... and won!
In Fayetteville, Arkansas the CasperStarTribune.net reports, "A woman who sued a judge after he sentenced her to attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings won't be required to participate in the 12-step program that she said forced her to practice a religion, her lawyer says."
"Mindy Gayle Offutt, who was sentenced on a misdemeanor drug possession charge last year, had filed the suit in federal court against Judge Doug Schrantz, who had given her a 30-day suspended jail sentence, contingent upon her attending 12 NA meetings."
"But Doug Norwood, Offutt's attorney, said that, as part of a settlement, Schrantz will issue an amended judgment saying Offutt doesn't have to attend the 12-step program. A federal judge dismissed Offutt's lawsuit Monday."
"Offutt said the NA programs have a religious undertone and require everyone to pray at the end of each meeting. Attorneys for the judge she sued had asked the federal court to grant Schrantz immunity from the lawsuit."
What do you think?
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Nissan's New Anti-Drunk Driving Concept Car
Engadget.com reports, "Just as expected, Nissan has indeed rolled out a concept vehicle that showcases its long-awaited anti-drunk driving technology. The vehicle sports "multiple preventative features" designed to curb inebriated operation of vehicles, and essentially detects the driver's state of sobriety and kicks into action if you've had a bit much. Amongst the detection agents are alcohol odor sensors built into the locking shift knob, seat-mounted sensors that can activate a voice and navigation screen warning, and a facial monitoring system that determines your "state of consciousness through your eyes." Regrettably, there's still no word as to when this system could actually hit showroom floors, but if the automaker has shelled out enough dough to craft a concept vehicle, we'd imagine it's not too far out."
Saturday, August 4, 2007
FBI Jobs for Former Pot Smokers?
Well, according to USAToday, the FBI may be making some changes to its current rules and regulations regarding hiring people who have smoked marijuana in the past.
"Many surely did 'experiment.' Indeed, almost 100 million Americans — nearly half of all adults — have used marijuana at least once, according to the latest National Institute on Drug Abuse survey. Only a tiny percentage became stoners and slackers. The vast majority became responsible adults. Some even became members of Congress, Supreme Court justices and president of the United States (albeit without inhaling)."
"Many could not, however, become employees of the FBI. The bureau prohibits hiring anyone who has used marijuana within the past three years or more than 15 times ever."
"The FBI is rethinking this pointless ban, one that has already been relaxed by other U.S. intelligence agencies and police departments. No new policy has been proposed and there is no timetable for change. But the FBI's arbitrary policy — smoking pot 15 times is OK, but 16 isn't? — impedes efforts to improve national security."
"Many surely did 'experiment.' Indeed, almost 100 million Americans — nearly half of all adults — have used marijuana at least once, according to the latest National Institute on Drug Abuse survey. Only a tiny percentage became stoners and slackers. The vast majority became responsible adults. Some even became members of Congress, Supreme Court justices and president of the United States (albeit without inhaling)."
"Many could not, however, become employees of the FBI. The bureau prohibits hiring anyone who has used marijuana within the past three years or more than 15 times ever."
"The FBI is rethinking this pointless ban, one that has already been relaxed by other U.S. intelligence agencies and police departments. No new policy has been proposed and there is no timetable for change. But the FBI's arbitrary policy — smoking pot 15 times is OK, but 16 isn't? — impedes efforts to improve national security."
Friday, August 3, 2007
Not sure if you're an addict? Take the test...
Are you an addict or alcoholic. Addicted.com has put together some "Self-Tests" you can take to help you figure out if you might be in trouble. "These self tests are designed to help you discover whether or not you should seek help."
Sexual Addiction
"The following self-assessment is intended to help you determine whether your sexual activity and behavior is contributing to significant problems in your life. This assessment is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Only a health care professional can make a formal diagnosis. All results are confidential and anonymous."
Alcoholism
"The following self-assessment is intended to help you determine whether alcohol is contributing to significant problems in your life. This assessment is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Only a health care professional can make a formal diagnosis. All results are confidential and anonymous."
Drug Addiction
"The following self-assessment is intended to help you determine whether drugs are contributing to significant problems in your life. This assessment is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Only a health care professional can make a formal diagnosis. All results are confidential and anonymous."
