Sept15 issue

BRIAN LUKE SEAWARD, PH.D.

PAUL D. ALLEVA, MSW

CHOOSE TO BE IN THE LIGHT MORE OFTEN!

STAND LIKE MOUNTAIN, FLOW LIKE WATER: REFLECTIONS ON STRESS AND HUMAN SPIRITUALITY

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A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Dear Readers, I welcome you to The Sober World magazine. The Sober World is an informative award winning national magazine that’s designed to help parents and families who have loved ones struggling with addiction.

We are a FREE printed publication, as well as an online e-magazine reaching people globally in their search for information about Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

We directly mail our printed magazine each month to whoever has been arrested for drugs or alcohol in Palm Beach County as well as distributing locally to the schools, colleges, drug court, coffee houses, meeting halls, doctor offices and more throughout Palm Beach and Broward County. We also directly mail to treatment centers throughout the country and have a presence at conferences nationally.

Our monthly magazine is available for free on our website at www.thesoberworld.com.

If you would like to receive an E-version monthly of the magazine, please send your e-mail address to patricia@thesoberworld.com Drug addiction has reached epidemic proportions throughout the country and is steadily increasing. It is being described as “the biggest manmade epidemic” in the United States. More people are dying from drug overdoses than from any other cause of injury death, including traffic accidents, falls or guns.

Many Petty thefts are drug related, as the addicts need for drugs causes them to take desperate measures in order to have the ability to buy their drugs. The availability of prescription narcotics is overwhelming; as parents our hands are tied.

Purdue Pharma, the company that manufactures Oxycontin generated $3.1 BILLION in revenue in 2010? Scary isn’t it?

Addiction is a disease but there is a terrible stigma attached to it. As family members affected by this disease, we are often too ashamed to speak to anyone about our loved ones addiction, feeling that we will be judged. We try to pass it off as a passing phase in their lives, and some people hide their head in the sand until it becomes very apparent such as through an arrest, getting thrown out of school or even worse an overdose, that we realize the true extent of their addiction.

I know that many of you who are reading this now are frantic that their loved one has been arrested. No parent ever wants to see his or her child arrested or put in jail, but this may be your opportunity to save your child or loved one’s life. They are more apt to listen to you now than they were before, when whatever you said may have fallen on deaf ears. This is the point where you know your loved one needs help, but you don’t know where to begin.

I have compiled this informative magazine to try to take that fear and anxiety away from you and let you know there are many options to choose from.

There are Psychologists and Psychiatrists that specialize in treating people with addictions. There are Education Consultants that will work with you to figure out what your loved ones needs are and come up with the best plan for them. There are Interventionists who will hold an intervention and try to convince your loved one that they need help. There are detox centers that provide medical supervision to help them through the withdrawal process,

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There are Transport Services that will scoop up your resistant loved one (under the age of 18 yrs. old) and bring them to the facility you have chosen. There are long term Residential Programs (sometimes a year and longer) as well as short term programs (30-90 days), there are Therapeutic Boarding Schools, Wilderness programs, Extended Living and there are Sober Living Housing where they can work, go to meetings and be accountable for staying clean.

Many times a Criminal Attorney will try to work out a deal with the court to allow your child or loved one to seek treatment as an alternative to jail.

I know how overwhelming this period can be for you and I urge every parent or relative of an addict to get some help for yourself. There are many groups that can help you. There is Al-Anon, Alateen (for teenagers), Families Anonymous, Nar-Anon and more. This is a disease that affects the whole family, not just the parents.

Addiction knows no race or religion; it affects the wealthy as well as the poor, the highly educated, old, young-IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE. This magazine is dedicated to my son Steven who graduated with top honors from University of Central Florida. He graduated with a degree in Psychology, and was going for his Masters in Applied Behavioral Therapy.

He was a highly intelligent, sensitive young man who helped many people get their lives on the right course. He could have accomplished whatever he set his mind out to do. Unfortunately, after graduating from college he tried a drug that was offered to him not realizing how addictive it was and the power it would have over him.

My son was 7 months clean when he relapsed and died of a drug overdose. I hope this magazine helps you find the right treatment for your loved one. They have a disease and like all diseases, you try to find the best care suited for their needs. They need help.

Deaths from prescription drug overdose have been called the “silent epidemic” for years. There is approximately one American dying every 17 minutes from an accidental prescription drug overdose. Please don’t allow your loved one to become a statistic. I hope you have found this magazine helpful. You may also visit us on the web at www.thesoberworld.com.

We are on Face Book at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sober- World/445857548800036 or www.facebook.com/steven.soberworld, Twitter at www.twitter.com/thesoberworld, and LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/pub/patricia-rosen/51/210/955/.

Sincerely,

Patricia

Publisher Patricia@TheSoberWorld.com

For Advertising opportunities in our magazine, on our website or to submit articles, please contact Patricia at 561-910-1943 or patricia@thesoberworld.com.

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STAND LIKE MOUNTAIN, FLOW LIKE WATER: REFLECTIONS ON STRESS AND HUMAN SPIRITUALITY

By Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Stress, it is said, is the “equal opportunity destroyer. Regardless of income, education, gender, race, or how dysfunctional your parents were when they raised you, stress knows no demographic boundaries. Stress can be defined in a great many ways, but from a spiritual perspective it is best described as “the absence of inner peace.” Renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Every crisis over the age of 30 is a spiritual crisis.’ While his contemporaries, including Freud, described stress as an emotional (anxiety-based) issue, Jung was of the opinion that stress, as exhibited through unresolved issues of anger or fear, was first and foremost a spiritual issue to be resolved. If Jung were alive today, he might drop the age limit down to 15 years of age, or perhaps remove it all together.

Simply stated, every crisis, big or small, is a spiritual crisis.

Ageless Wisdom for Modern Times If you were to eavesdrop on the conversations of the world’s great luminaries; the shamans, healers, mystics and wisdom keepers of all ages, cultures and languages as they discuss the topic of human spirituality, you would hear them address three aspects; relationships, values and a meaningful purpose in one’s life. These three facets are the hallmark of human spirituality. Perhaps by no coincidence, they comprise the greatest number of stressors known to humanity.

Try this quick exercise; make a list of your top 10 stressors, issues, concerns, and dilemmas. Describe each stressor in no more than a few words. Then put a check mark next to every stressor that involves a relationship (including the relationship with yourself), a value (e.g., time, money, health, honesty, privacy, etc.) or value conflict and finally, a meaningful purpose in life (e.g., career, family, etc.). If you are like most people (and you are honest with yourself) you will find everything on your list checked off, sometime more than once. Jung was right; every crisis is a spiritual crisis.

Seasons of the Soul Best selling author, M. Scott Peck began his acclaimed book, The Road Less Traveled, with these words: “Life is difficult.” Indeed, it can be. Yet life can also be gloriously exuberant as well. Balance is the key. In discovering the works and philosophies of the world’s great spiritual luminaries, it becomes clear that there is a specific progression of the soul growth process, very much like the seasons of our planet that promotes this balance. A closer look reveals that the first season is the Centering Process (autumn) when we take time to go inside and take inventory of the internal landscape (this is also known as soul searching). To center means to enter the heart.

Wisdom keepers remind us to “be still” in this season. The Emptying process (winter) follows autumn, where we release, cleanse and detach from thoughts, attitudes, perceptions and beliefs that no longer serve us. This is a real test for the ego as some of these are really hard to let go of. The Emptying process is followed by the Grounding Process (springtime) where the void of the winter gives way to new growth, new insights and wisdom (also known as the “vision” of the vision quest). The last season is known as the Connecting process (summer) a time of celebration, (think family reunions, picnics, weddings etc.), or as Joseph Campbell called it, the last leg of the Hero’s Journey; the return home. Yet one never stays home long before the rotation begins again. And like planet Earth that has many seasons at once, we can be in one season of our life, such as one’s career and another involving a significant relationship.

Throughout the world, the words “spirit,” “wind” and “breath” are synonymous. The implied message is that spirit needs to keep moving.

It cannot stop or even stagnate. When we get stuck in any one of these seasons of the soul, we become spiritually constipated. Many people get stuck in the emptying process, which for some goes by the name, “The dark night of the soul” (Shakespeare called it “The winter of discontent.”)

Rather than honoring the emptying process by letting go, some people try to fill up this spiritual void with material possessions, drugs or alcohol, yet this never works. It only prolongs the dark night. One must remember that the emptying process is not the black pit of despair. It is the womb

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of creation, and the dark night is only supposed to be a night, not an eternity. Remember, nature abhors a vacuum. What you empty will be filled with something of equal or greater value; this is the promise of the universe. The sage advice from the wisdom keepers about the emptying process is this: “be in this world, but not of it.”

Triumph of the Human Spirit: Muscles of the Soul When Jung stated that every crisis over the age of 30 was a spiritual crisis he added this thought: “Spiritual crises require spiritual cures.” In stress management circles “spiritual cures” are referred to as effective coping techniques. I refer to them as muscles of the soul. These are the inner resources we use to dismantle, circumnavigate, or transcend our stress. When employed they act as a divine force to bring us back home (inner peace). If you were to talk to any person who has come through a stressful situation gracefully (as a victor, not a victim), and ask them how they got through it, most likely they would say one or more of the following: a sense of patience, humor, forgiveness, creativity, optimism, integrity, faith and compassion. These are not gifts for a chosen few. Rather, they are birthrights for everyone. When we engage these muscles in times of personal stress, we rise above the fray and begin to meet our highest potential. This is the triumph of the human spirit, one which we are all called to serve.

Health of the Human Spirit As a college professor who teaches a holistic (mind-body-spiritemotions) approach to stress management, not all students are comfortable with the term “spirituality.” They often mistake this concept for religion. While there certainly is some overlap (both religion and spirituality offer a means to turn toward the divine), spirituality is inclusive; religions are exclusive (e.g., you cannot be Jewish and Baptist at the same time.) As the expression goes, “religion is for those who fear hell, and spirituality is for those who have already been there.” When teaching about stress and human spirituality I often use two metaphors, mountains and water, two metaphors known the world over to depict the spiritual journey. Mountains are a symbol of strength during the winds of change; water is a reminder to go with the flow with things we cannot control. A Chinese proverb succinctly states: Stand like mountain, flow like water. Reinhold Neibuhr expounded upon this theme and called it The Serenity Prayer.

The timeless message of the wisdom keepers reminds us that stress and human spirituality are partners in the dance of life. With practice, we are poetry in motion. The following is a letter from one of my college students who is well on his way to becoming poetry in motion.

Dear Professor Seaward, Ahoy from the peaceful shores of Seattle! This is a long overdue letter from one of your American University students, class of ‘93, your last semester I believe. I should have written much sooner, there’s been something I’ve been meaning to tell you. Remember when you told us that the things you were teaching might take on greater significance as we aged and matured (or failed to mature)? That was a major understatement! In fact, you may have saved my life. This is my story: Continued on page 46

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THE SILENT ASSAULT ON AMERICANS WITH ADDICTIONS THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM – LEGISLATING FOR PROFITS

By John Giordano DHL, MAC

“History has proven you simply cannot prescribe your way out of an opiate epidemic; especially by bringing even more opiates into the already over-prescribed market ” ~ John J. Giordano “UNCLE SAM IS THE WORST DRUG FIEND IN THE WORLD” This was the front page headline that appeared on March 12, 1911 in the New York Times. It was an alarming message from America’s first drug czar (United States Opium Commissioner, Department of State; appointed in 1908 by then President Theodore Roosevelt), Dr. Hamilton Wright. He delivered the news two years after returning from the first global meeting on opium, the International Opium Commission, which met in Shanghai in February, 1909. At the time it was thought that China had the largest population of opium addicts. However, upon completion of Wright’s meticulous research and review, it was found that per capita, American’s were the biggest consumers of raw opium and opium based products such as morphine, heroin, laudanum, over the counter medicines and patented medicines, in the world. Dr. Wright’s words are as relevant today as they were when he spoke them over one hundred years ago during America’s first opioid epidemic.

Opium has a long and storied history dating back to the last part of the Stone Age. The drug was used as a medicine and for recreational purposes. The Sumerians called it, hul gil, the “joy plant” in 3400AD. British merchants forced opium on China as a way to balance their trade deficit. The Chinese culture became so devastated by its recreational use that opium was prohibited in 1729, an act that eventually led to the Opium Wars waged by the British on China.

Domestically, Chinese immigrants were blamed for importing the opium-smoking habit to the U.S. However, it was the civil war that left an estimated four hundred thousand veteran solders addicted to morphine – an opioid painkiller first synthesized in 1804.

