|
NICD
EXCLUSIVE
For the archives/articles from past editions go to: ADASK
Back Issues
NICD
Part I
"ADASK"
(Alcohol
and Drug Addiction Survival Kit)
for
Parents and Others
By Rev.
Stephen J. Murray, NICD Director
CONTENTS:
Part I of
ADASK
"Introduction
to ADASK"
ADASK: Is a
series of articles geared towards parents/others to help
them cope and deal with the emotional task of being
supportive to those going through the devastations of
addiction- Sign up for our on-line news magazine and make
sure you don't miss the next installment: NICD Part II
"Ecstasy Alert".
A)
INTRODUCTION
B)
NICD News Magazine Link
C)
Communication (Parts 1 & 2)
D)
Parent Tips
E)
Resources & Books
F)
Intervention Techniques
G)
Signs,
Symptoms, and Behavior
s of
Use
H)
Youth and Family Support Resources/Other Resources
I)
Substance Abuse Treatment Options
J) Toll
Free Hotlines / Web Support Resources
K)
Now What?
L)
Synopsis
A)
INTRODUCTION
Parents
and families face one of the most difficult battles in
today’s society- that of raising drug free kids. Of great
comfort and benefit is the large data base to draw upon for
education and support. The goal of this article is to not
only support families in accomplishing that goal, but to
also provides some valuable resources to aid them in their
journey. I use the word journey for a reason. This will have
to be an ongoing process if our youth are going to succeed.
I encourage our readers to bookmark our site, and to also
sign up for our monthly NICD News Magazine, as it is chock
full of prevention resources. Together we can make a
difference. Together we can change the face of alcohol
consumption and drug addiction in this country. Please see
our link below for how to sign up for our monthly tips,
reports, articles, videos, and resources.
NICD knows
that anti-drug efforts alone are not
enough. Our youth need the tools and support to make correct
choices.
ADASK is
designed for learning what works in preventing alcohol,
tobacco and other drug use. It also will help you to know
what to look for in detection of use. We oppose catch and
punish. We advocate identify and help. We are listing
numerous helpful resources for you to explore.
This
article, and its resources are just one of many publications
that NICD has, and will produce for you to gain awareness,
education, and resources to tackle the problem of substance
abuse.
Please keep in mind that the disease of addiction is a
family disease. The alcoholic/addict is obsessed with doing
the drug, and the family is obsessed with the problem.
(Top)
B)
NICD NEWS
MAGAZINE
Our
comprehensive News Magazine covering the issues of
addiction, addictions, getting help, interventions, teenage
alcoholism and drug addiction, recovery, prevention, the
politics of addiction, housing, funding, treatment, family
resources, mental health, medical, spirituality, health and
wellness, articles and video presentations, and so much
more.
Link
to the current edition: NICD
News Magazine
(Top)
C)
COMMUNICATION
COMMUNICATION
- The Anti-Drug Part I
Communication
is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal in
fighting drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products. Yet it is the
most feared and seldom used.
Some
may think that just mentioning drugs to a child or teen,
will make them want to explore usage even more. Despite
research, and information abounds that cites differently
from this myth, it continues to be a struggle to enlist the
support and encouragement of parents to use this vital
anti-drug tool. We urge, and plead for you to check out our
prevention resources. Within the following pages you will
find important facts, tips, and advice on how to not only
begin a dialogue with your children and teens, but also how
to maintain communication. In addition to this, our
resources will show you how to put a plan of action into
effect to sustain a drug free home. We have already lost a
generation to the, "You do your thing, and I'll do
mine, and as long as we don't interfere with each other,
it's alright." I'm sorry, it's not alright!!! We, as
parents, educators, and supportive organizations, must set
the tone, set the standards, and set the societal norm. If
we do not do this, we will all suffer the consequences.
Right now we are paying for our lack of interest in fighting
substance abuse through higher taxes. And who do you think
pays for those jails, prisons, correctional institutions,
more police, higher accident rates, misdemeanors, and
felonies, all as a result of drugs. We are either part of
the problem, or part of the solution. What is your position
going to be? What I mean by this, is the here and now. The
past is just that, the past, but we need you to be actively
involved in raising your children to be drug free today-
right now. These may be harsh words to some of you, but we
need more hard talk about what roles each of us have taken
towards the responsibility of the current state of affairs
in this country, and what changes each of us are willing to
take on this issue for the future. Right now, somewhere in
this great land of ours are kids, 10, 11, 12 years old doing
drugs. In the time it takes for you to read this article,
someone has died from alcohol and/or drugs, or has killed
someone else because of alcohol and/or drugs. I urge you, no
I challenge you to visit our prevention pages, and make a
difference just for today, and then get up and do it again
each day from this day forward.
