You will find favour with someone you don't expect

I will shorty be leaving, but I will keep in touch both directly and threw Dream Warrior.To those I have had the joy of sponsoring I hope to be returning one day at a time with the higher powers grace.The journey I have set on is drawing to a close and it is apt and proper that I should acknowledge the help I have recieved.Once more my program has evolved in new and exciting ways.I wish I had more time but unfortunately I have not.I have had to face new challenges and that is a miracle.I have made many new friends and renewed old fiendships.The higher power has once more touched my life and instituted profound change.This was emailed to me by a great friend.<br />(1) You will find favour with someone you don't expect. <br />(2) You will be too relevant to be ignored, <br />(3) You will encounter the higher power and will never remain the same,<br />(4) The grace for completion will come on you, you shall be blessed <br />(5) The hand that will send this message to others shall not labour in vain,<br />(6) The mouth saying ''Amen'' to this prayer shall laugh forever, <br />Very, Very, soon and I say Very, Very, Very soon, The higher power is going to do a miracle and lift u up 4 GOOD. <br />And all these things have come to pass during on my time on the Costa.

You will find favour with someone you don't expect

I will shorty be leaving, but I will keep in touch both directly and threw Dream Warrior.To those I have had the joy of sponsoring I hope to...

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Faith without works is dead

When we retire at night, we constructively review our day. Were we resentful, selfish,dishonest or afraid? Do we owe an apology? Have we kept something to ourselves which should be discussed with another person at once? Were we kind and loving toward all? What could we have done better? Were we thinking of ourselves most of the time? Or were we thinking of what.we could do for others, of what we could pack into the stream of life? But we must be careful not to drift into worry, remorse or morbid reflection, for that would diminish our usefulness to<br />others. After making our review we ask God's forgiveness and inquire what corrective measures should be taken.On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead. We consider our plans for the day. Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives. Under these conditions we can employ our mental faculties with assurance, for after all God gave us brains to use. Our thought-life will be<br />placed on a much higher plane when our thinking is cleared of wrong motives.<br />In thinking about our day we may face indecision. We may not be able to determine<br />which course to take. Here we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision. We relax and take it easy. We don't struggle. We are often surprised how the right answers come after we have tried this for a while. What used to be the hunch or the occasional inspiration gradually becomes a working part of the mind. Being still inexperienced and having just made conscious contact with God, it is not probable that we are going to be inspired at all times. We<br />might pay for this presumption in all sorts of absurd actions and ideas. Nevertheless, we find that our thinking will, as time passes, be more and more on the plane of inspiration. We come to rely<br />upon it.We usually conclude the period of meditation with a prayer that we be shown all through the day what our next step is to be, that we be given whatever we need to take care of such<br />problems. We ask especially for freedom from self-will, and are careful to make no request for ourselves only. We may ask for ourselves, however, if others will be helped. We are careful never to pray for our own selfish ends. Many of us have wasted a lot of time doing that and it<br />doesn't work. You can easily see why.If circumstances warrant, we ask our wives or friends to join us in morning meditation. If we belong to a religious denomination which requires a definite morning devotion, we attend to<br />that also. If not members of religious bodies, we sometimes select and memorize a few setprayers which emphasize the principles we have been discussing. There are many helpful books<br />also. Suggestions about these may be obtained from one's priest, minister, or rabbi. Be quick tosee where religious people are right. Make use of what they offer.<br />As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right<br />thought or action. We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humblysaying to ourselves many times each day "Thy will be done." We are then in much less danger of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self-pity, or foolish decisions. We become much more efficient.We do not tire so easily, for we are not burning up energy foolishly as we did when we were trying to arrange life to suit ourselves.<br />It works - it really does.<br />We alcoholics are undisciplined. So we let God discipline us in the simple way we have just outlined.<br />But this is not all. There is action and more action. "Faith without works is dead."

Faith without works is dead

When we retire at night, we constructively review our day. Were we resentful, selfish,dishonest or afraid? Do we owe an apology? Have we kep...

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Scientific prayer

“Scientific prayer will enable you to get yourself, or anyone else, out of any difficulty. It is the golden key to harmony and happiness. ...You must stop thinking of the trouble, whatever it is. The rule is to think about God. If you are thinking about your difficulty, you are not thinking about God. ...Your object is to drive the thought of the difficulty out of your consciousness, for a few moments at least, substituting for it the thought of God. This is the crux of the whole thing.<br />“... If you are very frightened or worried, at first it may be difficult to get your thoughts away from material things. But by constantly repeating a statement of absolute Truth, such as: There is no power but God; I am the child of God; God is love; God is guiding me now, or perhaps best and simplest of all, God is with me ... you will soon find that the treatment has begun to ‘take’ and that your mind is clearing. ... Each time you find your attention wandering, switch it back to God.”

Scientific prayer

“Scientific prayer will enable you to get yourself, or anyone else, out of any difficulty. It is the golden key to harmony and happiness. .....

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Where is the Higher Power

<blockquote>At a small Moroccan village an imam was thinking about the only well of the entire region. Another Muslim approached him and asked:<br />“What is in there?”<br />“God is hidden in there.”<br />“God is hidden inside this well? That is a sin! What you may be seeing is an image left by the unfaithful!”<br />The imam asked him to get closer and lean out on the edge. Reflected on the water, he could see his own face. <br />“But that is me!”<br />“Right. Now you know where God is hidden.”</blockquote>

Where is the Higher Power

At a small Moroccan village an imam was thinking about the only well of the entire region. Another Muslim approached him and asked: “What is...

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Balance discipline with compassion

Christianity: The Chess Game<br />A young man said to the abbot from the monastery, “I’d actually like to be a monk, but I haven’t learned anything in life. All my father taught me was to play chess, which does not lead to enlightenment. Apart from that, I learned that all games are a sin.<br />“They may be a sin but they can also be a diversion, and who knows, this monastery needs a little of both,” was the reply. The abbot asked for a chessboard, sent for a monk, and told him to play with the young man. But before the game began, he added, “Although we need diversion, we cannot allow everyone to play chess the whole time. So, we have the best players here; if our monk loses, he will leave the monastery and his place will be yours.” The abbot was serious. The young man knew he was playing for his life, and broke into a cold sweat; the chessboard became the center of the world. The monk began badly. The young man attacked, but then saw the saintly look on the other man’s face; at that moment, he began playing badly on purpose. After all, a monk is far more useful to the world.<br />Suddenly, the abbot threw the chessboard to the floor. <br />“You have learned far more than was taught you,” he said. “You concentrated yourself enough to win, were capable of fighting for your desire. Then, you had compassion, and were willing to make a sacrifice in the name of a noble cause. Welcome to the monastery, because you know how to balance discipline with compassion.”

