a statement.

In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new, crush-resistant formulation of Opana ER, an opioid containing oxymorphone. In 2013, the FDA denied a request from the maker of Opana to block generic forms of the drug.

The drug’s manufacturer, Endo Health Solutions, argued its newer tamper-resistant formula was more difficult to abuse than the original version of the drug, and asked that the agency not approve generic forms of the earlier version. The FDA decided that since the original Opana had not been withdrawn for reasons of safety or effectiveness, generic forms of the painkiller could continue to be approved and marketed.

The FDA also said the newer Opana ER could still be abused, and might be more easily injected than the original formulation.

February 25 CHAP 97 v 11 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS

Light shines on the Godly ,and joy on those whose hearts are right .(GODS BIG BOOK)

STEP 4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

It maybe only two sentences above but they are the key too living a joy filled life. Addiction is a sin called idolatry ! When we become addicted to a substance we become enslaved by it. It is our master and we will do what ever it commands us to do .Our lives are no longer ours and our hearts become filled with darkness (fear shame guilt regret anger depression ) . Society labels us diseased (junkie addict insane mentally ill) which is the furthest from the truth . God has all the answers but because we cant see it we choose not to believe so we stay enslaved and full of darkness. The key to freedom and joy is fix your heart and your head will follow . To fix and remove the darkness of your heart you must pray like you never prayed before believe with all your heart that you are being heard by your creator and loving Father in heaven and start using the Steps .God and The Steps are the only way to get out of the darkness. The steps are essential they remove Pride and the removal of pride brings humility and humility brings surrender and surrender brings confession and confession leads to Jesus and Jesus brings  peace joy forgiveness and light. Society says your diseased ,God says you gotta broken heart ! Society says lock em up and medicate them ! God says I love with an unending love  cast your addictions cares fears and worries on me and I will give you peace.

John 14 : 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (GODS BIG BOOK) 

