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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fabricated significant incidents in the book

James Frey has received the ultimate penalty — expulsion from Oprah's Book Club. After being invited into the club — resulting in best-sellerdom for his memoir about his drug addiction, alcoholism and treatment, A Million Little Pieces — it was revealed that Frey fabricated significant incidents in the book.

fabricated significant incidents in the book

James Frey has received the ultimate penalty — expulsion from Oprah's Book Club. After being invited into the club — resulting in best-s...

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Negating the validity of alcoholism.

Research has shown that alcoholism is a choice, not a disease, and stripping alcohol abusers of their choice, by applying the disease concept, is a threat to the health of the individual.<br />In a recent Gallup poll, 90% of people surveyed believe that alcoholism is a disease. Most argue that because the American Medical Association (AMA) has proclaimed alcoholism a disease, the idea is without reproach. <br />But, the fact is that the AMA made this determination in the absence of empirical evidence. After reviewing the history of the decision, it would not be unreasonable to suggest that the AMA has been pursuing its own agenda in the face of evidence negating the validity of alcoholism.

Negating the validity of alcoholism.

Research has shown that alcoholism is a choice, not a disease, and stripping alcohol abusers of their choice, by applying the disease concep...

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Alternative viewpoint

While A.A. with its 12-step approach has helped millions of people over the last 60-plus years, but there is no evidence that A.A. is better than other approaches for everyone. <br />Some people just don't find A.A. attractive or constructive for their particular situations. <br /> based on recent research, people don't join A.A. or find it helpful because of many diverse reasons:<br />"It's just a substitute dependency." <br />"It's too religious." <br />"There is too much dogma." <br />"I don't feel I fit in." <br />"My problem isn't as bad as theirs." <br />"I haven't hit my bottom and I don't want to wait until then to make a change." <br />"They say I am powerless, but I feel I'm not powerless." <br />"It's like a cult." <br />"I don't feel I am an alcoholic" "I don't have an addiction."

Alternative viewpoint

While A.A. with its 12-step approach has helped millions of people over the last 60-plus years, but there is no evidence that A.A. is bette...

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serious gambling addictions

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRZC735xgBqnsD28oMitJ6R8Pl7oDeGn5eIHGVq1RUboXn5E24d1ueZc8wVtidJdA0KrqPjHOKY3W9O5GQ5L7m8PZLEg7mg26XlJuF0guYlKEWqE7bp-IRkreyCyDPiigbRTth0VoEsA/s1600-h/dice.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146025178210337250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRZC735xgBqnsD28oMitJ6R8Pl7oDeGn5eIHGVq1RUboXn5E24d1ueZc8wVtidJdA0KrqPjHOKY3W9O5GQ5L7m8PZLEg7mg26XlJuF0guYlKEWqE7bp-IRkreyCyDPiigbRTth0VoEsA/s200/dice.gif" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />A study published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) finds that people who gamble online may have more serious gambling addictions than gamblers who wager in land casinos. <br />The APA issued a health advisory on Internet gambling.<br />The study questioned 389 users of the dental and medical clinic at the University of Connecticut. Thirty one of the study participants had gambled on the Internet; 14 of those reported doing so weekly.<br />"We're not seeing a lot of recreational gambling on the Internet," said Nancy Petry, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Connecticut Health Center and one of the study's authors. <br />"The Internet seems to attract people who are prone to or who have already developed a gambling problem."

serious gambling addictions

A study published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) finds that people who gamble online may have more serious gambling addiction...

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We prefer to affirm that we have the power to choose

