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Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, Google and DEA Collaborate to Promote National Prescription Take Back Day, April 28th Together with Google and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), we are encouraging families and individuals to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, April 28. Google is making it easier for people to find nearby Take Back locations using Google Maps technology. Today, Wednesday, April 25, Google’s home page has a direct link to where individuals can find a Take Back location near them. They can also learn more about the Partnership’s science-based resources, including our Parent Helpline, where families can reach out and get help for their son or daughter struggling with substances. Read More Help Us Continue to Empower Families:   Donate Now Tell a Friend   “Help & Hope by Text” Offers Personalized, Digital Resources at Parents’ Fingertips Last week, we launched Help & Hope by Text, a customizable, mobile messaging initiative that provides personalized, ongoing support and relevant resources to parents through a combination of tailored mobile messaging and one-on-one chat support services. This platform is part of a comprehensive initiative to help families address the opioid crisis. Parents can text “JOIN” to 55753 to subscribe. Sign Up Now   The Partnership Presents the 2018 All-Star Tasting We will host our 2018 All-Star Tasting on Wednesday, May 16 in New York City. The All-Star Tasting brings together all-star chefs and athletes for an exciting night filled with culinary delights and fun challenges. The event raises critical funds to ensure we can continue to serve families across the country who are struggling with substance use. Buy Tickets   Partnership Parents and Staff Present at National Rx Abuse and Heroin Summit We led a panel discussion focused on the family’s role in reversing a national public health epidemic at this year’s National Rx Abuse and Heroin Summit in Atlanta, GA. Pat Aussem, Master Addictions Counselor; Denise Mariano, Partnership Parent Coach; and Courtney Hunter, our Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs; presented “Empowering Families: How to Address a Loved One’s Opioid Use and Become a Family Advocate,” which addressed the challenges families face in identifying opioid misuse by loved ones. Learn More ICYMI: Parent Blog Roundup Your Comprehensive Guide to the Opioid Epidemic — and What You Can Do About It My Big Brother’s Battle to Overcome His Addiction Your Child’s Treatment & Recovery Roadmap: A Guide to Navigating the Addiction Treatment System Was Your Child Denied Coverage for Addiction Treatment? File an Insurance Parity Complaint

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HEROIN SUCKS

HEROIN SUCKS

Data from the National Vital Statistics System, Mortality

In 2016, there were more than 63,600 drug overdose deaths in the United States.The age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths in 2016 (19.8 per 100,000) was 21% higher than the rate in 2015 (16.3).Among persons aged 15 and over, adults aged 25–34, 35–44, and 45–54 had the highest rates of drug overdose deaths in 2016 at around 35 per 100,000.West Virginia (52.0 per 100,000), Ohio (39.1), New Hampshire (39.0), the District of Columbia (38.8), and Pennsylvania (37.9) had the highest observed age-adjusted drug overdose death rates in 2016.The age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (drugs such as fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and tramadol) doubled between 2015 and 2016, from 3.1 to 6.2 per 100,000.

Deaths from drug overdose are an increasing public health burden in the United States (1–4). This report uses the most recent data from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) to update trends in drug overdose deaths, describe demographic and geographic patterns, and identify shifts in the types of drugs involved.

Detecting drug abuse early on is the most effective way of preventing an addiction from developing.To help identify whether someone is battling a painkiller abuse problem, there are several physical and behavioral warning signs to watch out for.

The most common physical and behavioral signs of opiate abuse are:Needle marks on arms and legs from intravenous (injected) use/Constricted, “pinpoint” pupils /Having trouble staying awake or falling asleep at inappropriate times/ Flushed, itchy skin/

Withdrawing from social activities that were once enjoyed/Sudden and dramatic mood swings that seem out of character Impulsive actions and decision-making Engaging in risky activities/ such as driving under the influence/Visiting multiple doctors in order to obtain more prescriptions

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.

Recovery connections also available recoveryfriends@gmail.com or visit the Blog www.joseph-recoveryconnections.blogspot.com

Kratom: Did I Lose My Sobriety and Not Even Know It? | The Fix

Kratom: Did I Lose My Sobriety and Not Even Know It? | The Fix: Is it a miracle cure for withdrawal symptoms and anxiety or an opioid-like substance which causes dependence and a nightmare withdrawal of its own?

Doing Sobriety for Yourself | The Fix

Doing Sobriety for Yourself | The Fix: Entering sobriety with the expectation you are making up for something wrong is not doing it for yourself.

It's Time for Uncomfortable Solutions to the Opioid Epidemic | The Fix

It's Time for Uncomfortable Solutions to the Opioid Epidemic | The Fix: The results of the War on Drugs: an America that is the most incarcerated nation in the world, a sharp decrease in the price of heroin, and a new Jim Crow for Black communities.

Technology: Using Virtual Reality to Treat Addiction | The Fix

Technology: Using Virtual Reality to Treat Addiction | The Fix: 'What I’m trying to do is have people escape into a therapeutic environment that will treat the reasons that they’re escaping in the first place.”

