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Recovery Now! is weekly radio show for people struggling with addiction in themselves or their loved ones. It discusses the process of recovery including features on addiction causes, symptoms, stories, programs, spiritual support, and treatments.
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2/22/2010 9:00 PM UTC - Learning how to recover from alcohol and drug addiction
Date / Time: 2/8/2010 3:37 PM UTC
The rise of methamphetamine abuse and addiction in the United States has been well documented in the media and medical journals. We read of its serious health implications and how it quickly devours a person's private, professional and social life.
Cathleen Otero, M.S.W., M.P.A.; Sharon Boles, P.H.D.; Nancy K. Young, P.H.D.; and Kim Dennis, M.P.A., of the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare, authored a paper in 2006, on methamphetamine and the implications to child welfare workers.
According to the writer's research, when comparing methamphetamine use to cocaine use, meth use begins earlier; they need treatment at an earlier age; are more likely to use multiple drugs; have a higher frequency of use; feel less addicted than cocaine users; are less likely to use alcohol; are more likely to use meth throughout the day and space that use evenly throughout the day, as opposed to cocaine users who tend to use at night; use fewer times than cocaine users, but use the same amount of drug; spend less money on drug and are more likely to be female and Caucasian.
The paper clearly states the unexpected consequence of this rising addiction problem-children of addicted parents are often chronically neglected. The family and social situations for these children are inadequate, and sadly they are at greater risk of abuse.
The report also says something amazing-that meth parents are less likely to understand that there are risks to the unborn child when they are using than are parents who use cocaine or heroin. Methamphetamine use during pregnancy jeopardizes the development of the child's brain and other organs.
Unlike cocaine and heroin, methamphetamine is manufactured in small labs, and the ingredients can be readily purchased legally. The labs are portable, so the drug can be created just about anywhere, in homes, hotel rooms or little back alley rooms. Because it is less expensive to produce, a small investment yields large returns on the street. People take it and feel the euphoric rush and soon the drug becomes the center point of their lives.
The unexpected consequence, the devastating harm it can do to the unborn, and children under the control of the addicts, needs to be hammered home to those who seek the effects of the drug.
Meanwhile, children exposed to their parent's use of the drug are at risk of developing a chronic cough, shortness of breath, chest pains and tightness, dizziness, lethargy, nausea, skin irritations, chemical burns and headaches.
In an effort to try to protect children, Drug Endangered Children (DEC) teams have been established in some locations, specifically for methamphetamine. Along with that, treatment programs for addicted parents have been ramped up, as the ever-growing numbers of addicts continues.
One of the most vital pieces to fighting a war is knowing about the enemy, and so professionals are learning more about the methamphetamine enemy. The good news is that the physiological damage created by meth use is reversible with long-term abstinence.
Treatment outcomes for meth addiction are similar to those for cocaine and heroin. And, treatment can lead not only to a restoration of health and well-being, but reunification of the family. Meth is deadly and children must be taken out of harm's way, but there is hope. Meth abuse and addiction is not just a problem for child welfare workers, it's our problem. Children need protection from this epidemic, so we all fight the fight alongside the professionals.