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-CuhByqOGO9lOxWDIo4ZuiPvgpi4wtV-MwpI5xCqVKNuBM5fupVcfEZreeErMDCfAALaovHdDMA00TnrmQNdJGR_cz0YYhUhBl2PM69QGRxGU-B6Jnb3lkm8dIpVyoxSr_zsTgGxn6A/s1600/10428672_10154666833615702_3280276145782273141_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-CuhByqOGO9lOxWDIo4ZuiPvgpi4wtV-MwpI5xCqVKNuBM5fupVcfEZreeErMDCfAALaovHdDMA00TnrmQNdJGR_cz0YYhUhBl2PM69QGRxGU-B6Jnb3lkm8dIpVyoxSr_zsTgGxn6A/s320/10428672_10154666833615702_3280276145782273141_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"We admitted we were powerless over [our addiction]-that our lives had become unmanageable." The purpose of this step is to crack through denial or an inflated ego and acknowledge a destructive problem. It can be helpful to say "I am powerless to change my partner," but many women abuse chemicals or stay in harmful relationships because they feel powerless in their lives. Thus, many women prefer to affirm that they have the power to choose not to use chemicals or have dependent relationships. So, alternatively: <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We acknowledge we were out of control with but have the power to take charge of our lives and stop being dependent on others for our self-esteem and security.</span>

We prefer to affirm that we have the power to choose

"We admitted we were powerless over [our addiction]-that our lives had become unmanageable." The purpose of this step is to crac...

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concept of sickness

A. A.'s did not use the concept of sickness to absolve our members from moral responsibility. On the contrary, we used the fact of fatal illness to clamp the heaviest kind of moral responsibility on to the sufferer. The further point was made that in his early days of drinking the alcoholic often was no doubt guilty of irresponsibility and gluttony. But once the time of compulsive drinking, veritable lunacy had arrived and he couldn't very well be held accountable for his conduct. He then had a lunacy which condemned him to drink, in spite of all he could do; he had developed a bodily sensitivity to alcohol that guaranteed his final madness and death. When this state of affairs was pointed out to him, he was placed immediately under the heaviest kind of pressure to accept A.A.'s moral and spiritual program of regeneration -namely, our Twelve Steps. Fortunately, Mr. Link was satisfied with this view of the use that we were making of the alcoholic's illness.

concept of sickness

A. A.'s did not use the concept of sickness to absolve our members from moral responsibility. On the contrary, we used the fact of fatal...

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Women who question "the program,"

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzVLCBpdGSDPukwHWOzYmqum0y4jdPK8ZN9_ilD9jnEycpa4BGf0GfYYBTLxtKNvspBZPuNnpJ3pcR28onx2CyMuySpstHuDUtb_AgovkjAuikKtBwBJZLztpeHV7T5fnmo0RmjWE8R0/s1600-h/aa.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146025504627851762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzVLCBpdGSDPukwHWOzYmqum0y4jdPK8ZN9_ilD9jnEycpa4BGf0GfYYBTLxtKNvspBZPuNnpJ3pcR28onx2CyMuySpstHuDUtb_AgovkjAuikKtBwBJZLztpeHV7T5fnmo0RmjWE8R0/s200/aa.gif" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br /><br />Women who question "the program," as it's often called, have been shamed, called resistant, and threatened with abandonment. They have been trained to believe that male models of nearly everything are better than whatever they might create for themselves.<br />Some women are grateful for what 12-step programs have given them: a generally available peer model providing support and understanding at no cost. Yet no one way works for everyone. The steps were formulated by a white, middle-class male in the 1930s; not surprisingly, they work to break down an over inflated ego, and put reliance on an all-powerful male God. But most women suffer from the lack of a healthy, aware ego, and need to strengthen their sense of self by affirming their own inner wisdom.<br />Research strongly suggests that alcohol addiction has links to genetic predisposition. A vital point that seems overlooked in AA is that in the case of nearly all substance abuse, the brain chemistry and the body ecology need extensive healing in order to prevent the protracted withdrawal syndrome of depression, anxiety, volatile emotions, and obsessive thinking that can last for years. Too often women endlessly attend groups, have psychotherapy, or take antidepressants when their emotions are actually being influenced by a chemical imbalance that could be helped by proper nutrition and exercise.<br /><br />Other addictions and codependency (as well as the will to recover), are influenced by cultural oppression, which includes poverty, battering, racism, sexism, and homophobia. Treatment programs need to incorporate understanding - and advocacy - regarding these concerns.

Women who question "the program,"

Women who question "the program," as it's often called, have been shamed, called resistant, and threatened with abandonment. T...

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Parental attitudes and habits influence kids.

