PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP N.J. INC.

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DETHRONING THE REIGN OF OPIATES IN CHRONIC PAIN RECOVERY: UNHOOK

FROM PRESCRIPTION CULTURE AND TAKE RECOVERY INTO YOUR OWN

HANDS.

95% of all opiate prescriptions in the world are made in the U.S.

Hopeless. Depressed. Anxious. Angry. These are just a few of the words an individual with chronic pain knows intimately, a condition experienced by many millions of Americans.

Chronic pain affects most Americans at some point in their lives, and many suffer without adequate care. A variety of factors serve as barriers to receiving care. Some of these include a lack of health insurance, living in an area isolated from a provider with the necessary specialty, financial limitations, and so on. However, even those who do receive care for their pain see providers who respond the best

way they know how, with a prescription pad.

Americans crave instant gratification and western medicine views pain and illness through a fix-it framework. This framework and instant-gratification approach to healing leads providers to prescribing medications to “fix” the pain, often prescribing opiates. While medication plays a valid role in chronic pain recovery, patients often build a tolerance to prescriptions. As tolerance builds, the patient experiences an effect called hyperalgesia. Hyperalgesia refers an increase in pain sensation and the need for a higher dosage to achieve the same effect… and then the tolerance builds again, leading to a higher dosage required to have the same effect… and the cycle continues, quickly leading to provider-prescribed addiction.

On top of that, emotions play a direct role in the presence and severity of pain. Approximately 70% of a person’s physical pain is an emotional response

to the physical pain. The only way a person feels pain is with the brain. Anger fear, frustration, anxiety, sleeplessness, fatigue, depression, grief, and trauma all activate the nervous system, which increases a person’s level of pain. When a person fights pain, pain increases. This means an attitude of acceptance must be developed to decrease the pain and therefore increase quality of life. All of this points to the fact that chronic pain comprises of much more than physical symptoms. A holistic perspective comprehensively addresses all the components of chronic pain, so a holistic remedy best serves patients for sustainable recovery. A variety of other approaches provide the full and lasting healing every patient deserves. Opiates are not the answer. Painkillers do not address all these other factors and leave a gap in treatment when only a prescription is used to treat the pain.

Additionally, these holistic approaches are found to be highly effective without the same risks associated with opiates. Some of these risks include addiction, complications with the kidney and liver, constipation, insomnia, and brain fog. These approaches also enable individuals living in isolated areas, without insurance, or with financial limitations to begin recovery without a huge (or any) out-of-pocket expense.

Check out the list below to learn about alternative approaches for chronic pain recovery and why they are effective:

*Yoga therapy incorporates stretching and movement of the body as well as mindfulness techniques to regain a connection between mind and body through light stretching.

*Qi Gong is a slow-moving and gentle physical practice that enhances balance, cleanses the body, and circulates chi. *Exercise can be challenging for an individual with chronic pain but is vital to regain motion and use of the full body. Starting with regular exercise that is tolerable from the patient’s pain perspective can lead to retraining the body and eventually increasing the exercise amount. Regular exercise also provides a steady stream of regular endorphins in the body, which enhance the emotions of an individual, therefore decreasing the level or severity of pain. Exercise has been found to increase strength and lower stress, which also contributes to a lessening of pain.

Acupuncture places small, sterilizes needles along the pressure points, or energetic pathways, along the body to balance and increase flow of energy throughout the body.

Acupressure uses pressure of the fingertips on the same pressure points, or energetic pathways, along the body to achieve the same effects as acupuncture. Acupressure offers an alternative approach to acupuncture for individuals uncomfortable with or unable to use needles.

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Nutritional and herbal remedies cause the body to boost its natural immunity, reduce pain-inducing inflammation, and decrease insomnia. Some of the herbal remedies include omega-3 fatty acids, ginger, turmeric, and MSM. Please ensure to consult your physician before changing your diet or adding herbal remedies.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) refers to a framework that considers the thoughts, behaviors, and emotions of an individual as directly related to each other. Chronic pain directly correlates with emotions, so the use of CBT teaches patients to change thought patterns to change emotions, therefore decreasing pain.

meditation involves focusing on something specific (a word, phrase, or image) to quiet the mind.

Guided imagery involves imagining the body performing an activity to challenge one’s physical reality. This method enables the neurotransmitters in the brain to experience new pathways in response to experienced pain. Imagining the ability to perform these actions starts creating new pathways in the brain, telling the brain these actions can be done, even while pain is being experienced. Over time, the development of these new pathways becomes so strong that pain decreases due to the new thoughts and beliefs associated with the pathways.

Biofeedback uses a unique machine to become more alert to body processes and learn to control them. This enables the patient to become more in control of their body processes and therefore more in control of their pain.

*Relaxation techniques address the underlying stress of chronic pain and the emotional detriments associated with pain. Using relaxation techniques enable the individual to relax themselves while experiencing the pain to relieve stress and negative emotions, which contribute to increased pain.

Massage incorporates the manipulation of tissue to reduce knots of muscle fiber, restore mobility, decrease blood pressure, alleviate stress, release chronic tension, and increase circulation.

Chiropractic realigns the vertebrae and joints into to relieve stress.

*Lifestyle changes make a huge difference in the life of an individual with chronic pain. Some of these include changing to a positive work environment, incorporating sleep hygiene habits, developing a positive relationship with pain, regular exercise, and regular sessions with providers to address the pain and find healthy and sustainable remedies.

*Positive work environment involves having a comfortable working space and control over one’s own activities to develop a sense of mastery over one’s pain.

*Healthy relationships serve as a support system to the patient living with chronic pain. These relationships encourage, support, and care for the individual in a healthy way. Unhealthy relationships cause stress on the patient, which can exacerbate pain.

*These are remedies that can be incorporated in the home or DIY by using resources such as YouTube for videos about these remedies and chronic pain.

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Written by Dr. Ph.D., LPC-S and Angela Harris, BS,

MSW Candidate

James S. Flowers, PhD, LPC-S and Angela Harris, MSW Candidate, Dr. James Flowers is a Writer, Speaker, Clinician, CEO, and Pain Expert

Dr. James Flowers has occupied an expert leadership position in the pain recovery and addiction treatment field. He has dedicated his career to his passion, designing multidisciplinary addiction treatment programs and clinical protocols to help individuals suffering from addiction and chronic pain. Dr. James Flowers has a passion for recovery and creating positive change in lives impacted by pain and co-occurring addictive disorders

Prescription narcotics, also known as narcotic,

analgesics or opioids, are the most used and

abused medicines today.

