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God Uses Regular People - The miracles collected in 50 Quiet Miracles That Changed Lives come in all shapes and forms, from unexpected phone calls to chance meetings. They are small enough to simply produce a warm glow and dramatic enough to create awe and wonder. |
Rafting the Ocoee! | | | | |
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Getting Wet!  | | |
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| Definition of a hero:
he·ro Pronunciation Key (hîro) n. pl. he·roes
1. In mythology and legend, a person, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed
with great courage and strength, celebrated for their bold exploits, and
favored by the gods.
2. A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life.
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Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.
~Mahatma Gandhi | | |
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Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
~John Ruskin |
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The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.
~Helen Keller |
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The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
~Martin Luther King, Jr. |
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| Thursday, July 29, 2010 Volume 2, Issue 36
Our primary focus is our own recovery and rebuilding our own lives. We will lead by example and not interfere with another's recovery. |
Drinking Affects Family Members Who also Need A Healing Process |
By Michel Perron
The harms of alcohol and drug abuse are not limited to the user alone. One-third of adults report that they have experienced harm in the past year as a result of someone else's drinking (Canadian Addiction Survey 2006). One in ten reports family and marriage problems as a consequence of drinking. Clearly, substance abuse is an issue that affects not only the user, but the family as well.
The involvement of family members in the healing process has long been recognized as a factor in the success of treatment. Canada's National Treatment Strategy acknowledges the role of family members in an integrated systems approach to planning and delivering services and supports for substance abuse problems. General social support of family as well as substance-specific support has been demonstrated to provide valuable contributions to initial and longer-term treatment outcomes. The involvement of family in the treatment and support of adolescent substance users has been shown to be particularly beneficial.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) acknowledges and appreciates the long standing and valuable contribution Al-Anon Family Groups provides to families across Canada, the U.S., and globally. It is through their types of services that those most affected by their loved ones' substance abuse can benefit from help, guidance, and support.
Michel Perron is the Chief Executive Officer for the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse in Ottawa, Ontario.
Al-Anon is:
¨ A program that applies spiritual principles but is not affiliated with any religion or religious organization. Al-Anon/Alateen includes people of different religious beliefs, as well as individuals who do not have any religious faith.
¨ A recovery program that is compatible with professional counseling, therapy, or treatment.
Al-Anon is not:
¨ Allied with any sect, political entity, organization, or institution.
¨ A program to help people achieve or maintain sobriety.
¨ Involved in any issues outside of our program-neither endorses, opposes, or has any opinion about any cause.
How do I find an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting?
Call
1-888-4AL-ANON
(1-888-425-2666)
Monday-Friday, 8a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
or visit
www.al-anon.alateen.org
for meeting information.
Al-Anon may also be listed in your local telephone directory. |
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|  Spiritual Reflection:
God Uses Regular People
The miracles collected in 50 Quiet Miracles That Changed Lives come in all shapes and forms, from unexpected phone calls to chance meetings. They are small enough to simply produce a warm glow and dramatic enough to create awe and wonder.
This was all Walt needed to end a particularly difficult day--to be stuck in traffic on a busy highway in Fort Collins, Colorado, just as the first flakes of an early December snowstorm began to fall. ...
Suddenly, as the traffic inched ahead, his car began to choke and sputter. ... He was able to pull off into a nearby service station before the car died completely. Trying to look on the bright side, the physician was thankful to have a warm and dry place to stay while a mechanic checked his car.
He was told there would be at least a fifteen-minute wait before someone would be available to help him. There was a convenience store attached to the service station. As Walt approached to call his wife about his predicament, he noticed a young woman exit, walk toward an old station wagon crammed with three children and a bunch of suitcases, then suddenly fall to the ground. Fearing she may have slipped on some ice or tripped over a gas hose, the physician rushed over to see if she was injured.
When he got there, the woman was sitting on the ground sobbing. ... As the physician helped her to her feet, a nickel fell from her hand. She quickly bent over to retrieve it, putting it with the rest of the coins clutched in her trembling fingers. ... He quickly diagnosed the situation. This young lady and her children were apparently in a desperate financial situation. ...
"I didn't fall," she [said]. "I got down on my knees to beg God for help. ..."
The physician smiled warmly, and said, "God heard you. That's why he sent me." Then he took out his credit card and stuck it into the card reader on the gas pump to fill up her car. ... He bought two big bags of food, some gift certificates she could use on the road, and two big cups of hot coffee, one for each of them.
... The young woman said her name was Maggie and that she lived in Kansas City. Her boyfriend left two months ago, and she wasn't able to make ends meet. After falling two months behind on the rent, she called her parents out of desperation. They lived in California. She hadn't spoken to them in almost five years because they disapproved of her unmarried lifestyle. She was surprised and deeply grateful when her parents asked her to come home and live with them until she got back on her feet.
So she packed everything she owned, crammed it all into her old station wagon, and told her children they'd be celebrating Christmas in California. She didn't want to take any money from her parents for the trip, so she sold a few things, hoping the money would be enough to get her there. But it wasn't. Now she didn't even have enough left for gas, let alone food.