Gambling Addiction
"The following self-assessment is intended to help you determine whether gambling is contributing to significant problems in your life. This assessment is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Only a health care professional can make a formal diagnosis. All results are confidential and anonymous."
Food Addiction
"The following self-assessment is intended to help you determine whether overeating is contributing to significant problems in your life. This assessment is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Only a health care professional can make a formal diagnosis. All results are confidential and anonymous."
Tobacco Dependence
"The following 15 item self-assessment is intended to help you determine your level of tobacco dependency and assist you in considering whether to seek help. This self-test refers to people who have used, or are now using, tobacco and nicotine substances (i.e., cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipes, and cigars). All results are confidential and anonymous."
Shopping Addiction
"The following 15 item self-assessment is intended to help you determine your level of compulsive shopping and buying habits and assist you in considering whether to seek help. This self-test refers to shopping and/or buying that may be done in stores, online, by phone, TV, or other means. All results are confidential and anonymous."
Sexual Addiction
"The following self-assessment is intended to help you determine whether your sexual activity and behavior is contributing to significant problems in your life. This assessment is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Only a health care professional can make a formal diagnosis. All results are confidential and anonymous."
Alcoholism
"The following self-assessment is intended to help you determine whether alcohol is contributing to significant problems in your life. This assessment is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Only a health care professional can make a formal diagnosis. All results are confidential and anonymous."
Drug Addiction
"The following self-assessment is intended to help you determine whether drugs are contributing to significant problems in your life. This assessment is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Only a health care professional can make a formal diagnosis. All results are confidential and anonymous."
Gambling Addiction
"The following self-assessment is intended to help you determine whether gambling is contributing to significant problems in your life. This assessment is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Only a health care professional can make a formal diagnosis. All results are confidential and anonymous."
Food Addiction
"The following self-assessment is intended to help you determine whether overeating is contributing to significant problems in your life. This assessment is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Only a health care professional can make a formal diagnosis. All results are confidential and anonymous."
Tobacco Dependence
"The following 15 item self-assessment is intended to help you determine your level of tobacco dependency and assist you in considering whether to seek help. This self-test refers to people who have used, or are now using, tobacco and nicotine substances (i.e., cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipes, and cigars). All results are confidential and anonymous."
Shopping Addiction
"The following 15 item self-assessment is intended to help you determine your level of compulsive shopping and buying habits and assist you in considering whether to seek help. This self-test refers to shopping and/or buying that may be done in stores, online, by phone, TV, or other means. All results are confidential and anonymous."
No more smoking for Disney
Reports from Addicted.com say that "Smoking will no longer be depicted in Disney-branded movies and will be discouraged in films bearing Disney's Touchstone and Miramax brands, the company has announced." "Reuters reported July 25 that Disney CEO Robert Iger also said that the company would place anti-smoking public-service announcements on DVDs of all future films where smoking is shown and call on theaters to show such PSAs before screening movies with smoking scenes."
Nice T-Shirt
Well, here's one for you...
WSBTV.com reports, "A Florida woman arrested on charges of drunken driving for a second time since April was taken into custody wearing a T-shirt that read, 'I'm not an alcoholic, I'm a drunk -- Alcoholics go to meetings.'"
"The T-shirt with the drinking message was visible in Amanda Lynn Bailey's mug shot Wednesday."
WSBTV.com reports, "A Florida woman arrested on charges of drunken driving for a second time since April was taken into custody wearing a T-shirt that read, 'I'm not an alcoholic, I'm a drunk -- Alcoholics go to meetings.'"
"The T-shirt with the drinking message was visible in Amanda Lynn Bailey's mug shot Wednesday."
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Gambling Addiction does not discriminate
Here is a You Tube Video on Gambling Addiciton... it's worth taking a look at.
Eating Disorder at Any Age
The Savannah Morning News reports, "Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia have long been considered diseases of the young, but experts say in recent years more women have been seeking help in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and older. Some treatment centers are creating special programs for these more mature patients."
"Why it's happening?"
"People who study eating disorders suggest several reasons there might be more women over 30 seeking treatment for what is typically a young woman's problem: growing public awareness, social pressure to be thin and an aging group of baby boomers."
"National statistics on eating disorders are hard to come by, but data from some treatment centers suggest a steady increase."
It's about time for women AND MEN of any age to get help with their eating disorder.
