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Top News of the Week FEATURED NEWS: Addiction and Mental Health Parity Progress is Slow, Especially for Children: Expert While there have been substantial gains on the issue of parity – making addiction and mental health coverage equal to physical health coverage – much work still needs to be done, especially for children, according to Ron Manderscheid, Ph.D., Executive Director of the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors and the National Association for Rural Mental Health. Learn more » Help Us Continue to Empower Families: Rise in Drug Overdoses Contributes to Increase in Premature Deaths Among Whites A new study finds premature death rates in the United States have risen among whites and American Indians/Alaskan Natives. A significant jump in drug overdoses is the primary reason for the increase, HealthDay reports. Learn more » Researchers Discover Gene Variant Linked With Opioid Addiction in African Americans The discovery of a gene variant associated with opioid addiction in African Americans may lead to personalized methadone treatment, according to HealthDay. Learn more » Hospitals Retraining Staff to Minimize Opioid Prescriptions  A growing number of hospitals across the country are rewriting protocols and retraining staff in an effort to minimize opioid prescriptions, PBS NewsHour reports. Learn more » More Americans with Substance Use Disorders, Mental Illness Got Insurance Under ACA More people with substance use disorders and mental illness had insurance coverage in 2014 because of the expansion of health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, a new study finds. Many barriers to treatment remain, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Learn more » Study: 28 Percent of American Adults, 9 Percent of Teens Use Tobacco Twenty-eight percent of American adults, and 9 percent of teens, use tobacco products, according to a new survey. Researchers found 40 percent of people who use tobacco say they use more than one product. Cigarettes and e-cigarettes are the most common combination. Learn more » Other Headlines of Interest Opinion: Take Back Our Cities From Opioids (U.S. News & World Report) Opinion: Fentanyl Is Killing Us (U.S. News & World Report) A way to predict who'll become a drug addict (CBS News) Opinion: Repealing ObamaCare will threaten our mental health (The Hill) Opinion: Opioid addiction threatens more than health, it threatens safety (The Hill) My Daughter Needs Help, Not Jail: Mental Health, Addiction (Hartford Courant) Prescription for pain: Arizona medical boards can take years to penalize doctors who overprescribe (Cronkite News) Rural Colorado's Opioid Connections Might Hold Clues To Better Treatment (NPR) Why psychedelic drugs are having a medical renaissance (PBS NewsHour) Can Sobriety Tests Weed Out Drivers Who've Smoked Too Much Weed? (NPR) The Herren Project Celebrates 5 Years of Going Purple (The Herren Project Project Purple Initiative) Tostitos' new bag wants to fight drunk post-Super Bowl driving (USA Today)

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Up Close and Personal with the Philippine Drug War | The Fix

Up Close and Personal with the Philippine Drug War | The Fix: We get an inside look at Duterte's war on drugs from an American living in the Philippines.

Up Close and Personal with the Philippine Drug War | The Fix

Up Close and Personal with the Philippine Drug War | The Fix: We get an inside look at Duterte's war on drugs from an American living in the Philippines.

Ask Katie: Why Should I Forgive My Alcoholic Dad When I Still Have To Clean Up His Messes? | The Fix

Ask Katie: Why Should I Forgive My Alcoholic Dad When I Still Have To Clean Up His Messes? | The Fix: Dealing with a heavily-drinking father can be frustrating, especially when you have to act as a parent in his place.

Are Our Kids “Addicted” To Social Media? | The Fix

Are Our Kids “Addicted” To Social Media? | The Fix: The AAP stated that obesity, sleep deprivation, impaired cognitive development, creating unhealthy relationships, and creating unhealthy behaviors are all potential risks.

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5 Benefits To Coming Out Of The Sobriety Closet | The Fix: Opening up about your sobriety can be scary, but you'll probably reap numerous benefits as a result.