Several interesting studies indicate that if teens believe that their parents are against drinking and drug use, teens are less likely to try them. Parental disapproval acts as a "buffer" against peer pressure. Children of "permissive parents" who are more accepting of drugs and liquor or who leave decisions about them to their teens are more likely to have children who abuse substances.

Parental attitudes and habits influence kids.

Several interesting studies indicate that if teens believe that their parents are against drinking and drug use, teens are less likely to tr...

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Genetics count less than we once thought.

Studies of identical twins show that although there is a genetic component to alcoholism and drug abuse, genetics does not trump environment. You can have a genetic predisposition for alcoholism or drug abuse, but environmental factors have to come into play for it to develop. <br /><br />Besides genetics, risk factors for teens are undiagnosed learning disabilities, bi-polar disorder, childhood traumas, anxiety, depression, and feelings that they do not fit in with their peer groups. Any teen who says that he or she loved drugs or drinking from the first try is also at greater risk. The earlier a teen starts using, the more likely he or she will be addicted. Latchkey children who are home alone after school are at more risk than supervised children. Finally, growing up around heavy drinkers is another big risk factor.

Genetics count less than we once thought.

Studies of identical twins show that although there is a genetic component to alcoholism and drug abuse, genetics does not trump environment...

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Genetics count less than we once thought.

Studies of identical twins show that although there is a genetic component to alcoholism and drug abuse, genetics does not trump environment. You can have a genetic predisposition for alcoholism or drug abuse, but environmental factors have to come into play for it to develop. <br /><br />Besides genetics, risk factors for teens are undiagnosed learning disabilities, bi-polar disorder, childhood traumas, anxiety, depression, and feelings that they do not fit in with their peer groups. Any teen who says that he or she loved drugs or drinking from the first try is also at greater risk. The earlier a teen starts using, the more likely he or she will be addicted. Latchkey children who are home alone after school are at more risk than supervised children. Finally, growing up around heavy drinkers is another big risk factor.

Genetics count less than we once thought.

Studies of identical twins show that although there is a genetic component to alcoholism and drug abuse, genetics does not trump environment...

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Alcohol is a factor in 66% of student suicides.

Around 28% of college dropouts result from alcohol abuse. <br />Alcohol is a factor in 66% of student suicides. <br />Alcohol is a factor in 60% of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. <br />Alcohol is a factor in 40% of academic problems. <br />Around 87% of college students who do not engage in binge drinking have experienced problems resulting from their peers abusing alcohol, including physical assault, sexual harassment and abuse, disrupted sleep, and disrupted study sessions. <br />The Journal of American College Health published a survey stating that 73% of assailants and 55% of rape victims used drugs of alcohol prior to their assault. <br />Financial problems have resulted from the money spent on alcohol, which is more than is spent on books, soda, coffee, juice, and milk combined.

Alcohol is a factor in 66% of student suicides.

Around 28% of college dropouts result from alcohol abuse. Alcohol is a factor in 66% of student suicides. Alcohol is a factor in 60% of sexu...

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found dead in the Mississippi River

Lucas Homan, a 21-year-old student from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse was found dead in the Mississippi River with the equivalent of a case a beer in his system. He was preceded by 8 young men who were also found dead in the river after a night of binge drinking. He had begun drinking the night before at a house party to celebrate the Oktoberfest. He continued drinking at downtown bars with a hometown friend who had been visiting. One of those friends was found stumbling around on the street and was taken to an alcohol detoxification center. Homan's body was found 2 days later

found dead in the Mississippi River

Lucas Homan, a 21-year-old student from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse was found dead in the Mississippi River with the equivalent of...

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drinking a massive amount of alcohol

18-year-old Gordie Bailey was found dead in the Chi Psi fraternity house at the University of Colorado at Boulder after drinking a massive amount of alcohol in a college hazing ritual. He had been told to drink four 1.75 liter bottle of whiskey and six 1.5 liter bottle of wine in 30 minutes before returning to the fraternity house. After he passed out, the group wrote racial slurs and other demeaning slogans on his body in another fraternity ritual. Previously, he had been named to the club lacrosse team and had excelled in athletics, music, and drama in his high school in Massachusetts, where he was co-captain of the varsity football team, playing both middle linebacker and offensive guard. He had also been given the "Class of 2004 Award of Excellence in Drama."

drinking a massive amount of alcohol

18-year-old Gordie Bailey was found dead in the Chi Psi fraternity house at the University of Colorado at Boulder after drinking a massive a...