"Why it's happening?"
"People who study eating disorders suggest several reasons there might be more women over 30 seeking treatment for what is typically a young woman's problem: growing public awareness, social pressure to be thin and an aging group of baby boomers."
"National statistics on eating disorders are hard to come by, but data from some treatment centers suggest a steady increase."
It's about time for women AND MEN of any age to get help with their eating disorder.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Punch!
In a recent article, SJ-R.com gives us the recipe for an alcohol free punch to liven up any party!
"For the party planner, offering a supply of sodas is a step in the right direction for those who don’t drink alcohol."
"But, says chef Liz Scott, an easy, festive party punch goes a step further and truly enhances a party’s menu and theme."
"With these colorful, refreshing recipes, you may decide to stash the sodas and pull out the pitcher or punch bowl for your next party. It’s a way to make guests of all ages and stages feel special when the drinks are passed."
"Scott, who lives in New Jersey, has just released her second cookbook, 'The Sober Kitchen, Lively Entertaining Without the Spirits' (Cleveland Clinic Press, 2007), which she created to match good foods with equally good beverages for people who choose not to use alcohol."
"A recovering alcoholic, Scott knows firsthand that soda doesn’t necessarily go with food. She wanted to offer more options for pregnant women, persons with liver and pancreas concerns or problem drug interactions with alcohol, and those who just don’t like the taste of alcohol."
Here is one of her yummy drink recipes. Check out the article or her cookbooks for more.
Iced Apricot Tea Punch
A light and not-too-sweet fruity punch.
15 cups water
20 apricot herbal tea bags (see note)
3 cups apple juice, chilled
3 cups white grape juice, chilled
6 cups ginger ale, chilled
In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from the heat, add the tea bags, and steep, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and pour into heat-proof pitchers or containers to cool. Reserve 3 cups of the tea to make ice cubes.
To serve, pour the tea into a punch bowl and stir in the apple juice, grape juice and ginger ale. Add the prepared ice cubes as needed to keep cold.
Note: Substitute peach tea or another caffeine-free fruit variety for the apricot tea, if desired.
Makes 12 servings.
"For the party planner, offering a supply of sodas is a step in the right direction for those who don’t drink alcohol."
"But, says chef Liz Scott, an easy, festive party punch goes a step further and truly enhances a party’s menu and theme."
"With these colorful, refreshing recipes, you may decide to stash the sodas and pull out the pitcher or punch bowl for your next party. It’s a way to make guests of all ages and stages feel special when the drinks are passed."
"Scott, who lives in New Jersey, has just released her second cookbook, 'The Sober Kitchen, Lively Entertaining Without the Spirits' (Cleveland Clinic Press, 2007), which she created to match good foods with equally good beverages for people who choose not to use alcohol."
"A recovering alcoholic, Scott knows firsthand that soda doesn’t necessarily go with food. She wanted to offer more options for pregnant women, persons with liver and pancreas concerns or problem drug interactions with alcohol, and those who just don’t like the taste of alcohol."
Here is one of her yummy drink recipes. Check out the article or her cookbooks for more.
Iced Apricot Tea Punch
A light and not-too-sweet fruity punch.
15 cups water
20 apricot herbal tea bags (see note)
3 cups apple juice, chilled
3 cups white grape juice, chilled
6 cups ginger ale, chilled
In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from the heat, add the tea bags, and steep, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and pour into heat-proof pitchers or containers to cool. Reserve 3 cups of the tea to make ice cubes.
To serve, pour the tea into a punch bowl and stir in the apple juice, grape juice and ginger ale. Add the prepared ice cubes as needed to keep cold.
Note: Substitute peach tea or another caffeine-free fruit variety for the apricot tea, if desired.
Makes 12 servings.
Stepping Stones
Bill W.'s home in New York, Stepping Stones, has been a place of peace and reflection for recovering alcoholics and addicts for many years.
The Palm Beach Post featured their historic home in a recent story.
"Bill Wilson died in 1971 and Lois Wilson — who founded Al-Anon, the organization for alcoholics' relatives — set up the Stepping Stones Foundation in 1979. She died in 1988, and the house is maintained to look like it did when she and her husband lived in it."
"The four-bedroom home and the 8 1/2 acres around it in the New York City suburbs are owned and managed by the foundation. It's on the National Register of Historic Places."