Press Release: News From “The Addict’s Mom” TAM Moms Making a Difference Barbara Theodosiou is pleased to introduce a group of incredible TAM moms: Janice’ Wright Collier, Lori Vietri-Snyder, Connie Koprowicz, Jeannie Mintz Turner, Denise Mills-Williams, Noreen Beck and Beth Hines Donnelly Foster, all from the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina. A TAM member since the fall of 2014, Janice’ tells us that there are NO male/female in-patient treatment centers in Horry County, South Carolina. She reports that the heroin epidemic is just horrible in her county. Since joining “The Addict’s Mom,” Janice’ says that “my life has been changed forever.” Founded 10 years ago by Barbara Theodosiou and her son Daniel, a gifted young man who who battled the Co-Occurring Disorders of Mental Illness and Substance Use, “The Addict’s Mom” unites heart-broken mothers and offers them a forum to “Share Without Shame” their sorrows, struggles, and victories in the battle for the lives of their children who are in the grip of addiction. Tragically, Daniel died in the Spring of 2015 at the tender age of 23. Barbara is determined to continue the work of TAM in his name so that “his short, tragic life was not lived in vain. I want Daniel’s life to have meaning.” Since TAM’s inception at Barbara’s kitchen table, members not only support each other, but they educate, advocate, and meet with policy makers to implement reforms in the justice system, the mental health system, and the insurance industry. TAM is also helping to reduce the stigma of addiction, while raising awareness of the drug crisis currently raging across our great nation. In September, in conjunction with SAMHSA, volunteer TAM members host annual “Lights Of Hope” events, during which they light candles to commemorate their children lost to addiction, whether they are in recovery, on the streets, incarcerated, or deceased. In 2016, TAM volunteers hosted 100 LOH ceremonies! Janice’ and a group of volunteer TAM moms from the South Carolina chapter decided to host a Lights of Hope ceremony in September of 2016. These moms are amazing, planning their event in only 4 days! Many people from the community attended, including reporters from the local media who covered the event live. Speakers represented sectors from the community: law enforcement, recovery, EMS, and a physician from FAVOR (Faces and Voices Of Recovery.) The TAM moms also spoke to the crowd! After the LOH event, Officer Chris White of the Drug Enforcement Unit for Horry County invited Janice’ to attend a meeting of the Myrtle Beach Heroin Coalition, and speak to the coalition attendees to educate them about TAM. With a wish to help others, Janice’ surprised herself when she was able to speak for the first time in public. Also, Janice’ and TAM were featured on her local television news! Another TAM mom, Noreen Beck, attended a coalition meeting with Janice’. The ladies spoke with several police officers who asked them to join an education committee in order to raise public awareness, and host prevention programs for young people. Who is better than a group of mothers of addicted children to convey the message of the devastation that addiction has on our families? Janice’ states that when she, Jeannie and Denise met with several police officers who serve on the coalition, “I think we had a breakthrough when we spoke about the love we have for our kids, that the people they see and arrest over and over have moms who love them. I told them that our children CAN recover and two of our small group have kids in recovery right now.” In addition, “The Addict’s Mom” is now featured on the coalition website! http://www.horrycounty.org/Departmen.../.../HeroinCoalition.aspx These TAM warrior moms now meet regularly with their local police. Also, they are already discussing their 2017 “Lights of Hope” campaign, planning for it to be “bigger and better!” When she founded TAM, Barbara Theodosiou could never have imagined that the impact of “The Addict’s Mom” would be so far-reaching! Beginning with a few moms who did not use their real names when sharing, TAM is now 85,000 strong, with 65 websites and a chapter in every state. TAM is awarded, published in scientific journals, and has published a book for and about grandparents who are raising their own grandchildren. TAM moms march in Washington, and proudly display a volunteer-made quilt depicting our lost children. For these grass-roots efforts in effecting significant change in the field of addiction, Barbara Theodosiou and “The Addict’s Mom” are recipients of the White House Champion of Change award! TAM moms are speaking OUT, they are speaking UP, and they are speaking FOR their children who are battling the disease of addiction! Like a pebble thrown in a pond, creating a ripple across the water, TAM moms are creating significant reforms nationwide and elevating the formerly taboo topic of addiction to public awareness!! Thank You Myrtle Beach moms! Meet the extraordinary members of TEAM TAM Myrtle Beach: Janice’ Wright Collier is a Medical Transcriptionist who found TAM in the fall of 2014 after telling her co-worker, a TAM member, about drug problems with her son. Janice’ states that “TAM is a Godsend.” She never feels alone and enjoys the support she receives as she struggles with her son’s addiction. Janice’ admits to enabling him in the past, but later realized that she could not control his actions. She tells us that, “one day at a time and just for today, my son has almost 23 months clean from heroin.” Since joining TAM, Janice’ states, “my life has been changed forever since then.” Janice’ and the other TAM members who met during their “Lights of Hope” planning in 2016, are continuing their advocacy work. Bonded by tragedy, these members have found tremendous support and understanding in their friendship. Janice says, “had it not been for TAM, I would be alone in my suffering and would not have the wonderful friendships I have today. Thank you, Barb, for founding TAM!!! It is truly a life-saver for us Moms!!” Denise Mills-Williams found TAM 2 years ago on the Internet. She is a nationally certified Surgical Technologist. Denise has been coping with her son’s addiction for 16 years. She and her husband are also raising the two young sons of her niece. Denise is disabled with a diagnosis of MS. Beth Hines Donnelly found TAM on May 16, 2016, through the Internet. She was seeking information about heroin addiction because of her daughter. Beth is a Special Education teacher who enjoys crafts and painting. She is a volunteer with the Special Olympics, and now volunteers to help other families of addicted children. Denise is happy to report that after 5 years of drug use, her daughter is currently in recovery. Jeannie Mintz Turner found TAM in January of 2016 after an Internet search. Jeannie has been struggling with her daughter’s addiction for 19 years, with a 10 year recovery period that ended with relapse. Currently, her daughter is in recovery. Jeannie is an advocate for victims of domestic violence. She started a Nar-Anon group in her town. When she met other TAM moms, she became involved with the “Lights of Hope” event. Jeannie reports that she loves to help other families who are struggling. Connie Koprowicz has been a TAM member for 2 years. Connie made the very difficult choice to move to South Carolina from the western U.S.A. to protect her daughter from her 18 and 20 year old sons who were using drugs. Connie states, “they had their dad nearby but otherwise they had to find their way. And eventually they did.” Today, Connie holds a Masters Degree in addiction and recovery. She found TAM online when searching for a support group for mothers of addicts. Connie has met a lot of moms, made friends, and gained support through TAM. Her sons have been in recovery for several years. Connie shares with us, “it's always one day at a time. I work my recovery in part through TAM, in part through my work, and by learning to live a healthy, fun life despite the role that drugs have played in our family.” Noreen Beck lost a child to the disease of addiction. She is in disbelief that her middle son began using heroin after losing his brother. She immediately set boundaries and expectations, and he is currently in a fragile recovery. Noreen became active in her community; she regularly speaks at community meetings, and gives interviews to local news reporters. Noreen was the first person to address the heroin crisis in her town. She joined TAM in 2016 at the request of TAM mom Janice’. Noreen tells us that “I met a wonderful group of mothers who support each other and advocate to remove the shame and stigma of this disease which keeps so many of our children from asking for help.” Advocating for those suffering from addiction is now Noreen’s passion. She and the other TAM moms are asking their community to open a detox and treatment center. They currently have none! Noreen states “my wish is that no addict seeking recovery dies of this disease, and that no other mother loses her child from addiction.” Barbara wishes to thank each and every one of these amazing and dedicated members. It is through their efforts, and the efforts of all TAM members, that fellow Americans will help us in this deadly battle that is stealing our children!