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The Easy Alternative

One advantage of 12-step programs is that you can easily find meetings everywhere. NA has over 33,500 meetings per week in 115 countries; AA is an even larger worldwide organization. Another advantage is that the program is volunteer, making it a very cost-effective way of providing services to alcoholics and addicts on a twenty-four hour basis.

The Easy Alternative

One advantage of 12-step programs is that you can easily find meetings everywhere. NA has over 33,500 meetings per week in 115 countries; AA...

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first members of AA came up with the twelve steps through trial and error

The very first members of AA came up with the twelve steps through trial and error, keeping only those steps that worked toward recovery. The key to working through the twelve steps is being completely honest with yourself, especially when you are listing all the people and institutions that make you angry, and making amends to those you have hurt. Members are not allowed to drink or use drugs at all. As they say in AA, one drink is too many - twenty drinks is not enough.

first members of AA came up with the twelve steps through trial and error

The very first members of AA came up with the twelve steps through trial and error, keeping only those steps that worked toward recovery. Th...

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widespread questioning of these programs has only begun recently

Drug addiction, codependency, incest, compulsive eating, sex, gambling, and shopping - multitudes of people are using 12-step programs modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to recover from these problems. But beneath the surface of this massive movement, women are asking, is this really good for women? While female dissatisfaction with AA is not new (Jean Kirkpatrick founded Women for Sobriety in 1976), widespread questioning of these programs has only begun recently.

widespread questioning of these programs has only begun recently

Drug addiction, codependency, incest, compulsive eating, sex, gambling, and shopping - multitudes of people are using 12-step programs model...

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Temenos

Temenos is a 'practical vision' for a non-hierarchical, non-professional, wholistic Australian community network, which provides workable, compassionate, non-coercive and cost-effective alternatives to the Mental Health System, drug-based (biologic) psychiatry and hospitals for persons experiencing an acute crisis in living. Temenos places equal focus upon human rights advocacy for persons in the 'Mental Health System' who have been diagnosed as having a 'mental illness'. <br /><br />'Non-professional' denotes, firstly, that Temenos does not assume that professional 'mental health' training and education automatically translate into an ability to help persons in an acute personal crisis; secondly, it implies that the work of Temenos is largely voluntary, that is, 'amateur', or based on compassion, not on a desire for 'professional' financial gain. As a consequence of the relatively high fees charged by professional 'mental health' persons, a vast, disempowering, socio-economic gap persists <br />between 'professionals' and (usually financially poor) persons in crisis.

Temenos

Temenos is a 'practical vision' for a non-hierarchical, non-professional, wholistic Australian community network, which provides wor...

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suicidal thinking as an addiction