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Codependency.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Define-Alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Opiate-Detox.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Underlying-Issues.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Crack-Addiction.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Health-Effects-of-Alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-questions-II5.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/contact-us.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Narcotics-Anonymous.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/about-alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-stories-1.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Cravings.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Help.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-12-Step-3.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Teens-1.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Symptoms-of-Alcohol-Dependence.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcohol-abuse.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/site-map.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Dependence-Stories.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Withdrawal-1.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-12-step-2.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-as-a-Disease.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Causes-of-Alcohol-Use.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Suboxone.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-questions-II1.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-site-search.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholic-Family.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Effects-of-Alcoholism-Drugs.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-questions-VI1.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-step-3.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-step-4.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcohol-addiction-2.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/symptoms-of-alcoholism-1.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Substance-Abuse-Counselor.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-questions-II2.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Abuse-and-Diabetes.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Cancer-of-the-Liver.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Drug-Alcohol-Questions.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Heroin.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Symptoms-of-Drugs-Alcohol.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-intervention-4.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-treatment-2.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/College-Drinking.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-intervention-1.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-recovery-2.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Treatment-Center.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholic-12-Step.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Statistics.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-step-11.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Drugs-Alcohol-Questions.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-intervention-3.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-questions-VI2.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Drinking-Recovery.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Causes-of-Drugs-Alcohol.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Cocaine-Rehab.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Drugs-Drinking-Marriage.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Why-12-Step.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-recovery-4.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Dependence-Information.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Cycle.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Causes-of-Drugs-Drinking.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Privacy-Policy.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Treatments-for-Alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/aa.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-recovery-3.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Abuse-or-Alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-12-Step-6.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Drinking-Information.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Effects-on-Body.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Teen-Challenge.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-step-7.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Effects-of-Alcohol-Drugs.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Prisons-and-Alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-detox-2.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-questions-II3.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-questions-II4.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-recovery-1.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Addiction-Alcoholism-Drug.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Treatment-Does-Not-Matter.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-intervention-5.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-treatment-programs-1.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/About-Alcohol.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-12-Step-4.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Intoxication.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Causes-of-Alcohol-Abuse.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Drug-Alcoholism-Questions.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Drugs-Alcohol-Recovery.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Vicious-One-Two-Punch.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-detox-3.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-treatment-3.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-12-Step-5.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-AA-1.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Rehab.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Teens-2.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Teens-3.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Request-Directory-Listing.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Sign-of-Alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-stories-2.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-stories-3.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-stories-7.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/About-Time.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholic.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-step-12.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-step-5.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-step-6.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-step-9.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Christian-Treatment-1.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Diabetes-and-Alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Drug-Alcoholism-and-Depression.html
Date / Time: 2/8/2010 3:34 PM UTC
In a couple of months, the graduation ceremonies will take place all over the country, and with those graduations come graduation parties. It's happened before and it will happen again-somebody is going to get busted for underage drinking at a graduation party.
A few years ago there was one such graduation party going on, a real blow-out. Irritated neighbors called the police to complain about noise, kids passed out on the front lawn and the usual list of inappropriate behavior related to having too much to drink. The police responded, but did nothing, because they did not have the right to enter the home. The calls kept coming in. On a couple of visits no action was taken, but finally the police did do something and that's when the trouble really began.
The police decided to issue a ticket to the parents of the teenage boy hosting the party. They bought the beer and they allowed the beer drinking party to take place in their home. The parents were not home during the party. The police responded to the neighbors' calls and took action. How dare they! You would have thought all civil rights as we know them had been suspended. Why the police had no right to take such an action. After all, it was their house, their private property and what they do on their private property is nobody's business. All the drinkers were under aged, the behavior in some cases was abhorrent, but the parents are not to blame. The police, now they are the ones who are out of line. Lawyers got called. Counter lawsuits were filed. They were ready to fight to the finish to defend their right to be idiots.
The parents were well-educated, upper middle class professionals. They lived in a large, expensive home in an upscale neighborhood. They indulged their children. The way they saw it, their son was graduating and deserved to have a party and they wanted to provide everything the boy wanted. He wanted beer. He got beer. If one of his friends comes to the party, has to much to drink and winds up urinating in the neighbor's bushes, so what? It's not their child. Some other parents can worry about it.
Parents need to be the adults. Just because "Little Johnny" is 18 does not mean he is an adult. The law says he is eligible to vote, but he can't go into a bar. What were the parents thinking? Of course they will never accept responsibility, so they turn the tables on the police and blame them. Why, because they have the money to fight. They have been offended and want their day in court. The lawyer loves it, he gets a payday out of their terrible behavior. At any level, parties like this one are a bad idea. Kids are not equipped to make good decisions, especially when the beer is flowing and they get to do the first "adult" thing in their life. Attitudes toward this kind of beer party contribute to the binge drinking when the kids go off to college in the fall. Without any parental supervision, kids go nuts at school.
Adults are the ones who set the tone for the younger generations. Beer drinking at the ball game is as much a part of the culture as eating a hot dog. Beer drinking at backyard cook-outs is as common as the chicken on the grill. Where do kids get the idea that the only way to have a good time is to drink? Adults set the example. Parents who not only condone a bad idea, but go to extreme legal lengths to blame somebody else for their own mistakes are only perpetuating the problem. Common sense suggests you don't give beer to a minor, even in your own backyard.
