Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Rockers In Recovery
February Newsletter February 2015 
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"PLEASE SHARE THIS INVITE" 
THANK YOU EVERYONE & SEE YOU AT THE FESTIVAL

YOU'RE INVITED 

Hello everyone,  

On behalf of Lori, Rob, Lou, Robin, Speakers and our Sponsors and Myself we want to invite you to the "FREE" Love of Recovery Music & Art Festival February 14, 2015 (12PM-11PM).

LOCATION: The Concert Green @ CB Smith Park 900 N Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida, 33028. http://goo.gl/NyKfpa 

It's Free  - The event will be the anniversary of our very first concert back in February 12, of 2011. It is also the 20th concert RIR will be producing for the recovery community.. We will also be celebrating the 7 year anniversary of the founding of RIR.

WHO IS INVITED ?
This Free private event is for ALL people in recovery, loved ones of addicts seeking help and all other supporters,family, and friends of the recovery movement.
ALL TREATMENT PROGRAMS and SOBER LIVING HOUSES ARE INVITED to come on out and show clients that "HAVING FUN" in recovery is indeed possible!!

Fun For Everyone !!
Enjoy Music,Speakers, Arts and Crafts Exhibitors , Food Vendors, Recovery Merchandise, Addiction Education, Evidenced Based Treatment Options , and Veteran Information. 

The RIR Team has worked over the last seven years to end the sigma of addiction. We need to let people know we can enter into recovery to live purposeful lives and be of maximum service to all. How we do this is very simple " Addiction Awareness & Prevention Through Rock-N-Roll".

Thank you to everyone for your years of support. The RIR Team looks forward to seeing everyone at the festival.
Thank You,
THE RIR TEAM

  


 
RIR All-STAR BAND - Musical Director and Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame Member: Lou Esposito-(The Capris)
RIR ALL-STAR BAND CONTRIBUTORS  
Eliot Jacobs- (The Capris) 
Greg Deppe- (Bruce Springsteen and Soul Cruisers) 
John Gianoulis- (Earl Slick Band and Felix Cavaliere) 
Jeff Ganz-Bass- (Johnny Winter and Lou Reed Bands)

Mark Stein -(The Vanilla Fudge)
Ben Smith - (Heart)
Jeff Ousley - (Heart)
David Shelley- (Cher ,Government Mule)
David Uosikkinen -(The Hooters)
Colin McGuinness -( Axl Rose,The Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Tommy Conwell - (Tommy Conwell & The Young Rumblers)
Share Ross-(VIXEN)
Bam Tastic - (The Dogs D'Amour)

 
   
Music & Speaker Schedule:
MC's Tom Coderre & Rob Vincent RIR Director
12:15 PM - Rick & Susan Riccardi (Fellowship Living Foundation)

12:30 - The Few

1:00 - Barbara Theodosiou (Addicts Mom)

1:15 - Grateful Road

2:00 - Kristen Harper (The Recovery Schools)

2:15  - Crush

3:00 - John Lehman - (FARR- Florida Association of Recovery Residences)

3:15 - Chillbillies

4:00 - Brittany Ringersen - (Young People in Recovery)

4:15  - Mrs. Chows Funhouse

5:00 - Michael DeLeon - (Steered Straight, Inc.)

5:15 - McCartney Mania

6:00 - RIR Unplugged -  Casey Montana & Friends

6:45 - SHOW - RIR All-Star Band & Guest Rockers

9:00 - Closing Ceremonies - Lori Sullivan

Lori Sullivan and Guest - Count Down 

MAIN Sponsors Introduced

Speaker - Tom Coderre, Senior Advisor to SAMHSA.

Closing Songs - RIR Band and All Guest Rockers

Please contact 954-826-5968 for more information

THIS IS A PRIVATE FESTIVAL - IT IS ALSO A DRUG, ALCOHOL AND GAMBLING FREE EVENT.   


 Women for Sobriety, Inc.
Worry + Frustration + Resentment = Fatigue

҉ 
“Not only do we want to give up worry, but we must learn how to work our way out of problems. Worry is the antithesis of overcoming.  We worry when the conditions overwhelm us.  Overcoming is when we overwhelm the problems.  Today I shall overcome all worry and will work my way out of my problems.  I will overcome worry.  And, forevermore, I shall say bon voyage to worry.”  -February’s Reflections for Growth booklet by Jean Kirkpatrick, Ph. D.

“When you begin to worry, go find something to do.  Get busy being a blessing to someone; do something fruitful.  Talking about your problems or sitting alone, thinking about it, does no good; it serves only to make you miserable.  Above all else, remember that worrying is totally useless. Worrying will not solve your problem.”  -Joyce Meyer

“Our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration and resentment.”
-Dale Carnegie

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Statement #4, “Problems bother me only to the degree I permit them to.”
I now better understand my problems and do not permit problems to overwhelm me.
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BASIC STEPS IN PROBLEM SOLVING*

1.  Identify the problem.  Write down concrete observations about it.  Can you break it into parts?  The incorrect identification of a problem virtually assures that you won’t fix it.  Don’t focus on other people, you can’t change them.  You need to learn to cope with the problem yourself.