Morphine was the game changer of its time. Derived from opium, it was marketed to the general public by Sertürner and Company beginning in 1817 as an analgesic and also as a treatment for opium and alcohol addiction. As an analgesic, the drug allowed doctors to perform long and painful surgeries with minimal discomfort for the patient. Morphine also provided comfort for people suffering from chronic pain. However, after the civil war it was found that morphine was more addictive than either alcohol or opium.

Heroin, an opioid derived from morphine, was developed by the Bayer Company to fill the void of a non-addictive painkiller. Beginning in 1898, diacetylmorphine was marketed under the trademark name Heroin as a non-addictive morphine substitute and cough suppressant. It was sold to doctors as ‘stronger than morphine and safer than codeine.’ Heroin was thought to be a cure for morphine addiction or for relieving morphine withdrawal symptoms. It was later discovered that, contrary to Bayer’s advertising as a “nonaddictive morphine substitute,” heroin had one of the highest rates of dependence among its users.

Our domestic politics surrounding opium are equally as astounding. Opium and its byproducts were largely unregulated for most of the 1800’s. “Our Congress,” Dr. Wright said, “from the beginning of our Government, legalized the importation into the United States of smoking opium by the imposition on it of various import duties, ranging from $6 on the pound to twice as much. Thus, you will observe, we recognized it (opium) as an evil promptly and quite as promptly, arranged not to prohibit it but to make a profit out of it.” The sentiment has not been lost on today’s lawmakers.

Just a few months ago, Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) introduced legislation, the Recovery Enhance-

8

ment for Addiction Treatment Act, that would loosen restrictions on the number of patients a doctor – and/or his nurse practitioner or physician assistant – could treat with buprenorphine (Suboxone) for opioid addiction.

This line of thinking is so counterintuitive that it shocks the conscious. Just who are the politicians trying to help – patients or the pharmaceutical company’s profits?

Politicians please take note: the problem is NOT that we have too few opioids in America today – as the word ‘epidemic’ in the phrase ‘opioid epidemic’ implies – we have too many! Americans, who comprise less than 5% of the global population, consume over 80% of the world’s production opioid painkillers – and 99 percent of the world’s hydrocodone (also an opioid) – every year. Enough prescription painkillers were prescribed in 2010 to medicate every single American adult around-the-clock for an entire month.

This empirical data removes any doubt that prescription opiates are the gateway drug to heroin; and in the face of these facts, politicians want to add even more opioids to the already glutted marketplace.

Only a politician could possibly try to invoke wisdom by using this twisted logic of pouring gasoline on a fire in an effort to extinguish the hot flames. Fatal overdoses from prescription opioid medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, buprenorphine and methadone have quadrupled since 1999. More than 36,000 people died last year due to opioid painkillers – that’s more people then those who died from all illegal drugs combined. According to the CDC (July 7, 2015) Prescription opioid painkiller abuse or dependences was the strongest risk factor for heroin abuse or dependence; 45% of people who used heroin also abused or were dependent on prescription opioid painkillers in the past year.

History has a way of repeating itself.

The similarities are stunning. Nearly 120 years later, Suboxone is using the same spurious marketing model as heroin did in 1898.

Just as heroin was marketed as a ‘safe’ non-addictive alternative to morphine only to be proven to be equally or more addictive; Suboxone is being rolled-out as the ‘safer and less stigmatized’ alternative to Methadone. Some doctors and researchers in the field of addiction say that Suboxone has been a helpful tool in fighting opioid addictions without the need to send patients to methadone clinics. Others have called it the “middle class methadone.” I’m not sure I know how to interrupt that last statement. Are they inferring a wealthier addict should be treated in the privacy of a doctor’s office Continued on page 48

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CHOOSE TO BE IN THE LIGHT MORE OFTEN!

By Paul D. Alleva, MSW

A child sat and watched as the big game took place, surrounded by all the adults he’d come to know. The excitement and intensity of the game took the child over as the adults crowded and hollered and shouted and screamed at the television. Before the game would end this child would be transformed, forever a fan. Forever changed!

Here’s a bit of behavioral therapy for you: stay in the light more often. Human beings are always influenced by their environment and by the energy created out of that environment. We see, hear, smell and feel the energy around us to the point where it becomes comfortable and familiar; have you ever heard a song play that took your memories back to a specific place and time with memories so thick you could swear you were back in that same place once again?

I meet people all the time in my recovery centers, people who have come to the center to work on one concern or another, and I’ve seen these people wrapped up and stewing in the comfort of negativity, as if this is all they know and all they care to know. But what if they could soften the blow, turn down the volume on a particular subject and turn the volume up on another more positive and clean vibration? This is the process of changing the channel.

Human beings become consumed with the environment and the manner of how and where we live. Our thoughts and emotions are on automatic pilot, reacting in real time to any given situation that arises at any given moment with those same emotions and thoughts leading the person to make meaning of the current circumstance. Most of us feel locked in this wheel of emotion, turning and turning and stirring the emotional pot that just keeps boiling over to burn our skin every once in a while, for some more than once in a while, becoming sick and tired of the same old thing over and over again. We understand what positivity is but most of us have become too pessimistic to even entertain the idea and as a result, spend most of our time in this black hole of “I’ll never get what I want,” and “life is unfair,” attitude, or some variation of this attitude. A ton of Americans seek behavioral therapy to help put them back on track, sometimes remaining in the therapists office for years on end as the therapist attempts, most often to no avail, to change the cognitive understanding of their thoughts. So here is a very simple technique to begin to change your life: choose to be in the light more often!

about something or anything, sometimes things do go wrong, but it’s our attitude and point of view that allows us to bounce back and utilize the negative as a springboard to something new, exciting and extraordinary. Maintaining a peaceful mind and a positive point of view can lead to a life spent satisfied with success and confidence, and maybe then you’ll cancel your next appointment of behavioral therapy; spirituality and spiritual growth are at the fingertips of all of us, it is our birthright.

Paul D. Alleva is the founding owner of Lifescape Solutions and Evolve Mental Health which he opened in December of 2011, based on a new model of healing and psychotherapy called Spiritual Growth Therapy. His newest book Let Your Soul Evolve: Spiritual Growth for the New Millennium 2nd edition describes the model.

But what does this actually mean and how is it done? First we must understand that the point of view we bring to the table on any given situation has been molded through years and years of growth and outside influence, you’re either pessimistic or optimistic, but either way there is a thread of thought that outlines how you will be taking on something new; and if you’re constantly being dealt the same old hand in life, perhaps something needs to change. Which beast will you feed is the question at hand, the negative raging beast or the positive peaceful one?

Take time throughout your day to write down a list of things that are truly beautiful in your life; look at nature, look at your accomplishments, look at family and friends and look at anything else you can pin point that is beautiful and peaceful, take your list and begin reviewing these thoughts daily. Now ask yourself: What emotion(s) is tied to these things on your list? Peaceful, satisfying, loving, caring, bliss? I hope so, or some derivative of one of these. Instead of always focusing on the negative, allow your time to be consumed with a peaceful and positive vibration. Instead of being consumed by the past, which is merely just a memory given meaning by the way in which we view the world, focus on something that is beautiful today giving a more positive outlook to what is to come in the future. Choose to be in the light more often.

The biggest trick of this exercise is to remain consistent. If you’re constantly thinking bad things will happen, well, bad things will happen. But if you’re constantly keeping your thoughts in the light, you will receive light, beauty and peace. I’m not saying to be naive

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11

INTERVIEW WITH MANNY MENDEZ

By Patricia Rosen

The 2nd Annual Art of Recovery is taking place on September 25th.

Art is a form of expression and for Manny it was a life line. He spent 20 years in active addiction and ended up in prison for 11 ½ years.

Art kept him going and helped him understand that drugs weren’t a necessary part of his life and that he could be happy and accomplish whatever he set his mind to. He works closely with L.S.I.S. (Living Skills in Schools) which is a substance abuse prevention organization out of the Crossroads Meeting Hall in Del Ray Beach, FL. He designed their prevention poster for 35 schools in Palm Beach County. His company Foreel has produced four movies, three of which made it into the Reel Recovery Film Festival and the latest one, “The Art of Recovery” is going to be shown in New York City.

Patricia: Having a movie shown in New York is very exciting. What is the movie about?

Manny: Yes it is very exciting. A special thanks to the Reel Recovery folks for allowing us to share our message of hope through film. The film is about finding your gifts and using them as a form of therapy while adding value to your recovery and life in general. I think art goes hand in hand with recovery. Starting a new way of life is as scary as staring at a blank canvas and not knowing what to do or what the outcome is going to be. As much as we try and control it, something takes over and the miracles start to happen. We see the canvas take shape, just like our lives.

Patricia: What was your inspiration for this movie?

Manny: We did an exhibit last year titled “The Art of Recovery” and something told me this project needed to be shared beyond this exhibit. I decided to bring it to life with a sponsee who’s a photographer and who I have had the honor to watch grow and be presented with a one year medallion. I met him when he was only 60 days clean and he asked me to sponsor him. I love to paint and design but I love even more to help shape and design people’s lives. Vic and I have now done 3 exhibits together.

Manny: We are available for presentation bookings, not only for the movie but for our art as well. This is also a way for us to raise funds to get to New York City in Oct. You can reach me at mannyfresh8701@live.com or 561-889-7230. We have had great results from our presentations. Film will also be featured as part of the exhibit at Within Bookstore on Saturday September 26th.

Patricia: Tell me what the Art of Recovery is all about.

Manny: The Art of Recovery is about using your gifts and talents, or finding them. My opinion is once you find your gift, you will find PURPOSE. Getting clean was a major factor but living a life filled with PURPOSE was the DREAM and the MIRACLE. Patricia: Okay readers, mark down this date- September 25th, bring your instruments and any crafts and we hope to see you all there!

Patricia: You spent 20 years in addiction and 11 ½ years in prison.

What was the pivotal moment for you when you realized that your behavior up to that point was not working in your best interest?

Manny: I have always had an inner voice but unfortunately could only listen to it while in institutions. As crazy as it sounds, the only times I felt peace in those crazy places was when I was drawing or painting.

The trick was finding that same peace that art gave me once I got out of prison. Jan 16-2012 I wanted nothing more than to stop destroying my life and my loved ones. I embraced recovery and used art as a form of meditation to quiet my mind, and it was then I found god.

Patricia: How did you begin on this journey? In other words, you were released from prison, no job, no nothing – how did you “brush the dirt off your shoes” and start to begin a new life?

Manny: When I got out of prison I was very blessed to have the help of my family. Unfortunately, things started to happen and I didn’t know how to deal with them. Coping was not one of my best subjects. I started to get lost again and every time I relapsed it got worse and picking myself back up got harder and harder. Finally, I received the gift of desperation- having been reduced to animal instincts and survival mode; I took on recovery like an athlete and trained my mind, body and spirit. I embraced pain and turned it into fuel knowing my dreams were at stake and so was my life.

Patricia: You certainly turned your life around. You should be very proud of your accomplishments. When is this movie being shown in New York?

Manny: Monday, Oct 19 at 3:00 pm at the Cinema Village, 22 E 12st, New York, NY. Patricia: How can someone see the movie if they can’t make it to New York?

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THE COMPLEXITY OF ADOLESCENCE

By Robert C. Ciampi, LCSW

I would like to share a topic that a colleague and I presented several years ago entitled The Complexity of Adolescence. Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical, emotional, cognitive, and psychological development generally occurring between puberty and legal adulthood, but largely characterized as beginning and ending with the teenage years. These years are broken down into 3 stages: 10-15 (early adolescence) 14-18 (middle adolescence) 17-22 (late adolescence) Adolescents face a growing number of challenges including depression and anxiety, adolescent suicide, peer pressure, self esteem, and gang violence.

In this article, we will look at a pervasive problem teens are facing and unfortunately a growing problem - adolescent substance abuse. We will first look at a number of drugs of abuse, and then we will outline signs in the home, signs at school and physical and emotional signs that may suggest that your teen is abusing drugs.

We will then look at some interventions that can be taken to help teens take the necessary steps to recovery.

Stimulants, Speed, Uppers, Smart Drug) are doctor ordered medications that are usually stolen, bought on the street, or ordered illegally online. Opiates are a class of drugs that are prescribed for pain after medical procedures such as surgery.

Stimulates can be prescribed for ADHD, Narcolepsy, and Obesity. They can be taken in pill form, snorted, or injected.

Abuse can lead to addiction and death due to overtaxing of the heart and/or respiratory system.