"Lois Wilson catalogued hundreds of books, photos and keepsakes, including a letter from Carl Jung, a blessing from Pope Paul VI and a collection of plastic dinosaurs."
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
New novel looks at the redemptive value of art and music
A new heart-wrenching novel, Sleep Before Evening, tells the story of the teenager's struggle against aself-centred artist mother, a succession of drive-by stepfathers, her desperate escape into a nightmare of drugs and sexual degradation ...and her struggle not to Sleep Before Evening.
Critically acclaimed non-fiction author, poet and reviewer Magdalena -born and raised in New York and now living in the Australian outback, via a British Oxford college - draws on her own rich life experience asa daughter and a mother to bring Marianne startlingly to life in her debut novel.
Set in and about New York, the gritty, relentless tale unfolds with the the layers of her life and expose the painful scalding within. There are lonely vigils in city parks and subway journeys to oblivion. In the city she meets Miles, a hip musician busking the streets and playing seedy venues with a rock band.
Her new, exciting, dissolute world challenges Marianne's preconceptions about art and life. Here, in contrast to her prescribed upbringing, she finds anarchic squalor, home grown music and poetry, substance abuse, sex and crushing disappointment and fear; but above all, exhilarating personal freedom.
Addictions - of all kinds - and the redemptive power of art and music, love, loss and beauty are all explored in a young girl's difficult journey from sleep to awakening.
Of the book, reviewer and author Carolyn Howard Johnson said: "No, "Sleep Before Evening" isn't a how-to book for either teens or parents. It does, however, give insight into the horrors of drug addiction, how it can happen to anyone and how it can escalate. We are all affected by it and it may some day creep up on us with silent paws to become part of our lives in a personal way. Having some understanding of the disease, how it can escalate and how it is not a cause for shame but for action can make a difference if and when that happens. This is a wonderful book, a story told with compassion and one that, as a volunteer drug counselor, I know rings so very heartbreakingly true."
Getting sober isn't easy
It's not easy to get sober. The ChicagoTribune.com reports, "Despite decades of research and dozens of potential treatments, alcoholism, America's most common addiction, remains notoriously difficult to overcome."
"More than 30 percent of American adults have abused alcohol or suffered from alcoholism at some point in their lives, according to a new study released this month by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a branch of the National Institutes of Health."
"Yet only a quarter of those afflicted received any treatment. And other studies show that, at best, only a quarter of those who seek treatment manage to abstain from alcohol for a year."
"'Alcohol problems are not just something that affects Hollywood stars,' said Dr. Robert Swift, a psychiatrist at Brown University who specializes in alcoholism. 'We're talking about a chronic, relapsing condition. And we still have a long way to go in treatment. It's like treatment of cancer-some people can be helped but others just cannot.'"
"There are traditional '12-step' treatments for alcoholism, such as the program pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous, that rely largely on peer support to encourage abstinence. There are a variety of behavioral and cognitive therapies employed by psychologists and psychiatrists to help patients avoid the triggers and thought-patterns that impel them to drink. There is a new generation of drugs available to help curb an alcoholic's craving to drink."
"And there are posh, in-patient rehabilitation centers—the fashionable retreats of choice for infamous celebrities, disgraced politicians and other well-heeled alcohol abusers—that sometimes sound more like spa resorts than rigorous treatment clinics."
"But despite all that variety, experts say there is no unambiguous, foolproof treatment for alcoholism that can ensure success."
"More than 30 percent of American adults have abused alcohol or suffered from alcoholism at some point in their lives, according to a new study released this month by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a branch of the National Institutes of Health."
"Yet only a quarter of those afflicted received any treatment. And other studies show that, at best, only a quarter of those who seek treatment manage to abstain from alcohol for a year."
"'Alcohol problems are not just something that affects Hollywood stars,' said Dr. Robert Swift, a psychiatrist at Brown University who specializes in alcoholism. 'We're talking about a chronic, relapsing condition. And we still have a long way to go in treatment. It's like treatment of cancer-some people can be helped but others just cannot.'"