When used as directed, prescription narcotics can

Aleve varying degrees of pain. Morphine is typically

used before or after surgery to Aleve severe pain.

Oxycodone and hydrocodone are used to Aleve

moderate to severe pain. Codeine is prescribed to

treat mild pain and is also prescribed to alleviate

coughing.

According to NIDA, opioids (prescription narcotics) act by attaching to specific proteins called opioid receptors. Which are found in the brain. Spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When these compounds attach to certain opioid receptors, they can effectively change the way a person

experiences pain. In addition, opioid medications can affect regions of the brain that mediate what we perceive as pleasure, resulting in the initial euphoria that many opioids produce. They can also produce drowsiness, cause constipation, and, depending upon the amount taken, depress breathing. Taking a large single dose could cause severe respiratory depression or death. Opioids may interact with other medications and are only safe to use with other medications under a physician’s supervision. Typically, they should not be used with substances such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines

OPIOIDS • • •

Darvocet (Propoxyphene, Napsylate &

acetaminophen)

Darvon (Propoxyphene Aspirin with codeine 65

100,10 mg)

Demerol (Meperiding (50,100 mg)

Dilaudid (hydromorphone [also known as

dihydromorphinone])

Hycodan (hydrocodone containing homatropine)

Lorcet Plus (hydrocodone containing acetaminophen

7.5,10mg)

Lortab (hydrocodone containing acetaminophen)

Oramorth (Morphine (100 mg)

OxyContin (oxycodone 80,40,30,60,160 MG)

Percocet (oxycodone containing acetaminophen)

PECODAN (5,25 MG)

Talwin NX (Pentazocine 50mg) (25mg Pentazocine

Tylenol with codeine Phenaphen & Codeine

(Acetaminophen & Codene&60,30,15 mg)

Long term use of opioids can lead to physical dependence the body adapts to the presence of substance and

with-drawl symptoms occur if use is reduced abruptly. This can also include tolerance, which means that

higher doses of a medication must be taken to obtain the same initial effects.

PRESCRIPTION NARCOTICS

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Note that physical dependence is not the same as addiction-physical dependence can occur even with

appropriate long-term use of opioid and other medications. Addiction, as noted earlier is defined as compulsive.

Often uncontrollable drug use despite negative consequences.

Opioids

Have long been used to treat acute pain and are

among the world’s oldest known drugs.

Oxycontin Is one of a number of narcotic drugs other than

heroin-all controlled sub-stances. Many are

analgestics that can be prescribed by

physicians and dentists for pain. Like heroin,

many are derived from opium,but there are

also a number of synthetic analogues in use

today, including OxyContin and Vicodin.

Vicodin Is another specific narcotic drug used for pain

control, and has an even higher prevalence rate

than OcyContin.

Sedatives Are prescription-controlled psycho-

therapeutic drugs that act as central

nervous system depressants They are used

to assist sleep and relieve anxiety.

Deadly misconceptions One of the biggest misconceptions people have about opioids is that the risks apply to other people, not themselves. But the typical victim of overdose might not be whom you think. About 60 percent of overdoses occur in people prescribed the drugs by a single physician, not in those who “doctor- shopped” or who got the drugs on the black market. And a third of those were taking a low dose.

NYU study identifies spike in opiates in people

over 50

Recent years have seen a change in drug use

patterns, especially for older adults, with an

increase in their admission to substance abuse

treatment and increased injection drug use among

those over the age of 50. Yet, there has been little

research regarding the epidemiology, health

status, and functional impairments in the aging

population of adults accessing opioid treatment.

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Of the few studies on this population to date,

most have been based off a limited dataset that

only accounts for treatment admissions, and

therefore may not fully capture the utilization of

substance abuse treatment over time.

Furthermore, the treatment episode dataset

(TEDS), defines an older adult as aged over 50 or

55, and may not fully demonstrate how the

population is aging.

Given the gaps in existing data, researchers

affiliated with New York University's Center for

Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR), and

NYU’s School of Medicine (NYUSoM) sought to

elucidate age trends for opioid treatment

programs, with an emphasis on older adults, in a

new study published in the Journal of Substance

Use & Misuse. The investigation focuses on such

trends in New York City, as it has one of the

largest methadone treatment systems in the U.S.

and consistently provides access to treatment in

the public system.

The study, “Demographic Trends of Adults in

New York City Opioid Treatment Programs- An

Aging Population,” used data collected by New

York State's Office of Alcoholism and Substance

Abuse Services (OASAS). OASAS provides

more detailed information on the treatment

population than what is available nationally

through the TEDS dataset, allowing the NYU

researchers to characterize basic demographic,

self-reported other substance use, and self-

reported physical impairments.

“Most notably,” says Benjamin Han, MD, MPH,

an instructor at NYUSoM and the study’s

principle investigator, “we found a pronounced

age trend in those utilizing opioid treatment

programs from 1996 to 2012, with adults aged 50

and older becoming the majority treatment

population.”

Specifically, individuals aged 50-59 which made

up 7.8% (N= 2,892) of the total patient

population in 1996, accounted for 35.9% (N=

12,301) of the population in 2012. Patients aged

60-69, also saw a dramatic increase in numbers,

originally constituting 1.5% of patients (N= 558)

to 12.0% of patients (N= 4,099).

“These increases are especially striking,

considering there was about a 7.6% decrease in

the total patient population over that period, and

suggests that we are facing a never seen epidemic

of older adults with substance use disorders and

increasing numbers of older adults in substance

abuse treatment. Unfortunately, there is a lack of

knowledge about the burden of chronic diseases

and geriatric conditions or the cognitive and

physical function of this growing population”

says Dr. Han.

During the same period, those ages 40 and below,

who in 1996 accounted for 56.2% of patients (N=

20,804), were a fraction of that in 2012,

responsible for 20.5% of total patients (N= 7,03

Non-narcotic sown to rival opiates in relief

A new study has found that Naproxen, a pain reliever

that is available over-the-counter (OTC) and by

prescription (Rx), appears to provide as much relief

for lower back pain as a narcotic painkiller or a

muscle relaxant, Health Day reports.