Drugs of Abuse Alcohol and other drugs of abuse are vast, extremely dangerous, and unfortunately easy to obtain. Below we will look at a number of the common drugs teens’ abuse that may develop into an addiction or cause death.

• Bath Salts (Bloom, Cloud Nine, Vanilla Sky) is the name given to a family of drugs that have one or more manmade chemicals.

Use of bath salts can cause severe intoxication, psychosis, and other dangerous health effects.

• Cocaine (Coke, Blow, Rock) is an addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. Cocaine comes in two forms: powdered and crack. Powdered cocaine is often “snorted” and crack is normally smoked which may lead to addiction and death.

• Cough and Cold Medicines (Robotripping, Tussin, Candy) can be obtained either over the counter or by prescription. When abused, can cause hallucinations, delusions, addiction, and death.

• Heroin (H, Horse, Smack, Dope) is a type of opioid drug that can be a white or brown powder or a black, sticky substance called “black tar heroin.” Heroin is mixed with water and injected with a needle. It can also be smoked or snorted. Using heroin repeatedly can result in: tolerance, withdrawal, and addiction. Heroin is an insidious drug that is currently cheap to buy and is often an alternative to the more expensive prescription pain killers Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin.

Many deaths have been attributed to heroin overdose.

• Inhalants (Laughing Gas, Poppers, Whippets) are chemicals found in ordinary household cleaning products which can be very harmful to the brain and body and can lead to death by suffocation.

• Marijuana (Mary Jane, Weed, Reefer, Pot, Grass) is a plant that when dried can be smoked in a pipe, rolled into a cigarette, or mixed into food. A regular marijuana user can experience problems in judgment, coordination, and other cognitive functions as well as paranoia, anxiety and depression.

• MDMA (XTC, X, Love Drug, Molly) is a manmade drug that produces energizing and hallucinogenic effects. MDMA is known as a “club drug” which can cause dehydration, anxiety, and depression and can lead to death if medical issues are not attended to in time.

• Methamphetamine (Meth, Speed, Crystal Meth, Ice, Crank) is a very addictive stimulant drug made into a white pill or a clear “crystal” rock. Methamphetamine is swallowed, snorted, injected with a needle, or smoked. Methamphetamine use can quickly lead to addiction and death. A noticeable sign of a meth user is drastic changes in appearance and teeth that have begun to rot away.

• Prescription Medications (Opiates: Oxy, Hillbilly Heroin, Vikes;

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Note: Although the following signs may infer that the adolescent is using drugs, there could be other reasons for changes in an individual that are not drug related. However, (3) areas of concern may be: • Signs in the home • Signs concerning school and school work • Physical and emotional signs Signs in the Home • • • • •

Loss of interest in family activities Disappearance of money or other valuables Lying about friends or activities Not coming home on time Drug paraphernalia such as rolling papers, pipes, small plastic bags, burned aluminum foil, etc.

• Spending a lot of time alone in their room Signs Concerning School / School Work • • • • • •

Sudden drop in grades Loss of interest in learning Skipping classes / sleeping in class Poor attitude toward school authority Not doing homework Not informing parents of teachers meetings, open houses, etc.

Physical and Emotional Signs • • • • • • • •

Wide mood swings / “hair-trigger” temper Hanging out with “new” friends Drastic weight loss Poor hygiene / always looks unkempt Always needs money and may lie about what it will be used for Overly tired or hyperactive Smell of alcohol or marijuana on breath Cigarette burn holes on front of shirt or pants.

What to do • Have a talk with your adolescent and discuss the changes you have noticed • Support your adolescent, but do not play the role of a friend – you are the parent!

• Set the rules in the home – use leverage • Do not feel guilty about enforcing the rules • Offer to help adolescent with detox, rehab, relapse prevention, AA / NA meetings

Continued on page 16

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LIVING IN THE MOMENT: FROM ISOLATION TO SPIRITUAL CONNECTEDNESS

By Christopher Shea, MA, CRAT, CAC-AD

Through my years of working with people suffering from the disease of addiction, I have found a common experience expressed by most, namely, as the disease progressed, they became isolated not only from their family and friends, but also from themselves.

The consequences of their actions while in active addiction convinced them of their isolation as they lost family, friends, and employment. These types of losses can ultimately take away a person’s self-worth, morals, and sense of feeling connected to society. In recovery, it is important to bring our loved ones back to a feeling of connectedness within themselves, their family, friends, and to once again believe in their spiritual views.

Our way of thinking influences how we perceive ourselves, others, and the world around us. This perception, true or not, becomes our truth and our personal reality. So when a person suffering from addiction enters recovery they begin the process of reconnecting as they are guided in ways to perceive themselves differently. This quote from the Talmud explains this well: “We do not see things as they are, we see things are we are.” In other words, if I feel disconnected and isolated then my view of reality will be negative. As the negative consequences of active addiction progress and worsen, the sense of isolation deepens. The personal recognition of guilt and shame, although not always expressed to their loved ones, becomes more apparent and they perceive themselves as unworthy of love. It is at this low point when the depth of the isolation becomes apparent and they perceive that they are not lovable. Therefore, the solution is to change one’s view of themselves so that they will begin to positively view the world around them. “… People with addiction tend to be concerned with spirituality, forgiveness, and guilt, each relating to the human conscience as the person struggles with who they are, who they ought to be and the meaning of life. These are the existential aspects of living with addiction.” By using the term “spirituality” I am not referring to a particular religion, but rather as a way of understanding a power greater than myself at work in my life. I am not alone. How can we help someone heal and reconnect from their isolation? In my clinical practice I teach about living in the present moment as a way to reconnect. As we focus our thoughts on either our past mistakes or our future concerns, we tend to feel a loss of control for there is nothing we can do about either the past or the future. This feeling of a loss of control triggers our stress response. Focusing our thoughts on the present moment will reduce our stress since the present moment is where we can control our situation by changing our thoughts and our actions. As we reduce our stress and feel a sense of control in our life, we begin to perceive ourselves in a positive way, thus viewing the world around us in a similar positive manner.

This new positive outlook on the world, and reconnecting with others, opens the possibility for a reconnection with their inner self, with who they truly are. The first step in this process is to help them understand that they are not an addict or alcoholic rather that they are a person who happens to have the disease of addiction.

For example, people suffering from the disease of cancer do not perceive themselves as cancer, nor tell people “I am cancer”. If asked about themselves they reply by stating their name and that they suffer from cancer. This is not merely semantics since words possess power and meaning, so the use of words influences how we feel about ourselves. Helping the person in recovery to understand that while in active addiction their core being remained the same with the same values, morals and sense of self. This knowledge provides a feeling of hope and even relief in their knowing they have not lost who they are. The disease of addiction is a part of who they are, but it is also separate from who they are. They are not their disease; they are a person who happens to have a disease of addiction.

This shift in perspective is the beginning of a reconnecting with self as well as a reconnecting with a higher power. Helen Mallicoat

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states it well: “I was regretting the past and fearing the future.

Suddenly my Lord was speaking: ‘My name is I AM.’ He paused. I waited. He continued, `When you live in the past with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I WAS. When you live in the future with its problems and fears, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I WILL BE. When you live in this moment it is not hard. My name is I AM.’” “In the scriptures, God does not say, ‘do not fear, I will take away all the pain and struggle.’ Rather, we hear, ‘You have no need to fear, since I am with you’ and together we will make it.” (Franciscan Voices on 9/11) Reconnecting with oneself and others enables the person in recovery to find a sense of belonging and peace. Be patient, and great things will happen!

Christopher Shea is a certified addiction counselor who has worked as a clinician, clinical director and administrator. He is the founder of Lifesjourney: www.lifesjourneyblog.com. Shea is a published author who presents at seminars and conferences across the country. He is currently the Director of Campus Ministry at St. Mary’s Ryken high school and an adjunct professor at Towson University.

THE COMPLEXITY OF ADOLESCENCE

By Robert C. Ciampi, LCSW

Continued from page 14

• Use “tough love” if necessary As outlined in the article above, it may seem like a daunting task for parents, teachers, law enforcement, and counselors to prevent adolescent substance abuse in teens of every age. However, through education, communication between the adolescent and their parents or caregivers, and community law enforcement projects, teen substance abuse is not a given; many adolescents have made a decision to not get into drugs of any kind and to focus on their education and future instead. If an adolescent does begin to abuse drugs, it is important to be able to spot the signs and to employ some of the interventions mentioned above. Parents and caregivers should have a “zero tolerance” policy in the home and elsewhere and not seek out the title of being a “cool” parent. To help your adolescent grow to be a healthy adult in body and mind, BE THE PARENT. Your teen will thank you later for your “tough love” now.

Robert C. Ciampi earned a BA in Psychology from Montclair State University and his MSW at Rutgers University. He worked in community mental health centers and hospitals as a clinician working with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness as well as patients who were dually diagnosed with mental illness and substance abuse. He went on to work for a behavioral healthcare consulting firm which helped healthcare facilities reestablish themselves as well as coordinating a program that provided employee assistance help for problems in and out of the workplace. In 2010 he went into private practice. He is also the Director of inpatient social work services at Bergen Regional Medical Center – the largest hospital in the State of New Jersey. www.rciampi.com

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RECOVERY, HOPE, AND SECOND CHANCES

By Marti MacGibbon, CADC-II, ACRPS, CAPMS

My name is Marti MacGibbon. My story is one of ultimate triumph over addiction and trauma. I’ve survived being sexually abused and assaulted as an adolescent, sexually assaulted as an adult on two separate occasions, trafficked to Tokyo and held prisoner by organized crime in forced prostitution, and after escaping Japan and returning to the U.S., being beaten nearly to death by the man I thought of as my boyfriend.

Through the process of practicing a daily program of recovery, we can access the powerful inner healing force within us. Even the seemingly hopeless cases can and do recover. How can I be so sure? I was one of those seemingly hopeless cases, and I’ve been chemical-free, in continuous recovery since August 8, 1995.

After the sex trafficking and severe beatings, terror engulfed me.

I feared reprisals from the traffickers, and the abusive boyfriend followed me and continued to assault or abuse me whenever he caught up to me. Nightmares ravaged my sleep, and stress, anger, and despair stalked my waking moments. I could not find a safe place within my own mind.

Today, I understand that I was experiencing severe post-traumatic stress. But back then, all I knew was that I needed to numb my feelings, obliterate the shame, despair and horror.

Now, I know that being connected to strong social support is a resilience factor for PTSD, and essential to recovery. But back then, the last thing I wanted was to get connected to anyone except a dope dealer.

The first adverse, traumatic experience in my life, and my first attempt to use drugs to cope, had occurred between fourteen and fifteen years old. In spite of periods of abstinence, using became my only means of managing the trauma and resulting emotional pain.

I’d been sexually violated by authority figures, so my distrust ran deep, and I carried that distrust into adulthood. Throughout my long history of trauma, I never trusted the police, medical personnel, or any of the people who might’ve been able to get me connected to services.

I wandered homeless for a year and a half, sleeping under bridges and in abandoned houses. I worked as a day laborer digging ditches, chopping firewood, whatever I could find to do. I bought dope to cope. And I got lucky. While hitchhiking from one menial job to another, I met the love of my life, Chris Fitzhugh. He’s my husband today, and we’ve been together for twenty-seven years.

Cinderella story? Yeah, Cinderella as told by Quentin Tarantino.

He was also heavily into the drug scene, so things went crazy for awhile. But he led the way into recovery.

I wasn’t ready at first...I was so traumatized. I saw myself as hopeless, a throwaway. But I witnessed his progress and finally realized I needed and wanted to be happy. In a moment of epiphany, I discovered what would have been obvious to any clinician, cop or recovering addict: that addiction held me in its grip.

I began to take action. I called treatment facilities, but was unable to get in. I had no financial resources and the waiting periods for county rehabs were six months to a year. My path to recovery opened up through support groups, a medical clinic with a sliding scale, and books on self-help and spirituality. I joined Chris in active recovery and we worked our way up from rock bottom. I also rebuilt relationships with my family and connected with a sister who’d recovered from alcohol and prescription drug abuse. My sister shared resources with me, and encouraged me.

I’d been a successful standup comic with a Tonight Show scheduled, when I’d descended into my downward spiral and become a victim of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. In recovery, I returned to standup, built an act, and traveled the U.S. as a professional standup comic for years.

Comedy is an art form, and art can be therapeutic. But at a certain

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point, I wanted more: wanted to help others who are where I once was. I obtained education and training in addiction treatment, and worked as a program counselor to homeless veterans. My clients taught me what courage is. Courage is not the absence of fear; it’s the conscious decision to move through the fear to the objective.