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

“Hang out with couch potatoes, and you are less likely to be physically active. Hang out with complainers, and you probably spend more time complaining than you realize. Spend your time with people who are successful doing the things you want to do. You’ll get encouragement, support and inspiration to keep going forward.” —Laurel Vespi of Stone Circle Coaching Read more in "9 Steps for Success." Ever wish you could tap into the mind of an overachiever for a day? What are they doing that you aren’t? According to some of the country’s top life coaches, the secret to serious success starts with some simple behavioral changes. This week, pick up any biography of a famous person, and you won’t have to read far before you find examples of their persistence and tenacity. Successful people don’t quit at the first hurdle; they don’t accept the first “no,” and they don’t listen to other people who can’t wait to tell them their idea is bound to fail. RENEW EVERY DAY Recovery Retreats Whether you’re trying to give up smoking, reconnect with the 12-steps or learn how to find balance and happiness in sobriety, there’s likely a recovery retreat that can help you get there.  Recovery for a Native Son After losing six brothers to alcoholism, Mike Williams Sr. raced the Iditarod carrying precious cargo in his sled: the sobriety pledges of hundreds of people. It’s just one way that the community leader is inspiring wellness among Alaskan natives.  Should You Tell Your Employer You Have a Substance Abuse Problem? Never let the stigma of addiction stop you from getting help. Seeking help for your substance abuse is one of the most courageous decisions you can make.  Renew provides relevant and engaging information and resources to help individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction and their loved ones create and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Share Tweet Forward