Balance discipline with compassion

Christianity: The Chess Game A young man said to the abbot from the monastery, “I’d actually like to be a monk, but I haven’t learned anythi...

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Twelve Good Thoughts from Gerhards Way

1. Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift. <br />2. Love is when you take away the feeling, the passion, and the romance in a relationship and find out that you still care for that person. <br />3. When the door of happiness closes, another opens but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one, which has been opened for us.<br />4. The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with never saying a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.<br />5. It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.<br />6. There are things you'd love to hear that you would never hear from the person who you would like to hear from, but don't be so deaf as not to hear it from the one who says it from their heart.<br />7. Don't go for looks, they can deceive. Don't go for wealth, in the end it fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. <br />8. Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.<br />9. A careless word may kindle strife, a cruel word may wreck a life, a timely word may level stress, a loving word may heal and bless.<br />10. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.<br />11. Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched and those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives.<br />The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past, you can't go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

Twelve Good Thoughts from Gerhards Way

1. Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we will kno...

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GERHARDS WAY,You can get rid of your crutches, but first you

“You can get rid of your crutches, but first you <br />must be<blockquote> willing to change your thinking</blockquote>.”<br /><br /> <br /><blockquote>“Excessive dependency is a common ailment. It may be in the form of leaning on friends, teachers, doctors, or ministers. Or it may be a dependency on alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, or drugs. We have been misled with the belief that we come into life as empty creatures who must find fulfillment in the world.</blockquote>“We need to know that … he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (I John 4:4), so we can overcome any situation or meet any experience without leaning on people or stimulants. We must work at it.<br />“… Take a careful inventory of your behavior. You may note that you are too easy on yourself, that you give in too quickly. … Reach for Higher Power before you reach for the aspirin bottle. Pass [on] a meal when you realize that you are being ruled by the dinner bell. Take time to realize your inner support ….<br /><br />“… You can’t rise to new strength while dwelling on your weaknesses. Begin seeing yourself in the light of possible change. Don’t fall back on the cliché, ‘That’s just the way I am.’ … Strength is the reality of you.”

GERHARDS WAY,You can get rid of your crutches, but first you

“You can get rid of your crutches, but first you must be willing to change your thinking .” “Excessive dependency is a common ailment. It ...

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Gerhards Way

10 PRINCIPLES FOR PEACE OF MIND<br /> <br /> <br />1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked.<br />Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God.. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.<br /> <br />2. Forgive And Forget:<br />This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive, Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.<br /> <br />3. Do Not Crave For Recognition:<br />This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yours lf in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.<br /> <br />4. Do Not Be Jealous:<br />We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbour whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody's life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.<br /> <br />5. Change Yourself According To The Environment:<br />If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.<br /> <br />6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:<br />This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control... If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.<br /> <br />7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:<br />This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. . Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.<br /> <br />8. Meditate Regularly:<br />Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.<br /> <br />9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:<br />An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile . Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's name.<br /> <br />10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:<br />Do not waste time in protracted wondering " Should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Why cry over spilt milk?<br /><br />HAPPY WEEK

Gerhards Way

10 PRINCIPLES FOR PEACE OF MIND 1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked. Most of us create our own problems by interferin...

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CURING MENTAL PAIN (see Part 1 first)

"...Emotional growth and mental health -- you cannot change the past, but you can change its impact. Children are impressionable -- they pay desperate attention to the social and emotional support system they find themselves in. They cannot survive on their own, so they learn very deeply what works with the adults around them -- that way they have a better chance of surviving. This is Attachment Theory.<br /><br />When childhood traumas are immediately followed by effective emotional support, the effects are ephemeral. Where insecure attachment prevails, the results can, in severe cases, disable that individual for a life time -- indeed until they can be persuaded, with enough emotional support, to revisit the trauma, and place it firmly in its childhood context.<br /><br />This videos shows how the process works. It introduces two books -- Emotional Health ISBN 0-9551985-0-X, and Unsafe at any dose ISBN 0-9551985-1-8, both of which can be previewed at www.amazon.co.uk or at www.TruthTrustConsent.com. Further info is available at www.esc99,org. Many more videos are planned, including -- curing panic attacks, curing anorexia, curing depression and bipolar, curing self-harm, curing all varieties of Personality Disorder. For latest info on these videos check out www.TruthTrustConsent.com.<br /><br />Dr Bob Johnson..."<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/N4ei1-4pONg&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/N4ei1-4pONg&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

CURING MENTAL PAIN (see Part 1 first)

"...Emotional growth and mental health -- you cannot change the past, but you can change its impact. Children are impressionable -- the...

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CURING MENTAL PAIN

<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/po3RVn9YOwk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/po3RVn9YOwk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> <br />CURING MENTAL PAIN<br /><br />Further videos in this series are planned, as indicated below.<br /><br />Meanwhile, in Interviews filmed by Tim Hollingworth, I was able to express a number of reservations about the current situation regarding psychiatric views of personality disorder. Click TOO LATE FOR KATE, to see these.<br /><br />The main objective of these videos is to restore hope and confidence into today's benighted psychiatry by establishing that these are all software problems not hardware failings - so all are 100% curable, given enough appropriate support.

CURING MENTAL PAIN

CURING MENTAL PAIN Further videos in this series are planned, as indicated below. Meanwhile, in Interviews filmed by Tim Hollingworth, I wa...

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Brains are not primarily cognitive devices designed to solve chess problems

Brains are not primarily cognitive devices designed to solve chess problems, but evolved organs adapted to enhance the survival chances of the organisms they inhabit. Their primary role is to respond to the challenges the environment presents by providing the cellular apparatus enabling the brain's owner to assess current situations, compare them with past experience, and generate the appropriate emotions and hence actions. It is this evolutionary imperative within the particular line of descent leading to Homo sapiens that has resulted in our large and complex brains. As feminist sociologist Hilary Rose points out, Descartes’ famous "cogito ergo sum" should be replaced by "amo, ergo sum."