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Cocaine-Effects.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/More-Pages.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Oxycontin-Withdrawal.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/teen-drug-abuse.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/12-Step-Program.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Addiction-Drug-Treatment.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/heroin-12-step-recovery.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Addiction-Program.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Alcoholism-Intervention.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-suicide.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Alcohol-Intervention.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Info-On-Drug-Addiction-3.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Antidepressant-Medication.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Cocaine-Addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Delivered-From-Drug-Addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Services-1.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Over-the-Counter-Drug-Abuse.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Abusing-Alcohol-Stories.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/From-Compliance-to-Submission.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/LSD-Addiction-Facts.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-abuse-prevention.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/How-To-Stop-Drinking-2.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Medication-Addiction-Intervention.html
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http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Causes-of-Drug-Addiction-1.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Heroin-Addiction-Stories.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Privacy-Policy.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/crystal-meth-addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Addiction-Parents.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Questions-II2.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-addiction-stories-3.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Rehab-Centers-Florida.html
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http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Heroin-Addiction-Symptoms.html
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http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Questions-II3.html
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http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-heroin.html
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http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Alcohol-Withdrawal.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Crystal-Meth.html
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http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-ecstasy.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Alcohol-Addiction-Help.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Definition-For-Drug-Addiction.html
Date / Time: 2/8/2010 3:32 PM UTC
The reasoning is simple and easy to understand. One Oreo cookie isn't enough. We want more. After all, that one cookie was so good, so surely two has got to be better. That's how Pastor Steve Trampe, the associate pastor of Grace Church (Wales, WI) explained it, adding, "soon I eat the whole bag."
Trampe's, cookie example was included in his sermon "Going Against The Tide In Your Pleasures," in which he offered several illustrations of how we get into trouble by indulging in pleasure, only to wind up becoming addicted to that pleasure to the point of doing harm. It's human nature. We take a drink and enjoy the effect, or as so many alcoholics have described, we experience the "click" and so we want another. The reasoning is the same with taking drugs. If the instructions say two pills are to be taken, then surely three or four will do the job better.
Trampe used another example to illustrate his point. If you boil water and try to throw a live frog in is, it will bounce out of the pot immediately. However, if you put the frog in cold water, it will swim around. As you turn on the heat, the frog doesn't know it's in trouble until it's too late. We drink to receive the effect of the alcohol, not expecting to become addicted. As we swim around our pot, we don't know the addiction is coming, and soon we are powerless over that addiction.
So many pleasures in life are potentially addictive-food, money, sex, fame, entertainment, social standing and even fitness. Something that is good in moderation turns against us if we over indulge. We can reason that out, but in the moment, when the urge to indulge in the pleasure is upon us, it's difficult to resist the temptation. That becomes even more difficult once the addiction has taken hold.
It's far too simplistic to say "Don't take a drink." It's like the guy who goes to the doctor and tells him that it hurts when he raises his arm. The doctor says, "Don't raise your arm." One may be in jeopardy of becoming addicted for a variety of reasons, while another will never become addicted. But if we are like the frog swimming in the pot, how can we get out before the water boils? One way is to learn from others. If your father was an alcoholic, chances are good that you will be predisposed to abusing alcohol. If you are in recovery, your children need to know that they might be in danger of the same experience unless they are told to avoid alcohol. It's a red flag to be careful.
There is no simple answer to the human condition, other than perhaps just accepting the fact that we are human and we are powerless over that. Alcoholics Anonymous says in the second step that we "came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." When we go too far, we need outside help. If you can see for yourself that the water is getting too warm, we encourage you to call a treatment center and let them help you. If you see another in trouble, pick up the phone and seek assistance for how you can best help your friend or loved one.
We all know that moderation is wise. It just isn't that simple. If it were, Oreo cookies wouldn't be so popular.
