Don't believe the hype. Ecstasy is not some hippie-taking-suburia drug. It has made its way into the hands inner city youth in a big way. When you take into consideration the amount of money you can make (it can cost $5 dollar to purchase a pill and $25 to sell it) and the combination of drinking beer & alcohol, smoking marijuana and ecstasy, the results are deadly-literally.
A young man previously involved in treatment left because of the shame associated with relapsing and being addicted to drugs. When he returned, he was wanted for a murder that no one knew he committed. Why would they think of him, it was his best friend that he killed.
After going to jail for the alledged killing, a 4 page letter was sent to the drug and alcohol agency where he recieved treatment. Although it included many more details, what we share here are portions of the letter including the connection to the drug and alcohol counselor as someone they looked to for support.
How can I begin this letter? I will begin by saying how remorseful I am for what I did. The person I killed was a good friend of mine. Every day since it happened I asked myself why? I don’t know exactly how it ended up in such a way, but I know my drug problem was a big part of it. I can’t blame drugs, but I know that if I didn’t mess with pills or alcohol…..none of this would of happened
……….I still consider myself a part of the Wednesday drug group. I wish to tell XXXX, XXXX and all the other members to keep up the good work. I ask myself about ecstasy. How can something that makes you feel so good ruin everything? The love I had for its use has now become the utmost hate….I’ve never been a gangsta or a hustler. I’ve just been a drunk, pill poppin, weedhead, and now look where it has landed me. That help I sought from you….was real if you only knew.
You’re the first person I shared this information with…..I want you to share this letter with the group because I ‘m still a part of it….My experience should be a wakeup call for the group, especially the younger people….I was persuaded by Lucifer to intoxicate myself with his elixir of evil. As my sober self I am not Evil. Drugs truly caused me to be evil.
This person is now housed with the justice system. Names have been omitted as well as all identifying information. We extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to the victim’s family. As indicated in the letter, maybe sharing this information will help someone else or even better-save a life.
There are many stories told about young people getting high off of ecstasy and waking up the next day not knowing what they involved themselves in under the influence. Without educating the youth on the outcomes, how will they ever know.
Take the time to ask a young person what do they know about ecstasy. You may actually learn more than you thought. We we all know is, what may feel good to you, may not be good for you.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Yes, we LOVE a "Come Through"
Many people had written off Ms. Whitney Houston. That magical voice, equal to any instrument in a symphony, ever so pitch perfect, made everyone tell that special someone "I would always love you". Who didn't try to hit that high note after the dramatical pause.
Unfortunately, money, fame, power, family and fans was no match for drug addiction. How can someone so beautiful, with everything life had to offer, make such choices? Her story is a great example of it isn't a choice, rather a disease. And if you don't take care of yourself, like some other diseases, it will effect you.
Well, what about those in society that have just the opposite. Poor, no family, no fame , no self esteem-all the odds against them. Why do we triumph the come back of Ms. Whitney, yet walk past and call names to the crack user down the street. They are the ones who have a greater impact on YOUR life.
Sure, we are happy for ANYONE that found their way to recovery. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor as long as you are recovering. The question then becomes are you really recovering, and from what? Ms. Whitney made a clear, nose turned up distinction between her use of crack in a marijuana joint as oppposed to using crack cocaine in a pipe. Let me ask you this....if you sit on a chair on the porch, or sit on a chair in a house, isn't it still a chair? If you sit on it front ways or if you wrap your legs around the back, isn't it still a chair? For those remaining in active addiction and those using a gateway drug such as marijuana, it is important to clarify that crack is crack. If you smoke it out of a pipe or if you smoke it in marijuana, it is still crack.
It is also important to clarify that for someone in recovery, it is important to understand the entire spectrum of active addiction. Regardless of your drug of choice, if you continue to use substances, your risk of ABUSING subtances or returning to "your drug of choice" are higher. Thus, it is not advisable to have a drink and think you are in recovery.