Brains are not primarily cognitive devices designed to solve chess problems

Brains are not primarily cognitive devices designed to solve chess problems, but evolved organs adapted to enhance the survival chances of t...

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Reaching out with a helping hand is the way young people in Fairfield County have helped each other fight alcohol and drug addictions.

Whether at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting or with a personal phone call or visit, peer-to-peer support has a proven track record of success, said Donna Aligata, executive director of Connecticut Turning to Youth and Families.She will be one of seven panelist speaking at the free program "Celebrating Recovery: The Power of Positive Peer Support Overcoming Alcohol and Drug Problems" Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Ridgefield Playhouse.Aligata, a nurse who worked in drug and alcohol clinics for 34 years, said, "We believe that on a grass-roots level we can build a system of support. This program is to make young adults feel safe to come out and ask for help."Two films produced and directed by Greg Williams, 25, of Newtown, who overcame drug and alcohol problems, will be shown. Both are about peer support as a model for recovery."After getting sober at 17, I got to witness hundreds of other young people succeed in recovery from drugs and alcohol, and then got to watch them take their personal experience and turn it around to offer recovery support to their peers," Williams said."I was inspired, and I knew that if I could tell their stories on video, others could see, hear and feel the power of peer support," he said.Williams' film "Central Pride" is about the peer-to-peer recovery program at Central High School in Bridgeport. Started four years ago with just three students, it now has more than 300 participants who help each other live drug and alcohol free.<br />Ridgefield addiction counselor Liz Jorgensen will be another panelist. "In my 23 years of experience, I have found that positive peer support is the difference between people staying sober and drug free and those who chronically relapse or die from the disease," she said.Jorgensen said the greater Danbury area has "the largest" community of young adults in the state who support each other this way.<br />"They take care of each other, drive each other to meetings, will take in another person who has been kicked out of their home, and work to get them back on their feet. It's a whole underground community. They do it because it keeps them sober, too."Ridgefield therapist Karen Walant, who wrote the book "Creating the Capacity for Attachment: Treating Addiction and the Alienated Self," will also be on the panel. Walant cited research that suggests the brain releases chemicals when a person is in a highly attached relationship. These chemicals make people feel good, she said. Addiction, on the other hand, is a "detachment disorder.""When people are isolated, the brain stops releasing these bio-chemicals," she said. "It's like an opioid withdrawal, with real feelings of pain from not being connected to others."<br />Peer support can provide the attachment that releases the bio-chemicals and helps end the withdrawal symptoms. At an AA meeting, when people share "their darkest emotions from the depth of their addiction, they get this release, this feeling, by getting peer support in reaction," Walant said.And that, she said, allows people to overcome their addictions and stay sober and drug free.

Reaching out with a helping hand is the way young people in Fairfield County have helped each other fight alcohol and drug addictions.

Whether at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting or with a personal phone call or visit, peer-to-peer support has a proven track record of success...

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OLGA - On-Line Gamers Anonymous.

It says it’s is a, “fellowship of people sharing their experience, strengths and hope to help each other recover and heal from the problems caused by excessive game playing”.Need Help NOW? - it asks, going on, “For immediate assistance, the following options are always available »»»If someone is in our chat room, you can join in and get live help and support by clicking the “Chat Room” link at the top.<br />Are you considering suicide?If so, please contact your local Crisis Center. Call 911, to get connected, OR call the Suicide Hotline at 800-784-2433. You can also go to any emergency room. They have to help you, even if you have no money. Tell them that you are considering harming yourself.Suicide is a mental illness.(period) No sane mind thinks that “killing myself” is a way to resolve something. It is highly common in bipolar disorder. It is very treatable. Don’t think you can “work it out”, if you were healthy you would have never even thought like that.“YOU are WORTH saving, and YOU are the only person that can do anything about it!” - it adds.And as with most 12-step programmes, it also offers help to the relatives and other people who find themselves powerless over the addictions of their loved ones.

OLGA - On-Line Gamers Anonymous.

It says it’s is a, “fellowship of people sharing their experience, strengths and hope to help each other recover and heal from the problems ...

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California man has been sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for shooting to death his Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor at a meeting.

Jurors in Long Beach convicted Scott Gordon Reynolds of first-degree murder in the slaying of 33-year-old Uriel Noriega.The 29-year-old Reynolds was sentenced Thursday. He testified he snapped after Noriega told other members at an AA meeting two years ago that Reynolds is gay. It's a secret confided by Reynolds to only his mother and AA sponsor.Reynolds claimed he brought the weapon to the meeting at a church because he planned to commit suicide in front of fellow AA members. But prosecutor Patrick O'Crowley says that motive was never substantiated during the trial for Reynolds.

California man has been sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for shooting to death his Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor at a meeting.

Jurors in Long Beach convicted Scott Gordon Reynolds of first-degree murder in the slaying of 33-year-old Uriel Noriega.The 29-year-old Reyn...

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Canterbury mother-of-five Terri would drink all night, then, after a short doze, pile her five children in the family car and drive them to school.

Canterbury mother-of-five Terri would drink all night, then, after a short doze, pile her five children in the family car and drive them to school.Eventually, she allowed her 13-year-old daughter to take the wheel for the school run.Terri spoke of her own experiences yesterday after reading about a Christchurch mother who was stopped by police and charged with drink-driving on two consecutive mornings last week as she took her children to school.Terri is urging the woman to get help, as she did after her battle with alcoholism put her children in danger.<br />The 66-year-old, who did not want to give her full name because she belongs to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), has been sober for five years and five months.Terri said she was married at 22 and had five children by the time she was 29.When the children were younger, the family would often spend afternoons at barbecues and backyard cricket matches with friends."Then we'd bring the party back home. It never occurred to me that one of us should stay sober for the children," Terri said."I was putting my children in danger all the time and not realising the sort of people we were allowing into our house around four vulnerable daughters and our son."Terri said she was not a morning drinker but would drink through the night, believing two hours of sleep would drain her system of alcohol.Today, four of Terri's grown-up children are in AA and she said she "walks on eggshells" around her fifth child, who she believes also has addictions."I looked at that story (about the Christchurch mother) and thought, `what's the poor woman hiding?' and I prayed for her."If you get into the room (of an AA meeting) for long enough and hear the message, then, beyond your wildest dreams, you'll find happiness," Terri said."A different world opens up and there is peace in my house today."