Fear and shame fuel addiction and trauma but gratitude, courage and celebration can banish the shame and fear, and kick off a sense of joy and enthusiasm. I’ve seen it happen in my own life and I’ve witnessed the success of clients. Thanks to a terrific, nonjudgmental therapist, (an LCSW), and the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation and EMDR, I’ve healed from PTSD and continue to explore and employ new ways to reduce and manage stress.

Today, I’m a humorous inspirational speaker and nationally award-winning author, and I hold five professional certifications in addiction treatment. I am founder, producer, and host of Laff-Aholics Standup Comedy Benefit for Recovery, an annual fundraiser in Indianapolis featuring nationally headlining comedians.

One hundred percent of the profits from the event go to the beneficiaries: transitional housing facilities that provide access to addiction treatment and mental health services for the recovery communities most vulnerable. Since 2011, Laff-Aholics has raised close to $30,000.

A daily program of recovery and renewal can do amazing things, and the strategies are simple. Positive self-talk, positive visualization, affirmations, and mantras can carry you on your healing journey. My first mantra was, “There’s hope after dope.”

Mindfulness meditation helps you to build your present-moment awareness, and empowers you to envision and achieve your goals and dreams. Forgiveness of self and others is a transformative process you can embrace and practice daily.

Recovery is a plan of action. Action creates motivation, which in turn creates even more positive action. No matter where you are in your recovery process, know that you hold the key to your future, your wellness and even your destiny. The key can be accessed in the present moment, and tools like meditation, positive selftalk, cognitive reframing and others mentioned above can help you develop skills you can use for a lifetime. Build your recovery support network. Get connected to therapists, counselors, mentors, friends, and others. Stay connected, and as you discover your inner healing force, share your experience, strength and hope with others. Celebrate hope and second chances, knowing that in recovery, life holds both promise and purpose for you.

Marti MacGibbon is a member of the National Speakers Association, a humorous inspirational speaker, and an expert on trauma resolution and addiction. She is author of the nationally award-winning memoir, Never Give in to Fear: Laughing All the Way Up from Rock Bottom. www.martimacgibbon.com

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THE TWO YEAR WAR

By Susan Drennan, LMHC

Addiction is a very complicated brain disease. Many of us are naturally prone to look at an addict and say, “Wow, he doesn’t care about his family,” and “What a loser,” or “She’s so irresponsible”.

These words are hurtful and show that most people do not understand what happens in the brain with addiction.

We are eager to help those with addiction issues because addiction robs so many including young people of their destiny. Alcoholics Anonymous considers addiction an allergy of the body and an obsession of the mind. Addiction means a person cannot say no and most of us will never understand what that’s like. Imagine if you were acting like a robot. Imagine if someone was in the driver’s seat of your life telling you what to do. This is what addiction does; it treats the person as if they are a robot verses a person of free will.

Our brain is made up of sections that we can call colonies. An example of a colony is the colony of mobility. This section moves your limbs automatically without you specifically thinking about it. If you’re able to walk and move easily, your mobility colony is in sync. Another example is the reasoning colony. This section helps us make good, rational decisions. Whenever a colony is being used, it lights up and can be observed on an MRI. A recent study from the National Institute of Health shows when a person starts consuming alcohol or drugs a new colony is created. The colony was non-existent before the consumption of the substance. The colony grows over time and the more the substance is used, the more powerful the colony becomes. When the colony lights up, the individual experiences craving. When this colony activates and can no longer be told ‘no’ it is called addiction.

This is how people with addiction become living robots. The addiction colony and the reasoning colony are at war. This is why addiction issues must be taken very seriously. Getting clean is not a 30-day war in rehab but a 2-year war to get the addiction colony calmed down and into a non-powerful, non-dominate state.

the codependent tries to rescue the addict. Often the codependent believes helping the addict will give them worth. Underneath, most codependents have abandonment issues where they feel they are only worthy when they’re helping someone. What most people don’t understand is codependency can be just as challenging to conquer as addiction.

Any time an addict is getting help it’s equally as important to help the co-addict as well as the addict’s entire family system.

All involved need help and support just as the addict does. It is essential that the addict, the co-addict, and the family of the addict all get the help that they need.

Susan Drennan is the Clinical Director for Dream, Believe…

Transforming Lives Counseling. She has an M.S degree in counseling from Loyola University and holds a mental health counseling license in the states of Florida, Maryland and Michigan.

Susan’s specialties are in marriage counseling and addiction counseling. She is passionate about helping the addict, the coaddict and the families of the addict recover from addiction and codependency.

The 2-year war of addiction consists of both dealing with symptom management, which means to get the physical brain and the obsession of thought to calm down as well as dealing with the root cause. This can be done by creating a strong support system. Going to Alcoholics Anonymous, having a sponsor, attending addiction groups, and having the support of family and friends can help with symptom management. Eating foods that create dopamine, going to the gym, and serving in leadership positions can help the brain create dopamine where it is lacking. Lastly, dealing with the root issues are crucial to helping the addict truly recover. The way to help with this is to receive individual counseling.

One of the largest challenges for the addict is that most spouses and families of addicts do not understand that their loved one is in a state of mind much like a robot. Second, the person enabling the addict or what we call the co-addict (the person who is in a close relationship with the addict) does not realize that they and the addict are similar. While the addict is chasing the substance, the co-addict is chasing the addict. The addict is their drug. The co-addict is left chasing someone they can never be fulfilled by. They are left “waiting” for the addict to change. The co-addict believes that when the addict changes, they will finally be happy. They are typically left feeling resentful, mistreated, and angry. The co-addict wakes up one day and realizes they are what is called codependent. Codependent means they are dependent on the addict. Just like the addict, the co-addict feels that they are unable to break free.

What the codependent may not realize is they are dependent on the addict to make them feel better about themselves. The addict is a distraction so that they don’t have time to look at themselves.

This is how the addict becomes a drug to them. Sometimes the codependent participates by enabling the addict and sometimes

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RELAPSE WARNING SIGNS

By Terence T. Gorski

Relapse is more than just not using alcohol or drugs. It is the progressive process of becoming so dysfunctional in recovery that selfmedication with alcohol or drugs seems like a reasonable choice.

The relapse process is a lot like knocking over a circle of dominoes.

The first domino hits the second, which hits the third, and soon a progressive chain reaction starts. The progressive problems that lead from stable recovery to relapse are similar to those dominoes. There are three differences.

• First, each domino in the line gets a little bit bigger and heavier; • Second, the last domino in the sequence is ten feet tall, four feet wide, and a foot thick, and weighs 10,000 pounds.

• Third, the dominoes are not in a straight line. They circle around behind us. So when the last domino falls, it hits us from behind when we’re not looking.

We are moving along in recovery and tip over one small domino.

No big deal! That domino hits the next, and then the next. A chain reaction starts. The first dominoes are so small that we can easily convince ourselves that it’s no big deal. We look the other way. All of a sudden a huge domino falls on us from behind, crushing us to floor, causing serious pain and injury in the process. We need to make the pain go away and we reach for old reliable - the magical substances that always helped us with our pain in the past. We’ve now started drinking and drugging.

Relapse Prevention Therapy (RPT) is not about taking up weight training so that we will be strong enough to lift that last domino off of our now crippled body but it’s about these three things: • Learning to avoid knocking over the first domino.

• Learning how to recognize and stop the chain reaction quickly, before the dominoes start get too big and heavy to stop.

• Developing an emergency plan for stopping the relapse quickly should it occur.

The Relapse Process The progression of problems that lead to relapse is called the relapse process. Each individual problem in the sequence is called a relapse warning sign. The entire sequence of problems is called a relapse warning sign list. The situations that we put ourselves in that cause or complicate the problems are caused high risk situations.

It’s important to remember that we don’t start drinking and drugging because of the last problem in the sequence. We start drinking and drugging because the entire sequence of problems got out of control. Let’s look at the relapse process in more detail.

Step 1: Getting Stuck In Recovery We start using a recovery plan to help us stay sober. Then we hit a problem that we can’t, won’t, or don’t know how to manage. This problem stops us dead in our tracks and we are stuck in recovery.

Instead of asking for help, we use denial to convince ourselves that everything is okay. Denial makes it seem like the problem is gone, but it really isn’t. The problem is still there. It just goes under ground where we can’t see it.

Step 2: Increased Stress At some level we know that the problem is still there, but we keep investing time and energy trying to deny it. This results in a buildup of pain and stress.

Step 3: Using Other Compulsions We begin to use other compulsive behaviors to manage the stress and pain. We can start overworking, over-eating, over-dieting, or over-exercising. We can get involved in addictive relationships and distract ourselves by trying to have the orgasm that shook New York City. All of these behaviors have one thing in common – they make us feel good now, but cause us to hurt latter.

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Step 4: Experiencing a Trigger Event Then something happens! We overreact and something snaps inside. It feels like a trigger firing off in our gut, our stress jumps up, and our emotions take control of our minds.

Step 5: Becoming Dysfunctional On The Inside Relapse almost always grows from the inside out. The trigger event increases our pain and stress. We can’t function normally. We can’t think clearly, we swing between emotional overreaction and emotional numbness, we can’t sleep restfully, and we start having memory problems.

We lose touch with the fact that we are addicted and can’t use alcohol or other drugs. When our emotions start to get control over our intellect, we abandon everything we know. We start trying to feel good, right now, at all costs. We feel “cured” and stop working a recovery program.

Step 6: Becoming Dysfunctional On The Outside At first, this internal dysfunction comes and goes. It’s annoying, but we learn how to ignore it. The first small dominoes are starting to fall! On some level, we know that something is wrong, but we keep it a secret. Eventually we get so dysfunctional on the inside that we start creating problems on the outside. We start making mistakes that increase our pain and problems. We push away our friends, families, and coworkers. We start neglecting our recovery program and things keep getting worse.

Step 7: Losing Control We handle each problem as it comes along, but never look at the growing pattern of problems. We never really solve anything; we just put band-aides on deep cuts that are gushing arterial blood.

We put first-aid cream on our seriously infected wounds. Then we tell ourselves that our problems are solved. We look the other way and get busy doing other things. We try to forget about the problems and start to believe these other compulsive behaviors will somehow magically fix us. Things start getting out of control.

As soon as we solve one problem, two new problems pop up to replace it. It feels like we’re standing chest deep in a swimming pool trying to hold three beach balls underwater at once. I get the first one down, then the second, but as we reach for the third, the first one pops back up again.”

Step 8: Using Addictive Thinking We go back to using addictive thinking. It goes something like this: • “Sobriety is bad for me; look at how miserable I am.”

• “Sober people don’t understand me. Look at how critical they are.”

• Maybe things would get better if I could talk to some of my old friends.”

Step 9: Going Back To Addictive People, Places, and Things We mistakenly believe that the people who supported our drinking and drugging were our friends and the people who want us to stay sober are our enemies. We start going back to addictive people (our old friends), addictive places (our old hangouts), and addictive things (mind polluting compulsive activities). We convince ourselves Continued on page 50

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3/27/15 10:37 AM

RELEASE YOUR FEAR: 12 TIPS TO CREATE AN AMAZING STORY AND LIFE

By Tess Marshall, M.A.

Every story is a variation on a single theme: This shouldn’t be happening. I shouldn’t be having this experience.

God is unjust. Life isn’t fair. ~ Byron Katie Release your fear today.

Don’t lie awake at night worrying about your health, your diet, your budget, your relationships, your children or your future.

Stop. Breathe. Get a glass of water. Do what it takes to change your energy! Give yourself permission to get out of your head and the pain of the past.

If I find myself lying awake obsessing over a problem, I’ll do what it takes to stop and fall asleep. I may get up and read a spiritual book or I’ll read my affirmations until I feel peaceful. I also have a sleep CD that puts me to sleep before its finished playing.

It’s been said that worry is visualizing what you don’t want to happen. I want no part of that!

When you find yourself worrying, recognize the story that you’re telling yourself about each scenario.

Your stories are limiting beliefs that you make up, repeat and live out.

Our stories are universal…

“I can’t possibly do that.”

“This job will never work out.”

“Nobody is on my side.”

Support your new story with loving thoughts and actions. Choose a loving attitude. Allow love to flow in and out of your life. Honor and respect yourself.

Create joyful connection and meaning. Choose to surround yourself with like-minded, amazing people. Serve others. Express gratitude.

Accept your imperfection. It’s impossible to get it right 24/7.

Learn, forgive yourself and move on. Never berate yourself.