Trying to Focus on Principles Before Personalities Can Be Grueling | The Fix

Trying to Focus on Principles Before Personalities Can Be Grueling | The Fix: I tried to focus on principles before personalities, but when I did not achieve satisfactory results, I began to hate myself.

‌ "I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.”      ~~A. Maslow “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.”  Albert Einstein “If you choose to not deal with an issue, then you give up your right of control over the issue and it will select the path of least resistance.”  ~~ Susan Del Gatto Statement #4  “Problems bother me only to the degree I permit.   I now better understand my problems. I do not permit problems to overwhelm me. Before sobriety and New Life, a technique used in dealing with problems was much like the quote with the hammer; assailing any trouble with an attempt to escape.  The initial impulse was to complain, then drag as many people into the situation as possible while trying to get them on *my side*.  Avoidance soon became the norm until something else took its place, which usually was a consequence of a problem that I was already trying to evade.  Alcohol perpetuated this cycle, creating emotional burdens and the desire to escape. Women for Sobriety provides new tools for managing problems, and Statement #4 leads the way.  Affirming understanding and ability, Jean provides an avenue for solution by stating, “I do not permit problems to overwhelm me.”  Instead of retreating into alcohol with doubt or escape, problems now can be managed and moved through.  With the practice of Statement #4, new tools come to light.  Sometimes what is learned solving one problem can aid in another. This Statement can also lessen feelings of doubt.  Often, I had doubted an ability to solve something, yet solving even the smallest of problems heightened my feelings of confidence, which then spurred more energy to solve another.  While this Statement does not say how to solve, it can cement the belief that anyone can solve problems. Here is a 4-part approach for problem solving: 1.       Define the problem:  Do I have all the information?  Is the problem a symptom of something deeper? 2.       Collect solutions:  Oftentimes the first solution identified is not necessarily the best.  Can brainstorming help?  3.       Decide and Try:  Try, while breaking down a problem into manageable and solvable smaller problems.  It is much easier to take one bite of an elephant than trying to eat the whole thing. 4.       Evaluate:  What worked and what didn’t?  What did I learn?  What can I try to do differently?     Hugzzz Karen Hi 4C Women, I sometimes tell myself that I now understand my ability to problem solve and not be overwhelmed by problems. Like Karen, I feared decision-making/problem-solving because I had zero confidence in my ability to do so and even less understanding that a mistake could actually be a life lesson. The fear was stronger than my willingness to take charge of my life. I left that up to alcohol. Not such a rewarding outcome!   One of my coping tools now is to play the scenario backwards. I think about what I would like (no guarantees) the end result to be and think of actions that would lead me to that result.  Letting go of expectations has helped me tremendously. Not that I'm not disappointed if it doesn't work out as I hoped but I am not devastated as I was in the past. What I am recognizing lately, too, is the aspect of regret. If I do nothing, will I regret it? If I do something and it flies back in my face, will I regret doing it? The choice goes back to how much does it matter, is it truly a problem that even needs solving or am I worrying about this specific situation in order to avoid a much deeper issue that does require a decision?  This past year has been a wealth of life lessons that has included mistakes that I have survived.  The important thing is not giving up, perhaps pausing for a while, taking a deep breath and, for me, keeping that aspect of regret/consequences of my decisions as my guide. I encourage you to think about the questions that Karen posed especially evaluating your choices.   Bonded in problem-solving, 4C WFS Member   Don't miss this workshop at the 2018 WFS Annual Weekend Conference! June 8-10 in Center Valley, PA Breath Dance Experience therapeutic breathwork through the use of dance in conjunction with the breath. The works of Peter Levine (Waking the Tiger) and Bessel Van der Kolk (The Body Keeps Score) discuss how trauma is stored in our bodies. Tommy Rosen (Recovery 2.0) talks about trauma being at the root of addiction. The use of movement and breath can help integrate core trauma and enhance our new lives. Join us for this unique healing experience. During our time together, we will use dance and visualization to move through the Chakras and Levels of Recovery. The dance will be followed by quiet time for slow, connected breathing and integration. We will end the evening sharing our personal experience with the breath dance and connected breathing. Dress comfortably. Bring a yoga mat or blanket if you want to lay on the floor for integration. Chairs will be setup for those who choose to integrate while sitting up. Sherry W/bear3gents (Peer Presenter) – Sherry is a moderator for a face to face meeting in Burlington, WI. Sherry is a certified breathworker and uses it in her therapy practice as well as offering breathwork to her community. Jean H/Jean (Peer Presenter) - Jean is a chat leader, hosting the Wednesday night chat. She assists Sherry in community breathwork sessions. Register Today Check out Women for Sobriety's Blog Site. If you received this from a friend, we welcome you to JOIN our email list. Copyright © Women for Sobriety, Inc. | All rights reserved | Federal ID # 23-1972763 Email: contact@womenforsobriety.org | Ph: 215.536.8026 | Fax: 215.538.9026 http://womenforsobriety.org | http://www.wfscatalog.org  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌

Women for Sobriety, Inc. | P.O. Box 618, Quakertown, PA 18951-0618  | About our service provider Sent by contact@womenforsobriety.org