obsessive suicidal thoughts drove her to three drug overdoses and three confinements in psychiatric wards.<br />Susan Rose Blauner knew the killer stalking her for 18 years: It was her own mind. <br /><br />During that time, obsessive suicidal thoughts drove her to three drug overdoses and three confinements in psychiatric wards.<br /><br />Through a combination of spirituality, 10 years of intense psychotherapy, her own fierce determination, and the loving support of family and friends, Blauner gained control over what she terms an "addiction" to suicide.<br /><br />"I see suicidal thinking as an addiction. For me, it became an addiction just like alcohol is to an alcoholic. With stress, I reach for suicidal thinking," Blauner says.<br /><br />She recounts her experiences and offers advice in her new book, How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying To Kill Me: One Person's Guide to Suicide Prevention. Blauner calls it a hands-on guide for those plagued by suicidal thoughts, their families and friends, and mental health professionals.<br /><br />"I started writing the book about 10 years ago, and I was actually suicidal through most of the time I was writing it," says Blauner, 36, who lives on Cape Cod, Mass.<br /><br />As she wrestled with her self-destructive demons, she searched for a book on suicide prevention that was written by an ordinary person with firsthand experience. "I wanted a book that would tell me how not to kill myself," Blauner says.<br /><br />She couldn't find the kind of book she wanted, so she decided to write one herself.<br /><br /> Listen to our radio show on Attempting Suicide and Coping with Suicidal Thoughts<br />using windows media player <br /><br />What would drive someone to actually try and kill themselves? For years, our guest, Melanie, was told she was worthless, lazy, crazy, and would never amount to anything. She and other callers share their stories of suicide attempts and how they feel about surviving. Dr. Kumar provides insight into psychological aspects of suicide. <br />"It gives a very unique perspective in that it's coming from the mind of a suicidal thinker. The book is very empathetic and compassionate. It's really a conversation between myself and the reader, whether they're the suicidal thinker or the caregiver," Blauner says.<br /><br />She wants those haunted by suicidal thoughts to know they're not alone, and that they shouldn't be ashamed to reach out for help.<br /><br />"It's a real in-your-face book. The thing I realized is that most suicidal thinkers don't want to be dead, they just don't want to feel the pain anymore in their brains," Blauner says. <br /><br />Her book, which carries a foreword by Dr. Bernie S. Siegel, provides suicidal thinkers with ways to keep from taking their life so they can buy the time to learn how they can reduce their emotional pain. It includes a list of coping strategies that Blauner calls her "25 Tricks of the Trade."<br /><br />Those strategies include asking for help, using suicide emergency hotlines, having a crisis plan, gaining an understanding of your feelings, signing no-harm-to-self agreements, therapy, exercise and keeping a journal.<br /><br />The book also has important messages for family and friends of suicidal people. It includes letters from Blauner's family and friends describing their experiences and feelings when Blauner was actively suicidal.<br /><br />"Caregivers can see that they're not alone, and that it's OK to be angry and still love the person. It's OK to be confused. It's OK to not have all the answers," Blauner says.<br /><br />advertisement<br /><br /> <br />People who have lost a loved one to suicide can find some solace in the book and ease their guilt that they could have done more to prevent the suicide.<br /><br />"They see that, in that moment, there's such constricted vision and tunnel vision for the suicidal thinker that the rest of the world doesn't even exist. It's just you and this brain that's telling you that you want to be dead," Blauner says.<br /><br />Writing the book was a form of therapy for her.<br /><br />"It helped me make sense of why I had to struggle for 18 years. There's a reason for this. So now I can give back to the world so that someone else does not have to struggle."<br /><br />She says she'll donate 10 percent of any royalty profits from the book to the National Hopeline Network, Kristin Brooks Hope Center, a suicide prevention hotline.<br /><br />Blauner says she recently experienced an "epiphany" that suicidal thinking doesn't have to be a part of her life anymore.<br /><br />"I'm as healed as I can be in the moment," she says. "I'm pretty convinced that I'm never going to kill myself, but I can't say that those thoughts won't ever occur to me again in my life."<br /><br />Her life is now one of ongoing vigilance. For example, she has to ensure she doesn't create any undue stress that may trigger suicidal thoughts. Those stressors include such things as being tired and hungry.<br /><br />Blauner admits that suicide is still a difficult subject for people to discuss.<br /><br />"One of my goals is to really bust it out in terms of the stigma of mental illness, and just get people talking about it," she says.<br /><br />Each year in the United States, about 30,000 people commit suicide and there are about 730,000 suicide attempts. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students and the third leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 24.<br /><br />The National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE provides access to trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or for a crisis center in your area, go here.<br /><br />RELATED LINKS AND INFO<br />Understanding and Helping the Suicidal Person<br />Depression: Understanding Thoughts of Suicide<br />Frequently Asked Questions About Suicide<br />Suicide in Youth: What You Can Do About It<br />All About Teen Suicide<br />The Suicide of Older Men and Women<br />Feeling Suicidal? How To Help Yourself<br />Reasons for Living Can Prevent Suicide During Depression<br />Psychotherapy in Treating the Chronically Suicidal Patient<br />Handling A Phone Call From A Suicidal Person<br />Suicide Facts, Suicide Statistics<br />Suicide Risk Runs in Families<br />High-Suicide Families Eyed By Genetic Scientists<br />Suicide: The Risk is Lifelong for Those Who've Tried It Once

suicidal thinking as an addiction

obsessive suicidal thoughts drove her to three drug overdoses and three confinements in psychiatric wards. Susan Rose Blauner knew the kille...