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Side-Effects-of-Cocaine.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-causes.html
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http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-treatment.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Heroin-Drug-Addiction.html
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http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Introduction-of-Drug-Addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/OxyContin-Drug-Addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/contact-us.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/teen-drug-addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/about-drug-addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Causes-of-Drug-Addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Alcoholism-Facts.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Cause-of-Drug-Addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-marijuana.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-prevention.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Crack-Cocaine-Addiction-Stories.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-addiction-Choice.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/prescription-drug-addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-family.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-and-marriage.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Opiate-Addiction-Facts.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/addiction-recovery-now.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Percocet-Abuse-Stories.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Teen-Alcoholism.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Addiction-and-Depression.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/12-step-recovery-1.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-books.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Withdrawal-2.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-addiction-Parents.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Subutex.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Recovery.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Al-Anon.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Morphine-Abuse-Stories.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Narcotics-Use-Facts.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/LSD-Addiction-Causes.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-methamphetamine.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Troubled-Teens.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Suboxone.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Disease.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Poems.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/cycle-of-drug-addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-abuse-symptoms.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-addiction-stories-1.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Questions.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/teenage-drug-abuse.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Addiction-Prescription-Medications.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Alcoholism-in-Teenagers.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-signs.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-abuse-causes.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/teen-ecstasy-abuse.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Christian-Treatment.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-behavior.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Morphine-Abuse-Facts.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-articles.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-addiction-stories-4.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Detox-from-Alcohol.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Abuse-or-Addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Alcohol-Addiction-Causes.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Cocaine-Effects-2.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Crack-Addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Definition-Drug-Addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Marijuana-Addiction-Stories.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/cocaine-12-step-recovery.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Effects-of-Alcoholism.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Alcohol-Addiction-Stories.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-addiction-stories-2.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Cocaine-Addict.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Facts-About-Cocaine.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Addiction-Denial.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Easy-Cheap-Deadly.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Rehab-Clinics.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/addiction-treatment-programs.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-depression.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Pregnancy.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Addiction-Alcoholism-Drug-Treatment.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Alcoholism-Marriage.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/pluck-on-demand.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Alcoholism-Cure.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Teenage-Alcoholism.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/causes-of-addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Abuse-Treatment-Center.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Psychological-Addiction.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-help.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Alcohol-Abuse-Help.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Theories.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/drug-addiction-support.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/About-Alcoholism.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Free-America.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Narcotics-Abuse-Facts.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Heroin-Rehab.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/What-is-Cocaine.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/teen-12-step-recovery.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-and-Alcohol-Rehab-Center.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/about-drug-abuse.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Addiction-Drug-Rehab-Treatment.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Inpatient-Treatment-1.html
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Alcohol-Program-Rehab.html
Original Air Date: 2/7/2010 11:00 PM UTC
Date / Time: 2/6/2010 3:34 PM UTC
Every once in a while you read the stories in the local paper, or see a piece on the evening news about a driver pulled over by police, who suspect a possible DUI situation. The field tests that are administered on the site are designed to screen for alcohol and drugs. According to DrunkDrivingDefence those tests are voluntary and defense attorneys strongly advise that people not take them. It further states that just because somebody is determined to be over the legal blood alcohol level that does not mean they are impaired.
It's an interesting game. People use drugs and alcohol, go out and drive, they get stopped, but is there really any proof positive that they were impaired? For example, a man gets pulled over and agrees to take the voluntary test. Be blows a .00 for alcohol. The police officer is sure something is wrong. On site, there is not a lot the officer can do to prove that the driver is impaired. To get an accurate reading, the arrested driver must go through a "zero tolerance" test, which is expensive and requires time. Urine tests are the easiest, but blood testing is more accurate in determining whether or not a person is "under the influence." You can easily see that the costs are going to add up quickly.
For approximately $250.00, a toxicologist from Drug Detection Laboratories Inc. (DDL) of Sacramento, Calif., will do the test and give you a written report. Fees will vary from state-to-state, but DDL states in its web site, "Unfortunately, today, the majority of drug testing is poorly done and plagued with unreliable information." With so many alleged DUI stops on our roads and highways, how is law enforcement supposed to keep up, conduct proper testing to ensure an accurate reading, and not get steamrolled by a knowledgeable and experienced defense attorney?
In previous blogs, we reported that former surgeon Mark Benson, who was involved in a car crash that killed three people and injured two others on April 25, did not appear to be impaired at the scene, but was tested and traces of several drugs were found in his system. Was he impaired? What level signifies impairment? How do the drugs interact with each other? The problem with Benson was that he was using prescription medication. If a driver is tested and found to be using crack cocaine, methamphetamine or some other illegal drug, the legal course of action seemingly is much clearer.
