Drug and Alcohol Awareness

I had to honor of attending the

 4th Annual Community Drug Awareness Day

 

 

 

 

To say the very least this was an eye opener.  These people are saints and I felt small in comparison. I had no idea what they dealt with, and how amazing they are at their work. They are involved professionally and emotionally in every way and I have the utmost respect for the Houston Police Dept, Drug Enforcement Agency, Rice University, MADD, The Texas Alliance and the many other enforcement organizations,  and sponsors.

 

In particular, there were therapists, scientists, and personal recovery and experience stories.  Honestly I don't know how anyone could pick up another alcoholic drink or ever take drugs after listening to what these people have been through.

 

 

One of the panels was a combination of a developmental psychologist from Rice University who discussed how alcohol and drugs affects the maturing brain. The old theory that the brain is full sized at around 18 is completely wrong, the age for a grown up brain is 25 according to the National Institute of Health. So, partying in high school and the first few years in college really does effect your brain's growth to maturity, and how your brain perceives pleasure. 

A development psychologist, a therapist, and a recovering alcoholic/addict were there also and discussed their different roles in the program at Rice University. The most significant thing I got from the discussion was the new way they are treating young people, and hearing the story from a young lady who has been through it. The young lady is now becoming a drug treatment counselor. She has made it her life mission. She entered treatment at 19. The interesting thing was she came from a stellar family, was an athlete, had a high GPA, got into a good college, had plenty of friends but still developed an addiction.

The newest treatment consists of putting kids in peer group of other kids that are recovering and sober so that there is a like minded consistency. They make friends and have fun doing things together, sober. They develop bonds and stay sober together!!! Awesome!

At the conference there was also MADD(Mothers Against Drunk Driving). There was a couple there whose son was a victim of a drunk driving murder. I call it murder because that is what it is! He was murdered!!!  He was around 24 and in the  prime of his life. He had just left from visiting his girlfriend, and was heading home when he was T-boned and killed at an intersection. They driver of the other car was barely injured and got off with a little jail time and probation. Listening to the Mom and Dad tell the story was heartbreaking and there is no worse pain than losing a child. Unbelievable!

Well there is more, so much more reason to stay sober every day!  So glad I am in this place and setting a good example. My next stop is an AA meeting and to volunteer for one of these programs! I can't wait!

ROCK BOTTOM

HAMS Reply

 

Actually this bit about "hitting bottom" is a kind of a myth--people choose to change at all different stages of alcohol problems--and succeed.

 

MY REPLY

 

 

Yep like me! I was only drinking 2 glasses of wine a day, mostly every day. It just seemed like a necessity, a crutch, and hard to go a day with out it. It was so difficult to find the motivation to stop. I still practice my therapy daily in order to stay away from it. I still want it, although the craving is way less than  it used to be. The thought of never drinking again is still kind of hard for me. I would not consider it rock bottom, but for me the message was clear. I needed to stop. ....... I considered myself a problem drinker, maybe not an alcoholic---yet.  I have had to find other ways to deal with stress, like yoga, exercise, meditation,  and diet. Nutrition is  so, so important and is not given enough attention.

 

 It is amazing how NOT drinking changes your life...for the better.  You get to find out who you really are. As long as I focus on that, the curiosity of that, and the reality that the  changes that are happening to me are fascinating, I'm ok.....My brain actually functions because it is not suffering from poisoning and being numbed any more. It's amazing!

 

I just motivated myself for the day! Kewl

You Gotta Want it!

In response to:   http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/overcoming-addiction/201307/how-the-media-misrepresents-alcoholics-anonymous

 

So, it all boils down to one thing. You have to WANT to quit, and be ready to commit. Otherwise, you will not be successful no matter what route you take. No program can make you stay sober unless you want to be sober above all else.  Unfortunately, most people have to hit rock bottom or have their lives endangered in order to reach that point. If you haven't read "Dry," by Augusten Burroughs, you should, its a great read. You gotta love the guy, he went through hell and lived to write about it, and has a successful career as an author.