2.  Generate Solutions.  Many women see situations as black or white.  There are usually more than two options---list a couple dozen of them!  Consider every possible solution to your problem---even if unrealistic.  If fleeing to Mexico is a solution, write it down.

3.  Compare your options.  Try your favorite one first, while taking into consideration the consequences.  Perhaps you want to combine several.  If none appeal to you, you may be seeking the perfect solution.  Alas, there probably isn’t one that doesn’t require a tradeoff, so start weighing compromises to get unstuck.

4.  Write out a detailed plan.  Include everything you need to do to accomplish you goal, and establish dates for completing each step.  Consider outside help.  Keep your expectations realistic. If your problem involves changing your behavior in relationships, don’t expect others to respond right away.

5.  Put your plan into action.

6.  Check on yourself.  In three or four weeks, evaluate how well your plan is working.  If it isn’t, don’t feel you have failed---what you learn may help you identify the problem more precisely. Maybe you will find new options or see a more realistic view of what will work.  Make another plan and keep trying.

*This is an excerpt from the WFS Workbook:  Coping With Stress by Margaret Pruitt, Ph. D.  This item may be purchased at:  http://www.wfscatalog.org/Coping-With-Stress-Workbook-by-Margaret-Pruitt-PhD-WB108.htm.

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     Alcohol was my solution to just about every problem before my New Life.  NO MORE.  WFS continues to assist me in learning new avenues in identifying the problem and then putting action into finding and then coming to a conclusion.  I learn, grow and feel competent and wiser with each problem solved.
     I like and understand how Jean mentions, “Overcoming is when we overwhelm the problems.” Often times I have found myself stuck with a problem.  Sometimes it may take time to figure out what the problem actually is and, on occasion, I need to determine if it belongs to me.  Naming my feelings helps tremendously and I usually see a pattern beginning to develop in my thoughts or attitudes.  Once I have reached this point, creativity can assist me in coming up with different solutions.  I can honestly say that I have not once listed a couple dozen!  (Although I have listed about 10 options.)
     Reaching a solution comes easier for me today with action behind Statement #4.  I no longer feel overwhelmed with worry and my attitude towards problems is shifting.  I view worry as a welcome mat opening to wisdom!

  • How do you manage worry in your New Life?
  • How do you feel when you overcome a problem?
Hugzzz, Karen
________________________
Hi 4C Women,
     WFS taught me to problem solve rather than remain in the worry phase; which is where I stayed most of the time.  I also learned the difference between everything being a problem or worry and focus on those issues that truly needed attention.  One of the best guidelines of WFS is that we do not give advice to others; instead, we share in how we resolved an issue.  What a great learning tool in learning to listen, to again trust our instincts and share our outcome with others. We know our history better than anyone else and yet to be open to considering other solutions is part of the personal growth we can experience in an atmosphere of non-judgment and sharing. The “Basic Steps in Problem Solving” are just one of the great ways we encourage and support each other and ourselves on becoming responsible for our choices.  -Dee

  ~…..~…..~…..~…..~…..~…..~…..~
Thank you, Karen and Dee, for your words of encouragement and inspiration to start off our week!  ~Becky Fenner, WFS Director

Email:  newlife@nni.com   *   Tel215-536-8026   *   Fax:  215-538-9026
http://www.womenforsobriety.org   *   http://www.wfscatalog.org

Saturday, February 7, 2015

February 7 CHAP 51 v 12 v 13 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS


Restore to me the joy of your salvation,and make me willing to obey you .Then I will teach your ways to rebels , and they will return to you .  ( GODS BIG BOOK )

Salvation - preservation or deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss. (GOOGLE)


Rebel- a person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or ruler.(GOOGLE)

STEP 12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to people, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.


Spiritual Awakening-   "God's quickening visitation of his people, touching their hearts and deepening his work of grace in their lives." (J. I. Packer)


It is very important to know the meaning of these words and especially the term " Spiritual Awakening " ! If you look closely at the Psalm and the part that says make me willing to obey is a statement that speaks volumes . Also take a look at teach rebels your ways ! None of us are willing to obey God and live a life that is full of right living and peace. From the time of birth we rebel and go against the grain ,well at least  I did. As I grew there was no way in hell you were gonna tell me what to do or how to get there .I was in every sense of the word a Rebel ,I even have a tattoo of a rebel skull to prove it . God uses our rebellion to teach us ,break us ,and shape us into the master pieces he has envisioned us to be . In my rebellion I discovered drugs and alcohol and that was adding a match to dynamite .My rebellion became insanity and once there my head and heart became stone and absolutely no one could tell me anything because , I knew everything .One day  during a medical procedure I almost lost my Father and the pain and fear of that brought on my spiritual awakening God heard my tears and He touched my heart and broke me !Suddenly I  realized  my life was not about me  it was about  my family !The reality of the heartache and pain I caused them was dropped on me like a ton of bricks ! Though the first year of my recovery was hard and very painful ,  Gratitude became my attitude and humility became the way !  