Canterbury mother-of-five Terri would drink all night, then, after a short doze, pile her five children in the family car and drive them to school.

Canterbury mother-of-five Terri would drink all night, then, after a short doze, pile her five children in the family car and drive them to ...

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Shasta County atheist sued top state corrections officials Monday, claiming a violation of his constitutional rights when he was returned to prison

<strong></strong> Shasta County atheist sued top state corrections officials Monday, claiming a violation of his constitutional rights when he was returned to prison after objecting to participation in a program with religious overtones as a condition of parole.<br />Barry A. Hazle Jr., 40, was released from prison in February 2007, after doing a year for drug possession. He was required to complete a 90-day drug treatment program, and was assigned to one in Shasta County.The Redding computer technician says he objected several times to being compelled to participate in a program based on the 12-step recovery method originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, according to the lawsuit filed in Sacramento federal court. He aksed to be reassigned to a secular recovery program. <br />The 12-step program required "acknowledgment of the existence of a supernatural God,....deference to a monotheistic 'higher power,' and participation in prayer," the suit alleges.He was subsequently arrested for violating parole and sent back to prison for four months, the suit alleges."The First Amendment....guarantees that the state cannot require anyone to participate in these types of religious activities, nor penalize those that resist," said Hazle's lawyer, John Heller of Chapman, Popik & White in San Francisco."Courts across the nation have recognized that the 12-step method is religious in nature," Heller added.The suit seeks an unspecified amount of monetary damages for Hazle and an injunction prohibiting such use of state funds in the future.A spokesman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Shasta County atheist sued top state corrections officials Monday, claiming a violation of his constitutional rights when he was returned to prison

Shasta County atheist sued top state corrections officials Monday, claiming a violation of his constitutional rights when he was returned t...

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AA has a strict privacy policy, so none of the members can have their names published while in the program.

recently conducted an interview with a young woman who had graduated from the 45th Judicial Circuit Family Dependency Treatment Court. I couldn't publish her name because she was (and still is) in Alcoholics Anonymous. AA has a strict privacy policy, so none of the members can have their names published while in the program. For the purpose of this article, her pseudonym is Natasha. <br />Talking with Natasha, I couldn't get over the fact that she was near my age (possibly even younger). Unlike most of my contemporaries, she has already faced one of the most difficult events that she will ever encounter, dealing with a dangerous addiction, and overcoming it. Natasha shared with me that before the family dependency treatment her life was very rough and very dark. She drank everyday and drove with her two children in the car. <br />"I drank until I passed out every evening," she said. She said that one time her neighbors spent all day trying to wake her up because her children were outside playing unsupervised and naked. They brought the kids into her apartment and shook and slapped her in an attempt to rouse her. <br /> "I have no idea what it must have been like for my children. They just found snacks in the closet. I don't know because I wasn't any type of mother to them," said Natasha.She stated that her relationship with her boyfriend was very unhealthy. She said that they would break-up and get back together, and at one point she filed a restraining order against him, but then got back together with him. At one point, they fought with the neighbors, and the police were called. They arrested her boyfriend because of the restraining order.<br />"So I drove to the police station. My phone wasn't working. I decided to drive to the police station to find out when he would get out of jail, even though I had been drinking. See I thought that no one could tell that I was trashed, even though I looked horrible and probably smelled," she said. She remembered that she prayed on the way to the station, even though she stated she did not believe in God at the time. She prayed for His help because she was just so tired of the way her life was. She hated life. She made it to the police station and found out that her boyfriend would get out the next morning. As she was leaving the station, the officers ran after her. "They said, 'Ma'am did you drive here.' I said, 'yeah,' and I even had my youngest with me. They wouldn't let me drive back home, they ended up driving me back," she stated. Once home, they asked her to do a breathlizer test. She refused. <br />"So they were there for a while, on their cell phones and things, and they ended up taking my youngest son into custody right then. Then they told me that DFS (Division of Family Services) would get in touch with me," she said. <br /> The next day she talked to DFS about family drug court, which she was told she would have to participate in to get her children back. Her older child was not taken into custody, but could not be with her and had to stay with his father. <br />She was in the program a little over a year, sharing that she did the best she could to do everything that they suggested. She attended AA meetings, NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings and four meetings a month for drug court. Additionally, DFS (and her drug court case worker) did in-home visits. She also attended parenting classes, which was a requirement of family drug court.Through her hard work and dedication, her children were returned to her in approximately two months, which is quite a feat in that it often takes longer to regain custody of children. <br /> "The way I saw things was so twisted. You know, I thought these people kidnapped my kids, what's wrong with the government? I didn't trust them," she stated. She explained that even though she was suspicious of drug court, she had no other choice but to go. She described her time without her children, "as extremely devastating."<br />After awhile in the program, she realized that the government and individuals involved in the program were on her side and they wanted the best for her. Looking back, she stated that DFS stepped in and took care of her kids when she could not. <br />She admitted to her own mistakes during that time and did not try to rationalize her actions. She took responsibility, speaking honestly and directly, being much more adult and mature than many older individuals that I know.Even though she has completed family drug court, she still regularly attends AA meetings and is active in the Drug Court Alumni organization. Drug Court Alumni is composed of those who have graduated the program and those in the latter phases of it. The Drug Court Alumni group offers support and keeps the participants united in their efforts to maintain a sober lifestyle. They also like to give back to the community through various fundraisers, for example they have donated funds to the American Red Cross to benefit flood victims. "I am really grateful for them (those involved in drug court) because they showed me a new way of life and they showed me how to live clean and sober. They really helped me out a lot," said Natasha. She went on to say she could never make up for what drug court has given her back- her life

AA has a strict privacy policy, so none of the members can have their names published while in the program.

recently conducted an interview with a young woman who had graduated from the 45th Judicial Circuit Family Dependency Treatment Court. I cou...