The physician reached into his picket and gave her the $120 he had in cash. He also gave her his gloves. Then he hugged the young woman and said a quick prayer with her that God would watch over them the rest of the way.
"Are you an angel or something?" Maggie asked, her eyes filled with tears.
"No, sweetheart," Walt replied. "At this time of the year, angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people."
As he watched the young woman and her children drive away, the caring physician thought to himself how incredible it was to be part of someone else's miracle, how God had sent him in answer to her prayers. But God didn't forget about Walt either.
The physician's car was still parked where he had left it. For some reason he walked over, got in, and turned the key in the ignition. It started right up. ... So he decided to head for home, thinking to himself, I'll put the car in the shop tomorrow for a checkup, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.
And sure enough, the next day, the mechanic didn't find anything wrong.
Excerpted from 50 Quiet Miracles That Changed Lives by William G. Borchert |
Percentage of U.S. Treatment Admissions Involving Pain Reliever Abuse Increased More Than Fourfold from 1998 to 2008 |
The percentage of admissions to state-funded substance abuse treatment programs involving pain reliever abuse increased from 2.2% in 1998 to 9.8% in 2008, according to recently released data from the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS). While increases were seen across all age groups, some of the largest increases occurred among adults 18 to 24 years old and 25 to 34 years old, resulting in treatment admissions for these age groups becoming the most likely to involve pain reliever abuse (see figure below). According to the authors, "early identification of pain reliever abuse, outreach to abusers, and provision of appropriate and effective treatment services, including relapse prevention, will be important for helping abusers of prescription pain relievers-and especially those in younger age groups-make long-term productive contributions to society" (p. 5). Similar increases have been seen among emergency department visits involving pain relievers (see CESAR FAX, Volume 19, Issue 27).
Percentage of U.S. Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions That Reported Any Pain Reliever Abuse, by Age Group, 1998 and 2008*
12 to 17 18 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65 or older
AGE AT ADMISSION
*Data are from treatment admissions of persons ages 12 or older where the primary, secondary, or tertiary substance of abuse that led to the treatment episode was prescription pain relievers. Prescription pain relievers refer to drugs such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and other drugs with morphine-like effects and excludes heroin and nonprescription methadone.
SOURCE: Adapted by CESAR from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), "Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions Involving Abuse of Pain Relievers: 1998 and 2008," The TEDS Report, July 15, 2010. Available online at http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k10/230/230PainRelvr2k10.cfm. |
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Instead of placing judgments on where you find yourself, consider the positive possibilities. Instead of extending assumptions out from your limitations, imagine your most treasured dreams extending out from your current situation.
If you feel stuck where you are, you're mistaken. Anything is possible, when you engage the power of your imagination.
The things that have already happened can give you some useful insight and perspective. Yet your future is whatever you choose right now to make it.
You don't have to be magically transported away from where you are in order to experience fulfillment. You can begin making your way forward from wherever you may be, in whatever direction you choose.
It's easy to blame your circumstances for holding you back. It's much more powerful, though, to accept those circumstances and begin working with the value they offer.
You're in a great place, because from where you are you can go anywhere. Look around, with positive expectations, and step forward in the direction of your dreams.
~Ralph Marston |
Pecan and Sausage Breakfast Casserole |
Sweet meets spicy in this pecan and sausage casserole. One bite and you'll likely have a hard time deciphering whether you're indulging in breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
1 loaf raisin bread
10 sausage links
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tbsp. maple syrup
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
Methods/steps
Prepare a 13-by-9-inch glass-baking pan with nonstick spray. Cube raisin bread and put in the baking dish. Brown sausage and drain and cut into bite-sized pieces. Mix with bread in the baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, milk, half-and-half, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon until blended. Pour over bread and sausage. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine brown sugar, butter, syrup and pecans and spoon by teaspoonfuls over casserole. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Serve warm.
Additional Tips
Ready in 1 day |
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California Corner | |
"The First Rule of Recovery"
by Tricia Thibodeau
Program Director, California
You don't recover from an addiction by stopping using. You recover by creating a new life where it is easier to not use. If you don't create a new life, then all the factors that brought you to your addiction will eventually catch up with you again.
You don't have to change everything in your life. But there are a few things and behaviors that have been getting you into trouble, and they will continue to get you into trouble until you let them go. The more you try to hold onto your old life in recovery, the less well you will do.
Here are the three most common things that people need to change in order to achieve recovery.
Avoid High-Risk Situations
Some common high-risk situations are described by the acronym, HALT:
¨ Hungry
¨ Angry
¨ Lonely
¨ Tired
How do you feel at the end of the day? You're probably hungry because you haven't eaten well. You're probably angry because you've had a tough day at work or a tough commute home. You may feel lonely because you're isolated. You don't have to be physically alone to feel lonely. And you're tired. That's why your strongest cravings usually occur at the end of the day. Here's another way of looking at high-risk situations:
¨ People. (People who you use with or who are related to your use. People who you have conflicts with, and who make you want to use. People who you celebrate with by using. People who encourage you to use either directly or indirectly.)