COMMUNICATION
- The Anti-Drug Part II
One
of our best tools in combating substance abuse, is the one
thing we have the most difficulty in using. I am
talking about "Communication."
The
good news, is that there are enough resources to tap
into for help in this area. On the internet alone, there is
a wealth of information to be had that will assist
parents, educators, and professionals in this area. NICD has
developed, and implemented a program for just such
purposes. We call it our "Prevention/Anti-Drug"
pages, and within these pages you will find useful
guides for talking to children and teenagers about drugs,
alcohol, and tobacco products. There are items such as, 21
tips for keeping your children drug free, methods for
putting together a plan of action for a drug free home, and
interactive, fun and informative pages that address these
issues towards kids and teenagers as the audience.
Please
visit our Prevention pages for more information. If you do
not find what your looking for, please feel free to contact
any of our professionals listed on our Staff Directory- We
Love to help...
Prevention
/ Anti
Drug Link: http://www.nicd.us/preventionantidrug.html
(Top)
D)
PARENT TIPS
1.
Choose times for discussion when everyone is relaxed.
(Do not to
use scare tactics for kids.)
2. Watch
for opportunities that are naturally occurring.
3. Foster
opportunities by watching an appropriate
show that deals the subject of drinking and/or drug use. Ask
youth what they think about what was seen, what they know
and more importantly what they understand.
4. Parents
can also sit a child down to talk.
5. Listen
to children and their feelings. Reflect back what a child
says, as this will let them know you understand and that you
care. (Example: Are you saying the show made you feel
__________? What part made you feel _________?)
6. Discuss
feelings, but know the facts and reality.
7. Parents
need to be educated about chemical dependency.
8. Never
waver from family expectations about alcohol and drug use.
9. Always
provide honest reasons not to use alcohol and drugs. (If you
lie or tell half truths they will find out and may never
trust you again concerning the topic, and will turn to the
streets for the truth).
10. Let
children know that you come from a base of love, concern and
protection.
11. Let
them know that you will trust their judgments, as long as
they come to you to discuss situations as they arise.
12. Don’t
be afraid to ask tough questions.
13. Never
be afraid to discuss problems.
14.
Try to steer conversations towards solutions.
15.
The more time you take to communicate with your child about
drugs and other sensitive subjects, the more at ease your
child will be coming
to you with
questions or problems.
16.
Be a better listener- ask questions and be willing to listen
to what your child has to say. Paraphrase what your child
says to you to
make sure
you understood what they meant.
17.
Don't react- in a way that will cut off further discussion.
If your child makes statements that shock you or are counter
to your beliefs, try to turn them into
a calm
discussion of why your child thinks the way he/she does. A
negative reaction to one subject, may make your child
apprehensive to start future
discussions
about other difficult subjects.
18.
The most important thing for you to remember is to tell your
children that you love them- and tell them often.
(Top)
E)
RESOURCES / BOOKS
Friel,
John C., The Seven Best Things Smart Teens Do
The
Seven Worst things Good Parents Do
Garbarino,
James, PH.D.,& Bedard, Claire, Parents Under Siege,
Why
you are the solution, not the problem in your
Child’s life
Glenn,
H. Stephen, Raising Self-Reliant Children in a
Self-Indulgent
World
Procacccini,
Joseph, & Kiefaber, Mark W., Parent Burn-Out
Schwebel,
Robert, PH.D., Saying NO is Not Enough, helping kids
make wise decisions about alcohol,
tobacco and other drugs
Weil,
Andrew M.D., & Rosen, Winifred, From Chocolate to
Morphine
Wilmes,
David J., Parenting for Prevention, How to raise a child to
say no to alcohol and other drugs.
(Top)
F)
INTERVENTION
Brought
to you by Intervention
Center
Anytime
someone needs help but refuses to accept it, a family
intervention is appropriate.
A
family intervention can be used for people engaged in any
self-destructive behavior:
·
a person drinking too much
·
an anorexic
·
a gambler
·
a computer addict
·
a
senior needing assisted living
Intervention
is the most loving, powerful and successful method yet for
helping people accept help.