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"The Last Ride," a tribute to Dr. Bob Smith, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, who is buried in Akron.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmxYzCv0jFMjPyX64OY5_Era6nOVmjhrbSdq-EEKVZcgXaMti4FCvOJWGh2xEad8l7ru3dwEfAa9FuJ6FjeK2j60EDhzfndkZJuV8y1B-qUKGFgmNvm8GsoxrNue2oaT9jUX5a7iR7Kk/s1600-h/imagen-710103.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249022668668192834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmxYzCv0jFMjPyX64OY5_Era6nOVmjhrbSdq-EEKVZcgXaMti4FCvOJWGh2xEad8l7ru3dwEfAa9FuJ6FjeK2j60EDhzfndkZJuV8y1B-qUKGFgmNvm8GsoxrNue2oaT9jUX5a7iR7Kk/s320/imagen-710103.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br /> "The Last Ride," a tribute to Dr. Bob Smith, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, who is buried in Akron.

"The Last Ride," a tribute to Dr. Bob Smith, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, who is buried in Akron.

"The Last Ride," a tribute to Dr. Bob Smith, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, who is buried in Akron.

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If you drink too much you put yourself at risk of liver cirrhosis (pickled liver), gastritis (stomach ulcer and inflammation), depression,

Abstinence is better than excess but not better than a small amount daily. People who do not drink are slightly worse off in terms of overall health than those who drink one glass of wine or similar a day.<br />If you drink too much you put yourself at risk of liver cirrhosis (pickled liver), gastritis (stomach ulcer and inflammation), depression, sexual dysfunction, heart disease, high blood pressure, road traffic accidents, certain cancers, and obesity (three pints or glasses of wine is the equivalent of an extra meal a day!). Alcohol in pregnancy can be very harmful to the unborn baby's development.<br />Anyone who shows signs of withdrawal after a day or two of not drinking is alcohol dependent. The signs of withdrawal include nausea or feeling sick, trembling, sweating, anxiety and a strong desire to have a drink. People whose work is affected by alcohol consumption, who drink by themselves or early in the day, or who try to conceal the amount they drink, are likely to have an alcohol problem.<br />Like any drug it can take time, effort and support to regain control. For some, this will mean stopping drinking alcohol completely. Few alcoholics can maintain a low intake without relapsing into heavy drinking again.<br />If you think you need help or know someone who does, your GP can point you in the right direction and may support you with advice and support on how to cut down.<br />Alcoholics Anonymous have their own website at www.alcoholics-anonymous. org.uk and can be reached on 0845 769 7555. For family members affected by drinking, AL-Anon Family Groups provide support on 0207 403 0888 or online at www.al-anonuk.org.uk.

If you drink too much you put yourself at risk of liver cirrhosis (pickled liver), gastritis (stomach ulcer and inflammation), depression,

Abstinence is better than excess but not better than a small amount daily. People who do not drink are slightly worse off in terms of overal...

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Treatment Staff Referrals, Participation Expectations, and Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Adolescent Involvement in Twelve-Step Groups

Treatment Staff Referrals, Participation Expectations, and Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Adolescent Involvement in Twelve-Step Groups<br />Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly: Volume: 26 Issue: 4. pp. 427 - 449<br />Adolescents treated for substance use disorders (SUDs) appear to benefit from participation in Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA). However, as compared with adults, fewer adolescents attend, and those who do attend do so less intensively and discontinue sooner.<br />It is unknown whether this disparity is due to a lowered expectation for youth participation by the clinicians treating them, as they may adapt the adult-based model to fit a less-dependent cohort, or whether recommendations are similar to those of clinicians who work with adults and other factors are responsible.<br />All clinical staff (N= 114) at 5 adolescent programs (3 residential, 2 outpatient) were surveyed anonymously about referral practices and other beliefs about 12-step groups. Staff rated AA/NA participation as very important and helpful to adolescent recovery and referral rates were uniformly high (M= 86%, SD= 28%). Desired participation frequency was over 3 times per week. The theoretical orientation and level of care of the programs influenced some results.<br /><br /><br />Findings suggest lower adolescent participation in 12-step groups is not due to a lack of clinician enthusiasm or referrals, but appears to be due to other factors.

Treatment Staff Referrals, Participation Expectations, and Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Adolescent Involvement in Twelve-Step Groups

Treatment Staff Referrals, Participation Expectations, and Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Adolescent Involvement in Twelve-Step Groups A...

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sponsor and sponsorship is practiced, is Alcoholics Anonymous or simply AA. AA is a meeting society

A widespread organization, where the term sponsor and sponsorship is practiced, is Alcoholics Anonymous or simply AA. AA is a meeting society that is informal in nature, with the goal of helping alcoholics achieve sobriety. A twelve-step program devised early on is used as the guidelines for which recovering alcoholics follow.<br /><br />Historically, AA began with practicing sponsorship. This sponsorship entailed an alcoholic sharing his experience, hope and strength with a fellow alcoholic. This was overtime formalized and developed as a great tool in achieving permanent sobriety among alcoholics.<br /><br />Each member of AA is eligible in becoming a sponsor. As a sponsor, they are given an opportunity to help other new members who wish to ’sober up’. This type of sponsorship is in no way financially-based; rather it is regarded as a type of personal support-system in recovery.<br /><br />Sponsors are regarded as a teacher, friend, tutor, older brother or sister, and experienced guide to the sponsees. Basically, a sponsor in the AA program is someone who has also gone through the twelve-step recovery guide. This way, a sponsee is able to relate with his/her sponsor by leading them through a mutual sharing of experiences and stories.<br /><br />What to look for in a sponsor<br /><br />For a recovering alcoholic, matching up with a sponsor is like choosing a best friend. Sponsees are given free reign on deciding who their sponsor should be, and this is often a good process for them. Looking for the best sponsor, however, is not as easy as it seems. The qualifications may differ from each available sponsor, leaving sponsees sometimes confused.<br /><br />A solution to choosing sponsors is through temporary sponsors. This member type provides an easier transition for a sponsee before he/she finds the right sponsor — this is done by providing the necessary information every recovering alcoholic should know. Temporary sponsors also serve as a temporary guide in answering any clarifications or questions a sponsee may have regarding his or her situation and progress as an AA member.<br /><br />As a suggestive guide, the factors to look for when deciding on a sponsor are the following:<br /><br />The potential sponsor should be able to relate with the sponsee<br /><br />He/she has had more time in recovery than the sponsee<br /><br />He/she is available for personal meetings, phone conversations and group discussions<br /><br />Lives by the guidelines of the twelve-step program<br /><br />Can be a friend and also a firm guide to the sponsee<br /><br />Can emphasize the spiritual aspects of the program<br /><br />He/she can ‘walk the talk’ in all affairs

sponsor and sponsorship is practiced, is Alcoholics Anonymous or simply AA. AA is a meeting society

A widespread organization, where the term sponsor and sponsorship is practiced, is Alcoholics Anonymous or simply AA. AA is a meeting societ...

