Senator Schumer Urges FDA to Ban Dietary Supplement BMPEA - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Senator Schumer Urges FDA to Ban Dietary Supplement BMPEA - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Parents Get Advice on Talking to Their Teens About Marijuana With New Toolkit - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Parents Get Advice on Talking to Their Teens About Marijuana With New Toolkit - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Marijuana “Dabbing” Causing Explosions and Severe Burns - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Marijuana “Dabbing” Causing Explosions and Severe Burns - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Smartphone App to Measure Pain Might Impact Opioid Use: Expert - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Smartphone App to Measure Pain Might Impact Opioid Use: Expert - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

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Best of the week from Choose Help 10 Barriers to Addiction Treatment for Older Adults Older adults find it difficult to access good, knowledgeable and age-appropriate treatment programs. Here are ten major reasons why seniors are under served in this area. It's no secret that we, as a society, are growing older more quickly than at any other time in history. When we look at the lack of treatment facilities and programs available to seniors and the comparative lack of discourse regarding this rapidly growing social concern, it is easy to see how the issues around seniors and addictions have crept in quickly and well under the radar of governments and health authorities.  Addicted seniors are, apparently, a lesser concern than warranted with much of the service dollars going to womens' and youth issues. With a very narrow focus on the wide-spread problem of seniors being active addicts it is little wonder that senior services and research receive a very small portion of the treatment dollars available. The Barriers to Age-Appropriate Treatment It is not just the lack of public or governmental recognition of the problem that is troubling. I have compiled a list of ten barriers to treatment for seniors that are a 'MUST' to consider if we are going to head off a growing problem with huge implications for addicted seniors who are in desperate need of support and services: (in no particular order of importance) 1. Family Secrets Many families are more likely than not to keep "dad's drinking problem" an internal family issue than to actually deal with it and get the appropriate support necessary. The rally cry is "we can handle this ourselves." After all, we are a very private bunch who likes to keep those secrets-secret. This is especially true if the family has a professional reputation to protect.  It is not about embarrassment but rather about judgements and a lack of understanding what is required to provide help but not knowing how to keep it 'quiet'. 2. Family Embarrassment Then there is the 'embarrassment factor'. This is similar to 'Family Secrets' above, but different in that it happens, not from a lack of understanding, but from having to publicly admit that dad or mom is a drunk or an addict.  What is similar is that the addict doesn't get the support, encouragement or the acceptance they need to get better. They become disconnected from the family system because of damaged familial egos. Seniors are less motivated to change their lifestyle. In some cases they welcome the negative attention since ANY attention is better than no attention. 3. Costs Because of the lack of age-appropriate treatment programs covered by public funding, private clinics and facilities tend to be quite expensive. They can range up to $40,000 per month in some cases (and as little as $3,000 per month in more basic no-frills programs). So funds definitely play a role whether focused treatment is an option or not. 4. Inadequate Physicians Training & Frequent Mis-Diagnosis Even though there are more physicians learning about addictions and treatment and some are beginning to 'specialize' in the treatment business, there are still too few who are making themselves available for every-day service. Many physicians still don't have the assessment skills to pronounce a client with a prescription drug problem or a drinking problem. Unfortunately there are some, for a variety of reasons, who may not want to. They are seeing the presenting symptoms as early onset of dementia or mental health related problems such as depression or some other chronic illness and then end up prescribing a medication that could exacerbate the substance abuse problem an often doesn't do much to deal with the psychological (and philosophical) aspects of what the presenting symptoms are truly indicating. 5. Bad Physician-Client Communication & Follow Up Seniors don't have a great deal of credibility in the 'system' when it comes to describing their issues - so they give up trying and just 'go with the flow'. The physicians rarely take the time to actually listen to what they are being told.  Senior clients often don't know how to speak up and say "hey doc, you missed this..."or "what about that?" Once they are diagnosed and given a script there is a lack of follow-up visits. "How are you doing?", "Has the medication changed the way you...?", "Have things gotten better or worse for you?" Clients need frequent follow up visits to provide some accountability on the clients part and to determine the outcomes of the treatment protocol as well as the efficacy of the meds prescribed. That doesn't happen nearly as much as it needs to to be effective. Two weeks in the life of an addict can be a lifetime when considering life-changing events. Much progress or disintegration can occur in two weeks. If a client has not responded well in terms of his/her drinking or using drugs the chances of them having another chance to go to treatment again are very slim. Their reports become untrustworthy. 6. Lack of Senior-Specific Treatment Programs There really aren't many treatment programs that are senior-specific and many times seniors end up going to a public program that is attended by clients of all ages.  Seniors tend not to do all that well with teenagers, for instance, who have a very different view of the world around them and the seniors tend to feel frightened, lost, disconnected from their 'real' world and angry. They truly don't understand the type of behaviour that passes for OK now. The biggest drawback, however, is that older adults lose the belief that they can be helped in a place like this and so they give up. They do their time and leave with little benefit because they see themselves and their problems differently from the 'young ones'. Remember seniors are no different from others in that they have a communication network that chats together. Have one senior talk about his/her experience in a "place like that" and that is often enough to put any others who may need the help off from going for help. There is a lack of credible information. (Check out: Our Featured Rehab Programs for Older Adults) 7. Programs 'Too Remote' Programs can be quite a distance from their holes, families, neighbourhoods and their friends. They feel isolated and that they are being punished in some way. 8. Denial The toughest hurdle is their own denial that anything is wrong. They say, "So I have a few too many sometimes-big deal-just leave me alone I've earned the right to enjoy myself" or they forgot to take their meds so they double up thinking that they need to get back on track. They don't want to see the problems with their behaviour and the choices they are making as being potentially harmful. 9. Loneliness Seniors use because they are lonely and that isn't going to change whether they cut down or quit. If they don't feel they have a place in the family or that they are loved and valued they are likely to increase their use or use more secretly. If family doesn't have the time to spend with them that is the problem not that they treat their loneliness with alcohol or drugs. They use as a replacement for family and social contact. Why would they give that up by cutting down? In this case it's the family and the relationship with the senior that is the barrier. 10. Lack of Peer Support Groups for Seniors There is a lack of counseling groups specific to this issue available in appropriate settings that have other folks the same age attending so that they can identify with others who have similar things going on in their lives. There needs to be solid and consistent care and support with accurate information available to seniors about health concerns -- truthful but not threatening. They need to understand what is happening and what their options are.  Taking Care of Our Seniors Some of the barriers that exist are those created by governments who have lost sight of a whole group of people who need to be represented more energetically. Our seniors need to be acknowledged and treated as equitably as women and youth are when considering treatment solutions. It is true that some of these barriers are created by the seniors themselves but we still need to break them down and make it easier for seniors to accept help. The other part of this is that families need to stop judging their parents or relatives and try to be more supporting, understanding, accepting and caring. Our seniors are an important resource for us and we need to provide for them at a time when they are most vulnerable. It is time for the rest of us to step up and take care of our seniors just like they took care of us all those years when we needed it the most. We need to represent them publicly. We need to remove the barriers that prevent them from receiving the qualified assistance they deserve. It's called the circle of life. (Check out: Our Featured Rehab Programs for Older Adults) Read in browser »   Recent featured articles: Avoiding Methadone Overdose During the Dangerous First 2 Weeks Emotions in Early Recovery: "You Can't Heal What You Can't Feel" 16-Point Safety Checklist before Sending Your Teen to Residential Treatment Why Interventions Fail: Avoiding Pitfalls Recognize the Physical Signs of Stress and Learn 2 Quick Ways to Turn it Off And, as always, thank you for reading! All the best to you and yours, Martin Schoel, founder of Choose Help P.S. If you’d like to dive into the conversation, make sure to follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook (40K+ people do). FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO A LOVED ONE Do you or someone you know need rehab? Click or 'Tap' to speak with us now: (877) 333-5266 Facebook Twitter Google Plus Pinterest