Simply begin again.

Set yourself free. Let go of comparing, competing and complaining. You’ll gain a sense of well-being and peace.

Be gentle with yourself. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Think well of yourself. Forgive yourself. Find three things to congratulate yourself for every day.

Live a life of no regrets. Stop doing what’s unnecessary. Do what you need to do. Learn to listen to your internal guide when you need answers to difficult questions. It’s never wrong.

Repeat your new story often. Shout it from the rooftop. Engrave it in your heart. Each time you repeat your new story; you increase your happiness and change your future.

Reread this article and choose one step. Begin today. It’s one thing to read this information. In order to make your life amazing and calm you have to take action. Isn’t life grand?

Tess Marshall is an author, courage coach, personal development-industry entrepreneur, founder of www.TheBoldLife.com and has a master’s degree in counseling psychology. Click here to follow her on Facebook.

“I don’t have enough time.”

“I can’t stand this anymore.”

“I’m too old.”

“I’m all alone.”

“This is too hard to continue.”

“I’m not smart enough.”

“I’m always late to the party.”

“The good stuff happens to other people.”

“Nobody cares about me.”

“I’ll never get out of this mess.”

You cause your own suffering with these fear-based beliefs. They simply aren’t true.

If you want to release your fear and change your life, change your story. You are the author, therefore you have the power. Give yourself permission to rewrite it.

Certifying safe and dignified recovery residences for individuals seeking peer-supportive housing.

Tips to Create an Amazing Story and Life Learn to expect the best. Anticipate good things happening.

If you want a soul mate, expect that you’ll find one. If you need a job, believe there is one waiting for you. If you want to change your weight, go to the gym.

Recognize the storyteller in your head. Pay attention to fearful stories. Take notes. Notice how your current stories are causing you pain.

Release your old story. Become aware of how many different versions you have of the same story. Become aware of how often you tell them and to whom.

Write down a new story. Write about experiencing more joy, peace and happiness. Include the truth of who you are. Fill the story with details of who, what, where and how.

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29

WHAT WE’RE UP AGAINST

By Dr. Mandy Neeble Diamond

A new struggle facing drug and alcohol treatment centers throughout the U.S. is the use and abuse of synthetic drugs. The most common synthetics being abused are; Spice, 25b-Nbome, Kratom, and Bath Salts.

Spice mimics Marijuana. It was sold as all natural herbal tea and smoking blends for years before being tested by German scientists to reveal it contained very few natural herbs. Through research, it was determined most Spice blends contain gasoline solvent, red phosphorus and other harsh chemicals. A key component of Spice is JWH compounds. There are 450 different JWH strands, all which mimic marijuana.

The most common JWH strands have been made illegal in the United States. However, Spice creations are still being sold. The manufactures have removed the illegal chemicals and have reformulated the chemicals, re-branded and re-packaged the Spice, allowing most smoke shops the ability to sell legal forms of Spice.

Spice smoke blends have caused many individuals to suffer from psychosis and most recently there has been a spike in deaths related to Spice usage.

Smiles (2C-I) mimics a mix of stimulants and psychedelics. Smiles surfaced in Europe in the early 2000’s and were sold as 2CB, which was eventually banned. 2C-I was created as the synthetic to 2CB. It contains Dimethoxy, Iodophenethylamine, and Acetone chemicals.

It is sold in the form of powder, liquid and pills. For young teens, the most common way of ingestion is melting the Smiles and then melting a chocolate bar, mixing the components and re-freezing the chocolate bar, then eating it. One of the major dangers with doing this is the individual consuming the bar has no idea the dosage they are ingesting. The recreational dosage is usually 10-25mg; however, most effects are felt after 2mg.

Overdoses from Smiles have been reported in Minnesota, North Dakota and Indiana. 25B-Nbome is the derivative of Smiles but contains additional chemicals and is more potent. Overdoses from 25B-Nbome have been reported throughout the United States.

Paranoia, violent behavior and psychosis are common side effects associated with the use of 25B-Nbome.

Kratom mimics opiates. Out of all the synthetics listed, Kratom is an all-natural substance. It is made from the leaves of a tree in Southeast Asia. The tree is part of the Mitragyna Speciosa. Kratom leaves have been used for years in Asia for medicinal purposes.

Kratom is sold in tea form, pills, powder and liquid form. By the time it is sold in the United States, it usually has been altered and is not sold in an all-natural form. Kratom works the same way as other opiates such as heroin and works on the opioid receptors.

Bath Salts mimic amphetamines. They are composed of synthetic cathinones. Cathinones are similar to ephedrine and other amphetamines. The synthetic cathinones which are used in Bath Salts are usually mephedrone, methylhezaneamine and/ or methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDVP). Depending on where the Bath Salts are manufactured the composition can vary. Some Bath Salts contain derivatives of Pipradol (Metatran), which is a mild central nervous stimulant. Bath Salts are known to cause panic attacks, hallucinations, mania, hostility, kidney failure, liver failure, heart attacks and severe brain damage. It was reported by the Poison Control Center in 2010 that there were 304 reports of overdoses because of Bath Salts and 6,138 by 2011.

Individuals, including the addict and their loved ones believe the synthetics are safe alternatives to illegal drugs. Mainly, because they can be bought in many smoke shops and gas stations as long as you are over age 18 and because most are labeled as “all natural”.

Synthetics are used by individuals of all ages. They are widely abused by young adults, athletes, military personnel and teens.

Many professionals also use synthetics because they do not show

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on most standardized drug tests. A common misperception is that they won’t show on any drug tests. However, they can be tested for through specialized panels, which are now used within high profile treatment centers.

Many people believe synthetic drugs are new. However, they have been around and have been sold as “research chemicals” since the early 1990’s. Most were discovered through exploratory measures.

In the early 2000’s they were sold as herbal teas, incense, and herbal smoking blends.

They are used for a majority of reasons but the most common reasons are; they mimic illegal drugs of abuse, they are considered a “legal high”, they are easy to obtain, they provide the same subjective effects of illegal drugs, they allow individuals to circumvent the law and avoid legal issues and they have increased potency in comparison to some illegal drugs.

The truth about synthetic drugs is they are dangerous and there is nothing safe about them. Emergency rooms throughout the United States have seen an increase in ER visits from individuals using synthetic drugs and suffering from mental health symptoms including; paranoia, suicidal ideation, feeling as though they are possessed, violent behavior, severe depression, and anxiety. Along with the mental health symptoms, many individuals visiting the emergency room are also exhibiting seizures, increase in blood pressure, cardiac issues, headaches and loss of bowel control.

The first step to prevention is knowledge: knowing what is out there and being sold in local shops and having the education around the synthetics and knowing the dangers of them. For treatment centers, parents or companies who implement drug testing protocols, its important to know about the specialized tests and making sure the drug testing laboratories are testing for the synthetic compounds.

Dr. Mandy Neeble Diamond is the Clinical Director for Hotel California by the Sea. Her unique background also includes a strong forensic basis having worked at Twin Towers County Jail in Los Angeles, Chino State Prison, and California Youth Authority. She has worked with the severely mentally ill, violent offenders, and the incompetent to stand trial program.

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BASICS OF MANAGING THE DUAL DIAGNOSIS PATIENT

By Dr. Paul Giannandrea

Patients with both a psychiatric diagnosis and chemical dependence are common in the treatment population at the Bergand Group. In general 47 % of schizophrenics, 32 % of mood disordered and 60 % of bipolar disordered patients abuse substances. Likewise, 84 % of psychiatric inpatients and 8.7-17.1 % of psychiatric outpatients are substance dependent. In fact, the overall rate of mental illness in substance dependent patients is 53%; this represents 4.5 times the rate of dependence in the general population.

Unfortunately, diagnosing and treating the dual diagnosis patient is complex and sometimes confusing. Traditionally, one must meet the full DSM V diagnostic criteria in order to be considered a “truly dually diagnosed” patient. However, it is not that simple for a couple of reasons. One, most substances of abuse cause symptoms very similar to psychiatric diagnoses such as major depression and anxiety disorder. These drugs may also cause various problems such as sexual dysfunction and nutritional problems such that various medical and psychiatric problems may be diagnosed erroneously. I call these patients “pseudo dually diagnosed” patients. In addition, psychiatric patients may utilize substances of abuse and cause them problems but they do not meet full criteria for a substance dependency. One such example is the schizophrenic who uses marijuana and this triggers their psychosis.

Another example is a substance dependent patient who blames their use on a “psychiatric condition” that they do not have but have symptoms of one during its use. I call these patients “false dually diagnosed” patients.

Another complexity in diagnosing and treating dual diagnosis patients is that their diagnoses can change over the time of observation. For example, for almost half of patients who are admitted with both depression and alcoholism, after two weeks of abstinence, their “depression” resolves completely. Even more confusing, is the fact that one fourth of those alcoholics whose depression does resolve in those two weeks, when followed and monitored for a year after discharge, do ultimately meet full criteria for major depression!

Dr. Paul Giannandrea is a co-founder and the Clinical Director of The Bergand Group. He is a Psychiatrist certified in Addiction Medicine and previously served as the director of the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Outpatient Clinic and the Medical Director of Pathways Treatment Center in Annapolis. Dr. Giannandrea has also treated addiction in many various roles for over 25 years.

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So what is the optimal way to accurately diagnose and treat the potentially dual diagnosis patient?

1. Diagnostic confusion can be avoided by a comprehensive evaluation. This is the first order of business after safety is addressed.

2. Abstinence is a critical factor in recovery, but, it is not the only factor. After safety and behavioral management (i.e., no psychosis or delirium), regular psychosocial treatments for substance dependence are necessary.

3. Patient-treatment matching should be done on an individual basis and an individualized treatment plan should be based on the patient’s needs, the recourses available, and the credentials of the clinicians involved.

4. Dual diagnosis clinics that specialize in substance dependent patients who have comorbid psychiatric illness, play an important role when there is diagnostic confusion or when the patient does not respond to routine psychiatric treatment (or has not responded to treatment in the past).

A prolonged period of time, both during prolonged periods of abstinence and during the period of establishing significant periods of abstinence.

In conclusion, there is no substitute for monitoring the chemically dependent patient over time. This helps avoid diagnostic confusion and helps avoid the pitfalls of the “false dually diagnosed patient” and the “pseudo dually diagnoses patient”.

References Provided Upon Request

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LIVING BEYOND

A Monthly Column By Dr. Asa Don Brown “The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.” ~ Samuel Johnson The decision to quit using drugs, alcohol, or other addictive substances can prove a frightening experience. While the fears and anxieties are authentic, they may be overinflated by the mind’s exaggeration of ideas. When someone has an addictive habit, they may reach into a well of limitless excuses in order to hang onto the habit. The excuses may range from fears associated with relinquishing the habit, to anxieties associated with managing one’s own life. “What if I cannot handle life without the substance?” “If I no longer use, am I going to be capable of managing my life?” “The addiction provides me personal strength.”

The human mind is most comfortable with the familiar. When the familiar is expelled from one’s life, the fears and anxieties are exacerbated by the unknown. It is the removal of an addictive substance or habit from one’s life that can be the catalyst of anxieties, intense fears and psychological triggers. Moreover, the addictive habit may have been a source of comfort, a means for self-medicating, or an aid to relieve their anxieties and fears.

RELINQUISHING CONTROL “The truth is that everyone is bored, and devotes himself to cultivating habits” ~ Albert Camus All habits are in essence a vice of control. Relinquishing one’s control is like removing a vital sense from the human condition. In the movie, “Limitless,” a movie about an unemployed writer Eddie Morra, played by Actor Bradley Cooper; Eddie finds himself challenged by life; the rejection of a girlfriend, the demands of writing, and financial struggles, when suddenly he is introduced to a substance that changes his world. Not unlike many substances or addictive habits, the vice Eddie has chosen has an attractive side. Its attractiveness is the temptation of unlimited wisdom and abilities.

While there is always an attractiveness and allure to an addictive habit, there is also the negative implications that come with such a substance. The attraction feeds on the unconscious and conscious desires for fulfillment and completeness. Of course, Eddie’s life is only a highlight of the lives of many abusers. Abusers of substances and alcohol are often known to have many egregious side-effects which may include: Physiological Issues Such As: Hallucinations, Cold Sweats, Muscular Weakness, Paralysis, Constipation, Inflammation, Insomnia, Respiratory Illnesses, Immune System, Itching, Bruxism, Sexual Impotence, Menstrual Disturbances, Sexual Orgasms (for men and women), Hives, and Blisters just to name a few of the conditions that come with an addictive habit.