A
family intervention can be done with love and respect in a
non-confrontational, non-judgmental manner.
A
family intervention is often the answer, the only answer. It
can be done. It can be done now.
Family
Intervention works.
A
common scenario is as follows:
The
Preparation
Family
and friends may initially be apprehensive and confused. They
may be ambivalent about whether or not to do the
intervention. Some may be afraid of the person, others may
be angry.
The
goal is to move from this disorganized and chaotic state to
a cohesive, focused group.
To
do this, the participants meet with the leader beforehand to
educate themselves about the dysfunction, to determine how
to best help themselves, and to prepare for Intervention
Day. This includes identifying others who should be involved
, exploring appropriate treatment options, and preparing
what they are going to say.
This
preparation often involves several meetings, telephone
calls, and culminates in a practice session immediately
prior to the Intervention Day.
The
time varies, but the process is usually contained within one
to two weeks. Sometimes it can be shortened to a weekend.
Family
Intervention Day
Imagine
family, friends, work colleagues and an intervention leader
entering a man's home or office.
As
the leader ensures the process is orderly and safe, the man
hears how much he means to everyone there, how he affects
them with his behavior, and what they want their
relationship with him to be in the future.
Then
the man is asked to accept help now; appropriate
arrangements are already in place. The tone is loving,
respectful and supportive, but firm; there is no debate.
Seeing
his many loved ones, friends and colleagues together, the
man hears what they say and knows he can no longer hide his
problem. Nor does he want to.
In
a short time he is receiving help.
Following
Family Intervention Day
Much
remains to be done. The education process continues.
Participants follow through on their plans for helping
themselves.
It
is never business as usual again.
Family
Interventions Vary
Because
each family situation is different, the scope and approach
to each intervention must vary accordingly. What may be
practical and appropriate
for one family may not be for another.
For
example, some family interventions require several weeks of
preparation, others can be done in a few hours or days. Some
family interventions have a professional leader present,
others not. Often a family intervention occurs in the
person's home, others in the leader's office. Some are a
surprise, others are not. Sometimes a great deal of family
education takes place before the intervention, in others it
takes place afterward.
A
Word of Caution:
Family
interventions are difficult and delicate matters and it is
important that they be done properly.
No
family intervention should be undertaken without advice and
counsel of a professional experienced in the intervention
process.
Furthermore,
since people embarking on an intervention often feel
ambivalent and apprehensive, it is important that they trust
the interventionist. Should you ever feel uneasy with your
interventionist, that you are being asked to do something
you do not understand or agree with, you would be wise to
stop the process and go elsewhere.
(Top)
G)
SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND BEHAVIORS OF USE
NICD
Prevention, (Anti-Drug pages 1-7) http://www.nicd.us/stepworkandrelapseprevention.html
NICD
Drug Pictures, Paraphernalia, Pill Identification http://www.nicd.us/drug-pictures.html
NICD
Slang Terms / Street Language http://www.nicd.us/drugstreetandslangterms.html
Brain
Chemistry / The Disease Concept http://www.nicd.us/thediseaseconceptandbrainchemistry.html
Specific:
General- Abrupt
changes in work or school attendance, quality of work, work
output, grades, discipline. Unusual flare-ups or outbreaks
of temper. Withdrawal from responsibility. General changes
in overall attitude. Deterioration of physical appearance
and grooming. Wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate times.
Continual wearing of long-sleeved garments particularly in
hot weather or reluctance to wear short sleeved attire when
appropriate. Association with known substance abusers.
Unusual borrowing of money from friends, co-workers or
parents. Stealing small items from employer, home or school.
Secretive behavior regarding actions and possessions; poorly
concealed attempts to avoid attention and suspicion such as
frequent trips to storage rooms, restroom, basement, etc.
(Top)
Specific:
DSM-IV Definition of Addiction-
A maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to
clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested
by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time
in the same 12-month period: (1) Tolerance, as defined by
either of the following: a. A need for markedly increased
amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired
effect. b. Markedly diminished effect with continued use of
the same amount of the substance. (2) Withdrawal, as
manifested by either of the following: a. The characteristic
withdrawal syndrome for the substance b. The same (or a
closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid
withdrawal symptoms. (3) The substance is often taken in
larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended
(loss of control).(4) There is a persistent desire or
unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use
(loss of control). (5) A great deal of time is spent in
activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the
substance, or recover from its effects (preoccupation). (6)
Important social, occupational, or recreational activities
are given up or reduced because of substance use
(continuation despite adverse consequences). (7) The
substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a
persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem
that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the
substance (adverse consequences).