The study compared the sole use of prescription-

strength Naproxen (Naprosyn) with the use of OTC

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naproxen with the Rx painkiller oxycodone with

acetaminophen (Percocet), or the muscle relaxant

cyclobenzaprine (Amrix).

The data underscored that patients who took a

combination of the medications did not feel pain relief

any better than when they took naproxen alone,

according to study researchers.

“Acute low back pain is a frustrating condition,” said

lead researcher Dr. Benjamin Friedman, an associate

professor of emergency medicine at Montefiore

Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of

Medicine in New York City. “Adding the narcotics or

muscle relaxants to naproxen therapy didn’t help pain

or function any more than naproxen alone. Nearly 50

percent of patients were still suffering one week later

and nearly 25 percent of the patients were still

suffering three months later.”

Dr. Houman Danesh, director of integrative pain

management in the department of anaesthesiology-

pain at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York

City, said, “This is another study to add to the pile that

says narcotics are not appropriate to treat back pain.

Although fewer doctors are prescribing narcotic

painkillers for back pain, many still do.”

The report was published Oct. 20 in the Journal of the

American Medical Association.

Massachusetts insurer act on opiates

Health insurance companies in Massachusetts are

trying innovative ways to address the opioid crisis.

Some are imposing restrictions on prescriptions for

OxyContin, Vicodin and other painkillers, while

others are calling and visiting members being treated

for addiction.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts put limits on

opioid prescriptions three years ago. It is now

contacting members who are in detox programs to

help coordinate their care and prevent relapses, The

Boston Globe reports.

Staff members at Boston Medical Center Health Net

Plan call and visit members being treated for addiction

to help them locate and stick with treatments.

Neighbourhood Health Plan has partnered with

Massachusetts General Hospital to hire a recovery

coach to help members diagnosed with a substance

use disorder.

“If we’re able to learn that attaching someone to a

recovery coach early reduces recidivism, it would

easily be worth the investment,” said

Neighbourhood’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Paul

Mendis.

A small health insurance company called CeltiCare is

spending more than 10 percent of its $24 million

prescription drug budget on the addiction treatment

Suboxone—more than it will spend on any other drug.

Many of the company’s 50,000 members are low-

income people on Medicaid. Some are homeless, and

many have chronic diseases. Almost one-quarter of all

hospital admissions CeltiCare covers are related to

substance use disorders.

The insurer has begun limiting prescriptions of opioid

painkillers to 15 days at a time.

Doctors who want to prescribe more than that must fill

out additional paperwork. Patients being treated for

addiction do not need prior-authorization requirements

for all treatments, including detox programs,

outpatient care and medication.

CeltiCare this fall began offering training to its

members who take opioids, both legally and illegally,

and their families, in how to use the opioid overdose

antidote naloxone.

BATH SALTS

Synthetic stimulants that are marketed as

“bath salts” are often found in a number

of retail products. These synthetic

stimulants are chemicals. The chemicals

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are synthetic derivatives of catinone, a

central nervous system stimulant, which

is an active chemical found naturally in

the khat plant. Mephedrone and MDPV

(3-4 methylenedioxypyrovalerone) are

two of the designer catinones most

commonly found in these “bath salt”

products. Many of these products are sold

over the internet, in convenience stores,

and in “head shops.”

STREET NAMES

Bliss, Blue Silk, Cloud, Nine, Drone,

Energy-1, Ivory Wave, Lunar Wave,

Meow, Ocean Burst, Pure dust, Vanilla

Sky, White Dove, White Knight, White

Lightening.

LOOKS LIKE

“Bath Salts stimulant products are sold in

powder form in small plastic or foil

packages of 200 and 500 milligrams under

various brand names. Mephedrone is a

fine white, off white, or slightly yellow

colored powder. It can also be found in

tablet and capsule form. MDVP is a fine

white or off-white powder. Methods of

abuse effect on mind people who abuse

these substances have reported agitation,

insomnia, irritability, dizziness, suicidal

thoughts, seizures, and panic attacks.

Users have also reported effects including

impaired perception of reality, reduced

motor control, and decreased ability to

think clearly.

AFFECT ON THE BODY

Cathinone derivate act as central nervous system

stimulants causing rapid heart rate (which may

lead to heart attacks and strokes), chest pains,

nosebleeds, sweating, nausea and vomiting.

DRUGS CAUSING SIMILAR EFFECTS

Drugs that have similar effects include

amphetamines, cocaine, Khat, LSD and MDMA,

these substances are usually marketed with the

warning “not intended for human consumption.

“Any time that users put uncontrolled or

unregulated substances into their bodies, the

effects are unknown and can be dangerous.

LEGAL STATUS IN THE UNITED STATES

Mephedrone has no approved medical use in the

United States. It is not specifically scheduled

under the Controlled involving me-phedrone can

be prosecuted under the Federal Analog Act of

the Controlled Substances Act. MDPV-

3,4methylenedioxypyrovalerone) has approved

medical use in the United States; MDPV is not

scheduled under the CSA.

COMMON PLACES OF ORIGIN

Law enforcement officials believe that the

stimulant chemicals contained in these products

are manufactured in China and India and

packaged for wholesale distribution in Eastern

Europe. Many countries have banned these

products. 2C-I, nicknamed “Smiles” is the latest

designer drug that is responsible for teen deaths

following in a long line of other synthetic

marijuana, “Spice” and “bath salts”. The use of

Smiles has not hit critical mass yet, but it is

growing.

Law Enforcement officials agree that they can’t

keep up with the latest designer drugs. In a

constant game of catch-up federal and state l

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takeaway makers and losing the battled to keep

designer drugs like “Bath Salts” and “Spice” in

check, as soon as the current chemical substance

is banned, a new chemical takes its place.

K2/SPICE

K2 is a mixture of leafy looking Herbs and spices

that are sprayed with a psychoactive chemical,

then smoked.

The mixture comes in several flavors watermelon

cotton candy and pineapple express. K2,

otherwise known as “fake pot”. Is produced in

China Korea, it’s sold online, and can be found in

smoke shops and stores where incense is sold.