 

I'm no psychologist. I went through the AA 12 step with my Mom. She stayed sober, but in reality became dependent on opioids because of  rheumatoid arthritis. I was in Alateen and Alanon for years and I saw AA work for many people. I do agree that it isn't for everyone. The best part is having a sponsor, someone to call when you have a rough spot. This is what actually helps to keep you AND your sponsor sober, the  partnership and camaraderie. Doing it alone can be very difficult. I used to go on sponsor calls with my mom and we helped the Alcoholic as well as the family members. Mostly kids. So, AA can work for people, it isn't the cure all for everyone but then no program is. It leans largely on faith, sponsorship, and sticking together with like minded people.

 

As you know there are several if not many programs out there that work from a different angle like for instance:

 

Women for Sobriety

SMART

 

Bottom line, you gotta want it!

Alternative Legislation Option ---MOM's UNITED

Please listen to this if you have a little time. It is long but worth while. The audio discusses changing legislation about marijuana, and treatment for drug addiction involving incarceration or not.

I  really agree with this option and the changes that need to be changed in our laws and hope you will too! Please join www.momsunited.net.  Increase treatment options by changing our drug laws.

 

On harm reduction radio, Moms United to End the War on Drugs
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/harm-reduction/2013/07/19/moms-united-to-end-the-war-on-drugs

Wanting a drink, and having a Drink

Wanting a drink and having one can be two different things. As  you all know from previous posts we(my family) are in the middle of moving. So, not only am I dealing with the move but also the real estate transaction, because I am the Realtor on the scene here. I am going somewhat crazy! Whew...........


Funny thing though, I don't want a drink. I thought about it but, it just wasn't the ticket. I have become a chamomile tea snob. I think the best is Chamomile Lemon by the Republic of Tea. Yep I'm a tea freeeaaak!!  I love yoga but have not had time to go lately because of the move...

Chamomile Tea, My New Alcohol

So yesterday after looking for homes for hours with no sleep and no definite plans for a acquiring a roof over our head after July 31, I needed a drink. Not just any drink but the strongest thing I could find to take me away from all this, to escape into the abyss of not caring who or where I am.  I won't even go into the fact that due to some issues we are having I am prevented for putting in an offer on a home, but as it stands now, we have only 3 weeks to get out of this house. We are going to be street dwellers.

We found ourselves planning to shower at the health club and then sleep in the car. At least we have truck room and own a tent, so this is a plus. I said to my husband, "Remember that camping trip you wanted take?" I am exhausted, and disgusted, but still glad we sold our current home because it was time to do so. It was way too big for the 3 of us which will soon be the 2 of us. So, we will be going from 3700 square feet to around 2500 square feet which is plenty.

At any rate I ended up drinking half gallon of chamomile tea in order to get right.... and I must say there is just nothing chamomile and sleep won't cure. Of course by the 3rd cup I was feeling much calmer and the sharp edge on the tip of my last nerve was starting to become more diffuse and less sensitive. Of course when I woke up this morning I had the same problems but without the hangover!

Wish me luck............................%-)

The increase in addiction to prescription drugs

Wow, upon watching the news yesterday I learned that the prescription drug use has increased by 400%. This is mostly housewives and women in general. They are calling it mothers little helper. Well, guess what,  mother's little helper is adding alcohol the mix which increases the effects of the drugs, mostly painkillers, Xanax and other similar drugs. Having a glass of wine in the evening to take the edge off is one thing, but mixing prescription painkillers and depressants with alcohol is a recipe for death and destruction.

Nothing like driving your children around in a stupor, overdosing and accidentally committing suicide or killing someone else.  I mean really ladies....get some help. Your probably thinking how too? Here is a link to get you started thinking and planning for your health: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/drug_abuse_addiction_rehab_treatment.htm#explore

I hope everyone had a wonderful sober 4th of July weekend, with many fireworks! Thank you God for this great nation and our independence!