The presumption of innocence is vitally important to our system of justice in America, and yes, police and law enforcement must follow procedure. But with the glut of DUI arrests every year, especially those which might involve drug use, law enforcement has a tough assignment. In Wisconsin, a person can refuse the drug testing if it's a first offense, but in subsequent offenses, the testing is done with or without consent. If a person refuses the test for a first offense, they are charged with refusing. The trouble is, law enforcement can do so much. They patrol our streets and highways, enforce the law, but the legal technicalities involved in actually getting a conviction are numerous. What does it mean to be impaired, especially by a legally prescribed medication?
With overcrowding in our prisons and jails, non-violent offenders are not a priority, and so probation and fines are handed out. That is frustrating for those who are responsible for enforcement. We want offenders off the roads, but we don't necessarily know exactly what to do about it. I would submit to you that DUI is a violent offense, because the potential for bringing on serious harm or even death is dramatically increased. If I walk down the street carrying a loaded shotgun in my town, the police are going to want to know what I'm doing. The potential for violence is apparent. When people use or abuse drugs, then drive, the potential for a violent episode is apparent.
It's difficult also because the DUI offender needs treatment, not necessarily incarceration, to prevent repeat offenses. People with two or more arrests and convictions need to break the cycle of addiction. It's all too easy for people to plea to a lesser charge, such as driving too fast for conditions, or something other than DUI. That doesn't help. It only leads to another incident, more strain on our police officers and the clogging of the courts. In the long run, treatment is the best answer.
The criminal justice system does the best it can, given the circumstances. Testing procedures are costly and time consuming. What really needs to change is the culture. People get a pass on DUI, compared to other offenses. That needs to change.
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-blog.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/causes-of-alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/symptoms-of-alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Teen-Stress.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Dry-Drunk.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Definition.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-intervention.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-recovery-now.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-treatment.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Marriage.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Abuse-Stories.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-recovery.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-addiction.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Detox.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Warning-Signs.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Physical-Symptoms.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Stages-of-Alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Treatment-for-Alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Signs.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-stories.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Addiction-Treatment.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Books.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Poisoning.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-prevention.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Effects-of-Alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alanon.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcohol-addiction-1.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-and-Teenagers.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcohol-addiction-3.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcohol-addiction.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholic-Liver-Disease.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-detox-1.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-dui.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-12-Step.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/12-Step-Program.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Major-Depression.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Facts.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Blood-Alcohol-Level.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-step-1.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-parents.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-support-author.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Disease.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-questions.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/treating-alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Binge-Drinking.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Drug-Addiction.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Oxycotin.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Information-Treatment.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/christian-treatment.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Dependence.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Teens.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Treatment-Centers.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Withdrawal.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Residential-Treatment-Centers.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-treatment-programs.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Effects.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Intoxication.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Cure.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Information.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Warning-Signs.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Effects-of-Drugs-Drinking.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-intervention-2.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Drug-Treatment-Center.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Quit-Drinking.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Signs-of-Alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-withdrawal.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Stages.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Treatment.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Drug-Addict.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Treatment-Alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Rehab.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-step-8.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Naltrexone.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/alcoholism-help.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Recovery.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Drug-Treatment-Program.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholic-Anonymous.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholics-Anonymous.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Symptoms.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Codependency-Perpetuates-Alcoholism.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Teenage-Drug-Abuse.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-step-2.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Underage-Drinking.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Detox.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcohol-Intervention.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-Drugs-Treatment.html
http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Codependence.html
Date / Time: 2/6/2010 3:28 PM UTC
"Recovery is not complete until we become spiritual." Those words began the presentation by Ashok Baldi, MD, at the 42nd annual Spring Conference of the Wisconsin Association of Alcohol and Other Drug Addiction. He added that healing does not come from doctors, healing "comes from the hand of God."
From there Baldi shared from his experiences with patients at Aurora Psychiatric Hospital (Wauwatosa, WI). He called addiction a "search for the spirit." Addicts, said Baldi, need to search for the spirit within themselves and the universe. He desires to teach them to get "high on life." Addiction treatment needs to make the connection between the "ego and the soul." The task of the healer is to get to their story, and he added that we need to become the "fly on the wall," to observe our own behavior in the moment. What does a person feel when something happens?