Merchants who sell these pricey bags of fragrant

herbs can’t keep them on the shelves.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Rapid heart rates

• Drastically raised blood pressure

• Hallucinations

• Delusions • Can affect some users

neurological systems

• Can cause changes in behavior and perception

• Seizures and Death K2 sells an incense or potpourri for about $30 to $40 per three-gram bag. U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration bans K@ effective January 1, 2011 for one year while drug is researched for hazard concerns. The ban has been extended and the DEA is working to permanent add the chemicals to the Schedule 1 list.

RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA

Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers,

stems, and seeds from the hemp plant,

Cannabis sativa. The plant contains the

mind-altering chemical delta-9-

tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other

related compounds. Extracts with high

amounts of THC can also be made from

cannabis plant.

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit

drug in the United States (SAMHSA, 2014).

Its use is widespread among young people.

According to a yearly survey of middle and

high school students, rates of marijuana use

have steadied in the past few years after

several years of increase. However, the

number of young people who believe

marijuana use is risky is decreasing (Johnson

Study, 2014).

People smoke marijuana in hand-rolled

cigarettes (joints) or in pipes or water

pipes (bongs). They also smoke it in

blunts—emptied cigars that have been

partly or completely refilled with

marijuana. To avoid inhaling smoke, some

people are using vaporizers. Hookahs or

water pipes and other devices. These

devices pull the active ingredients

(including THC) from the marijuana.

Users can mix marijuana in food (edibles),

such as brownies, cookies, or candy, or

brew it as a tea. A newly popular method

of use is smoking or eating different forms

of THC-rich resins (Extracted from the

“Marijuana plant is on the rise."). Users

call this practice “dabbing”. Peoples are

using various forms of these extracts,

such as:

• hash oil or honey oil—a gooey liquid

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• wax or budder—a soft solid with a

texture like lip balm

• shatter—a hard, amber-colored solid

These extracts can deliver extremely

large amounts of THC to the body,

and their use has sent some people to

the emergency room. Another danger

is in preparing these extracts, which

usually involves butane (lighter fluid).

A number of people have caused fires

and explosions and have been

seriously burned from using butane to

make extracts at home.

Marijuana has both short- and

long-term effects on the brain.

Short-Term Effects

When a person smokes marijuana, THC

quickly passes from the lungs into the

bloodstream.

The blood carries the chemical to the

brain and other organs throughout the

body. The body absorbs THC more

slowly when the person eats or drinks

it. In that case, he or she generally

feels the effects after 30 minutes to 1

hour.

THC acts on specific brain cell receptors that ordinarily react to natural THC-like chemicals. These natural chemicals play a

role in normal brain development and function.

Marijuana over activates parts of the brain that contain the highest number of these receptors. This causes the "high" that people feel. Other effects include:

• altered senses (for example, seeing brighter

colors)

• altered sense of time

• changes in mood

• impaired body movement

• difficulty with thinking and problem-solving

• impaired memory

Long Term Effects

Marijuana also affects brain development.

When people begin using marijuana as

teenagers, the drug may reduce thinking,

memory, and learning functions and affect

how the brain builds connections

between the areas necessary for these

functions. Marijuana's effects on these

abilities may last a long time or even be

permanent.

Marijuana abuse can lead to addiction:

that is, compulsive drug seeking and

abuse despite the known harmful effects

upon functioning in the context of family,

school, work, and recreational activities.

Estimates from research suggest that

about 9 percent of users become addicted

to marijuana: this number increases

among those who start young (to about

17 percent) and among daily users (25-50

percent).

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Marijuana abusers trying to quit report

withdrawal symptoms including,

irritability, sleeplessness, decreased

appetite, anxiety and drug craving.

These symptoms begin within about 1 day

following abstinence, peak at 2-3 days and

subside within 1 or 2 weeks following

drug cessation. Several

studies have shown an association

between chronic marijuana use and

increased rates of anxiety. Depression,

and schizophrenia. Some of these studies

have shown age at first use to be an

important risk factor, where early use is a

marker of increased vulnerability to later

problems. However, at this time it is not

clear whether marijuana use causes

mental problems, exacerbates them, or

reflects is an attempt to self-medicated

symptoms already in existence.

Chronic marijuana use, especially in a very

young person, may also be a marker of

risk for mental illnesses including

addiction stemming from genetic or

environmental vulnerabilities, such as

early exposure to stress or violence.

Currently the strongest evidence links

marijuana use and schizophrenia and/or

related disorders. High doses of marijuana

can produce an acute psychotic reaction.

In addition, use of

the drug may trigger the onset or relapse

of schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals.

Marijuana increases heart rate by 20-100

percent shortly after smoking, this effect

can last up to 3 hours. In one study, it was

estimated that marijuana users have a

4.8-fold increase in the risk of heart attack

in the first hour after smoking the drug.

This may be due to increased heart rate as

well as the effects of marijuana on heart

rhythms, causing palpitations and

arrhythmias this risk may be greater in

aging populations or in those with cardiac

vulnerabilities.

Marijuana grows are on the increase in

National Parks. The plant, cannabis

sativa, contains chemicals called "

cannabinoids." THC delta 9-

(tetrahydrocannabinol) believed to be

responsible for the psychoactive effects

of cannabis.

THC can be found in all parts of the

cannabis plant, including hemp.

This is why hemp is regulated carefully as

some hemp products such as clothing,

rope, yarn, lotion and soap are legal

products because they do not contain

THC.

EFFECTS ON THE LUNGS

Numerous studies have shown

marijuana smoke to contain carcinogens

and to be an irritant to the lungs. In fact,

marijuana smoke contains 50-70

percent more carcinogenic

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hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke.

Marijuana users usually inhale more

deeply and hold their breath longer than

tobacco smokers do, which further

increase the lungs' exposure to

carcinogenic smoke. Marijuana smokers

show deregulated growth of epithelial

cells in their lung tissue, which could

lead to cancer, however a recent case-

controlled study found no positive

associations between marijuana use and

lung, upper respiratory or upper

digestive tract cancers. Thus, the link

between marijuana smoking and these

cancers remains unsubstantiated at this

time. Nonetheless, marijuana smokers

can have many of the same respiratory

problems as tobacco smokers, such as

daily cough and phlegm production,

more frequent acute chest illness, and a

heightened risk of lung infections. A

study of 450 individuals found that

people who smoke marijuana frequently

but do not smoke tobacco have more

health problems and miss more days of

work than nonsmokers. Many of the

extra sick days among the marijuana

smokers to the study were for

respiratory illnesses.