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the results of one codependent relationship ...

I don't believe Amedeo was ever again able to sleep soundly. There were times when he awoke in the middle of the night screaming and screaming with a voice neither of us recognized as his own. <br /><br />The excitation-patterns of abuse had been stamped into him for years. <br /><br />On another colourful occasion, I surreptitiously called the police. When they arrived, I begged them to commit Aldo, I was hysterical, quartered by grief. The two young blue-shirted men were mortified - so kind, and so completely impotent. My mother's signature was required for him to be committed and so the whole deal fell through. She wasn't signing anything. <br /><br />Aldo knew this. Exuberant in his supremacy, he then delivered one of his most extraordinarily insane monologues to the two men (his eyes rolling back into his head, the bolts in his neck turning, hair sprouting from his palms, lightning forking so dramatically in the background, a raven perched on each of his hunched shoulders, et cetera). <br /><br />Mother stood and gazed at all of us with minimal recognition, a deliriously and deliberately vacuous monster. She was dressed, I think, in lemon chiffon. New jewels, the usual four-inch-heeled mules. Her son's blood was on the wall (and on the tables, sinks, doors and her husband's hands), but this was irrelevant. Unpleasant truths had no place in her life. Reality was such a bore and anyway, it was nothing to do with her, nothing at all: it wasn't really happening, it was a dream. Her denial mechanism reduced all hate-crimes to a trick of light.

the results of one codependent relationship ...

I don't believe Amedeo was ever again able to sleep soundly. There were times when he awoke in the middle of the night screaming and scr...

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“When a codependent dies, someone else’s life flashes before their eyes!”

“Codependency is an emotional, behavioral, and psychological pattern of coping which develops as a result of prolonged exposure to and practice of a dysfunctional set of family rules. In turn, these rules make difficult or impossible the open expression of thoughts and feelings. Normal identity development is thereby interrupted; codependency is the reflection of a delayed identity development.”<br /><br />Though originally defined as a predictable response for the partner of a person suffering from chemical dependency, codependency is now recognized as a maladaptive strategy that people typically utilize, in their efforts to cope with a wide range of life stressors. Codependency is, essentially, an addiction to another person; the compulsive need to control that part of their life that is out-of-control. It has been said that “When a codependent dies, someone else’s life flashes before their eyes!”

“When a codependent dies, someone else’s life flashes before their eyes!”

“Codependency is an emotional, behavioral, and psychological pattern of coping which develops as a result of prolonged exposure to and pract...

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5,400,000 people in the United States alone who are suffering from alcoholism.

5,400,000 people in the United States alone who are suffering from alcoholism. 4,500,000 of them are males while 900,000 are females. (Encyclopedia Britannica) More than 55,000 people aged 15-29 across Europe die each year as a result of alcohol-related road accidents, poisoning, suicide and murders according to the World Health Organization. (European Public Health Alliance, Dec 2004) Again as with smoking the children of parents consuming alcohol are more likely to become victims of the ills of alcoholism. Fetal alcohol syndrome is well known for causing developmental disorders, mental retardation and birth defects in fetuses of women who consume alcohol during the course of their pregnancy. (Welch-Carre E, Adv Neonatal Care, Aug 2005) In a study by Rivara FP et al., the risk of homicide was shown to increase for non-substance-abusing persons living with other members who abused alcohol and drugs. (JAMA, Aug 1997) Studies by the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, indicate that about 15 percent of the US national health care budget is spent each year treating patients with alcohol related problems. In purely economic terms, alcohol-associated problems cost the society about $185 billion per year. In human terms, costs cannot be calculated. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2001) Scientists believe that the presence of certain factors in an individual’s environment influence whether a person who is genetically at risk of alcoholism would ever develop the disease. The risk for developing alcoholism can increase depending on the person’s environment, including culture, economic status and living condition; family, friends, peer pressure; and accessibility of alcohol. A study by Noris J, from the University of Washington reports that: "both alcohol consumption and violent pornography have been implicated independently in the commission of sexual aggression. In addition to alcohol consumption, the presence of alcohol in the context of violent pornography may act as a permissive cue to influence judgments of such material's acceptability and self-reported likelihood of engaging in sexually violent behavior." (J Stud Alcohol Suppl. Sep 1993) In some developing countries the rich classes evening entertainment, means hours of intensive drinking. The quality and number of bottles consumed has become a symbol of status. The reason can be searched in sudden agricultural and economic development, resulting in cultural adaptation of western life style and the affluent attitude toward alcohol as a status symbol. (Dr. Gupta R, The Tribune, online edition, Apr 2002) Here the danger lies again for children who in imitating their parents and elders, fall into risky behaviors including alcohol, drugs, and sex. There is indeed a very high correlation between these three risky behaviors. The increasing reliance on television, alcohol, and gambling as the most common outlets for stress and tensions, and the predominant form of entertainment is a devastating social behavior with far reaching consequences.

