Musician James Taylor Attends Drug Court Graduation

The Following Article is taken from an email I received from the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. 

Recovering Addict James Taylor Hugs a Drug Court Graduate

"Five-time Grammy winner James Taylor left his current tour to pay homage to Drug Court graduates at a National Drug Court Month commencement in Pinellas County, Florida yesterday. This singer joined NADCP, dozens of local dignitaries, and special guests at a ceremony honoring 100 graduates of the Pinellas County Adult Drug Court. 

Taylor spoke openly to graduates about his thirty year recovery from addiction and applauded the Drug Court for building a broad coalition of community support. “I am overwhelmed,” he told the crowd. “I am inspired to see the backbone of this community caring for its own. I never thought something like Drug Court was possible but seeing it in person has restored my hope in humanity.” Speaking directly to graduates he said, “Now you must give back to the community which has given so much to you. Thank you for letting me take away the inspiration of your company.”

The ceremony began on a celebratory note when presiding Judge Dee Anna Farnell strode to the podium and proclaimed, ‘Hello Clearwater!” The packed audience enthusiastically returned the salutation. Judge Farnell reiterated that the day belonged to the graduates and that everyone present was there to support them. "These 100 people have made such valiant attempts at rehabilitation, and now they have so many doors open to them,” she said before quoting from James Taylor’s 1977 song The Secret of Life. “They have learned that ‘the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.’"

To learn more about the Drug Court program check out the NADCP Website: http://www.nadcp.org/nadcp-home/

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What is in Meth?

Dangerous Household Chemicals Used to Make Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that is similar in structure to amphetamine.  Due to its high potential for abuse, methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug. Common Meth slang: Crank, Tweak, Ice, Black Beauties, Speed, Crystal, Glass

Downtown Meth Fire in Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Have you ever wondered what is in methamphetamine?  
Once you realize the chemicals used to make meth - you will scratch your head wondering why in the world anyone would put this chemical combination in their body.  Here is a list of common chemicals used to cook methamphetamine: 

* Rock salt

* Lye

Warning sign for store owners

* Iodine

* Paint thinner

* Cold medicine containing pseudophedrine

* Drain cleaner

* Heet gasoline addititives
Cooking methamphetamine is extremely dangerous and frequently the cause of apartment, house and abandoned building fires in rural communities.

Bartlesville, OK police arrested a restaurant owner after a meth fire burned his downtown restaurant and surrounding offices. 

Meth use can cause heart failure.  Other physical effects are liver, kidney, lung damage, psychosis, and loss of teeth.
Don't be fooled - methamphetamine can kill you. 

For more information on methamphetamine, addiction and recovery check out our website for free resources:  www.stages2change.com

Is Narcotics Anonymous Effective?

YES . . . if You Work the Program

NA: education, community & spirituality

It seems every alcohol and drug recovery program pushes attendance at 12-step meetings.  If not Alcoholic Anonymous it is Narcotics Anonymous or even the Christian based Celebrate Recovery.  Why go? Do these support groups work? 

Studies have proven that active involvement with Narcotics Anonymous will "reduce drug and alcohol use."  When a person is struggling with overcoming an addiction, participating in recovery counseling and attending a 12-step support group is an effective path of recovery.  When recovery counseling is completed, a 12-step program provides ongoing support and community.  Hanging out with others who have had similar experiences and are succeeding in staying clean is encouraging and helpful.  

12-Step programs provide an opportunity to have a sponsor who will "walk with you" through the times of temptation and feared relapse.  Another beauty of 12-Step programs is you will have the opportunity to serve others.  Once you have attended a meeting for a period of weeks, you will notice new members coming who are struggling to get off drugs or alcohol.  You, with your newfound sobriety - will be able to tell your story of how you are managing your days of staying clean.  As you help someone else, it is amazing how that motivates you to stay clean.  

For general information on Narcotics Anonymous check out this online article:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcotics_Anonymous

For more information on Narcotics Anonymous, download the free pamphlet "Introduction to NA Meetings" at www.stages2change.com 

Marijuana Facts Parents Need to Know

I Found A Lighter on My Son's Desk

My son was 14 when I found a lighter sitting on his desk. I dismissed this thinking to myself "he needs the lighter for his firecracker collection."  
I was in denial.  Fast forward 5 years and my son informs me that the doctors in Oregon have approved him for medical marijuana.  He has pins in his ankle from breaking it when his girlfriend drove over his ankle with his car - there is more to that story . . . . .

Teens graffiti on bridge "Marijuana - THC"

When I was a teenager I was exposed to friends smoking pot.  In the 1970s I attended rock concerts like Led Zepplin, Santana, Queen and Eric Clapton where the smell of marijuana was strong and the passing of the pipe was a sign of hospitality. My "partying" slowed down as I got a real job, got married and had a family.  The adolescent years are a time of peer influence, and can be a time of rebellion against the parent's values.  A parent may not want to believe the signs that their child is beginning to use drugs.  It is helpful to take the first step and learn the facts about marijuana and teen use.  
Are you being hoodwinked by your marijuana using teen?  
The online counseling website Stages2Change, LLC provides free resources for parents on drug use.  The pamphlet "Marijuana Facts Parents Need to Know" can be downloaded at: 


www.stages2change.com

"Spice" a Synthetic THC - Illegal

DEA Places Popular Drug on Schedule 1 Drug List

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) recently announced its intention to place five new drugs on the official list of scheduled 1 substances as of March 1, 2011.  These synthetic drugs are smokable like the entry level marijuana drug.  

These drugs include:  JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-200, CP-47, 497 and cannabicyclohexanol.

Synthetic THC marketed under names such as Spice, Red X and K2 contain herbal material coated with chemicals mimicking THC.  These products are found in head shops and over the Internet.  

Recently the DEA made the following statement:

“The temporary scheduling action will remain in effect for at least one year while the DEA and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) further study whether these chemicals should be permanently controlled."

Side effects of these synthetic drugs are serious and include: anxiety, convulsions, high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, disorientation, vomiting and more.

Marijuana is also a Schedule 1 drug.  There is a big debate as to the benefits of marijuana for medicinal reasons.  What are your thoughts on medical marijuana?  


To learn more about marijuana and substance abuse treatment check out www.stages2change.com.  There are lots of free resources and the opportunity to chat with a counselor. 

Reference: "http://addiction-dirkh.blogspot.com/2011/03/spice-k2-other-fake-pot-illegal-as-of.html"

www.stages2change.com