"There are traditional '12-step' treatments for alcoholism, such as the program pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous, that rely largely on peer support to encourage abstinence. There are a variety of behavioral and cognitive therapies employed by psychologists and psychiatrists to help patients avoid the triggers and thought-patterns that impel them to drink. There is a new generation of drugs available to help curb an alcoholic's craving to drink."
"And there are posh, in-patient rehabilitation centers—the fashionable retreats of choice for infamous celebrities, disgraced politicians and other well-heeled alcohol abusers—that sometimes sound more like spa resorts than rigorous treatment clinics."
"But despite all that variety, experts say there is no unambiguous, foolproof treatment for alcoholism that can ensure success."
Video Game Addiction
The IndyStar.com discusses one student's experiences with getting hooked on the games.
"Parke Dieckmeyer's addiction began his freshman year at Purdue University. To feed his habit, he found himself skipping classes and staying up all night isolated in his dorm room."
"Things got so bad that during finals week, he asked his resident assistant to lock up the source of his addiction so he'd be forced to study."
"It wasn't alcohol or a crack pipe that had to be hidden away. It was Dieckmeyer's computer."
"He was addicted to video games."
"Addiction to video games, particularly the online interactive variety, is a growing phenomenon that affects people of all ages and professions."
"Though not officially recognized as a medical condition, game addiction has fostered a tidal wave of anecdotal evidence about people who shun families and careers to devote huge chunks of their lives to games. More academic evidence is cropping up, as well as clinical treatment programs."
And more evidence of the problem, reported by eCanadaNow.com, "Last Monday, a Reno, Nevada couple were charged with child neglect for being engrossed in online games so much that they almost starved to death their 2 babies."
"The parents, Michael and Iana Straw, pleaded guilty Friday to two counts each of child neglect. 'They had food; they just chose not to give it to their kids because they were too busy playing video games,' prosecutor Kelli Ann Viloria told the Reno Gazette-Journal."
"According to prosecutor Kelli Ann Viloria this case highlights a growing concern with internet and video game addiction."
"Parke Dieckmeyer's addiction began his freshman year at Purdue University. To feed his habit, he found himself skipping classes and staying up all night isolated in his dorm room."
"Things got so bad that during finals week, he asked his resident assistant to lock up the source of his addiction so he'd be forced to study."
"It wasn't alcohol or a crack pipe that had to be hidden away. It was Dieckmeyer's computer."
"He was addicted to video games."
"Addiction to video games, particularly the online interactive variety, is a growing phenomenon that affects people of all ages and professions."
"Though not officially recognized as a medical condition, game addiction has fostered a tidal wave of anecdotal evidence about people who shun families and careers to devote huge chunks of their lives to games. More academic evidence is cropping up, as well as clinical treatment programs."
And more evidence of the problem, reported by eCanadaNow.com, "Last Monday, a Reno, Nevada couple were charged with child neglect for being engrossed in online games so much that they almost starved to death their 2 babies."
"The parents, Michael and Iana Straw, pleaded guilty Friday to two counts each of child neglect. 'They had food; they just chose not to give it to their kids because they were too busy playing video games,' prosecutor Kelli Ann Viloria told the Reno Gazette-Journal."
"According to prosecutor Kelli Ann Viloria this case highlights a growing concern with internet and video game addiction."
Monday, July 30, 2007
Alcohol and Bowel Cancer
New reports warn of the link associated between alcohol and bowel cancer. The BBC News online reports "The Cancer Research UK study found that the more you drink, the more the risk of the disease increases."
"Those who drank more than 30 grams of alcohol - less than a couple of pints of strong lager - raised their risk by about 25%."
"The study, based on data from almost 480,000 people, features in the International Journal of Cancer."
"The lifetime risk for bowel cancer is one in 20 for men, and one in 18 for women."
"Those who drank more than 30 grams of alcohol - less than a couple of pints of strong lager - raised their risk by about 25%."
"The study, based on data from almost 480,000 people, features in the International Journal of Cancer."
"The lifetime risk for bowel cancer is one in 20 for men, and one in 18 for women."
Sex Addiction?
Is sexual addiction for real? Health24.com takes on the question of sexual addiction.
"Sexual behaviour becomes a problem when it is harmful and hurtful to the individual or others when it is repeated or engaged in inappropriately when you feel out of control of what you are doing (not at the height of orgasm but when it comes to choosing what, when, where and with whom) when you find yourself spending an inordinate amount of time thinking about what you have done and what you plan to do, to the extent that it interferes with your usual work and social life."