Cognitive, Neurological and Psychological Issues such as: Depression, Social Isolation, Withdrawn, Hallucinations, Suicidality, Homicidality and ultimately, possible loss of life just to name a few of the conditions that come with an addictive habit.

Likewise, there is always someone who is willing to sacrifice life and limb to obtain control of such a substance. Eddie finds himself at odds with politicians, the Russian mob, and others who want access to this drug. Of course, the movie glorifies the substances attributes which are a sense of enlightenment and heightened intelligence, but overlooks the addictive nature of the substance and the lingering side-effects. The movie has a variety of players who are vying for control of the substance and Eddie’s attention. Interestingly enough, the movie simultaneously glorifies and vilifies the world

34

of chemical addictions.

In our world, we are all searching for a sense of control whether through a substance, actions, leadership, religion, education, or some other means; control is the ultimate aphrodisiac.

Control has a way of filling voids and heightening desires. In many cases, the facade of control is only a perception. In reality, we will never have complete control over our physical bodies, our environments, or others who play roles in our lives.

The only reality is that we can manage and control the way with which we interact with our minds. You can have control over your perceptions about events that have an indirect and direct effect upon your life. You will never have complete control over the perceptions, attitudes, or beliefs of another.

GAINING CONTROL Eddie Morra felt that he had lost complete control over his life, when of course, he discovered an unknown substance. While using the substance, Eddie had a perception of control, but with time, he realized that even his heightened intellect and sense of enlightenment was limited. Eddie soon realized that the only real control in his life was that which he had over his perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs; beyond that Eddie was limited to the frailty of his humanity.

The good news is we all have the ability of learning to control our minds. We have an ability to control the perceptions of our thoughts and interpretations. While our world may be perceivably out of control, chaotic, and in complete disarray; our minds can remain at ease with the reassurance that our personal worth and goodness is not a reflection of perceptions of others.

Why is it that some individuals can remain calm during a horrific disaster? In simple terms, they have learned the art of control.

They have learned that their personal self-worth, value, approval and acceptance has nothing to do with the good or bad that occurs in their lives. They have further realized that the only control that they have in this life is over their own person. When an individual learns to control their own minds- then-and-only-then, will they gain control over chaotic environments. Real control is the ability to remain composed during the turbulence of life.

THE FEARS OF LETTING GO Letting go of a substance or habitual act is frightening. The act of letting go is an act of faith. You are trusting that you no longer need to control your environment by the means of an addictive habit.

Again, the perception of control is a facade beyond that of our own minds. The good news is, we are capable of controlling our own perceptions, attitudes, and world views, and the reality is, we are only in charge of our own person.

The fears of letting go of a habit range from the perception that I will be losing control to the perception that I might not have a shoulder to lean upon. We are capable of living beyond the message of fear.

We no longer need to be dependent upon the unpleasant emotion caused by our beliefs. Fear is driven by our belief that someone or something might cause us harm. Furthermore, it is driven by the possibility of pain associated with physical or psychological danger, threats, or unsafe environments. The truth is we have nothing to fear.

Fear should have no bearing upon our lives. A life lived without fear, is a life completely lived. We fear letting go, because we fear the unknown. What if you had a crystal ball with which you could see into the future? Would you no longer have fear, or would the fear Continued on page 50

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35

DO YOU REACT OR DO YOU RESPOND?

By Beverly Buncher, MA, PCC, CTPC

Being in a relationship with someone who uses has its challenges…

Whether you are their mother, father, sister, spouse, or friend, chances are you find yourself getting impatient or frustrated more often than you would like to.

During those times, what do you do?

If your heart starts racing, your brows furl, your forehead get sweaty and you feel like you are going to explode, and that leads you to blurt out whatever comes to mind, get upset with your loved one and require that they do things your way, even when it is clear that they are not going to, you are reacting.

easier to respond rather than react. Suddenly, they can see how it could be useful to document the facts of their struggling loved one’s behavior and share it calmly, lovingly, when the loved one is lucid.

Conscious breathing and a meditation practice can help gain independence from the ravages of obsessive thought. Emotional awareness helps one observe facts without going over the deep end.

Seeing your loved one as someone with a blindside and getting it that we all have a blind side makes it more appealing and possible to observe what you see and share it with them so they can decide if the information about their behavior is useful.

Reacting is useful when there is a fire, a bomb hits, you need to avoid crashing your car or body slamming into someone you see on the street. In these instances, there isn’t time to think. It happens, you react by getting out of the house, running for cover, swerving the wheel of your car or moving your body out of the way of the person walking toward you. Reacting works when you must act by instinct.

None of this is possible when we are reacting. Only when we have the presence of mind to pause, breathe, and respond. And that can make all the difference between being a loved one who contributes to a loved one’s addiction by reacting or one who contributes to their recovery by responding.

But, does it work if you are trying to be a force for good in a using loved one’s life?

Beverly Buncher, Family Recovery Coach, helps family members of addicts turn their chaos to sanity, through her Be A Loving Mirror (BALM) Family Recovery Coaching Programs. She is the originator and host of the Daily BALM, a weekday teleseminar that helps family members around the world learn practical recovery principles and tools. Author of the BALM E-Book series, Coach Bev is internationally recognized as a Professional Certified Coach by the ICF (International Coach Federation), on the faculty of Crossroads Coaching School and a mentor coach for the Institute for Excellence in Coaching (iPEC).

You can learn more about her work on her website at www.familyrecoveryresources.com To contact Bev; you may email her at bbuncher@familyrecoveryresources.com or call her at 786 859 4050.

Take this scenario: Your son walks in the house, staggers to the couch, and sits down.

He smashes your favorite bowl to the floor as he puts his legs up on the table. You watch this, but are too far across the room to stop it.

His speech is slurred, his body appears to be rubbery and he looks like he is in slow motion. After he breaks the bowl, he looks over to see what happens a few moments later, shrugs and turns his body away from where it fell.

What do YOU do?

If you are like many family members you feel that rising panic and upset as you see him enter the room. Very quickly, his behavior is about you and how it is making you feel. You can’t take it anymore, you don’t want to live this way, you are going to die if things don’t get better. And there you are, in the middle of a reaction.

Which would you rather do – react or respond?

Let’s replay this again, only THIS time, let’s go for a response.

Your son walks in the house, staggers to the couch, and sits down.

He smashes your favorite bowl to the floor as he puts his legs up on the table. You watch this, but are too far across the room to stop it.

As soon as you see him enter the room, you take a deep yet, imperceptible, breath in. Your mind begins to race and as you breathe, you watch your thoughts as they tell you that you can’t take it, but you don’t grab on to those thoughts. You just let them pass as you continue to breathe and keep an eye on your son. New thoughts come in about how pathetic he seems and you let those pass too.

Instead, you simply watch your son and stand back. You take note of his bloodshot eyes and the paleness of his skin. You are aware of the fact that he fell onto the sofa rather than lowering himself gradually as people do when they have control of their bodies. You see him break the bowl and barely take note of it. You watch him as he falls asleep.

Once he does, you document what you just saw – just the facts – so you can share it with him in the morning. After all, you know he will be curious as to what happened and why you didn’t clean up the bowl.

You don’t yell at him for breaking the bowl and you don’t make the incident about you. When in response mode, you think through how you will deal with the situation you are confronting. In this case, you decide to breathe in order to stay calm, to observe so you will have the facts rather than a hyper-emotionalized view of the facts to share with him, and you go to sleep, too. Since you are not all worked up, you are able to go to bed at a reasonable time and fall asleep without a problem.

When family members start to see their using loved ones as being on their own journey, rather than as extensions of the family, it gets

36

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37

ADDICTION: A LIFE OR DEATH DISEASE

By Barbara Cofer Stoefen

A meth overdose in my community’s county jail recently garnered national attention. Mr. Edwin B. Mays, a thirty-one year old Bend man, writhed and seized in the presence of sheriff deputies. Some of them mocked him.

“You gotta come over here and watch,” said one deputy captured on videotape, while laughing at Mays. “Pull up a seat, bro.”

Obviously not realizing the seriousness of the event they were witnessing, this man’s suffering became spectator sport.

It later became known that in order to minimize criminal charges, the man had ingested a baggie full of meth at the time of his arrest.

In Oregon, it’s not illegal to possess a controlled substance by consumption. While it’s illegal to have it on you, it is, paradoxically, not illegal to have it in you. This desperate action, and in my opinion the inaction of others, cost Mr. Mays his life.

There was a time when it’s possible I would have thought this man got what he deserved. In my mind, meth addiction was something that happened to losers… life’s deadbeats… the people who couldn’t control their choices or their lives. That is, bad people. But then it happened in my own family. When my beloved daughter, Annie, became addicted to alcohol, marijuana, and then ultimately lived on the streets of our community as a homeless meth addict, I came to realize that if addiction could happen to her, then it could happen to absolutely anyone. And it of course does.

Annie was bright, beautiful and talented… deemed gifted in fact.

While highly sensitive and sometimes overly emotional, she was mostly a good kid. She didn’t party in high school, and unlikely as it may seem, Annie was nearly eighteen at the time she first experimented with alcohol.

We’d survived the teen years and the terrible-two’s, yet Annie’s transition to adulthood was surprisingly rocky. Once she left the framework and security of the home nest, there was one crisis, one meltdown after another. She crashed and burned during the first semester away at college, and we rescued her. Life stabilized for a while, until she ventured out again. Then came another rescue, and the rescue after that, and the rescue after that one.

At age twenty-two, while at a party and high on alcohol, Annie daringly asked for cocaine. Yet the white drug provided wasn’t cocaine… it was meth. And it took her instantly. Within two months my daughter was homeless; within four she’d had her first arrest.

My daughter was lodged in the very jail where Mr. Mays would, years later, lose his life to that meth overdose.

Annie’s addiction escalated, and the arrests escalated as well. She repeatedly broke into our home and stole from her family. The girl into whom I’d poured a lifetime of mother’s love no longer inhabited the precious body I’d brought into the world. Annie was gone. The rare times when I did see her, I barely recognized the monster-whoused-to-be-my-daughter. The grief was nearly unbearable.

My husband and I found help and hope at a newly-launched support group in our town for the families of meth addicts. We met weekly and there were often compelling speakers from law enforcement, the judicial system, and from behavioral health professionals. We learned much about addiction, and the system that manages it, but the speakers that captivated me the most were people who had been there… those in recovery from addiction themselves. I looked as deeply into their lives as they’d allow.

It was typical for me to cry at each and every meeting, and one night a young woman in recovery from meth addiction commented on it. “I didn’t know there was this much suffering on your side of things. I thought we were only ones who suffered.”

Through education I came to realize that addiction can befall anyone. It’s a non-discriminatory disease. It knows no color, no ethnicity, no religion, no gender or sexual orientation. It affects the young and the old, the rich and poor, the famous and the invisible, the brilliant and the not so very brilliant. It doesn’t know one side of the tracks from the other.

The men and women who land in our county jails, or state or federal prisons, are more often than not suffering from substance use disorder. Statistics indicate more than 50 percent have untreated addiction issues. In my city, the sheriff reports the number to be 80 to 90 percent. And let us not forget that somewhere, someone loves the person in that tiny cell… and grieves for him or her. Edwin B. Mays had indeed broken the law the day he was booked into our county jail, but he did not deserve to die. He had a treatable illness that no jail cell in the world can cure.

I am grateful beyond description that my daughter ultimately reached out and asked for help… with a call home from jail. It had been her sixth incarceration. My husband and I provided the help we were willing and able to give, and what followed was not just her treatment and recovery, but our family’s recovery as well. We were all changed forever.

You can read Barbara’s full story in her book, A Very Fine House: A Mother’s Story of Love, Faith and Crystal Meth (Zondervan/Harper Collins, 2014) It’s an intimate memoir of anger, pain, and loss. But it is also a story of transformation, of stepping back and stepping aside, of love redefined. Barbara’s obsession to save Annie at all costs, and her rage against God for allowing drugs to devour her college-age daughter, gave way to new insights about herself.

Annie’s addiction changed them both. www.BarbaraCoferStoefen.com www.Facebook.com/BarbaraCoferStoefen.com www.Twitter.com/bstoef www.Pinterest.com/bcstoefen

It had never occurred to me that my daughter might be suffering, and I soon came to realize that she wasn’t partying…she wasn’t just misbehaving. Annie had a disease.

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www.thesoberworld.com

MAKING RECOVERY A LIFETIME OF ADVENTURE!

O

regon Trail Recovery combines clinical therapies with outdoor adventures that renew mind, body, and spirit.