EFFECTS ON DAILY LIFE

Research clearly demonstrates that

marijuana has the potential to cause

problems in daily life or make a person's

existing problems worse. In one study,

heavy marijuana abusers reported that

the drug impaired several important

measures of life achievement, including

physical and mental health, cognitive

abilities, social life, and career status. 9.

Several studies associate worker's

marijuana smoking with increased

absences, tardiness, accidents, worker’s

compensation claims and job turnover.

Behavioral interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational incentives (i.e., providing vouchers for goods or services to patients who remain abstinent) have shown efficacy in treating marijuana dependence. Although no medications are currently available, recent discoveries about the workings of the cannabinoid system offer promise for the development of medications to ease withdrawal, block the intoxication effects of marijuana, and prevent relapse. The latest treatment data indicate that marijuana accounted for 17 percent of admissions (322,000) to treatment facilities in the United States, second only to opiates among illicit substances.

METHAMPHETAMINE Methamphetamine use can be lethal, addictive, and unpredictable. This drug has effects similar to those of amphetamine, yet the effects of methamphetamine are more damaging to the central nervous system. Chronic methamphetamine abuse can result in inflammation of the heart lining, and among users who inject the drug,

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damaged blood vessels and skin abscesses. Heavy users also exhibit progressive social and occupational deterioration. Psychotic symptoms (paranoia, delusions, and mood disturbances) can sometimes persist for months or years after use has ceased. Over time, methamphetamine appears to cause reduced levels of dopamine, which can result in symptoms like those of Parkinson’s disease, a severe movement disorder. Acute lead poisoning is another potential risk for methamphetamine abusers. A common method of illegal methamphet-amine production uses lead acetate as a reagent. Production errors therefore may result in methamphetamine contami-nated with lead and there have been documented cases of acute lead poisoning in intravenous methamphetamine abusers. Hypo phosphorous acid, which is used legally for a variety of commercial purposes, is a chemical that increasingly is substituted for red phosphorus in the methamphetamine production process. The U.S. federal government regulates the sale of hypo phosphorous acid through registration, record keeping, reporting, and import/export requirements regardless of the quantity being handled or distributed. Although hypo phosphorous acid is a List I chemical under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, methamphetamine producers typically purchase the chemical via the Internet or from associates who also are engaged in

methamphetamine production. The use of hypo phosphorous acid in methamphetamine production is an extremely dangerous practice because of the deadly gases that can be generated as well as the risk of fire or explosion. COCAINE Crack cocaine is derived directly from powder cocaine. In the process, cocaine (powder) is dissolved in a solution of ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water. The solution is boiled until a solid substance separates from the boiling mixture. The solid substance, crack cocaine, is allowed to dry and then broken or cut into “rocks,” each weighing from one-tenth to one-half a gram. Crack is most typically heated and smoked. The

term “crack” refers to the crackling sound

heard when it is heated. One gram of pure

cocaine will convert to approximately 0.89

grams of crack cocaine. Crack is typically

between 75-90% pure cocaine. The effects of crack are similar to those of cocaine, yet they occur more rapidly and are more intense but do not last as long as powder cocaine high. Smoking crack can cause severe chest pains with lung trauma and bleeding. Smoking crack also has a more rapid addiction potential. Smoking crack delivers large quantities of the drug to the

lungs, producing effects comparable to

intravenous injection. These effects are

felt almost immediately after inhaling and

are very intense, but do not last long. For

example, the high from smoking crack

cocaine may last from 5 to 1 0 minutes.

The high from snorting powder cocaine

can last for 15 to 20 minutes.

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OXYCODONE

Oxycodone is a narcotic prescribed to

relieve pain AND is twice as potent as

morphine. There are many variations of

Oxycodone products on the market but of

these OxyContin, Percocet, and Percodan

are used and abused most frequently.

OxyContin (Oxycodone hydrochloride

ER) is timed-release version of

Oxycodone and until recently, was the

only extended release version of

Oxycodone. In March 2004, a generic

version quickly became available on the

illegal drug market and may pose a

significant threat because it is only

available in 80 mg. doses, whereas

OxyContin is available in

10,15,20,30,40,60 and 80mg. doses.

Oxycodone ER (the generic version)

comes in small oval, light green tablets.

One side of the tablet is labeled “93,”,

doses. Oxycodone ER (the generic

version) comes in small oval, light green

tablets. One side of the tablet is labeled

“93,” the other side is labeled “33.”1

Oxycontin is reportedly crushed (to break

down the timed-release component) and

then snorted or injected. Used as a

substitute for heroin,

abusers use the drug to relieve pain

alleviate, withdrawal symptoms, and gain

euphoric effects typically associated with

use of the drug. OxyContin generally sells

for $5 to $80 per tab-let, depending on the

strength of the

version of dose. recently, was the only

extended release Oxycodone.

Signs & Symptoms • Dilated pupils

• Hyperactivity • Euphoria • Irritability • Anxiety • Excessive talking • Depression or excessive sleeping • Long periods without eating • Long periods without sleeping • Weight loss • Dry mouth and nose • Paranoia • Disturbance of heart rhythm • Chest pain • Heart failure • Respiratory failure • Strokes

• Seizures

As a prescribed medication OxyCon-tin

costs $4 per tablet. On the street,

OxyContin sells for $1 per milligram

making a 40-mg tablet

$40. Other possible negative effects

include an allergic reaction, difficulty

breathing, swelling of the face, hives,

seizures, loss of consciousness, and coma.

Effects of long term use include

constipation, respiratory depression,

physical tolerance, psychological and

physical depression, physical tolerance,

psychological, and physical dependence.

Withdrawal symptoms include

restlessness, muscle and bone pain,

insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes,

and involuntary leg movements.

Signs& Symptoms

• Pinpoint pupils

• Nausea

• Drowsiness

• Impaired coordination

• Weakness

• Confusion

• Muscle relaxation

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• Lower blood pressure

Lower heart/respiratory rate

Besides their medical use,

Narcotics/opioids produce a general

sense of well-being by reducing tension,

anxiety, and aggression. These effects are

helpful in a therapeutic setting but

contribute to the drugs ‘abuse.

Narcotic/opioid use comes with a variety

of unwanted effects, including

drowsiness, inability to con-centrate, and

apathy

Heroin is a highly addictive drug and the

most rapidly acting of the opiates. Heroin

is processed from morphine, a naturally

occurring substance extracted from the

seed pod of certain varieties of poppy

plants grown in:

• Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, and

Myanmar (Burma).