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Jason Alan Humphreys had a clean record - no trouble with the law - until he made the mistake of driving drunk in January 2005 and killing a pregnant

Jason Alan Humphreys had a clean record - no trouble with the law - until he made the mistake of driving drunk in January 2005 and killing a pregnant woman, prosecutors said.The 33-year-old Diamondhead man will serve 10 years in prison for choosing to drive impaired while returning home from a Mardi Gras parade in Waveland. The crash claimed the life of 22-year-old Jaimee Hart Anderson, who was five months pregnant.Harrison County Circuit Court Judge Roger Clark sentenced Humphreys on Thursday to 20 years and suspended 10 years, leaving 10 to serve. He faced a maximum of 25 years. The victim's family was willing to accept Humphreys' guilty plea, entered July 29, said Assistant District Attorney Joel Smith. Humphreys wanted sentencing delayed so his family and friends could be present.<br />"He was just an average guy with a family and a job when he made that bad decision, thinking he was sober enough to drive," said Assistant District Attorney Charlie Wood.At the time Humphreys was the manager of the Sonic Drive-In restaurant in Waveland.Anderson, whose husband had recently deployed for military service in Iraq, and her mother were returning home from Wal-Mart. They were on Edwin Ladner Road near Vidalia Road outside Pass Christian when Humphreys lost control of his vehicle.Humphreys, his wife in the car with him, swerved off on the shoulder of the road and overcompensated. His car crossed the road and turned sideways in the women's lane, striking their vehicle, prosecutors said. His blood-alcohol level was 0.12. The state's legal limit is 0.10.Humphreys was charged with only one count of DUI causing death. Prosecutors said laws in effect at the time didn't consider a fetus a life.Anderson's mother, who was driving the other car, was seriously injured in the crash.Anderson's husband and the couple's other child moved to Texas after the wreck.

Jason Alan Humphreys had a clean record - no trouble with the law - until he made the mistake of driving drunk in January 2005 and killing a pregnant

Jason Alan Humphreys had a clean record - no trouble with the law - until he made the mistake of driving drunk in January 2005 and killing a...

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Allegedly too intoxicated to walk a straight line, a prominent South Florida lawyer charged with drunken driving early this morning after an accident

Allegedly too intoxicated to walk a straight line, a prominent South Florida lawyer charged with drunken driving early this morning after an accident in Fort Lauderdale still reportedly retained his legal skills.Al Milian blamed his flat feet for his inability to perform the field sobriety test and refused to take a Breathalyzer test, reports the Miami Herald. And as far as the damage caused by veering off the road and driving across the lawn of a two-story apartment building along U.S. 1 was concerned, he allegedly offered a different explanation.''He never once apologized for ruining my property,'' says property owner Susanne Morton. "Instead, he said that I didn't have enough lights. There are lights over U.S. 1.''<br />Milian worked as a Broward County prosecutor for 12 years before becoming a staff attorney for the Miami-Dade Police Benevolent Association and then going into private practice four years after that, the newpaper reports. He ran unsuccessfully for the office of Miami-Dade State Attorney in 2000 and 2004.<br />He couldn't be reached for comment by the Herald. However, the Sun-Sentinel says Milian disputes that he was drunk, but declines to discuss the incident further.<br />In addition to having a problem walking a straight line at the accident scene, Milian also couldn't stand on one foot and count, according to a police report. "He repeatedly put both feet on the ground and said the number four twice," the Sun-Sentinel writes.The article says Milian apparently drove onto the apartment building lawn after he misjudged a right turn he was attempting to make onto Southeast Sixth Street.

Allegedly too intoxicated to walk a straight line, a prominent South Florida lawyer charged with drunken driving early this morning after an accident

Allegedly too intoxicated to walk a straight line, a prominent South Florida lawyer charged with drunken driving early this morning after an...

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William H. Duty of Williamson lost his West Virginia law license

William H. Duty of Williamson lost his West Virginia law license, after showing he needed to lose it.Duty, having failed to appear for a Supreme Court of Appeals oral argument where he might have saved his license, tried to reschedule.He moved for reargument, though he hadn't argued at all.He hadn't even filed a brief.Too late, the Justices agreed. They annulled his license Feb. 15, for harming clients and undermining public confidence in the legal profession. Duty, a member of the bar 22 years, blamed his errors on painkiller OxyContin.He sought treatment when the Office of Disciplinary Counsel brought charges against him, but the Justices would not excuse rule violations on account of that."Duty's chemical dependency upon OxyContin, although warranting continuing treatment, did not rise to the level of avoidance of responsibility," they held.They ordered Duty to pay $2,000 restitution to former client Randy Stiltner. Duty told Stiltner he hadn't received a $2,500 check when he had.Stiltner learned the truth by calling the attorney for the defense.<br />The Justices also ordered Duty to reimburse the Lawyer Disciplinary Board for the proceeding and warned that if he doesn't, they could hold him in contempt.They found "particularly egregious" the commingling of Duty's money and a $25,000 settlement he obtained for sisters Rachel Lockhart and Rita Sammons."Duty opened a checking account in his own name at the Bank of Mingo in Mingo County, West Virginia, with the $25,000 and used that account for his personal and office expenses," the Justices wrote.In nine days the balance plunged to $7,634.12.<br />Duty restored the full amount, after the sisters complained. He tried to coax Sammons to withdraw the complaint, but she persisted.Under oath on March 31, 2005, Duty swore he didn't embezzle.On the same day, Sandy Gillman filed a complaint claiming he let the statute of limitations run on her injury claim.Duty had given Gillman three days to pay a filing fee, without explaining that her claim would expire on the fourth day.Gillman didn't pay the fee and couldn't find another lawyer.<br />Duty shared a fee with his secretary, Sheria Fields. She referred car crash victim Ernest Prater to Duty, who told her she would receive half his fee.A rule of professional conduct states that, "A lawyer or law firm shall not share legal fees with a nonlawyer."Duty asked his associate in the Prater case, Christian Harris, to withhold $3,500 from a $100,000 settlement.Although Duty later telephoned Harris and told him to forget the $3,500, disciplinary chief Lawrence Lewis counted the request as a rule violation.Lewis charged that Duty broke 15 rules in all, including five that he broke twice."While there is evidence in the record that Respondent has been addicted to OxyContin for two to three years, it cannot be said that this chemical dependency caused his misconduct," Lewis wrote to the Court last year.Glen Rutledge of Williamson represented Duty in the disciplinary process. When the case reached the Court, Duty acted "pro se" -- for himself.The Justices left a door open for Duty, providing for reinstatement if the Office of Disciplinary Counsel guides him through a narcotics or alcoholics anonymous program.He would have to take 12 hours of classes in legal ethics and practice for two years under supervision.