5,400,000 people in the United States alone who are suffering from alcoholism.

5,400,000 people in the United States alone who are suffering from alcoholism. 4,500,000 of them are males while 900,000 are females. (Encyc...

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The effects of Porn addiction

Through internet, videos, cable television, satellite and magazines, pornography has become accessible to almost everyone. By its powerful appeal, pornography leads many into sexual addiction which has many harmful side effects. According to Ybarra ML, in a study about children and adolescence who, are exposed to pornography "those who report intentional exposure to pornography, irrespective of source, are significantly more likely to report delinquent behavior and substance use in the previous year. Further, online seekers versus offline seekers are more likely to report clinical features associated with depression and lower levels of emotional bonding with their caregiver" (J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. Sep 2005) Another study by Frei et al, in Switzerland demonstrates the clear relationship of widespread access to pornographic materials on internet with the emergence of "deviant sexual fantasies in men with no previous record of any offences". (Swiss Med Wkly. Aug 2005) According the Maitse T, "There has been a failure to recognize that pornography degrades and disempowers women in the home, workplace, and broader society. Like prostitution, pornography contributes to the creation of an image of women as objects--a view that facilitates rape and domestic violence. The pornography industry both creates and feeds on men's need to control women". (Gend Dev. Nov 1998) In another study Dr. Victor Cline has described the progressive nature of addiction to pornography. Once addicted, a person’s carving for pornography becomes more frequent and more deviant. Becoming desensitized to the material, the individual does not get a thrill from a previously exciting material any longer. Eventually, all these together (increased craving and desensitization), forces many addicts to act out their fantasies on others. (New York: Morality in Media, 1999) Though no one seriously advocates the legalization of cocaine or heroin, however, somehow the pornography industry has managed to convince a large share of the population to accept that viewing porn is not only harmless, but is also a right. By ignoring pornography's true nature as highly addictive and destructive material, we are going to face seriously troubled times. According to Dr. Patrick Carnes, about 3-6 percent of Americans are sexually addicted. That is as many as 20 million people. (Sex Addiction Q&A, May 2005) Not being limited to individuals, however; the epidemic of pornography is one of the leading reasons for family breakdown today. Attending a meeting of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in 2002, two-thirds of the divorce lawyers indicated that excessive interest in online porn did contribute to more than 50% of divorces they dealt with that year. They also added that pornography almost did not have a role in divorce about seven or eight year earlier. (PR Newswire, Nov 2002) The devastation is not limited to adults either. In an estimate, the US Department of Justice states that about nine out of 10 children of ages 8 to 16 have been exposed to online pornography

The effects of Porn addiction

Through internet, videos, cable television, satellite and magazines, pornography has become accessible to almost everyone. By its powerful a...

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Emotions Anonymous group and it's purpose.

Emotions Anonymous is ABOUT emotions and how I react, respond and deal with my emotional 'stuff', in particular how my life has become nearly unlivable due to my emotional 'dis-eases'. The Program of Emotions Anonymous is about how I can work this 12 Step Program to live one day at a time in better sanity and serenity.<br /><br /><br />The basis of my 'problem' is powerlessness over my emotions. Period. Not alchohol, not drugs, but my emotional responses to life. I may also have these addictions or compulsions as well, but my underlying issue is emotional. <br /><br />I personally have suffered from low grade depression most of my life although no one would guess it unless they knew me intimately. I have also had periods of anxiety and panic attacks so disturbing I was afraid to eat (anorexia), afraid to go outside (agorophobia) and other 'emotional' illnesses.<br /><br />The Program of Emotions Anonymous has helped me to become sane again.