• Southwest Asia (Afghanistan and

Pakistan)

• Mexico; and Colombia.

• It comes in several forms, the main

one being “black tar” from Mexico

(found primarily in the western

United States) and white heroin

from Colombia

• (primarily sold on the East Coast),

Heroin is typically sold as a

white or brownish powder, or as the black stick substance known on the streets as “black tar heroin. Although purer heroin is becoming more common, most street heroin is “cut” with another drug or with substances such as sugar, starch, powdered milk, or quinine. Heroin can be injected, smoked, or sniffed/snorted or smoked. One of the most significant effects of heroin use is addiction. With regular heroin use, tolerance to the drug develops. Once this happens, the abuser must use more heroin to achieve the same intensity. As higher doses of the drug are used over time, physical dependence and addiction to the drug develop.

Because heroin abusers do not know the

actual strength of the drug or its true

contents, they are at a high risk of

overdose or death.

Other opioids such as OxyContin, Vicodin,

co-deline, morphine,

methadone, and fentanyl can cause

similar effects as heroin.

East Baton Rouge Louisiana Parish

Coroner reports that Baton Rouge is on

track to see heroin deaths reach Naloxone

can be “sprayed into the

nose of an over-dose victim of

opiated drugs like (OxyContin, Vicodin, or heroin) and keep them breathing and alive until medical

16

help arrives. Police, emergency personnel, public health workers and private citizens in many states can now combat opiated drug overdose) $10.00. Narcotics are known as “opioids,” The term “narcotic” comes from the Greek word for “stupor” and originally referred to a variety of substances that dulled the senses and relieved pain. Though some people still refer to all drugs as “narcotics,” today “narcotic” refers to opium, opium derivatives, and their semi-synthetic substitutes. A more

current term for these drugs,

with less uncertainty regarding its meaning, is “opioid.” Examples include the illicit drug heroin and pharmaceutical drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin, codeine, morphine, methadone, and fentanyl.

Parents need to set clear frim guidelines

about what is acceptable behavior.

Parents need support (groups),

education and practice to become strong

and skilled in dealing with substance

abuse related behavior. Your home and

its atmosphere is yours.

Never let them go

KISS

Do Not LECTURE

Do Not ARGUE

Direct Clear Statements When

Addict is Sober

Are What Each Parent Should Strive

For: Avoid trying to psycho-analyze Avoid Projection

Do Not Have to Explain Yourselves

Speak Clear and Tell the Truth with

Simplicity

Example: I Love You, Go Get Sober

FLAKKA

Use of a dangerous synthetic cathi none drug called alpha-pyrrolid inopentiophenone(alpha-PVP Popularly known as “Flakka, “is surging in Florida and is also being reported in other parts of the country, according to news reports.

Alpha-PVP is chemically similar to other synthetic cathinone drugs popularly called “bath salts”, and takes the form of a white or pink, foul-smelling crystal that can be eaten, snorted, injected, or

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vaporized in an e-cigarette or similar device. Vaporizing, which sends the

drug very quickly into the

bloodstream, may make it particularly easy to overdose. Like other drugs of this type, alpha-PVP can cause a condition called “excited delirium” that involves hyperstimu- lation, paranoia, and hallucinations that can lead to violent aggression and self-injury. The drug has been linked to deaths by suicide as well as heart attack.

It can also dangerously raise body temperature and lead to kidney damage or kidney failure. This drug is widely advertised for sale online by Chinese companies and can be shipped in large quantities to U.S. addresses by established global delivery companies. Flakka largely has replaced crack cocaine in the area, said a Fort Lauderdale Police Department

Captain. Given that it is relatively easy to purchase online from China, he said. “Our concern is that we’re going to start getting people into the game that weren’t necessarily potential sellers and

distributors in the past.”

Flakka illustrates the threat posed synthetic drugs made in laboratories in China and elsewhere, such as spice, which mimics the effects of marijuana. As authorities’ manufacturers come up with something new that hasn’t been listed as controlled, said a spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Administration Hundreds of

synthetic drugs has emerged in recent years, he said.Flakka has spread to Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio, authorities say, hitting communities already hard-hit by prescription-drug abuse. Flakka which causes users to display bizarre behavior has posed difficulties for thinly staffed rural law-enforcement agencies and hospitals

DEFINITION OF ENABLEING:

Someone who takes responsibility for someone else’s behavior. The enabler

shelters and protects, even denies the dysfunction of the family

THE PROGRESSION OF ENABLING

1.PROTECTION

• THE ADDICT WILL USE THEIR DEFENSES SUCH AS RATIONALIZING, REPRESSION , PROJECTION……….AND MINIMIZING. THE ENABLER WILL BELIEVE HIM/HER, FEEL AS IF IT IS THE ENABLER’S FAULT, AND BE OVERLY RESPONSIBLE AND PROTECTIVE.

2. CONTROLLING

• THE ENABLER TAKES OVER ALL RESPONSIBILITY

• THE ENABLER FEELS INADEQUATE, GUILTY, ANXIOUS, ANGRY AND DEPRESSED

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• THE ENABLER SINCERELY BELIEVES THE “IF ONLY’S”

THE ENABLER “SOFTENS” THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE ADDICT

WITHOUT REALIZING IT, WE CAN BE ENABLING OTHERS

TO CONTINUE THEIR ADDICTION BECAUSE IT IS,

SOMETIMES, EASIER TO ALLOW IT TO CONTINUE THAN

TO ADDRESS OUR OWN NEEDS

Listen to me, I am an Addict/Alcoholic I am a drug abuser. I need help.

Don’t solve my problems for me. This only makes

me lose respect for you-and for myself.

Don’t lecture, moralize, scold, blame, or argue

whether I’m stoned or sober. It may make you feel

better, but it only makes the situation worse.

Don’t accept my promises. The nature of my

illness prevents my keeping them, even though I

mean them at the time. Promises are only my

way of postponing pain. And don’t keep switching

agreements; if an agreement is made, stick to it.

Don’t lose your temper with me. It will destroy

you and any possibility of helping me.

Don’t let your anxiety for me make you do what I

should do for myself.

Don’t believe everything I tell you. Often, I don’t

even know the truth-let alone tell it.