William H. Duty of Williamson lost his West Virginia law license

William H. Duty of Williamson lost his West Virginia law license, after showing he needed to lose it.Duty, having failed to appear for a Sup...

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Unmanageable Perth businessman has been arrested and detained in Venezuela, charged with having a trafficable quantity of cocaine on a yacht.

Perth businessman has been arrested and detained in Venezuela, charged with having a trafficable quantity of cocaine on a yacht.It is understood the 44-year-old was charged along with a US citizen.A Sydney man has also been arrested in connection with the drug haul.The Department of Foreign Affairs says the Perth man's case is being monitored by staff from the Australian embassy in Brazil.

Unmanageable Perth businessman has been arrested and detained in Venezuela, charged with having a trafficable quantity of cocaine on a yacht.

Perth businessman has been arrested and detained in Venezuela, charged with having a trafficable quantity of cocaine on a yacht.It is unders...

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local man opened the back of his new flat-screen television Tuesday to figure out why it would not work, he received quite a shock

local man opened the back of his new flat-screen television Tuesday to figure out why it would not work, he received quite a shock -- and not the electrical kind. Instead of faulty wiring, the man found a kilogram of cocaine bundled up inside the electronic device, according to Newnan Police. Detective Sgt. Danny McDonald said the Newnan man bought the 22-inch television at a postal auction in Atlanta on Friday, along with other items. When he tried to plug it in, the TV would not play. Searching for an explanation, the man reportedly removed the back panel of the set and discovered a plastic-wrapped brick of the illegal drug inside. McDonald said the man immediately called the police, who are still investigating the origin of the cocaine. The street value of the drugs is estimated at between $30,000-$35,000, according to authorities.

local man opened the back of his new flat-screen television Tuesday to figure out why it would not work, he received quite a shock

local man opened the back of his new flat-screen television Tuesday to figure out why it would not work, he received quite a shock -- and no...

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restore apartments for nonprofit Over-the-Rhine Community Housing

Every Saturday morning, Matt Hidy heads to Moeller High School, gathers a crew of 10 to 20 fellow students and carpools to Over-the-Rhine.There, they pick up hammers, drills and other tools and they help restore apartments for nonprofit Over-the-Rhine Community Housing.Last Saturday, they stopped working for a little celebration. Their latest project, a storefront they helped transform into a nonprofit coffeehouse, will be ready to open soon.Called Choices Café, the shop will provide coffee and conversation for a donation - probably 75 cents or so per cup - on weekends. Volunteers will staff it. Community groups and other organizations including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous will hold meetings.For Matt, Choices already symbolizes positive choices for him. "Sometimes I may not feel like I'm doing a lot for the community, but I'm doing the best I can," said Matt, 17, a Moeller senior who lives in Liberty Township.Two years ago, when he began working on rehab projects in Over-the-Rhine, Matt was so nervous driving in the neighborhood that he'd turn down his car stereo to be less conspicuous. Now, he and his teammates wave and chat with residents."It's such a nice, polite community in the day," Matt said. "At night it turns different ... but it's just like any other place."Mike Moroski, a Moeller English teacher, has involved Moeller students like Matt in rehabilitation and other work in Over-the-Rhine for about eight years. Each year, 150 to 200 boys volunteer. Many, he said, develop a close relationship with fellow rehab leader Mike Rogers, who works for and volunteers with Over-the-Rhine Community Housing. Rogers, who helped name Choices, shares his story of recovering from drug addiction with the boys."The relationship between him and them is the real story," Moroski said.Rogers, an Ohio University graduate who works in maintenance, said he credits the kids with helping him stay clean for three years so far. "Those kids have changed my life dramatically," he said. "They have no idea. They allow me to mentor them."Miami students designed the interior of Choices and built its front counter. Another Miami student is writing a business plan, and some Moeller parents are completing its nonprofit paperwork."It's really bringing a bunch of different people from different backgrounds together so we'll be able to understand that we're all just humans at the end of the day, " he said.

restore apartments for nonprofit Over-the-Rhine Community Housing

Every Saturday morning, Matt Hidy heads to Moeller High School, gathers a crew of 10 to 20 fellow students and carpools to Over-the-Rhine.Th...