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All who are touched by addiction one way or another Please sign this and Share this all over. Thank you **** Barbara Theodosiou and the administrators at “The Addict’s Mom” have decided to post a petition to send to HBO regarding the commentary from Bill Maher on a Real Time episode that aired on January 20 on HBO. We are asking you to read the petition and sign if you agree with it. To: HBO Television, From: “The Addict’s Mom” a support and advocacy group for mothers of addicted children Re: The Real Time episode with Bill Maher that aired on January 20, 2017, on HBO We at “The Addict’s Mom” are appalled at HBO and Bill Maher for choosing to air this unacceptable rant that attempts to connect the Presidential election results with the great tragedy of drug addiction that is destroying American families. Those of us who are living with the nightmare that is addiction do not find the commentary acceptable or appropriate, no matter which political party with whom we affiliate. Nor do we wish to encourage people to laugh at what is a deadly problem. Every single day in our country, 144 people die from a drug overdose. We number 80,000 dedicated and desperate parents who are actively engaged in a battle for the lives of our beloved children suffering from the disease of addiction. Many of us have buried our child, some have children in jail, children who are homeless, children whose whereabouts are unknown, or children who are struggling to recover. Some of us are raising our own grandchildren due to the death of our children. The disease of addiction has stolen our family stability, finances, peace of mind, and health. Our nation is in the grip of the deadliest drug crisis in history. Our group has spent the last decade educating, supporting, and advocating for reform in the field of addiction. We are heavily awarded, nationally recognized, and the former director of the White House Office On National Drug Control Policy, Michael Botticelli, is a member of our group. President Obama awarded us with the White House Champion of Change in 2016. We are deadly serious (pun intended) about the topic of addiction. We are determined to change the misperceptions of society regarding our addicted children. Our members are from every social class, income level, education level, race, and religion. Addiction does not discriminate; it devastates and destroys not only the unfortunates who succumb to the disease but their loving family members. We parents of addicted children live in a world of grief, despair, and heartache. Imagine how we felt when Bill Maher chose to make light of our situation and the very serious subject of drug addiction. Our members are outraged, disappointed with HBO, and very concerned that the subject of drug addiction is fodder for comedy, satire, and ridicule. Members: Please sign our petition if you agree: https://l.facebook.com/l/ATPdomG3Z60mEV4xDdiwbuQm124C2m0nxDSC6tTxikNX3XItBoppJJ8j7FLFhedYM6nWOjd9LJNfhxQjs0NrpilkYOUKwOTN1LisCIuRch5NHtuA03PgwLJu9HoD2vJRCiyhhGE0Hns/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.change.org%2F...%2Fbill-maher-to-apologize-for..." Visit The Addict's Mom at: http://addictsmom.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

ADDICTION FROM GODS PERSPECTIVE

Romans 8 v 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves , so that you live in fear again ; rather , the Spirit you received brought about your Son ship , And by Him we cry , Abba , Father .(God) 

I mentioned a few weeks back that you are Slave to Sin and one of the by products is Addiction .We focus all of our time and energy on ourselves and how strong Addiction is and we are convinced it is an incurable disease. That kind of thinking will keep you in chains of slavery ! Change your perspective , you have nothing to lose!

Thirty one trips to Detox and Rehab and your still not sober you gotta try a different approach .Addiction is not the problem its the Sin that lives in you . 