By Joseph Dickerson

Sat. Feb 28: Life ReScripted with Bob and Vicki Life ReScripted is a (FREE!) experiential workshop that uncovers and clears unresolved issues that can undermine recovery. There are strong and compelling reasons why these issues persist.  A rescripting identifies and transforms the root cause of our self-sabotaging choices & behavior. About the facilitators: Bob and Vicki met in a 12 step meeting in the late 90's and soon started a monthly gathering with others to augment their recovery. Life ReScripted was continually modified in those early gatherings and became their most effective tool. They found they were able to do deeper work in this safer environment which resulted in less struggle and lasting change. Word spread and they were invited to facilitate at 12 step and other retreats and began hosting weekends and training others to form their own circles. Their goal is for Life ReScripted to be accessible as 12 Step programs worldwide. Training is available for those interested in helping facilitate and/or starting their own circles. Congratulations to Bob on 24 years of sobriety! Requirements to attend this workshop: at least 3 months of sobriety, a support system and a commitment to be responsible and accountable for your actions and behavior within the group.  Visitors/observers are very welcome and will feel very at home - no one has to participate unless they would like to.  Workshop will be held on Saturday, February 28th, 2:00 to 5:00 pm at the Dwier Center: 392 Church St Groveville, NJ. Life Rescripted will then be held at same time on the last Saturday of each month.  For questions or comments, contact: cityofangelsnj@hotmail.com Wed. March 4th, 6 pm: 12 Step Yoga!   "The Issues Live in Our Tissues!" Y12SR combines the practical tools of the 12 Step program with the ancient wisdom of yoga. Combining the two creates a model that truly addresses addiction and/or co-dependency as the physical, mental & spiritual dis-eases that they are. Y12SR is a 12 Step-based discussion and yoga practice open to anyone and everyone dealing with their own addiction behavior or affected by the addictive behavior or others. This is an open & inclusive group - all A's are welcome, as are folks both experienced & completely new to yoga. Wear comfortable clothing. Meetings are by donation. 1st Wednesday of each month at 6pm. For more info, contact Mark at MMelillo40@gmail.com or visit y12sr.com. Sat. March 7, 10 am: NCADDNJ Advocacy Training For people in recovery from addiction, their loved ones, and professionals who wish to speak out to promote recovery, be a part of a grassroots movement, and encourage healthy public policies enabling others to find and sustain recovery. This training will help you: - Tell your recovery story to reduce stigma of people in recovery - Understand the importance of messaging - See the bigger picture of the national recovery advocacy movement - Advocate without breaking 12 step traditions - Focus on how to speak with media and elected officials Space in this FREE full-day training is limited, so register ASAP. Email your name & preferred contact info subject line "training registration" to mharrison@ncaddnj.org or by phone 609 310 4040. Lunch will be provided. April 6 - 12: Recovery Coach Training Want to help a loved one? Or just work more effectively with addiction sufferers? The COA-CCAR Recovery Coach Academy can help! This 30-hour training will teach you how to remove obstacles to recovery... to motivate, guide and facilitate long-term addiction recovery. Since 2008, more than 5,000 people across the U.S. have taken this training and 100 people have taken it at COA.  To learn more, see program schedule, or to register, click: Recovery Coach Training Details. Don't delay - early registration rates are in effect for a limited time only! If you would like to work with a COA-trained Recovery Coach, click: COA Trained Recovery Coaches Program Date: Mon., April 6 - Sun., April 12, 2015 Location: Raymond Dwier Center - 392 Church Street, Groveville, New Jersey   Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing GRASP support group meets on the Second Thursday of Each Month from 7:00pm until 9:00pm, at The Raymond Dwier Center, 392 Church Street, Hamilton Twp., NJ.  If you are planning to attend for the first time, please call to pre-register: Laurie Latham 609-575-5477 or Sue Fares 609-203-2950. On COARR  Let's Talk About Recovery! With 10 original shows, COARR plays Recovery Talk 24/7/365....past shows are available online atwww.coaradio.com/pastshows.html and in each show's online archive.  Tune in thru the smartphone app (free in the iphone/droid stores) or on www.coaradio.com to hear what's playing now..... New show on COARR: Step by Step is a Pennsylvania-based network of recovery homes where recoverees gain support from one another. This show explores what it's like to live in a sober home. If you missed the show, it's now online: click here to listen. It's a great introduction to what sober living & recovery homes are all about! Listen to past COARR shows any time:  For "Women & Addiction" with Terri Thomas, click here.  For "Wellness in Recovery" with life coach Nancy Tilelli, click here.  For "Journey Thru the 12 Steps with the Life Recovery Bible," click here.  For "Share Your Scars" with Vicki, click here. For "Wings Over Water: Creativity in Recovery" with recovery musician Kathy Moser, click here. For "Laughter & Recovery" with stand up comic Wil B. Kleen, click here.  For "Relationships in Recovery" with Alexa, click here.  For "Saving Lives" with COA Director of Interventions Tom Redneck Clark, click here.
Volunteer Opportunities At City of Angels, we were the first-ever "all volunteer community organization", as we established and still maintain a no charge policy for our support services.  We are always looking for caring volunteers. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please click the link below: Volunteer Today