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an attempt to curb underage drinking

Teenagers will be targeted through new and inventive school lessons in an attempt to curb underage drinking in Norwich.Alcohol awareness sessions will be given to teenagers between 16 and 18-years-old who are likely to be going out in the evenings and might be tempted to drink alcohol.The sessions will take the form of an alcohol workshop which will help young people understand about unit measurements of alcohol, weekly recommended limits, what constitutes binge drinking and the risks of alcohol, such as violent incidents and sexual consent issues and under-age sales of alcohol.The Norwich Safer Drinking City Programme, currently funded by Norwich Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, has asked the Norwich based Matthew Project to pilot five alcohol awareness sessions with young people aged between 16 and 18-years-old.Shirley Magilton, consultant for the Norwich Safer Drinking City Programme, said: “You can either teach young people on a one to one basis or you've got to go where young people are, which is schools and youth clubs.“All you can really do is give them the information but it can save young people getting into the criminal justice system.“Otherwise there is the potential for them to drop into it and become low level offenders.“So many people come to Norwich and we want it to be a safe city. That's to the benefit of the whole of Norwich.”Lessons are designed to be interactive and fun and help youngsters to make sensible decisions about drinking and stay safe if they are drinking at night.Workshops will include activities such as physical experiments with bread and alcohol to demonstrate the effects of alcohol and asking youngsters to take part in activities such as Giant Jenga while wearing goggles to simulate how drinker's eyesight can be affected by so-called “beer goggles”.The Matthew Project has been tasked with delivering the project in schools.The youth team currently works with young people all across the county of Norfolk, delivering drug and alcohol education and outreach sessions to around thousands of young people, mainly aged between 10 and 25 years-old.Graeme Stewart, youth team manager at the Matthew Project, said: “The sessions are being designed to be interactive, relevant and informative, helping young people access the knowledge they need to make sensible decisions about drinking, and also helping them to have a plan for staying safe if or when they do enter the night time economy.”

an attempt to curb underage drinking

Teenagers will be targeted through new and inventive school lessons in an attempt to curb underage drinking in Norwich.Alcohol awareness ses...

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24-hour drinking laws were likely to remain in place

majority of Britain's 13-year-olds have drunk alcohol, marking a worrying "tipping point" for underage drinking, the home secretary, Jacqui Smith, warned today, as she promised to step up enforcement.The home secretary gave a clear hint that the 24-hour drinking laws were likely to remain in place.Smith indicated that Home Office research will be published later this month will show that longer opening hours have not had a dramatic impact on crime and disorder.She reiterated her concern about irresponsible drink promotions such as "50p shots until midnight" and "all you can drink for a tenner" nights, announcing that consultants KPMG are to report by March on how well the drinks industry is implementing its own standards to curb the practice.Although legislation to ban cut-price promotions - some of which have led to supermarkets selling alcohol at cheaper prices than bottled water - has not been ruled out, the home secretary said there were clear signs that drinks companies were taking their responsibilities more seriously.A decision on whether to legislate will not be taken before a Department of Health internal review delivers its report in June on possible links between cut-price alcohol and harm to health.Ministers promised at the end of 2007 to change the law if necessary to curb what is termed "deep discounting" - selling alcohol below cost price - by shops and supermarkets.Smith used a Home Office conference in north London on alcohol enforcement to warn of the dangers of underage drinking and confirmed that she was prepared to tighten 10-year-old police powers to confiscate alcoholic drinks from under-18s in public places.She said: "I will listen to the police and give them extra powers to make it illegal for under-18s to drink alcohol in public so that they don't have to prove reasonable suspicion, if needed."But the home secretary made clear, by highlighting the fact that more than 333,000 13-year-olds have drunk alcohol, that she wants to tackle underage drinking.She announced an £875,000 enforcement campaign over the coming half-term to confiscate alcohol from under-18s drinking in public. A similar campaign which ran in 23 local police divisions last autumn led to 3,700 litres of alcohol being confiscated - equal to 6,500 pints.This year the campaign, from 9-24 February, will involve 175 local police divisions across England and Wales.Smith warned parents they must act, stating that nearly half

24-hour drinking laws were likely to remain in place

majority of Britain's 13-year-olds have drunk alcohol, marking a worrying "tipping point" for underage drinking, the home secr...

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campaign by the university to combat irresponsible drinking

campuses in South Carolina, California shed light on dangers of drinking<br />Here's hoping college faculty in Kansas and across the nation take good notes about something 40 professors at Fresno State have started doing in their classrooms.<br />Or, more accurately, something the professors aren't doing.As part of a campaign by the university to combat irresponsible drinking, the Fresno State instructors have taken a pledge to watch what they say to students about drinking.No more jokes during Monday morning labs about weekend hangovers. No more TGIF talk during the last lecture of the week.Michael Caldwell, an associate music professor who organized professors to take the pledge, said he took the initiative partly in reaction to the alcohol-poisoning death of a 19-year-old Fresno State student in January 2006.In taking the pledge, Caldwell and 39 of his colleagues agreed to become familiar with laws and campus policies about alcohol, and become aware of programs and services for students seeking help for alcohol problems. They agreed to promote responsible attitudes toward alcohol in classroom discussions, and they further pledged not to make comments suggesting that all college students drink to excess. Caldwell said students have told him their instructors have made comments to the effect of, "Everybody enjoy partying this weekend," and, "OK, it's the weekend. Let's go party.""It's easy to make flippant comments about alcohol, and bring your own life or the college atmosphere into the classroom," Caldwell said. "It's usually very innocent and unintentional."Although Caldwell said the pledge isn't designed to blacklist anyone or make faculty uncomfortable, the initiative has caught on with only a tiny fraction of the university's 1,300 part-time and full-time faculty. One faculty member said the pledge was a restriction on speech and raised questions about academic freedom.What a sad reaction.It's hard to see how taking a voluntary pledge would cause any harm.What's not so hard to see is that excessive drinking is a problem on college campuses.The same day The Associated Press distributed a story about the pledge, the AP also circulated a story saying three fraternity members at Clemson University were charged in connection with the alcohol-related death of a freshman during an off-campus party.The fraternity members' activities weren't directly connected to the student's death, a prosecutor said, but the three were charged with transferring beer and liquor to a minor and using fake identification to buy alcohol. The students facing charges are 19, 20 and 21 years old.The deaths at Clemson and Fresno State happened a nation apart, but they're not isolated incidents. Alcohol abuse has led to medical problems and fatalities on campuses elsewhere.In reaction, college administrators are taking steps to curb excessive drinking.The pledge at Fresno State is a grassroots step in that direction, and it's worth pursuing on other campuses.

campaign by the university to combat irresponsible drinking

campuses in South Carolina, California shed light on dangers of drinking Here's hoping college faculty in Kansas and across the nation t...

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