By Joseph Dickerson / Recovery Connections 17

Moms: Barbara Theodosiou and the administrators at “The Addict’s Mom” have decided to post a petition to send to HBO regarding the commentary from Bill Maher on a Real Time episode that aired on January 20 on HBO. We are asking you to read the petition and sign if you agree with it. To: HBO Television, From: “The Addict’s Mom” a support and advocacy group for mothers of addicted children Re: The Real Time episode with Bill Maher that aired on January 20, 2017, on HBO We at “The Addict’s Mom” are appalled at HBO and Bill Maher for choosing to air this unacceptable rant that attempts to connect the Presidential election results with the great tragedy of drug addiction that is destroying American families. Those of us who are living with the nightmare that is addiction do not find the commentary acceptable or appropriate, no matter which political party with whom we affiliate. Nor do we wish to encourage people to laugh at what is a deadly problem. Every single day in our country, 144 people die from a drug overdose. We number 80,000 dedicated and desperate parents who are actively engaged in a battle for the lives of our beloved children suffering from the disease of addiction. Many of us have buried our child, some have children in jail, children who are homeless, children whose whereabouts are unknown, or children who are struggling to recover. Some of us are raising our own grandchildren due to the death of our children. The disease of addiction has stolen our family stability, finances, peace of mind, and health. Our nation is in the grip of the deadliest drug crisis in history. Our group has spent the last decade educating, supporting, and advocating for reform in the field of addiction. We are heavily awarded, nationally recognized, and the former director of the White House Office On National Drug Control Policy, Michael Botticelli, is a member of our group. President Obama awarded us with the White House Champion of Change in 2016. We are deadly serious (pun intended) about the topic of addiction. We are determined to change the misperceptions of society regarding our addicted children. Our members are from every social class, income level, education level, race, and religion. Addiction does not discriminate; it devastates and destroys not only the unfortunates who succumb to the disease but their loving family members. We parents of addicted children live in a world of grief, despair, and heartache. Imagine how we felt when Bill Maher chose to make light of our situation and the very serious subject of drug addiction. Our members are outraged, disappointed with HBO, and very concerned that the subject of drug addiction is fodder for comedy, satire, and ridicule. Members: Please sign our petition if you agree: https://www.change.org/p/bill-maher-to-apologize-for-the-new-rule-trump-addict-s-hbo-real-time-episode Visit The Addict's Mom at: http://addictsmom.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

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Freedom Fighters A Daily Devotional for Men from America's Keswick www.americaskeswick.org

Share Tweet Forward It’s Not Too Late Jan 20, 2017 05:30 am  “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.”- Matthew 21:28 How do you do when the battle is raging? I mean, when we have our moments of flesh vs Spirit. I am grateful for an Advocate we have to the Father that allows the the Spirit of God to work in our lives. One of God’s attributes is He is long suffering, patiently waiting for the process of conviction to have its way with us. Our first response to God should always be “Yes Lord,” but the truth of the matter is when there is a delay, He is willing to wait for us to turn and respond to His calling and direction. The parable Jesus presents to the chief priests and the elders is a story of two sons, one whom his father told “son, go, work in my vineyard,” in which the first sons response was “‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went.” It goes on to say, “Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.” This parable was told to compare the tax collectors and harlots (first son) to the chief priests and the elders (second son) and lays out preference between the two. “Which of the two did the will of his father?” If you have heard God tell you to do something and it’s eating you up inside, turn around, go back and do it. When you do you have done the will of the Father. The alternative is a state of denial which usually leads us to confusion. We can sometimes in our mind be saying “I will go” but in our hearts we never intended to show up. It’s the same old story of lip service vs actions. I believe God takes pleasure when He sees one of His children turn back and be willing to obey. I can only imagine the mixed emotions this father had when he saw the resistant son at work and the willing son a “no show.” Sometimes it’s not the way we get there, it’s that we end up where we need to be. There is an aroma of sweetness when the outcome is in line with the will of the Father. So, if you are still headed in the wrong direction, turn around, go back and fulfill the call of God. Amen! Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org. The Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 12-17| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here Daily Quote: “There’s some task which the God of all the universe, the great Creator, your redeemer in Jesus Christ has for you to do, and which will remain undone and incomplete until by faith and obedience you step into the will of God.” – Alan Redpath This Week’s Verse to Memorize: My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, And my soul, which You have redeemed. Psalm 71:23   To Love At All Is To Be Vulnerable The Blessing of the Latter Rains A Child’s Perspective The Will of God You Think That’s Air You’re Breathing (Finding Your True Identity)

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