Located in beautiful Clackamas County, Oregon, an incredible range of adventure environments lay within a couple hours in any direction—from ocean to mountain, forest to desert, city to countryside...

Our 3-9 month therapeutic and comprehensive Men’s and Women’s transition recovery programs include: • Individual therapy with a Licensed, Masters level therapist • Weekly groups facilitated by certified addictions counselors and a Master’s level therapist.

• Spiritual group and guided meditation • Adventure Excursions that include camping, river and ocean fishing, hiking, biking, whitewater, snow trips and sporting events.

• Job search and preparation, including resume building and interview skills • Upscale structured living homes provide a perfect environment to learn and grow in recovery.

• Transportation and meals are provided.

• Most insurance is accepted.

Oregon Trail Recovery provides clients with the resources and tools to address their core issues and behaviors to increase their ability for sustained recovery and mental and emotional well being.

Call 503.901.1836 or visit OregonTrailRecovery.com 1 0 6 0 0 S E M C L O U G H L I N B LV D . # 2 0 7

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

•

M I LWA U K I E , O R 9 7 2 2 2

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THE C.O.R.E. CONFERENCE

The C.O.R.E. Conference in Amelia Island had people talking for days afterwards. Sisters Dee McGraw and Susan Benvenuti really hold a first class event! For over 25 years, C4 has been dedicated to improving the quality of and access to addiction treatment and co-occurring disorders. The room was packed for Debra Jay’s workshop, and the weather was perfect for Golfing! Stay tuned for information regarding their next conference in Naples, FL - AXIS. If you are an Owner or Board Member, Senior Executive, Medical Director, Clinical Supervisor, Midlevel Manager- this is one conference you DON’T want to miss.

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www.thesoberworld.com

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

41

FARR CERTIFIED RESIDENCE. WHAT DOES IT MEAN? What process does the Florida Association of Recovery Residences employ to determine a recovery residence’s eligibility for use of this image when presenting itself to the public?

FARR is the Florida affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). It is the NARR policy to approve one state level non-profit to provide organizational support and residence certification within each state. As NARR’s Florida affiliate, FARR offers recovery-oriented housing providers, from the Panhandle to the Keys, an opportunity to voluntarily apply for certification of compliance with the NARR Standard.

Basic common sense…

To fully appreciate what certification of compliance entails, it would be necessary to delve into a full examination of the NARR Standard, which requires three hours of online training. To summarize the value of FARR Certification to persons seeking quality recovery-oriented housing, providers who achieve certification have evidenced that they: 1. Offer safe, clean and dignified living environments that blend into their neighborhood.

2. Operate with integrity; ensuring residents are fully apprised of both their rights and responsibilities.

3. Establish and follow internal protocols to sustain an alcohol and drug free community.

4. Cultivate a Recovery Community; not simply a boarding house for people who no longer drink and/or drug.

5. Take steps to engage residents in governance; promoting peeraccountability within the residence.

6. Encourage activities that improve physical, mental and spiritual health at the individual and community level.

7. Are a “Home”; having taken intentional steps to create and nurture the “functional equivalent of a family”.

8. Are ‘Stewards of Hope’; inspiring and supporting opportunities for residents to engage in purposeful lives.

9. Foster an atmosphere of peer support within the residential community and between residents and staff.

10. Operate as a community resource encouraging residents to participate in local community service opportunities.

11. Are respectful of neighbors; demonstrating recovery values in all relationships and under all circumstances.

12. Welcome incoming residents, taking special care to include and orient them to their new community.

Finding the best fit…

FARR welcomes all recovery-oriented housing providers, regardless of their particular pathway. Many certified residences are 12 Step oriented communities.

Others offer faith-based recovery support.

Smart Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, and other pathways are equally welcomed. Visit the Certified Residences page of the FARR website and use filters to drill down to options that best fit your criteria.

Setting service expectations…

Certification is specific to support level. NARR recognizes four distinct levels. Each level offers distinctly different service intensities.

Level IV Residences are DCF licensed behavioral healthcare providers who blend the “Medical Model” and “Social Model” to create a hybrid often referred to as the “Florida Model”. Level III residences do not offer licensable services, but do offer life skills

42

training and 24/7/365 supervision, generally by peer-credentialed staff. Level II residences monitor resident participation in individual and community recovery activities and Level I residences, often viewed as a “pure” reflection of the social model, are democratically run homes where residents self-govern by a set of “house rules” and share monthly expenses. Appreciating support level distinctions is vitally important, particularly for family members who may be making a selection on behalf of their loved one. Too frequently, FARR staff takes calls from moms and dads who complain that no one is monitoring their young adult on a daily basis. Further dialog reveals that the residence, whether certified or not, is a Level I or II program. FARR does not hold these support levels accountable to maintain 24/7/365 staffing. Level I and II programs offer support that is ideal for persons in recovery who have accumulated sufficient “recovery capital” to live life on life’s terms with support from their peer community. Typically; emerging adults in the 18-25 year range experience more positive outcomes when they begin their recovery journeys in a Level III or IV residence and gradually step up to assuming greater accountability. It is often valuable that they transition towards ownership of their chronic condition and personal development of recovery management skills. Isn’t it true for any apprentice that we generally learn the basics from a mentor first, then move on to practice our newly acquired skills under the watchful eye of one who has learned from years of practical experience? Evidence suggests transitional support is best facilitated through a phased approach.

While no “rule of thumb” can capsulate the experience of all young adults, clearly it’s important for families to conduct guided research to assess the appropriate service intensity for their loved one. The FARR website offers a Selection Guide that may be accessed from the center section of our home page.

From this same location on our website, visitors may access the NARR Standards in their entirety as well as the list of all Certified Residences throughout the state of Florida. Additionally, we recommend a visit to the Community and Supporters pages.

FARR is a non-profit organization that operates through the generous support of Affiliates and Friends of FARR. As we expand operations to fulfill the mission mandated by recent legislation, FARR must increase staff and enhance internal systems to deliver the quality oversight rightfully anticipated by all stakeholders. In turn, this necessitates financial support from the community. Every contribution matters.

Our Affiliate Supporters include substance use treatment providers throughout Florida who recognize that standards-based, recovery residences are vital to the Continuum of Care. The FARR Resource Library offers evidence-based research studies that unequivocally demonstrate outcomes that are greatly enhanced when persons who exit detox and/or acute residential care commence their recovery journey under the secure roof of a recovery- oriented housing provider.

Both Friends of FARR and Affiliate Supporters are provided access to the FARR Portal with a unique User ID and Password. A vault of valuable recovery research and content is available in this library to those who wish to explore its many treasures.

www.thesoberworld.com

CERTIFIED RESIDENCES JAX

Sober Living Recovery Residences JACKSONVILLE BEACH a safe, sober environment on the journey to sobriety... one day at a time.

904.300.6050

www.jaxsoberlivinghouse.com

e ady?

ArR ouChangee Your Life?

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Safe and structured environments for women to build a strong foundation for long term recovery.

386-265-4955 • www.avenues12recoveryhouse.com

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

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LIFE’S ONION®

Breakthrough Therapeutic Tool Produces Big Results for Clinics and Clients We all know the saying about what to do when life gives us lemons - make lemonade! But what do you do when life gives you onions?

If you’re Mark Wetherbee, founder and creator of Life’s Onion, you make a therapeutic tool so innovative that it is awarded a patent.

Life’s Onion is a handheld, onion-shaped device with 12 peels which transforms into a flower when opened. People in self-help and therapy record their goals and achievements on the actual peels, and peeling them back to flower petals as progress is made.

It’s a simple tool, but its application is what makes it unique: while there are other methods of tracking improvement, Life’s Onion is the only product which marks people’s progress in a tangible, visual form and remains with them to reinforce their successes.

One Life’s Onion user stated, “It will be a daily reminder of my journey through treatment, self-reflection, growth, and continued success in life.” It is not often that people have a visible reminder of their growth and achievements outside of the therapeutic environment, and this was clearly the creator’s goal.

Life’s Onion incorporates elements of journaling, art therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Schema Therapy. The tool can be used by an individual or with any therapeutic modality or style.

In addition to the tool itself, there is a full package of support materials designed to integrate Life’s Onion into existing programs.

After more than 3 years of research, development and field trials, Life’s Onion is now being made available to the public.

To find out more visit: www.lifesonion.com

Club Oasis 2015 Annual Golf Tournament Saturday • September 19, 2015 Eastpointe Golf & Racquet Country Club Palm Beach Gardens, FL 4 Person Scramble • $150 Per Person (Everyone Welcome, Singles and Couples Will Be Teamed Up) Practice Round Available When Registered

addicted to

pain killers OR heroin?

You may be eligible for a clinical research study • No Insurance needed • You will be compensated up to $2,050 Call

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL Ted 561-758-9564 • Club Oasis 561-694-1949 44

1-877-734-2588 www.thesoberworld.com

䰀䤀䌀䔀一匀䔀䐀 倀刀伀䘀䔀匀匀䤀伀一䄀䰀匀 䘀䤀䜀䠀吀䤀一䜀 䘀伀刀 䤀一䐀䤀嘀䤀䐀唀䄀䰀匀 䄀一䐀 吀䠀䔀䤀刀 䘀䄀䴀䤀䰀䤀䔀匀 伀一 䄀 䐀䄀䤀䰀夀 䈀䄀匀䤀匀

伀一䔀 䌀䄀䰀䰀 䄀圀䄀夀

圀䔀 䄀刀䔀 䄀䐀嘀伀䌀䄀吀䔀匀 䘀伀刀 吀䠀伀匀䔀 匀䔀䔀䬀䤀一䜀 䠀䔀䰀倀 刀䔀䌀伀嘀䔀刀䤀一䜀 䘀刀伀䴀 䄀䐀䐀䤀䌀吀䤀伀一

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䄀刀䔀 夀伀唀 伀刀 䄀 䰀伀嘀䔀䐀 伀一䔀 匀唀䘀䘀䔀刀䤀一䜀 䘀刀伀䴀 䄀䐀䐀䤀䌀吀䤀伀一㼀

圀䠀夀 䌀䠀伀伀匀䔀 唀匀

䘀椀渀愀渀挀椀愀氀 䄀椀搀 䄀瘀愀椀氀愀戀氀攀 䌀漀洀瀀氀攀琀攀氀礀 一漀渀 䈀椀愀猀 昀漀爀 䌀氀椀攀渀琀猀 愀渀搀 䘀愀洀椀氀椀攀猀 一漀 匀瀀攀挀椀愀氀 䤀渀琀攀爀攀猀琀猀 䰀椀欀攀 伀琀栀攀爀 伀爀最愀渀椀稀愀琀椀漀渀猀 倀愀爀琀渀攀爀猀栀椀瀀猀 眀椀琀栀 洀甀氀琀椀瀀氀攀 挀栀愀爀椀琀椀攀猀Ⰰ 琀爀攀愀琀洀攀渀琀 挀攀渀琀攀爀猀 愀渀搀 渀漀渀ⴀ瀀爀漀漀琀猀 匀琀愀爀琀攀搀 戀礀 戀甀猀椀渀攀猀猀 漀眀渀攀爀猀 椀渀 爀攀挀漀瘀攀爀礀 愀渀搀 爀甀渀 戀礀 琀栀漀猀攀 愀û攀挀琀攀搀

㄀⸀㠀㠀㠀⸀㜀㌀㌀⸀㐀㜀㤀 䀀㄀挀愀氀氀㐀栀攀氀瀀

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

猀甀瀀瀀漀爀琀䀀㄀挀愀氀氀㐀栀攀氀瀀⸀挀漀洀

眀眀眀⸀㄀挀愀氀氀㐀栀攀氀瀀⸀挀漀洀 45

STAND LIKE MOUNTAIN, FLOW LIKE WATER: REFLECTIONS ON STRESS AND HUMAN SPIRITUALITY

By Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

I’m an alcoholic. I’ve been one since I was in my teens, and I was headed for more advanced stages when we crossed paths. I had a DWI and was charged with another misdemeanor before I reached twenty. And that’s when they caught me. But my legal difficulties were the least of my problems. I was becoming a vicious, animalistic monster, the very antithesis of who I really was. I was alienating everyone I loved and lost all self-respect. But try to tell me that back then and you would’ve been treated to the work of a master manipulator with true genius toward rationalization and self-deceit.

And then, I had the beginnings of what I now see to be a spiritual awakening. It was suggested that I go to Alcoholics Anonymous. I went and my first instinct was to run out the door. They used words like God and spirituality. What the hell did God and spirituality have to do with my problems? I am sure you know the answer to this question better than I. But of course my ego told me that these people were freaks thinking that spirituality was the answer for them.