He talked of the three states a person is in-awake, asleep and dreaming. What happens in between these states, or as Baldi put it, in the fourth state, the void? Baldi drew on the spiritual to fill the void.
Baldi drew from his Hindu background and understanding to make a connection with the patient's Roman Catholic background. These two seemingly opposite worldviews came together in a significant way to help the patient through addiction. Addicts hope for healing and Baldi used the image of the famous sculpture by Michelangelo, "The Pieta," as a metaphor for self-care. In doing so, Baldi helped the patient make a vital connection between a childhood experience and her present day struggle. Baldi was helping the patient see the sculpture as "holding the body of the addict" until healing comes.
Pieta, c. 1498-1500 Baldi's sensitivity to the addict and his understanding of the need for the spiritual connection, were key in producing a successful outcome. He talked of our intellectual quotient (IQ), our emotional quotient (EQ) and our spiritual quotient (SQ). The EQ related directly to sobriety, while the SQ centered on our connection to the divine. Understanding of the spiritual component to recovery opens the door to that process.
We are body, mind and spirit. All three need to be addressed. Baldi understands that and brings illumination to the third step of the 12-Step process, when it refers to God, as "we understood him." Baldi worked with the patient's understanding of God, did not impose his own, and helped the patient make the connection between the ego and the soul.
The power of the spiritual cannot be overlooked. Medicine can go only so far. Therapy can only go so far. Healing on comes, as Baldi says, from the hand of God.
Date / Time: 2/6/2010 3:25 PM UTC
It was supposed to be a fun day at the beach for Carlos and his family, with swimming, sand castles and maybe an ice cream cone. Everybody was there that day. His mom and dad and three older sisters were with him and they were all looking forward to a day of play, not a day for near death.
Carlos tried to hold back tears as he recalled the day he nearly lost his life at a beautiful beach in Mexico, where he grew up. The event happened many years ago, but for Carlos, it was like yesterday. It was a beach on the Gulf side of the country. There was a small bay, with rock formations not far from shore. Carlos was very young and not a strong swimmer, but he decided to venture out and go to the rocks, while his sisters were playing in the sand and splashing each other. As he swam out he began to have difficulty fighting the current. He was being pushed farther out than he wanted to go.
Meanwhile, as he recalled, "My father had to go to the concession stand to buy beer. He was an alcoholic. That's all he did." As the current swept him farther and farther out, Carlos began to yell for his father, but his father did not hear. He yelled. Father did not respond. "I managed to get to some of the rocks," he said. "I was tired and I could not fight anymore, but I hung on to the rocks."
Carlos kept yelling for his father. Soon his mother and one of his sisters went to find his father. The father at first did not seem to be alarmed, thinking that Carlos was playing some kind of a joke. He drank his beer and told them nothing was wrong. His mother and sister took him by the arm, dragged him away from the concession stand, and pointed to the rocks where Carlos continued his struggle. Now convinced that his boy was in trouble, the father swam out to the rocks and took hold of his son.
"I am just like my father," Carlos explained. "I am an alcoholic just like he was. He didn't hear me. He was drinking, and now I drink and I don't hear my children."
Carlos has experienced the helplessness of addiction. In a sense he has an understanding of his father's behavior, but at the same time a deep-seeded resentment towards his father, who did not respond to his perilous need. There is a genetic component to addiction, as patterns of behavior in families repeat across generational lines. Addiction has cycles in families, just as it does in individuals. Carlos was in treatment to break the cycle.
"I fear for my son," he said. "I would never forgive myself if harm came to him because of my drinking. He is the same age now that I was when I almost drown that day. That scares me. What if I let him die because I was not there for him?"
The circumstances of Carlos' story are repeated every day in one way of another in this country. Parents, addicted to alcohol or some other substance, are not able to respond to their children. Addiction robs them of their capacity to reason, to act responsibly, and most of all to be a loving parent. The deep emotional scar leaves a void in the child, and that void must be filled. The generational cycle continues to turn.
Carlos is working the 12-Steps, trying to fill the void and break the cycle. "I do not want this to happen to my son," he asserts. "It is my responsibility."
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