Specific:
Pupil Dilation-
Before you do anything, consider this. There are two trains
of thought prior to detection and intervention. One thought
is to catch and punish, and the other is to identify and
help- remember why you are doing this, and the intervention
will turn out much better.
Note:
The following images are actual charts used by Neurologists,
M.D.'s, R.N.'s, Drug Counselors, etc. to diagnose conditions
related to brain injuries, medications effects, and
intoxication / drug use indicators.
 The
images to the left are of various pupil sizes. A 6mm, 7mm,
or 8mm pupil size could indicate that a person is under the
influence of cocaine, crack, meth., hallucinogens, crystal,
ecstasy, or other stimulant. A 1mm or 2mm pupil size could
indicate a person under the influence of heroin, opiates, or
other depressant, (see more examples below).
 This
pupil is close to pinpoint and could indicate use.
 This
pupil is completely dilated and could indicate use.
Blown
out wide pupils are indicative of crack, methamphetamine,
cocaine, stimulant use. Pinpoint pupils are indicative of
heroin, opiate, depressant use.
Other
causes of pupil dilation
(Top)
|
Specific:
Signs and Symptoms-
Alcohol:
Odor
on the breath. Intoxication. Difficulty focusing:
glazed appearance of the eyes. Uncharacteristically
passive behavior; or combative and argumentative
behavior. Gradual (or sudden in adolescents)
deterioration in personal appearance and hygiene.
Gradual development of dysfunction, especially in
job performance or school work. Absenteeism
(particularly on Monday). Unexplained bruises and
accidents. Irritability. Flushed skin. Loss of
memory (blackouts). Availability and consumption of
alcohol becomes the focus of social or professional
activities. Changes in peer-group associations and
friendships. Impaired interpersonal relationships
(troubled marriage, unexplainable termination of
deep relationships, alienation from close family
members).
Marijuana/Pot:
Rapid,
loud talking and bursts of laughter in early stages
of intoxication. Sleepy or stuporous in the later
stages. Forgetfulness in conversation. Inflammation
in whites of eyes; pupils unlikely to be dilated.
Odor similar to burnt rope on clothing or breath.
Tendency to drive slowly - below speed limit.
Distorted sense of time passage - tendency to
overestimate time intervals. Use or possession of
paraphernalia including roach clip, packs of rolling
papers, pipes or bongs. Marijuana users are
difficult to recognize unless they are under the
influence of the drug at the time of observation.
Casual users may show none of the general symptoms.
Marijuana does have a distinct odor and may be the
same color or a bit greener than tobacco.
Cocaine/Crack/Methamphetamines/Stimulants/Adderall:
Extremely
dilated pupils. Dry mouth and nose, bad breath,
frequent lip licking. Excessive activity, difficulty
sitting still, lack of interest in food or sleep.
Irritable, argumentative, nervous. Talkative, but
conversation often lacks continuity; changes
subjects rapidly. Runny nose, cold or chronic
sinus/nasal problems, nose bleeds. Use or possession
of paraphernalia including small spoons, razor
blades, mirror, little bottles of white powder and
plastic, glass or metal straws.
Depressants:
Symptoms
of alcohol intoxication with no alcohol odor on
breath (remember that depressants are frequently
used with alcohol). Lack of facial expression or
animation. Flat affect. Flaccid appearance. Slurred
speech.
Note:
There are few readily apparent symptoms. Abuse may
be indicated by activities such as frequent visits
to different physicians for prescriptions to treat
"nervousness", "anxiety","
stress", etc.
Narcotics/Prescription
Drugs/Opium/Heroin/Codeine/Oxycontin: Lethargy,
drowsiness. Constricted pupils fail to respond to
light. Redness and raw nostrils from inhaling heroin
in power form. Scars (tracks) on inner arms or other
parts of body, from needle injections. Use or
possession of paraphernalia, including syringes,
bent spoons, bottle caps, eye droppers, rubber
tubing, cotton and needles. Slurred speech. While
there may be no readily apparent symptoms of
analgesic abuse, it may be indicated by frequent
visits to different physicians or dentists for
prescriptions to treat pain of non-specific origin.