Join Now 1 Year Membership Recovery Unplugged Addiction Network

What We Can't Do Alone, We Can Do Together Tom Coderre ,Senior White House Advisor to SAMHSA, MC of the 7th Anniversary of Rockers In Recovery, the 4th Annual Love Of Recovery Music Festival, and the RIR milestone of 20th concert productions in the last 5 years. This is what Mr. Coderre said to the attendees halfway through the fest; "I can say at this point, Rockers In Recovery brings the private treatment sector, addiction education, and the addiction advocacy non-profit sector together in a unique way as no one else at this point is doing anywhere in the United States. What makes RIR unique, the message is all around and through the universal language of music with some great rockers of our day. They combine it with educational speakers and advocacy groups. RIR brings it all together at their community addiction eduction meet and greets, and addiction awareness and prevention concerts/festivals. I found as I walked around and met people today is there is a mix of families seeking help, family members of people in recovery, recovery supporters, treatment centers with their clients, the recovery community, and people from the community just coming by to see what it was all about. The one thing I have been hearing over and over is the community loved the unique message of hope.    I look forward to seeing more of RIR across the United States throughout 2015 doing Addiction Awareness, Education and Prevention through Rock-N-Roll." Thank You Mr. Coderre for coming to spread the message of hope through Rock-N-Roll, and for being a part of our 7th anniversary party at the Love Of Recovery Meet & Greet and Festival. Learn More About Rockers In Recovery

Lori Sullivan Founder/President 954.826.5968 Addiction Awareness & Prevention Through Rock-N-Roll

Give us a call and learn more today!

STAY CONNECTED

Women for Sobriety, Inc. "What Is Recovery?" Project - Finished Results Dear Members of WFS, Inc., Two years ago, we encouraged you to contribute your definition of recovery to the “What Is Recovery?” project.  As the result of your overwhelming response, the survey team now has information about how recovery is defined from 9,341 people who used to have a problem with alcohol or drugs.  This is the largest study of its kind in the world, ever.  Thank you!  The survey team could not have done it without your help. NEWS FROM THE PROJECT DIRECTOR:  Lee Ann Kaskutas After four years of work, we are finally able to share the results from this study:  argintranet.org/whatisrecovery/?q=node/6.  Based on the results of the online survey completed by 9,341 people (argintranet.org/whatisrecovery/?q=node/9) from different pathways to recovery, we now have a very specific definition of recovery - and it is one that clearly demonstrates the many positive "ways of being" that define recovery.  Here are a few examples of the elements of recovery: Recovery is... > being honest with myself > being able to enjoy life without drinking or using drugs like I used to > living a life that contributes to society, to your family or to your betterment > being the kind of person that people can count on > about giving back > striving to be consistent with my beliefs and values in activities that take up the major part of my time and energy. In the past, you helped us get the word out about the "What Is Recovery?" survey.  Now we are hoping that you can help us again, by sharing our survey results with your contacts.  Please consider sending them an email with a link to our study website:  whatisrecovery.org/  Thank you for your support.  Sincerely, Lee Ann Kaskutas, Project Director

Email:  newlife@nni.com   *   Tel: 215-536-8026   *   Fax:  215-538-9026

http://www.womenforsobriety.org   *   http://www.wfscatalog.org

Please join us at our Birthday Party!

The Eagles Nest Coffee House

  WELCOMES YOU TO OUR 2^nd YEAR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!

Saturday, February 28^th 

7:00-10:00 p.m.       

Featuring

Jesse Schulz

And

Dave Quinn, Leo Jones & Tanya Portillo

 

The Yardley Community Center,

64 South Main Street, Yardley, PA

Brandon Heath - No Turning Back (Official Lyric Video)

February 21 CHAP 75 v 7 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALM

It is God alone who judges ; He decides who will rise and who will fall .(GODS BIG BOOK)

STEP 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character

We can get so weighed down with other peoples judgments and opinions about us .If you take a long hard look at the steps you will see this is about you and GOD . Many years of my life were spent trying to be the person everyone else wanted me to be.Clueless is who I was for almost half my life. drugs ,  alcohol , and promiscuity were my D O C's. Most people did not like me and they made sure I knew it. Growing up  I was constantly told I would fail and add an older cousin who likes to molest family members and you have one screwed up kid. As I grew I became dysfunctional and   heavily medicated. No matter whats happens in your life don't let it determine who you become . God is the only one that can judge and determine who you become in life . Examine the life your living ,ask yourself are the voices of your past telling you how to live. Stop listening too the haunting voices of your past pray to God to show His plans for you and start reading Gods Big Book and what it says about you. 