When was the last time I heard of talk like this? It was from you. And you certainly weren’t a freak. You possessed a sincere inner calm. You helped people and I believed you were behind the concepts you taught.

I remembered how impressive some of your presentations were.

How you could get a group of students to open their minds and try meditation. I remember when you had a Native American shaman visit the class and how impressed I was with what he shared. I remembered when you told us that drugs and alcohol did not enhance spiritual development, they put up walls. I did feel a spiritual link back then for all my faults and I saw some of the things you covered in the Twelve Steps. So maybe there was something to this spiritual angle they talked about in AA, I thought. And I stayed.

I celebrated four years of sobriety on December 10th, 1999, and I am still sober as I write this letter. I have gained a deep and very personal appreciation for the concepts you introduced me to and promised would

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Continued from page 6

become important further down the road. Thank you.

Sincerely, Steven M. Stand Like Mountain, Flow like Water To walk the human path is hard, To stay put is not an option.

At times my head is filled with doubt, Then I hear these words aloud, Stand Like Mountain, Flow like Water.

I walk each step in search of truth, My quest brings both joy and sorrow.

Light and dark dance unified, Yes! Balance is the key to life.

Again I hear these words aloud, Stand like Mountain, Flow like Water.

We come to earth to learn to love, A lesson we must all master.

To know and serve the will of God Is not a task for a chosen few.

We must each answer the call to love, Stand like mountain, flow like water.

— Brian Luke Seaward

References Provided Upon Request Brian Luke Seaward is a Health Psychologist and the author of many best selling books including, Stand Like Mountain, Flow like Water, Stressed is Desserts Spelled Backward, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and The Art of Calm. He is the executive Director of the Paramount Wellness Institute in Boulder Colorado. He can be reached at www.brianlukeseaward.net

www.thesoberworld.com

SERIOUS ABOUT GETTING HELP?

Fresh Start Ministries of Central FL Providing an affordable, year-long, 12-Step, faith-based residential substance abuse program in Orlando, FL. Operating since 1986, Fresh Start provides a very structured program with high levels of accountability. Utilizing a robust curriculum and the ability to work a normal daytime job while still receiving the necessary classes and counseling, clients find they are able to continue to financially support their families and still receive the help they need.

• 74 client beds • 12-Step Faith-based Residential Treatment • Aftercare Housing in a nearby lakeside apartment complex Located in the beautiful College Park area of Orlando, please call us at 407-293-3822 or through our website at www.FreshStartMinistries.com.

If you have completed treatment and are interested in Aftercare housing at our “Sober City” apartments, please contact Joe at 407-965-0022 or visit our website at www.FSMAftercare.com.

2015 Calling All Leaders!

Join us for the addiction eXecutives industry summit (aXis). For its first year in 2015, more than 500 addiction executives and leaders met at aXis for an intensive 3-day “executive boot camp.” aXis offers executive-level leadership and strategic guidance by incorporating skill-building and direct intervention into challenges organizations are currently facing.

This is accomplished with peer interaction, mentoring, and insights from industry experts. Don’t miss this valuable team learning experience.

CELEBRATE BROWARD’S RECOVERY HEROES!

Saturday, September 26 Quiet Waters Park 11 am—4 pm

Enjoy the prizes, food, music and familyfriendly fun. And it’s FREE!

Registration begins Nov. 1, 2015 www.axissummit.com.

For sponsorship information call

addiction eXecutives industry summit January 31- February 3, 2016

Visit us at

Naples Grande Beach Resort, Naples, FL

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

954-249-5081 or 561-932-2761

browardnationalrecoverymonth.org 47

THE SILENT ASSAULT ON AMERICANS WITH ADDICTIONS THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM – LEGISLATING FOR PROFITS

By John Giordano DHL, MAC

to avoid suffering the indignation of standing in line at a Methadone clinic every morning with the less prosperous addicts or being seen in patient treatment centers?

The reality is that no proponent of the Medication Assisted Treatment Program (MATP – the use of opioids in the treatment of opioid addictions) wants to discuss the fact that Suboxone, Methadone and all the other maintenance drugs used in the MATP program are opioids just like their organic brothers morphine and heroin – and are just as addictive and deadly if not more! As an opioid, MATP drugs are subject to the same abuse, overdoses, black market sales, misuse, unscrupulous doctors over-prescribing, emergency room visits, crime, broken families, health complications and deaths as any of the other opioids – both prescription and illicit.

Simply put, if it’s an opioid, it’s addictive and potentially destructive.

Moreover, MATP advocates do not have a long term-plan to get addicts drug-free and off of opioids – the only plan in place is to get addicts on pharmaceutical opioids. There are people who have been using the lower cost Methadone for ten years or more at an average cost of $5,000.00 per year. However, Methadone and the more expensive Suboxone both have manufacturer discount coupons and rebates available online for smart shoppers who want to save a few bucks. And for those who are experiencing bloating and constipation due to your opioids, there’s RELISTOR – the first opioid-induced constipation (OIC) treatment that targets the underlying cause of OIC without impacting opioid-medicated analgesic effects on the central nervous system. Again I have to ask: just who are the politicians trying to help – patients or the pharmaceutical company’s profits?

Suboxone, even in its limited supply, has already found its way onto the black market and into the streets of America as evidenced by Dylann Roof, the suspect in the deadly shooting at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. He was carrying a pack of thin orange strips, which later proved to be the oral version of the drug Suboxone. Roof was charged with felony possession, meaning he did not have a prescription for the narcotic, which is in the same class as other opiates like morphine, heroin and oxycontin.

Years ago I was fortunate enough to contribute to a scientific paper authored by my good friend and colleague Dr. Ken Blum, the co-discoverer of the reward gene that is also referred to as the addiction gene. The paper titled ‘Long Term Suboxone™ Emotional Reactivity as Measured by Automatic Detection in Speech’ was published July 9, 2013 in the peer reviewed journal PLOS one. In it we revealed the results of our evaluation of the long-term effects of Suboxone. What we found in long-term Suboxone patients was significantly flat affect (p<0.01); they had less self-awareness of being happy, sad, and anxious as compared to both the GP and AA groups. In layman terms, over time Suboxone has a zombie like effect on its users.

Opioid drug addiction has plagued this country for hundreds of years. In the early 1900’s Dr. Wright had the moral fortitude to take the lead in pushing the American government into a well reasoned and effective drug policy. It was more often than not a messy political process. Wright lost more friends than he gained. But his efforts led to The Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914 (HNA), which among other things, prohibited doctors from prescribing narcotics to narcotics addicts “to maintain their addictions.” The plan was effective and worked. The rate of opioid addiction dropped like a rock and stayed low for quite some time.

Continued from page 8

scribing methadone from their office.

Buried in ‘The Children’s Health Act of 2000’ that was signed into law by President Clinton on October 17, 2000, is an amendment, ‘The Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000),’ that effectively reverses the HNA ban on doctors from prescribing Suboxone to addicts “to maintain their addictions.” The amendment included a limit as to how many patients a doctor can treat. Now Senators Markey and Paul are proposing to expand the limit, making Suboxone more available. Why!? So that more affluent addicts can hide their shame and avoid the long checkout line at the local Methadone clinic?

You might find that legislation such as the bill proposed by Senators Markey and Paul to be well intended; or not. You may, or may not, get the impression they’re acting on your behalf with your best interest at heart. Regardless of how you feel, it’s difficult to argue that our lawmakers have learned from their past mistakes. Chipping away at the The Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914 does nothing to combat the opioid epidemic in America today. In fact, legislation such as this is nothing more than rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic while assuring anyone fool enough to listen that the situation is okay and under control. It’s not. If we’ve learned anything at all from history, it is that you cannot prescribe your way out of an opioid epidemic. History has shown that the only way out of an opioid epidemic is by reducing the amount of available opioids while maintaining a tight grip on its distribution. We know this to be true, yet our lawmakers want to do the exact opposite.

Is this bill really about helping desperate people in need of lifesaving therapy or is it just legislating trade? Are politicians really concerned about addicts or is this bill more about expanding the economy of scope and of scale for doctors with an 8 hour education in addiction treatment while opening channels of distribution for a multi-billion dollar product? If approved, doctors and/or their nurse practitioner and/or their physician assistant get to sell the more expensive Suboxone from the privacy of their office while the less expensive Methadone must be sold at the clinic level. This toothless bill has more political, money and social implications than health benefits.

“But it soon developed that we were importing (opium) into the United States, and legally importing, in our selfish greed to fill our own fat purses, undreamed of quantities of the same drug which we believed the Chinaman should cease to use.”

– Dr. Hamilton Wright (1911) John Giordano is a counselor, President and Founder of the National Institute for Holistic Addiction Studies and Chaplain of the North Miami Police Department. For the latest development in cuttingedge treatment check out his website: www.holisticaddictioninfo.com ‘Long Term Suboxone™ Emotional Reactivity As Measured by Automatic Detection in Speech’ www.journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal. pone.0069043 UNCLE SAM IS THE WORST DRUG FIEND IN THE WORLD New York Times March 12, 1911 www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/history/e1910/worstfiend.htm

But then in the late 60’s soldiers returned home from Viet Nam bringing with them their heroin addictions. In 1971, then President Nixon ordered the creation of the first federal program for methadone treatment of opiate addiction and with it, The Narcotic Addict Treatment Act of 1974. NATA effectively blocked doctors from pre-

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RELAPSE WARNING SIGNS

By Terence T. Gorski

Continued from page 24

that we’re not going to drink or use drugs. We just want to relax and visit old friends.

Step 10: Using Addictive Substances and Losing Control Eventually things get so bad that we come to believe that we only have three choices: • Collapse physically or emotionally from the stress of all our problems.

• End it all by committing suicide, or • Self-medicate with alcohol or other drugs. If these are the only three choices, which one sounds like the best way out?

If these are our only three choices, self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs seems the best choice. The 10,000 pound domino just struck the back of our head, breaking our bones, and crushing us to the ground. We’re dazed, hurt, and in tremendous pain. So we reach out for something, anything that will kill the pain. We start using alcohol and drugs in the misguided hope it will make our pain go away.

This is the relapse process. It’s not a pretty picture, but there is hope. We can learn to identify and manage the early warning signs of relapse. The process is called Relapse Prevention Therapy.

That’s what my next article will be about.

Terence T. Gorski is the Founder and President of The CENAPS Corporation. He is an internationally recognized expert on substance abuse, mental health, violence, and crime. He is best known for his contributions to relapse prevention, managing chemically dependent offenders and developing community-based teams for managing the problems of alcohol, drugs, violence, and crime. He is a prolific author and has published numerous books and articles.

Terence is the Director of Relapse Services at the Beachcomber and is Director of The National Certification School for Relapse Prevention Specialists. www.terrygorski.com www.facebook.com/GorskiRecovery www.relapse.org

We lose control and develop progressive life and health problems.

We either get back into recovery, or we die as a result of alcohol and drug-related accidents, illness, or suicide.

LIVING BEYOND

A Monthly Column By Dr. Asa Don Brown Continued from page 34

become more intense because of your knowledge of the future?

The reality is, the fear would become more compounded and your ability to overcome would be drastically decreased. A crystal ball would serve no good purpose but to expose our underlying fears.

Author: Asa Don Brown, Ph.D., C.C.C., D.N.C.C.M., F.A.A.E.T.S. Website: www.asadonbrown.com

Therefore, it is of utmost importance that we no longer choose to carry the baggage of fear. We must learn to lay aside our luggage and choose to move forward in this life. Fear has no place or right to be in your life. You must recognize that fear’s power is only enabled by its creator. You are ultimately the master and creator of your fears.

LIVING A LIMITLESS LIFE “Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi What is your checklist of excuses? Why are you not willing to relinquish control? Do you feel smothered or controlled by your addictive habit? Are you willing to relinquish the fears associated with letting go of your chosen habit?

I beseech you to let go of the fears associated with your addictive habit. I implore you and beg of you, to begin the process of change within your person. You are a person deserving of positive change and a positive life. You are a person deserving of unconditional love, acceptance, and approval. You begin by believing in your own person.

While Eddie Morra thought that he had discovered the ultimate substance to live life; he failed to recognize that the ultimate supplier of life is within his own person. What will it take for you to relinquish control of your life? Ironically, when we learn to relinquish control of our lives through our addictive path, we ultimately learn to gain complete control of our lives by living an unconditional life.

May you begin living beyond.

Dr. Asa Don Brown 50

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