In cases where patient has chronic pain and abuse of
medication is suspected, it may be indicated by
amounts and frequency taken.
Inhalants:
Substance
odor on breath and clothes. Runny nose. Watering
eyes. Drowsiness or unconsciousness. Poor muscle
control. Prefers group activity to being alone.
Presence of bags or rags containing dry plastic
cement or other solvent at home, in locker at school
or at work. Discarded whipped cream, spray paint or
similar chargers (users of nitrous oxide). Small
bottles labeled "incense" (users of butyl
nitrite).
Solvents,
Aerosols, Glue, Petrol:
Nitrous Oxide - laughing gas, whippits, nitrous.
Amyl Nitrate - snappers, poppers, pearlers,
rushamies.
Butyl Nitrate - locker room, bolt, bullet, rush,
climax, red gold. Slurred speech, impaired
coordination, nausea, vomiting, slowed breathing.
Brain damage, pains in the chest, muscles, joints,
heart trouble, severe depression, fatigue, loss of
appetite, bronchial spasm, sores on nose or mouth,
nosebleeds, diarrhea, bizarre or reckless behavior,
sudden death, suffocation.
LSD/Hallucinogens:
Extremely
dilated pupils, (see note below). Warm skin,
excessive perspiration and body odor. Distorted
sense of sight, hearing, touch; distorted image of
self and time perception. Mood and behavior changes,
the extent depending on emotional state of the user
and environmental conditions Unpredictable flashback
episodes even long after withdrawal (although
these are rare). Hallucinogenic drugs, which occur
both naturally and in synthetic form, distort or
disturb sensory input, sometimes to a great degree.
Hallucinogens occur naturally in primarily two
forms, (peyote) cactus and psilocybin mushrooms.
Several chemical varieties have been synthesized,
most notably LSD, MDA , STP, and PCP. Hallucinogen
usage reached a peak in the United States in the
late 1960's, but declined shortly thereafter due to
a broader awareness of the detrimental effects of
usage. However, a disturbing trend indicating a
resurgence in hallucinogen usage by high-school and
college age persons nationwide has been acknowledged
by law enforcement. With the exception of PCP, all
hallucinogens seem to share common effects of use.
Any portion of sensory perceptions may be altered to
varying degrees. Synesthesia, or the
"seeing" of sounds, and the
"hearing" of colors, is a common side
effect of hallucinogen use. Depersonalization, acute
anxiety, and acute depression resulting in suicide
have also been noted as a result of hallucinogen
use. Note: there are some forms of hallucinogens
that are considered downers and constrict pupil
diameters.
PCP:
Unpredictable
behavior; mood may swing from passiveness to
violence for no apparent reason. Symptoms of
intoxication. Disorientation; agitation and violence
if exposed to excessive sensory stimulation. Fear, terror.
Rigid muscles. Strange gait. Deadened sensory
perception (may experience severe injuries while
appearing not to notice). Pupils may appear dilated.
Mask like facial appearance. Floating pupils, appear
to follow a moving object. Comatose (unresponsive)
if large amount consumed. Eyes may be open or
closed.
Ecstasy:
Confusion, depression, headaches, dizziness (from
hangover/after effects), muscle tension, panic
attacks, paranoia, possession of pacifiers (used to
stop jaw clenching), lollipops, candy necklaces,
mentholated vapor rub, severe anxiety, sore jaw
(from clenching teeth after effects), vomiting or
nausea (from hangover/after effects)
Signs
that your teen could be high on Ecstasy: Blurred
vision, rapid eye movement, pupil dilation, chills
or sweating, high body temperature, sweating
profusely, dehydrated, confusion, faintness,
paranoia or severe anxiety, trance-like state,
transfixed on sites and sounds, unconscious
clenching of the jaw, grinding teeth, very
affectionate.
(Top)
|
H)
YOUTH AND FAMILY SUPPORT RESOURCES/OTHER RESOURCES
Michigan
Resource Center (MRC)… www.wearemrc.org
Resource for local, state & national prevention
services, brochures, videos, etc.
Prevention
Network… www.preventionnetwork.org
Network of state organizations providing all types
prevention information
The
Search Institute … www.search-institute.org
Site with researched information promoting the well-being of
children
Talking
with Kids about Tough Issues… www.talkingwithkids.org A
national initiative sponsored by Children NOW,
1-800-CHILD-44
Association
& MTV. http://helping.apa.org
1-800-268-0078
Parenting
is Prevention Site – www.parentingisprevention.org
Links to many sites promoting parenting and families
.