Copyright © 2015 Choose Help, All rights reserved. You are receiving this newsletter because you are a member of Choose Help or you signed up on ChooseHelp.com. Our mailing address is: Choose Help 11301 Olympic Blvd. #351 Los Angeles, CA 90064 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

Hello all....attached you will find the June NFF Newsletter.  Enjoy - special AA anniversary and history edition!!!

Attachments area

Preview attachment june newsletter (1).pdf

june newsletter (1).pdf

How I got Sober: Wings Drummer Denny Seiwell

Moms: PLEASE JOIN US AND PLEASE SHARE THE LINK so another addict's mom will find us, she will find much comfort, love and support... https://www.facebook.com/#!/cnnparents   CNN has a chat with Barbara Theodosiou planned for this Monday, June 22 from 1p to 2p ET. The following is a message from Kelly Wallace at CNN who wrote the piece about Daniel that we have pinned. 2,000 people have "Shared" the story and 4000 have "liked" it just from the CNN page. Apparently those are high numbers for the CNN page. People are paying attention. We have the incredible, a.mazing, and tireless Barbara Theodosiou to thank for this. She is your "Voice" and people are listening! The chat will take place on the CNN Parents Facebook page. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/#!/cnnparents If you could go ahead and ‘like’ the page from The Addict’s Mom, that would help ensure that your responses during the chat appear higher up on the page. If you help spread the word and encourage your members to participate, that would be great. Please feel free to start promoting the chat even now. In advance of the chat, any members could send us comments and questions on the CNN Parents page ... and if they have private questions, they could send a private message to CNN Parents and we’d try to get their questions answered. CNN Parents News/Media Website · 191,674 Likes Visit The Addict's Mom at: http://addictsmom.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

JUNE 20 CHP 10 v 17 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS

Lord , you know the hopes of the helpless .Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.

(GODS BIG BOOK)

Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over addictions—that our lives had become unmanageable.