All that said, Ms. Whitney Houston is larger than life. With her ability to make everyone dance, curl up on the couch waiting to exhale or wiping your tears thinking about loving someone forever, she is quite influential. Her words can have a major influence, so clarity is very important. Her words during her interview with Oprah can lead one to think there is a difference between crack because of the tools you use, or if you are in recovery you can use other mood altering drugs as long as it's not your drug of choice.
Addison treat people everyday for addiction. We work with those youngsters who use marijuana and are at very influential place in their lives. We serve to be a voice of reason and distinction with this horrific disease. Please know that using crack cocaine anyway or continuing to use mood altering substances, including alcohol, while recovering can lead to disaster.
*Clapping loudly* We applaud your efforts, Ms. Houston. Your ability to pull back from the brink, repair your family relationships and so bravely tell your story is beyond commendable. Sharing your gift with the world once again, all while standing deep in your faith and spirituality are key components to recovery. What we want for you is continued success and your testimony that will bring others back from the brink.
Addison appreciated when Ms. Houston told Oprah it wasn't a come back but a come through. Yes, it is a continual process of coming through. Let's stay well informed everyone so people recovering can come through successfully.
Unfortunately, money, fame, power, family and fans was no match for drug addiction. How can someone so beautiful, with everything life had to offer, make such choices? Her story is a great example of it isn't a choice, rather a disease. And if you don't take care of yourself, like some other diseases, it will effect you.
Well, what about those in society that have just the opposite. Poor, no family, no fame , no self esteem-all the odds against them. Why do we triumph the come back of Ms. Whitney, yet walk past and call names to the crack user down the street. They are the ones who have a greater impact on YOUR life.
Sure, we are happy for ANYONE that found their way to recovery. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor as long as you are recovering. The question then becomes are you really recovering, and from what? Ms. Whitney made a clear, nose turned up distinction between her use of crack in a marijuana joint as oppposed to using crack cocaine in a pipe. Let me ask you this....if you sit on a chair on the porch, or sit on a chair in a house, isn't it still a chair? If you sit on it front ways or if you wrap your legs around the back, isn't it still a chair? For those remaining in active addiction and those using a gateway drug such as marijuana, it is important to clarify that crack is crack. If you smoke it out of a pipe or if you smoke it in marijuana, it is still crack.
It is also important to clarify that for someone in recovery, it is important to understand the entire spectrum of active addiction. Regardless of your drug of choice, if you continue to use substances, your risk of ABUSING subtances or returning to "your drug of choice" are higher. Thus, it is not advisable to have a drink and think you are in recovery.
All that said, Ms. Whitney Houston is larger than life. With her ability to make everyone dance, curl up on the couch waiting to exhale or wiping your tears thinking about loving someone forever, she is quite influential. Her words can have a major influence, so clarity is very important. Her words during her interview with Oprah can lead one to think there is a difference between crack because of the tools you use, or if you are in recovery you can use other mood altering drugs as long as it's not your drug of choice.
Addison treat people everyday for addiction. We work with those youngsters who use marijuana and are at very influential place in their lives. We serve to be a voice of reason and distinction with this horrific disease. Please know that using crack cocaine anyway or continuing to use mood altering substances, including alcohol, while recovering can lead to disaster.
*Clapping loudly* We applaud your efforts, Ms. Houston. Your ability to pull back from the brink, repair your family relationships and so bravely tell your story is beyond commendable. Sharing your gift with the world once again, all while standing deep in your faith and spirituality are key components to recovery. What we want for you is continued success and your testimony that will bring others back from the brink.
Addison appreciated when Ms. Houston told Oprah it wasn't a come back but a come through. Yes, it is a continual process of coming through. Let's stay well informed everyone so people recovering can come through successfully.
Friday, September 4, 2009
State Budget Impasse
Non profits, let's talk about the budget impasse. Can you believe that we are into day 64 of a PA State Budget Impasse! Certainly this is not an issue for everyone, particularly the state representatives that are responsible for the fiscal management of PA. But let me tell you who it is an issue for, EVERYONE. If you never received a state dollar in your life, please know that you have interfaced with someone who has. Know that in some aspect of your life, you interface with someone who will be impacted by the lack of services the state is responsible. Even if you are wealthy beyond years, service may lack at your favorite restaurant because that friendly young lady you tip so graciously, will not be there because she no longer has child care.