"As with any other normal aspect of a fully rounded life, if your sexual activity has become so overwhelming that it is a preoccupation that takes precedence over your usual work and family or social duties, things have gotten out of proportion."
"Typical of many other self-defeating patterns of behaviour, the more you do it, the less you get whatever it was you were originally seeking by doing it. The Don Juan is like the unhappy millionaires I've known, who were sure that just another 10% further wealth would be completely satisfying, but could never meet that elusive and retreating target. At first it may seem to relieve stress, depression, anxiety or loneliness; soon it clearly only underlines and emphasises these uncomfortable states of mind."
"Sexual behaviour becomes a problem when it is harmful and hurtful to the individual or others when it is repeated or engaged in inappropriately when you feel out of control of what you are doing (not at the height of orgasm but when it comes to choosing what, when, where and with whom) when you find yourself spending an inordinate amount of time thinking about what you have done and what you plan to do, to the extent that it interferes with your usual work and social life."
"As with any other normal aspect of a fully rounded life, if your sexual activity has become so overwhelming that it is a preoccupation that takes precedence over your usual work and family or social duties, things have gotten out of proportion."
"Typical of many other self-defeating patterns of behaviour, the more you do it, the less you get whatever it was you were originally seeking by doing it. The Don Juan is like the unhappy millionaires I've known, who were sure that just another 10% further wealth would be completely satisfying, but could never meet that elusive and retreating target. At first it may seem to relieve stress, depression, anxiety or loneliness; soon it clearly only underlines and emphasises these uncomfortable states of mind."
Marijuana making you crazy?
According to the London Free Press,"Using marijuana seems to increase the chance of becoming psychotic, researchers report in an analysis of past research that reignites the issue of whether pot is dangerous."
"The new review suggests that even infrequent use could raise the small but real risk of this serious mental illness by 40 per cent."
"Doctors have long suspected a connection and say the latest findings underline the need to highlight marijuana's long-term risks."
And according to the Times of India, "British researchers have found that regular use of marijuana could increase the risk of mental illness such as schizophrenia."
"A news study has found that using marijuana increases the risk of one day developing a psychotic illness-a mental state in which the perception of reality is distorted, reported the online edition of the New Scientist."
"The study provides some of the strongest evidence yet linking the drug to a mental disorder."
"The new review suggests that even infrequent use could raise the small but real risk of this serious mental illness by 40 per cent."
"Doctors have long suspected a connection and say the latest findings underline the need to highlight marijuana's long-term risks."
And according to the Times of India, "British researchers have found that regular use of marijuana could increase the risk of mental illness such as schizophrenia."
"A news study has found that using marijuana increases the risk of one day developing a psychotic illness-a mental state in which the perception of reality is distorted, reported the online edition of the New Scientist."
"The study provides some of the strongest evidence yet linking the drug to a mental disorder."
Friday, July 27, 2007
Myths of Addiction
There are many myths concerning addiction. HBO's show Addiction looks at two common myths.
"'There are two main misconceptions that really drive me crazy when it comes to addictions,' says Dr. Kathleen Brady, a professor at the Medical University of South Carolina. 'One of them is this whole idea that an individual needs to reach rock bottom before they can get any help. That is absolutely wrong. There is no evidence that that's true. In fact, quite the contrary. The earlier in the addiction process that you can intervene and get someone help, the more they have to live for. The more they have to get better for.'"
"The other big myth, says Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the federal government's National Institute on Drug Abuse, is that you have to want to be treated in order to get better. Even as an internationally respected researcher, she once believed that to be true, Volkow says, but she knows now that people who are forced into treatment do recover. Addicted people may be pushed to enter a treatment program by an employer, a companion or the criminal justice system. Employers may threaten to fire a person unless treated; a spouse may threaten to leave the relationship, or the court may offer treatment in lieu of prison. (In this case, people convicted of nonviolent, drug-related crimes may go through specialized alternative courts, called drug courts, in which they can reduce their sentence or avoid jail altogether by getting intensive addiction treatment.) In fact, research has shown that the outcomes for those who are legally mandated to enter treatment can be as good as the outcomes for those who entered treatment voluntarily."