Unmanageable is putting it very lightly ! Hopeless is where I was and millions of others and that is a good place even though you just want to die. They call it rock bottom ! It is where I found God ,  I discovered He  was there the whole time patiently waiting for me to admit , I screwed life up and I cant do life on my own anymore . God works quietly behind the scenes ,helping those who admit their helplessness to overcome the enemies (addictions) and problems they face. When we humble ourselves and put our trust in God ,we can have hope that one day God will give us a full recovery.If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction e-mail me at recoveryfriends@gmail

I might be able to help. PRAYING FOR YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Ezekiel 36:26

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

(GODS BIG BOOK) By Joseph Dickerson

Number of Drug Overdose Deaths Increased in 26 States Over Four-Year Period: Study - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Number of Drug Overdose Deaths Increased in 26 States Over Four-Year Period: Study - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Town Reports 17 People Have Accepted Treatment, Not Jail, for Giving Up Illegal Drugs - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Town Reports 17 People Have Accepted Treatment, Not Jail, for Giving Up Illegal Drugs - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Seattle Program to Keep Low-Level Drug Offenders Out of Jail Shows Promise - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Seattle Program to Keep Low-Level Drug Offenders Out of Jail Shows Promise - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

“When the Prescription Becomes the Problem” Social Media Campaign Targets Overdoses - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

“When the Prescription Becomes the Problem” Social Media Campaign Targets Overdoses - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Frequent Visitors to the ER at Increased Risk of Death From Prescription Drug Overdose - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Frequent Visitors to the ER at Increased Risk of Death From Prescription Drug Overdose - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Frequent Visitors to the ER at Increased Risk of Death From Prescription Drug Overdose - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Frequent Visitors to the ER at Increased Risk of Death From Prescription Drug Overdose - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Alcoholism Medication May Help Treat Methamphetamine Addiction - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Alcoholism Medication May Help Treat Methamphetamine Addiction - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Women for Sobriety, Inc. Reflections Hello WFS Friends! I thought you would like to read one of the day passages from the WFS booklet, "Reflections for Growth" that WFS's Founder, Jean Kirkpatrick, wrote.  All women using our program in their recovery are encouraged and welcomed to submit their comments on this reflection for possible publication in the July 2015 issue of Sobering Thoughts newsletter...please send them to contact@womenforsobriety.org by June 22nd.  Thanks! SOBRIETY: Sobriety can be hell or sobriety can be the most marvelous time of our life.  I choose to make it the latter.  Those who find it a state of hell are those who are still wanting to drink. Today I cherish my wonderful, new life. (This was an excerpt from "Reflections for Growth" booklet and may be purchased through the WFS Catalog at http://www.wfscatalog.org/Reflections-For-Growth-Bundle-BT174.htm - there are 12 booklets - one for each month of the year.  Copyright WFS Inc.) Warm regards, Becky Fenner, WFS Director Email:  contact@womenforsobriety.org   *   Tel: 215-536-8026   *   Fax:  215-538-9026

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

Creation Story We Never Get Tired Of

80 years of sobriety: Alcoholics Anonymous celebrate 80 years of dodging the drink    

WHAT was a seemingly unplanned meeting in Akron, Ohio on June 10, 1935 between two men, both "hopeless" alcoholics, began a programme of recovery that has helped millions get sober and a fellowship known as Alcoholics Anonymous. A stockbroker from New York, Bill Wilson, was one of them. He was fighting his own battle against drinking and already knew that helping other alcoholics was the key to maintaining his own sobriety. Bill traveled to Akron on business. He had been sober for five months but found himself alone...(more will be revealed)

Researchers Reveal New Criteria For Diagnosing Alcoholism « CBS New York

Researchers Reveal New Criteria For Diagnosing Alcoholism « CBS New York

JUNE 16 CHP 139 v 16 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS

Your eyes saw my unformed body, all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (GODS BIG BOOK)

ordained- order or decree (something) officially.

decree- an official order issued by a legal authority.

STEP 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

What if our poor decisions on choosing to use are a test designed by God to lead us too Him. It is so easy too think we are in control until we find ourselves strung-out and homeless in an alley somewhere on our knees crying out to God above , if you there please help me escape this hell or just take me outta here. What I do know is if it was not for my addictions I would have never got to know God on a deep personal level like I do now. Growing up I went to a school that told me about Him but I never Knew Him ! I had to take myself too hell to discover He is a loving merciful Father and creator and He desires a relationship with us and in order too accomplish this we must first realize we are not alone in this world and He is seeking us too find Him and know Him. That emptiness in our hearts that causes us too use and seek whatever it is to try and fill that empty space can only be filled by our Heavenly Father. Read the verse above over and over and ask God too reveal Himself and he will and no it wont be a burning bush it will be a sense of wholeness love and completion in your heart. When you have reached a point of brokenness in your life and all you want to do is die cry out to Him and don't stop until His spirit comes bringing freedom and comfort. Don't try to rationalize what I am saying just do it even if you think its crazy.GOD IS REAL ! GOD LOVES YOU ! YOUR ARE HIS DEARLY LOVED CHILD ! GOD MISSES YOU ! HE ALREADY KNOWS YOU ! GOD IS DESPERATELY SEEKING TO KNOW YOU ! GOD WILL NOT FORCE YOU ! YOU HAVE TO TELL HIM YOU NEED HIM ! 

Revelation 3-20 - Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

(GODS BIG BOOK) By Joseph Dickerson