Don’t cover up or try to spare me the

consequences of my using. It may reduce the

crisis, but it will make illness worse.

Above all, don’t run away from responsibility as I

do. Drug dependence, my illness, gets worse as my

using continues.

I need help-from a doctor, a psychologist, a

counselor, from some people in a self-help

program who’re recovering from a drug problem

themselves-and from a Power greater than myself.

MAJOR ENABLING APPROACHES

• AVOIDING AND SHIELDING

• ATTEMPTING TO CONTROL

• TAKING OVER RESPONSIBLITIES

• RATIONALIZING AND ACCEPTING

COOPERATING AND

COLLABORATIONG

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WHAT IS ADDICTION Addiction affects the mind body and spirit that takes

control over a person’s life most addicts have

obsessive thoughts about their drug of choice from

when they wake in the morning and continues on

through their waking hours. The thoughts remain

with them until they give in and take something.

Their tolerance for the substance increases and they

need more to get the same effect. Their behavior

becomes more erratic they become secretive and

isolate from family. They become defensive and

manipulative. This is a warning sign of addiction.

Why is the Disease of Addiction So Secretive? The well-kept secret of sharing that someone you

love is suffering from the disease of addiction

(which the AMA declared a disease in the 1950’s) is

based in guilt, shame, fear of reputation for self and

the loved one, denial, isolating from others, and

don’t know who, to trust.

There is not enough information as to what families

are going through. There’s a lot of blame put on

families. The DISEASE of addiction has nothing to do

with the home environment. Thus, the secret makes

it difficult to know where to go for information and

help. There are many Self-Help groups as our own

Parents Support Group meeting throughout NJ,

calling the Self-Help number which is 1-800-367-

6274 and getting as much education from

professional in treatment facilities that offer Family

Education such as the Carrier Foundation in Belle

Mead or by calling other facilities to ask what they

offer. By taking this action families can learn what

they are dealing with and how to handle the

situations appropriately. Families will learn, there

are always resources, help and hope available.

When families do find help, it’s so vital that they

stay and give support to new families.

Lasting Pleasures, Robbed by Drug

Abuse

Of all the things that people do, few are as puzzling to

psychiatrists as compulsive drug use. Sure, all drugs of

abuse feel good at least initially. But for most people, the

euphoria doesn’t last. A patient of mine is all too typical

know this will sound strange,” he said, as I recall, “but

cocaine doesn’t get me high anymore and still I can’t

stop.”

When he first started using the drug, in his early 30s, my

patient would go for days on a binge, hardly eating or

drinking. The high was better than anything, even

sex.

Within several months, though, he had lost the euphoria

— followed by his job. Only when his wife threatened to

leave him did he finally seek treatment.

When I met him, he told me that he would lose

everything if he could not stop using cocaine. Well, I

asked, what did he like about this drug, if it cost him so

much and no longer made him feel good? He stared at

me blankly. He had no clue. Neither did most

psychiatrists, until recently.

We understand the initial allure of recreational drugs

well. Whether it is cocaine, alcohol, opiates, you name it,

drugs rapidly activate the brain’s reward system a

primitive neural circuit buried beneath the cortex and

release dopamine. This neurotransmitter, which is

central to pleasure and desire, sends a message to the

brain: This is an important experience that is worth

remembering.

CONFLICT Keys to Keeping the door Open

1. Clarify what the actual conflict is first.

Then, see if there is any other reason this

conflict is here; tired, low estrogen, low

sugar level, whatever.

2. Stick to the issue at hand. don’t dredge

up past hurts or problems, whether real or

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perceived.

3. Maintain as much physical contact as

possible.

4. Avoid sarcasm.

5. Avoid “you” statements. Use the words “I feel” or “I think.” No past or future predictions. For example: Wife says “You could have called, you know. You always try my patience. You’re inconsiderate and you always will be.” A better example: “It’s not like you to be late without calling. I was worried, what happened to you?

6. don’t use “hysterical” statements or

exaggerations at the time of conflict.

7. Resolve any hurt feelings before

continuing the conflict discussion.

8. don’t resort to name calling or losing your

temper. If this happens, agree to continue

the discussion later.

9. Avoid power statement and actions. For

example: “I quit!” “Sleep on the couch

tonight.” You’re killing me.”

1O. Don’t use the silent treatment.

11. Keep your arguments as private as

possible to avoid embarrassment.

12. Use the “Quick-listening Method” of

communication when arguing. Repeating

back each other’s words for clarification.

13. Resolve your conflicts with “Win-Win”

solutions. Both agree with the solution or

outcome of the argument.

14. Above all, strive to reflect HONOR in

ALL your words or actions during a conflict.

ENABLING” IT IS EASIER TO FIND A LIST OF “DON’TS” IN DEALING WITH CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY,

FOR IT IS EASIER TO UNDERSTAND WHY YOU

FAIL THAN TO KNOW WHY YOU SUCCEED.

THE FOLLOWING LIST IS NOT INCLUSIVE, BUT

IT MAKES A GOOD BEGINNING.

1. Don’t allow the dependent person to lie to you

and accept it for the truth, for in so doing, you

encourage this process (ENABLING). The

truth is often painful, but get at it

2. Don’t let the chemically dependent person

exploit you or take advantage of you, for in so

doing you become an accomplice (ENABLER)

in the evasion of responsibility.

3. Don’t let the chemically dependent person

outsmart you, for this teaches him/her to avoid

responsibility and loose respect for you at the

same time (ENABLING).

4. Don’t lecture, moralize, scold, praise, blame,

threaten, or argue. You may feel better, but

the situation will be worse.

5. Don’t accept promises for this is just a method

of postponing pain. In the same way, don’t

keep switching agreements. If an agreement is

made stick to it.

6. Don’t lose your temper and thereby destroy

yourself and any possibility of help.

7. Don’t allow your anxiety to compel you to do

what the chemically dependent must do for

him/herself.

8. Don’t cover up or abort the consequences of

chemical use. This reduces the crisis but

perpetuates the illness (ENABLING).

9. Don’t try to follow this as a rule book. It is

simply a “guide” to be used with intelligence

and evaluation. If possible, seek good

professional help. You need it as well as the

chemically dependent person.