"'There are two main misconceptions that really drive me crazy when it comes to addictions,' says Dr. Kathleen Brady, a professor at the Medical University of South Carolina. 'One of them is this whole idea that an individual needs to reach rock bottom before they can get any help. That is absolutely wrong. There is no evidence that that's true. In fact, quite the contrary. The earlier in the addiction process that you can intervene and get someone help, the more they have to live for. The more they have to get better for.'"
"The other big myth, says Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the federal government's National Institute on Drug Abuse, is that you have to want to be treated in order to get better. Even as an internationally respected researcher, she once believed that to be true, Volkow says, but she knows now that people who are forced into treatment do recover. Addicted people may be pushed to enter a treatment program by an employer, a companion or the criminal justice system. Employers may threaten to fire a person unless treated; a spouse may threaten to leave the relationship, or the court may offer treatment in lieu of prison. (In this case, people convicted of nonviolent, drug-related crimes may go through specialized alternative courts, called drug courts, in which they can reduce their sentence or avoid jail altogether by getting intensive addiction treatment.) In fact, research has shown that the outcomes for those who are legally mandated to enter treatment can be as good as the outcomes for those who entered treatment voluntarily."
Support Groups Work for Overeaters
About.com's Debra Manzella reports this week on the dangers of obesity and the hope of 12-step programs like Overeaters Anonymous.
"A study in this week's New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) outlines another possible reason for the dramatic increase in obesity over the last 30 years. Obesity appears to spread from person to person. Siblings, spouses, friends of obese people tend to also be obese."
"The NEJM study points out that both bad and good behaviors might spread over a range of social ties. People who quit smoking or stop drinking alcohol do better in group settings, such as 12-step programs and support groups. Organizations like Overeater's Anonymous also offer group support."
"There are a lot of opportunities to make weight loss a group effort. At-work programs such as 'Fit Club' or 'Biggest Loser' style programs, neighborhood walking clubs, and 'support group' style weight loss plans are an opportunity for people to band together and lose weight, while enjoying the camaraderie of others with the same goals."
"A study in this week's New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) outlines another possible reason for the dramatic increase in obesity over the last 30 years. Obesity appears to spread from person to person. Siblings, spouses, friends of obese people tend to also be obese."
"The NEJM study points out that both bad and good behaviors might spread over a range of social ties. People who quit smoking or stop drinking alcohol do better in group settings, such as 12-step programs and support groups. Organizations like Overeater's Anonymous also offer group support."
"There are a lot of opportunities to make weight loss a group effort. At-work programs such as 'Fit Club' or 'Biggest Loser' style programs, neighborhood walking clubs, and 'support group' style weight loss plans are an opportunity for people to band together and lose weight, while enjoying the camaraderie of others with the same goals."
Mockery of Rehab?
The Boston Herald reports, "Hollywood hellcat Lindsay Lohan is making a mockery out of rehab programs, 12-steppers warned yesterday."
"Lohan, who proclaimed her innocence about this week’s DUI and drug charges to 'Access Hollywood' host Billy Bush via e-mail late Tuesday night, entered two rehab programs this year. And she has been flaunting her alcohol-monitoring ankle bling to clubs and beach parties since being sprung from Promises on July 13."
"Between the 21-year-old actress’ antics - and those of fallen pop princess, Britney Spears - some experts are crying foul."
“'In some ways it’s starting to make rehabs look like a joke,' said Harris Stratyner, a psychologist with Caron, a nonprofit addiction treatment organization, 'and that’s very sad because hundreds of thousands of people a year are saved.'”
"Lohan, who proclaimed her innocence about this week’s DUI and drug charges to 'Access Hollywood' host Billy Bush via e-mail late Tuesday night, entered two rehab programs this year. And she has been flaunting her alcohol-monitoring ankle bling to clubs and beach parties since being sprung from Promises on July 13."
"Between the 21-year-old actress’ antics - and those of fallen pop princess, Britney Spears - some experts are crying foul."
“'In some ways it’s starting to make rehabs look like a joke,' said Harris Stratyner, a psychologist with Caron, a nonprofit addiction treatment organization, 'and that’s very sad because hundreds of thousands of people a year are saved.'”
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Lindsay Lohan... I can't ignore it
It's difficult enough to watch what happens to someone in their active addiction, but here is what Ted Casablanca of E! News Online had to say.