Emotions Anonymous group and it's purpose.

Emotions Anonymous is ABOUT emotions and how I react, respond and deal with my emotional 'stuff', in particular how my life has beco...

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STEP 8 - "Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and become willing to make amends to them all."

"Making amends helps us let go of the past. If we are wiling to make amends - and make them- we will be free to meet people and situations without fear. Our Higher Power will provide the opportunity for doing so."<br /><br />I was first on my list. I was so hard on myself I made my emotional pain and illness worse with my own recriminations, denial, frustration and self-loathing.<br /> <br />Honesty and acceptance were keys to Step 8 and taking some time...step 4 helped to make the list.<br /><br />There are so many ways to do a Step 8, it's worth checking with fellowship and or your sponsor. <br /><br />One exercise recommends 9 weeks - just with index cards....one for each person, institution etc. Put the name of each one of the cards than put them away or carry them for 30 days.<br />Without referring to the cards write about what will be the benefits of making these amends? Put this with the cards or carry this around with you.<br />After 30 days take out the cards and make a brief note on each why/what the amends needs to be - an apology, express appreciation, forgiveness, time, money, a change of attitude or other. Put them away again for another 30 days.<br />When you go back and look at the amends are there people who might be harmed by your amends? Are there people that really require an amends or is this just about you feeling guilty? If in doubt, check it out with EA fellow, sponsor, 5th step person. <br /><br />This step says we need only be willing. sometimes an amend cannot be made. Perhaps a specific amend can never be made - but we were willing to make it if it had been possible.

STEP 8 - "Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and become willing to make amends to them all."

"Making amends helps us let go of the past. If we are wiling to make amends - and make them- we will be free to meet people and situati...

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selfhelp books for gamblers

Combo Book<br />Designed as an introduction to Gamblers Anonymous as well as the Recovery and Unity Programs. Is the most widely used piece of literature GA has, as it is read at almost all GA groups. Also, this is generally given freely to newcomers, to help them understand what GA is about. Contains the 20 Questions on pages 15 and 16. <br /> Sponsorship Manual<br />A question and answer format presented to help understand the concept of sponsorship as it applies to Gamblers Anonymous and the recovery process. An invaluable tool for those sponsoring someone as much as those seeking a sponsor.<br /> <br /> Towards 90 Days<br />This booklet is designed to help a compulsive gambler through the early days in the Fellowship. Contained within these pages, one will find practical advice that has been tried and tested down through the years by many compulsive gamblers. Also included within this booklet is an introduction to Gam-Anon, for those significant others involved with a compulsive gambler.<br /> <br /> Beyond 90 Days<br />This booklet, one of the newest pieces of literature introduced by Gamblers Anonymous, is for those who have been in the Fellowship more than 90 days - in some cases for many years. On the road of recovery, many obstacles confront compulsive gamblers. This booklet tries to confront some of those obstacles.

selfhelp books for gamblers

Combo Book Designed as an introduction to Gamblers Anonymous as well as the Recovery and Unity Programs. Is the most widely used piece of li...

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Codependence: The Dance of Wounded Souls by Robert Burney

This dance of Codependence is a dance of dysfunctional relationships - of relationships that do not work to meet our needs. That does not mean just romantic relationships, or family relationships, or even human relationships in general. <br />The fact that dysfunction exists in our romantic, family, and human relationships is a symptom of the dysfunction that exists in our relationship with life, with being human. It is a symptom of the dysfunction which exists in our relationships with ourselves as human beings. <br /><br />And the dysfunction that exists in our relationship with ourselves is a symptom of Spiritual dis-ease, of not being in balance and harmony with the universe, of feeling disconnected from our Spiritual source."

Codependence: The Dance of Wounded Souls by Robert Burney

This dance of Codependence is a dance of dysfunctional relationships - of relationships that do not work to meet our needs. That does not ...

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