Ezekiel 12:2, "Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house. (GODS BIG BOOK) BY Joseph Dickerson

The Fix: Addiction and Recovery, Straight Up
Best of the Week:
January 31–February 6
COMING UP IN THE FIX// Buddhism and Bill W. * What I Learned from My Relapse(s) * Saving Mabel Normand * Recovering from Recovery * Getting High on our Own Supply * Making Amends to the Dead * Ask an Expert * Work It * Pro Voices* PLUS: Other incisive articles
STOP STOPPING// Legalizing Drugs Challenges the Addiction Brain Disease Theory
What if more—and more open—use leads to fewer drug problems?
By Stanton Peele
HEAD ON// A Critic and an Advocate Debate the Pros and Cons of the 12-Step Model
Dr. Lance Dodes and Dr. Joseph Nowinski on their models for successful treatment, the recent death of Audrey Kishline, the extremes of Fix commenters and where they can agree.
By Zachary Siegel
Q&A// Meeting the Intoxication Coach Doc Wilmot
The Fix Q&A with harm reduction maverick Doc Wilmot, the founder of DrugCraft, "an innovative harm reduction approach to drug/alcohol use, misuse, abuse, and addiction" that he describes as intoxication coaching.
By John Lavitt
CHANGES// The 'Third Wave' of Substance Use Treatment
How the culture and treatment of addiction are finally changing.
By Debra Rothschild
SEEN ON TV// Top 5 Drug/Alcohol References in Super Bowl XLIX Commercials
Jessie Pinkman is once again trying to get you hooked... on carbs.
By Ronald Kublin
 
BEST OF THE QUICK FIX
Uber’s Claim They Reduced Drunk Driving May Have Been False
Are Selfies Driving a Rise in Eating Disorders?
Is It a Crime If Your Robot Buys Illegal Drugs Online?
Military, Civilian Prosecutors Start to Define Alcohol as 'Weapon' in Sexual Assault
Silk Road Founder Found Guilty on All Charges
Chinese Teen Cuts Off Hand to 'Cure' Internet Addiction
COMMENT OF THE WEEK
Just A Little
This week, Stanton Peele postulated how legalizing drugs could lead to safer use. Readers agreed that our current system just isn't working:
Thanks you, Stanton.... America obviously has a deeply conflicted relationship with drugs and alcohol, and it'll be interesting to see how we navigate this new era. This is a time for parents to model responsible alcohol use to their children, and hope that this degree of familial moderation will somehow translate into healthier habits as kids are presented with god-knows-what the intoxication industry will conjure up next. "Just Say No" has been a failure - let's work on "Just a Little" while giving kids the straight facts on their health and what excessive use can lead to...

-riptorn
Good Afternoon Moms!

We at “The Addict’s Mom” would like to extend a very special thank-you to our friends John Hollis and Lori Welch Sullivan, from Rockers In Recovery (RIR).  For 10 years, John and Lori have been supporting people in recovery through their incredible organization, RIR. They have been “bringing an awesome Addiction Awareness & Prevention Message through Rock-N-Roll” by hosting free Addiction Awareness & Prevention Concerts and Festivals using live Rock-N-Roll music as the cornerstone.

We are thrilled that John and Lori are helping TAM achieve our goals. Our members advocate, educate, communicate, and propose legislation related to the field of addiction. Whenever TAM is recognized, we focus our nation's attention on the issues associated with the field of addiction. We gain greater ability to reduce the stigma, to advocate for our loved ones, to propose changes in our legal system, to create easier and affordable access to treatment, and to enlighten others about addiction. Addiction is not only a family tragedy, but it is a tragedy for our country, as our best and brightest fall victim to its trap.

John has invited Barbara Theodosiou, our founder, to speak at the up-coming RIR concert at CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines, Florida, on Saturday, February 14, 2015.  John has generously allocated both time and space for Barbara to hold a Question and Answer session after her speech.  In addition, John has donated a full page color advertisement for TAM in his online RIR magazine.  John also included in the magazine an essay written by our own TAM mom, Sherry Schlenke.
Members of RIR attended our recent GALA, regaling us with beautiful music.  RIR members also attended the banquet, during which TAM was awarded over $250,000 in pledges for treatment scholarships. 

TAM, through the efforts of our members, and in partnership with compassionate organizations such as RIR, is becoming an agent for change in how society regards individuals with SUD, and in how we help these individuals achieve recovery for a positive life outcome.  

Thanks again, John and Lori!

FREE MUSIC AND ART FESTIVAL - February 14, 2015 at CB Smith Park 900 N Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida, 33028 Lean More > http://www.rockersinrecovery.org/events/rir-music-festival/

Help Rockers In Recovery To Reach Their Goal Of 20,000 - We have raised $17,215.00 towards the Free RIR Music & Art Festival - https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/bu554/ab/e4EnN1Your donation is 100% tax deductible ..