Romans 8:37-39 - No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(GODS BIG BOOK)  By Joseph Dickerson

Rate of Substance Abuse High Among Pregnant Teens: Study

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

February 18th, 2015/

Almost 60 percent of pregnant teens say they have used one or more substances in the past year, nearly double the rate of non-pregnant teens, researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have found.

Use of these substances continues during pregnancy, especially among younger teens, the study found. More than one-third of all pregnant teens ages 12 to 14 said they used one or more substances in the previous month, the Austin American-Statesman reports.

Pregnant teens were most likely to use alcohol (16 percent), followed by marijuana (14 percent) and other illicit drugs (5 percent). The findings are published in Addictive Behaviors. The researchers found pregnant teens were less likely to use drugs or alcohol once they moved into their second or third trimester.

The study included data from 97,850 teen girls between ages 12 and 17. A total of 810 reported they were pregnant.

“To our knowledge, this is the largest study to date on the relationship between substance use and teen pregnancy,” study author Christopher Salas-Wright said in a news release. “Mothers’ substance use during pregnancy can have important consequences for the health and development of newborn babies. Despite efforts to prevent substance use among pregnant teens, our findings suggest that we still have a lot of work to do.”

The study found the risk of substance use was about 50 percent lower among pregnant teens who said they had parental support and limit-setting, as well as among those who had positive feelings about going to school. “This suggests that it makes sense to engage both parents and teachers in efforts to address substance use among pregnant teens,” said study co-author Michael G. Vaughn.

Best of the Week: February 14–20

COMING UP IN THE FIX// 15 Charities for Recovery * Interview with Kevin Sessums * Food Wars * Marianne Faithfull * Making Amends to the Dead * Ask an Expert: How Can I Help My Addict Son? * Saving Mabel Normand * Alumni Recovery* Pro Voices * PLUS: Other incisive articles

	FAIR TREATMENT// How Do Federal Drug Courts Work? "The intent of drug court is to keep offenders out of prison." By Seth Ferranti
	PRO VOICES// Giving Voice to the Darkness, Giving Voice to the Light Addiction, trauma and the healing power of Chairwork. By Scott Kellogg
	IMAGES// Experience the Crumbling World of a "Righteous Dopefiend" "[America] has this zero-tolerance, righteous attitude toward drugs that then righteously throws people out of society and into deadly and dangerous spaces, which is where we worked with them." By Zachary Siegel
	HIGH ON TV// How Is Recovery Portrayed on the Small Screen? TV representations of recovery have come a long way. Here are 8 of The Fix's favorite current shows. By Malina Saval
	LOOKING BACK// 10 Things I Wish I Knew At The Beginning Of Sobriety Hindsight is 20/20. Make my hindsight your insight and save yourself the trouble and heartache I suffered. By Beth Leipholtz

 

BEST OF THE QUICK FIX Memo Tells US Border Patrol to Let Drunk Drivers Go Free 'Parks and Recreation' Producer Harris Wittels Dies of Suspected Overdose Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Wasn’t ‘100% Sober' at SOTU

Bill Clinton Apologizes to Mexico For Drug War New Study Says Previous Research Touting Benefits of Drinking Flawed Were Dinosaurs on LSD?

COMMENT OF THE WEEK

Not Like on TV This week, Malina Saval took a look at how far TV representations of addicts has come. Readers felt the characters and archetypes were still a bit far from reality:

The only semi-accurate Hollywood representation of an AA meeting was on the Soprano's. TV and movies never show the praying, the hand-holding, the uncomfortable love bombing, or any of the other crazy antics which happen in the rooms. When the meetings are depicted on shows, it is always a group of wholesome archetypes (the housewife, the construction worker, the businessman, etc.) and they are all basically nice people who are there simply because they have a drinking problem. There are no sexual predators, no obsessed stalkers, no Big Book quoting sponsors, no homeless or criminal element. -Richie