"Oh, Lindsay Lohan. You never fail to shock us with your outrageous antics and subsequent denials. But even so, imagine how hard our jaws hit the friggin’ floor when we heard your statement via text message to Access Hollywood. Ya know, the one claiming your innocence and that the coke found in your jeans wasn’t yours. You don’t say! We got to wondering, just how exactly, then, did the white powdery substance get into your pocket in the first place?"
The starpulse.com reports support for Lindsay from Christian Slater apparently blaming Hollywood for her problem.
"Former Hollywood hellraiser Christian Slater has offered Lindsay Lohan 'a million per cent' support following her arrest for driving under the influence. Like Lohan, Slater was caught driving under the influence before he had turned 21 - and he followed that with a string of convictions and a spell behind bars."
"Speaking this week, the actor sympathised with Lohan - and blamed Hollywood for leading stars astray."
"Oh, Lindsay Lohan. You never fail to shock us with your outrageous antics and subsequent denials. But even so, imagine how hard our jaws hit the friggin’ floor when we heard your statement via text message to Access Hollywood. Ya know, the one claiming your innocence and that the coke found in your jeans wasn’t yours. You don’t say! We got to wondering, just how exactly, then, did the white powdery substance get into your pocket in the first place?"
The starpulse.com reports support for Lindsay from Christian Slater apparently blaming Hollywood for her problem.
"Former Hollywood hellraiser Christian Slater has offered Lindsay Lohan 'a million per cent' support following her arrest for driving under the influence. Like Lohan, Slater was caught driving under the influence before he had turned 21 - and he followed that with a string of convictions and a spell behind bars."
"Speaking this week, the actor sympathised with Lohan - and blamed Hollywood for leading stars astray."
Rocker discusses sobriety
Check out this interview TheWest.com.au had with former Guns N' Roses and current Velvet Revolver bassist.
"After Guns N’ Roses fell apart in 1994, McKagan’s alcoholism became a serious health issue. Acute alcohol-induced pancreatitis forced his pancreas to explode and he underwent emergency surgery. Doctors told him he would be dead within a month if he did not quit drinking. He claims he has been sober since."
"After Guns N’ Roses fell apart in 1994, McKagan’s alcoholism became a serious health issue. Acute alcohol-induced pancreatitis forced his pancreas to explode and he underwent emergency surgery. Doctors told him he would be dead within a month if he did not quit drinking. He claims he has been sober since."
"'There’s groups for people like me who have each other’s backs (covered),' he says."
"'We talk about it. I’m an alcoholic. I’m a drug addict. If I was to think myself into a place where I could have a glass of wine, that would start a downward spiral.'"
"In line with his sobriety, McKagan completed a degree in finance: 'It’s something that always interested me.'"
Get Sober!
You can get sober today!
So, do you want to get sober? Really? It is possible to live in a new sober way. Here’s the deal: It is very simple to get sober, not easy, but very simple.
Step 1: Put down the drink, pipe, bowl, donut or whatever it is that you use to get high.
Step 2: Go to a 12-step meeting TODAY. Right now if possible. (check out this link for a meeting near you.)
Step 3: Ask someone at that 12-step meeting for help.
Step 4: Do what they tell you to do to stay sober for today.
Step 5: Report back to me what happens.
Step 6: Go to sleep. Wake up and repeat Steps 2-6. Repeat again.
You can get all caught up looking up the sobriety rates of all of the methods of recovery and then THINK about what to do and stay drunk?? Or you can take steps to change your behavior today.
So, do you want to get sober? Really? It is possible to live in a new sober way. Here’s the deal: It is very simple to get sober, not easy, but very simple.
Step 1: Put down the drink, pipe, bowl, donut or whatever it is that you use to get high.
Step 2: Go to a 12-step meeting TODAY. Right now if possible. (check out this link for a meeting near you.)
Step 3: Ask someone at that 12-step meeting for help.
Step 4: Do what they tell you to do to stay sober for today.
Step 5: Report back to me what happens.
Step 6: Go to sleep. Wake up and repeat Steps 2-6. Repeat again.
You can get all caught up looking up the sobriety rates of all of the methods of recovery and then THINK about what to do and stay drunk?? Or you can take steps to change your behavior today.
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