More importantly than the revenue needed to continue operating agencies, it is the service delivery interuppted. Addison Behavioral Care go into the homes of parents that have indications of abusing or neglecting their children. When Addison reaches the point that our counselors can not go into those homes to alleviate those potentially deadly situations, the community is at risk. Addison also provide drug and alcohol treatment to individuals. If those citizens are not afforded their treatment, crime will rise because often, the population we serve do not have the money necessary to feed their disease of addiction. Thus, they rob and steal from the wealthy (who they believe don't care and have disposable income) to satisfy their disease. Children will suffer because parents become unavailable to their children.
Addison can not conceive why this isn't important to the masses. Addison is a small sample of the larger picture of people not receiving services. Elderly, babies, children, very vulnerable populations left out in the cold. The same people that voted for the politicians. Marc Cherna stated yesterday that the department of Human Services see over 233, 000 people in Allegheny county. That is over 200, 000 votes.
Votes. Hmmmmmm, votes. votes votes votes votes votes. Legislators, next election you will need votes. You will need people communicating how wonderful you were to your constituents and how you did everything in your power to make sure your constituents where taken care of. Elections have been called on a mere 100 votes. The social service community has access to 200,000 votes, not to mention the reach of the not profit world.
NON PROFIT COMMUNITY, LET'S TALK ABOUT VOTES!
More importantly than the revenue needed to continue operating agencies, it is the service delivery interuppted. Addison Behavioral Care go into the homes of parents that have indications of abusing or neglecting their children. When Addison reaches the point that our counselors can not go into those homes to alleviate those potentially deadly situations, the community is at risk. Addison also provide drug and alcohol treatment to individuals. If those citizens are not afforded their treatment, crime will rise because often, the population we serve do not have the money necessary to feed their disease of addiction. Thus, they rob and steal from the wealthy (who they believe don't care and have disposable income) to satisfy their disease. Children will suffer because parents become unavailable to their children.
Addison can not conceive why this isn't important to the masses. Addison is a small sample of the larger picture of people not receiving services. Elderly, babies, children, very vulnerable populations left out in the cold. The same people that voted for the politicians. Marc Cherna stated yesterday that the department of Human Services see over 233, 000 people in Allegheny county. That is over 200, 000 votes.
Votes. Hmmmmmm, votes. votes votes votes votes votes. Legislators, next election you will need votes. You will need people communicating how wonderful you were to your constituents and how you did everything in your power to make sure your constituents where taken care of. Elections have been called on a mere 100 votes. The social service community has access to 200,000 votes, not to mention the reach of the not profit world.
NON PROFIT COMMUNITY, LET'S TALK ABOUT VOTES!
Friday, August 28, 2009
In the beginning....
Hello All,
Addison Behavioral Care is very excited about providing an opportunity for the community to join us on our journey in removing barriers to success. We want to hear from any and everyone that has the same interest. Whether you are battling addiction, helping someone in their fight or want to talk about ways to prevent youth from participating in drug use/abuse, teen pregnancy, violence and deliquency, we want to learn with and from you.
Addison is proud of its ability to provide culturally sensitive services to individuals and families, helping them to focus on their quality of life; specializing in substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment. Our vision is to one day live in a world where all individuals, families and communities are healthy, safe and prosperous. To learn more, visit us at www.abcpgh.org.
Happy blogging
Addison Behavioral Care is very excited about providing an opportunity for the community to join us on our journey in removing barriers to success. We want to hear from any and everyone that has the same interest. Whether you are battling addiction, helping someone in their fight or want to talk about ways to prevent youth from participating in drug use/abuse, teen pregnancy, violence and deliquency, we want to learn with and from you.
Addison is proud of its ability to provide culturally sensitive services to individuals and families, helping them to focus on their quality of life; specializing in substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment. Our vision is to one day live in a world where all individuals, families and communities are healthy, safe and prosperous. To learn more, visit us at www.abcpgh.org.
Happy blogging
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