¨ Places. (Places where you use or where you get your drugs or alcohol.)
¨ Things. (Things that remind you of your using.)
How can you avoid high-risk situations? Of course, you can't always avoid these situations. But if you're aware of them, they won't catch you off guard, and you can prevent little craving from turning into major urges.
Take better care of yourself. Eat a healthier lunch so you're not as hungry at the end of the day. Join a 12 step group so that you don't feel isolated. Learn how to relax so that you can let go of your anger and resentments. Develop better sleep habits so that you're less tired.
Avoid your drinking friends, your favorite bar, and having alcohol in the house. Avoid people who you used cocaine with, driving by your dealer's neighborhood, and cocaine paraphernalia.
Recovery isn't about one big change. It's about lots of little changes. Avoiding those high-risk situations helps you create a new life where it's easier to not use.
Make a list of your high-risk situations. Addiction is sneaky. Sometimes you won't see your high-risk situations until you're right in the middle of one. That's why it's important that you learn to look for them. Make a list of your high-risk situations and to keep it with you. Go over the list with someone in recovery so that can spot any situations that you might have missed. Make the list and keep it with you. Some day that list may save your life. (Reference: www.AddictionsAndRecovery.org)
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Upcoming Events in Atlanta
*White Water Atlanta
July 31, 2010
Noon - ?
White Water Atlanta has earned accolades as one of America's top water parks. Its rides contain 2 million gallons of water and are constantly expanding to ensure fun for the entire family. Attractions of special note include The Cliffhanger and Tornado, which send folks nine and six stories (respectively) to the ground in a fantastic ride - they can't be found anyplace else. An abundance of water slides, wave pools, and water-oriented playground equipment makes the park a great place to cool off!
*Street Meals
August 1, 2010
1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
The HERO House in partnership with Kashi Atlanta in their Street Meals program for several years now. Street Meals helps alleviate hunger for the homeless population in Atlanta. Street Meals is supported by a dedicated corps of volunteers who are committed to seva - selfless service - as an extension of their yoga practice. Teaching people about the joy of community service is a part of our commitment.
The first Sunday of every month The HERO House residents and staff make and distribute over 250 sack lunches to Atlanta's homeless. The HERO House wanted to create a service opportunity for our residents as we believe that being of service is a major component in bringing about lasting recovery. When discussing how to bring this project to fruition we turned to Kashi Atlanta for support.
We at The HERO House look forward to being part of the change we wish to see in the world!
*White Water Rafting
August 8, 2010
9 am - ?
THE OCOEE RIVER "MIDDLE" SECTION
Why is the Middle Ocoee the most popular rafting river in the country for both veteran and novice whitewater enthusiasts? Because only the Ocoee offers the most continuous stretch of Class III-IV Rapids in the country! Tumbling through a spectacular scenic gorge in the Cherokee National Forest, the Middle Ocoee plunges 269 feet over five miles; Paddlers must first maneuver around treacherous boulders, crashing waves and a drop over steep ledges.
Visit High Country Adventures to experience the thrill of rafting the Middle Ocoee, from the put-in at Grumpy's to the final wave at Hell Hole. No matter what your skill level or previous experience may be, your professional High Country Adventures guide will deliver you through the wild and wooly rapids of Double Suck, Tablesaw and Broken Nose- in one piece!
Save the Date
The dates for the Fall 2010 Family Weekend will be September 24-26. Please SAVE THE DATE for the weekend. We will begin the weekend with a Social Event on Friday evening. Saturday will be filled with workshops for the family and for residents. Sunday will offer opportunity for individual families to meet with staff to discuss your resident. I look forward to seeing you all at our next Family Weekend
Hotel for Family Weekend
We have arranged for a HERO House rate at the Springhill Suites by Marriott for Family Weekend. Conveniently located a mile from our campus, it is a wonderful facility. Their website is www.springhillsuites.com/atlkn. You may reserve your suite for $87.00 by contacting Felecia Callahan at 770-218-5550 and ask for the HERO House rate.
"Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway."
~Mary Kay Ash |
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About The HERO House
The HERO House is a recovery residence for college students in early sobriety. We serve men and women in separate residences, based upon Peer-to-Peer Recovery Support, grounded in the 12-Step process. The HERO House is a community of students in recovery, sharing life experiences and helping each other achieve long term, quality sobriety and a manner of living that will make them outstanding contributors to our society.
Additionally, at the Higher Education Recovery Option, we work with students to return to school and to find the tools necessary to be successful while sober, on a college campus. We tell residents at intake that our program is typically a one-year program; however, we recognize some residents will finish early and some will need additional time. To successfully complete our program, residents need to complete a 12-Step Program, successfully complete one full-time semester of college, and to advance through all four of our levels of competency at The HERO House. |
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