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10. Above all don’t put off facing the reality that

chemical dependency is a progressive illness

that gets increasingly worse as use of mood

altering chemicals continues. Start now to

learn, to understand, and plan for recovery.

To do nothing is the worst choice you can

make.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ADDICT AND CO-DEPENDENT

• CHEMICAL DEPENDENT CO-DEPENDENT

• Obsessed with drinking/drugging Obsessed with drinking/drugging

• Denying extent of problem Denying extent of problem

• Lying to cover drinking/drugging Lying to cover drinking/drugging

• Unexplained mood swings Unexplained mood swings

• Anger, depression, guilt, resentment Anger, depression, guilt, resentment

• Irrational acts Irrational acts

• Violence Violence

• Self-hate Self hate

• Spiritually sick Spiritually sick

CHARACTERISITICS OF RECOVERING

• Admit helplessness to control disease Admit helplessness to control disease

• Cease blaming Cease blaming

• Focus on self-taking responsibility for Focus on self-taking responsibility for own action own actions

• Seeking help for recovery Seeking help for recovery

• Begin to deal with own feelings rather Begin to deal with own feelings rather than avoid them avoid them

• Build circle of well friends, healthy Build circle of well friends, healthy interests interests

THE TWELVE STEPS

1. We admitted we were powerless over substance abuse

that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves

could restore us to sanity.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and us over the care

of God as we understood him.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of

ourselves.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human

being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove these defects

of character

7. Humbly asked him to remove our short-comings.

8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became

willing to make amends to them all. Made direct

amends to such people

9. where-ever possible, except when to do so would

injure them or others.

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10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we

were wrong, promptly admitted it.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our

conscious contact with God as we understood him, praying

only for knowledge of his will for us and the power to

carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of

these steps, we tried to carry this message to others with

addictions, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Substance abusers have a disease and their disease affects their families

If you have any questions about suicide or are experiencing a crisis in your life that seems too difficult

to handle, you can call these numbers for help, 24 hours a day.

SUICIDE EAST ORANGE GENERAL HOSPITAL, CRISIS INTERVENTION UNIT

(973) 672-9685

FAMILY SERVICES BUREAU OF NEWARK

(973) 412-2056

POSION CONTROL CENTER

(800) 222-1222

SUICIDE (YOUTH IN CRISIS)

800- 621-4000

NOTE: AIDS HOTLINE

(800) 624-2377

THE 211 HOTLINES

Residents can now call 211, 24 hours a day seven days a week for referrals to a variety of social services

including: private & government agencies located in their community.

• Basic needs-food pantries, shelters, rent and utility assistance.

• Support for seniors and the disabled home health care, respite care and transportation.

• Family and children services, child care, after school programs, tutoring and summer camps

23

• Physical and mental health services, Medicaid and Medicare, crisis intervention and substance abuse programs.

• Employment, job training, education and financial assistance.

• Volunteer opportunities

SUICIDE

If you have any questions about suicide, or are experiencing a crisis in your life that seems too difficult to

handle, you can call these numbers for help, 24 hours a day

EAST ORANGE GENERAL HOSPITAL, CRISIS INTERVENTION UNIT (973) 672-9685

FAMILY SERVICES BUREAU OF NEWARK

(973) 412-2056

POSION CONTROL CENTER

(800) 222-1222 SUICIDE (YOUTH IN CRISIS)

GRAND PARENT INFORMATION CENTER

The AARP Foundation provides crucial funding for the AARP Grandparent Information Center.

This special Information Center offers assistance for

grandparents who might need assistance bridging the distance if they live far away, handle a

conflict in their family, or even if they find themselves as the primary caregiver for their

grandchildren.

1-800-862-3446 www.aarp.org/grandparents

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS ENDURING LOSS FROM ADDICTION

(PLEA)

973-682-8733

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HELP FOR THE PARENT CRISIS INTERVENTION

When teenagers are out of control due to the use of drugs, Crisis Intervention is a very helpful tool. The state provides a

Crisis Intervention Center in every county, you can access this service and the courts will intervene. The course can order an

addict into recovery program. Call before a crisis occurs to learn what services are available for you and how to access these

services when a crisis does occur. For further information, call your county Crisis Intervention contact

Atlantic County- 609-344-1118

Bergen County- 201-336-7360

Burlington County- 856-234-0634 or

856-234-8888 or

866-234-5006

Cape May County 877-652-7624

Cherry Hill serving 1-888-375-8336

(Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester and

Salem Counties)

Essex County 973-623-2323(Suicidal)

973-972-0480 (Crisis)

Hudson County 201-915-221

Hunterdon County 908-788-640

Mercer County 609-396-4357 o 609-989-7297

Middlesex County 732-235-5700(Adult) or 732-5705 children

Morris County 973-625-0280

Ocean County 732-240-6100

Monmouth County 723-923-6999

Morris County 973-625-0280

Ocean County 609-693-5834

Passaic County 973-754-2230

Somerset County 908-232-2880

Sussex County 800-969-4357

Union County 908-289-7800

Warren County 908-454-5141

Reasoning, Lecturing, scolding and threatening are methods that seldom

work with substance abusers.

Did you know 1 teaspoon of cinnamon can cause lungs to collapse it’s

called Dragon Face.

Keep coming back. It works if you work it so work it you’re worth it!

PARENTS SUPPORT GORUP-NEW JERSEY INC.

1-800-561-4299 (TOLL FREE) WEBSITE: www.psgnjhomestead.com

• PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP-NEW JERSEY INC. helps mothers and fathers to understand and cope with the disease of addiction.

• As a nonprofit foundation we sponsor self-help groups based on Twelve Steps, however we are no affiliated with any other twelve-step program.

• We believe that addiction is an illness and that changed attitudes and responses by the parents can greatly help a child’s recovery.

• Our mothers and fathers refer to their sons and daughters as children, even though they range in age from 18 to 50+.

• Each support group has a team of two facilitators who are trained to ensure that meetings deal with appropriate subject

matter and that each individual has a chance to participate.

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• Guest speakers attend our meetings on a regular basis. They include counselors from well-known rehabilitation facilities and prominent authorities in the field of addiction.

• Absolute confidentiality is practiced by the staff and required of all parents.

• There are no financial charges to parents attending our meetings.

• We are not associated with any organization, institution, political party, sect

or denomination. We have no position on any causes nor do we engage in any controversy

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DON’T EVER GIVE UP

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