PRIDE
USA – www.prideusa.org
Parents
Resource Institute for Drug Education
site promoting prevention programming for youth and parents.
Toughlove
(Top)
I)
SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT OPTIONS
The
following link will take you to our search page. Once there,
you can type in anything you are interested in- it will then
take you to a page listing resources.
http://www.nicd.us/searchnicdsiteinternally.html
OR
LOOK
UP A WORD, TERM, OR KEYWORD AT THE FOLLOWING ALPHABETICAL
LINKS:
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
(Top)
J)
TOLL FREE HOTLINES / WEB SUPPORT RESOURCES
NICD Toll
Free Numbers - http://www.nicd.us/tollfreehotlines.html
Al-Ateen
– www.alateen.org
Alcoholics
Anonymous – www.alcoholics-anonymous.com
Families
Anonymous – www.familiesanonymous.org
Narcotics
Anonymous – www.na.org
Cocaine
Anonymous – www.ca.org
Al-Anon
– www.Alanon.org
Caron
Foundation – www.caron.org
Johnson
Institute – www.johnsoninstitute.com
Hazelden
Foundation- www.hazelden.org
Phoenix
House – www.phoenixhouse.org
More
treatment programs can be found at www.samhsa.gov
Teens
Using Drugs – What to know & what to do.
http://www.hvcn.org/info/teensusingdrugs
Links
to important substance abuse websites.
Washtenaw
& Livingston Counties Resources & Referrals provided
by
SOS Crisis Center… Http://comnet.org/soshelpnet
Drug
Testing as a Tool for Parents… FDA cleared hair tests
Psychomedics Corp. Cambridge, MA… www.drugfreeteenagers.com
1-800-628-8073
National
Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI)…
www.health.org
Brochures,
videos, posters, street drug info. etc.
Substance
Abuse and Mental health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
www.samhsa.gov
Latest
research, prevention and treatment resources, catalogues,
etc.
(Top)
K)
NOW WHAT?
The question is bound to
come up- Now that we have identified the problem, the help
is in place, or the person in our life has come home- what
do we, what can we do now?
As the parent, significant
other, family member you must educate yourself to the
disease known as alcoholism/drug addiction. Below you will
find some resources to tap into to help you along the way.
As a common saying in the recovery rooms states, "First
Things First." This means you!!! You must also get some
help, or as I like to say, "HEALING." The disease
of alcoholism/drug addiction is a family disease, because
the alcoholic/addict is obsessed with getting and doing
their drug of choice, and the family member is obsessed with
the problem. Spend any amount of time with an alcoholic
and/or addict and you are bound to be a little neurotic-
it's enough to drive anybody crazy. I receive numerous calls
and receive many emails that attest to the fact that much
collateral damage is done in the wake that the
alcoholic/addict creates. Now what?
I suggest you check into
some of the resources that are free. Although free, they can
provide enormous enlightenment, help, and advice from the
pro's, (those who have been and are in the trenches). Also
check into picking up a book or two on recovery. Please see
the resources below this section for listings. Counseling,
whether from a therapist or clergy can be of extreme help.
Please realize that you are not alone in this. Please accept
that this disease has afflicted many from all walks of life,
and that you need to let down any pride or prejudice you
have from blocking you in getting the help you need. I know
of one senators wife who created a non-profit organization
to supply medications to third world countries, and she used
her connections to get the pain medication she was addicted
to through the organization- this is how cunning and
powerful the disease is, and no one is exempt, no matter who
they are, or what kind of position of prestige they hold, no
matter how much money they make, or no matter how
intelligent and educated they are. The disease does not
discriminate.
(Top)
L)
SYNOPSIS
The
bottom line is, that if we all work together, help, support,
and reward good behavior in our youth, significant others,
family members, and that also should include families that
put forth an effort, alcoholism and drug addiction can and
will never again be the biggest factor in the decay of our
youth, progress, and communities- ever!!! If you have gotten
this far down in this article, you have done much to begin
to solve the problem of substance abuse. I commend you for
getting and staying involved.
Sincerely,
Rev.
Stephen J. Murray, NICD Director
Please
feel free to email us with your comments and/or questions
regarding this article or any other issue- we love to
help... contact@nicd.us
(Top)
####
END ####
|
