Two Incredible Looks at the Scourge of Heroin by Gil Scott-Heron & James Brown

Addiction Recovery Bulletin

LISTEN! – THE TRACKS OF OUR TEARS – 

March 24, 2021 – We wanted to look at two songs from the 1970s that dove deeply into the morass of drug addiction. The first is “Home is Where the Hatred Is,” a Gil Scott-Heron composition. It appeared on Scott-Heron’s first studio album, Pieces of a Man, and second recording (the live Small Talk at 125th and Lenox marked his debut). It was also the first of his collaborations with pianist Brian Jackson. The group included Scott Heron, guitar, piano, vocals; Hubert Laws, flute, saxophone; Brian Jackson, piano; Burt Jones, electric guitar; Ron Carter, bass; and Bernard ‘Pretty’ drums. … The other is “King Heroin” by James Brown. Manny Rosen wrote the poem from the point of view of the drug. Brown added an intro and a concluding paragraph, and he, his arranger David Matthews, and his manager Charles Bobbit wrote the music for the track.

more@MusicFestNews

The post Two Incredible Looks at the Scourge of Heroin by Gil Scott-Heron & James Brown appeared first on Addiction/Recovery eBulletin.

New York Reaches Marijuana Legalization Deal

Addiction Recovery Bulletin

CENTRAL PARK TO LEVITATE IN 2022 – 

March 25, 2021 – The legislation sets a goal of having 50 percent of marijuana business licenses for distribution and retail issued to social equity applicants, including people with past marijuana convictions or who have relatives with such records as well as those living in economically distressed areas or places where cannabis criminalization has been enforced in a discriminatory manner. Equity applicants would also include minority- and women-owned businesses, disabled veterans and financially distressed farmers.

*Cannabis products would be subject to a state tax of nine percent, plus an additional four percent local tax.

*Marijuana distributors would also face a THC tax on flowers, concentrate and edibles—applied on a sliding scale based on type of product, up to three cents per milligram.

*Tax revenue from marijuana sales would cover the costs of administering the program. After that, 40 percent of the remaining dollars would go to a community reinvestment fund, 40 percent would support the state’s public schools and 20 percent would fund drug treatment facilities and public education programs.

more@FilterMag

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What’s In A Name? – Editorial by Christopher Dale

Addiction Recovery Bulletin

NEW JERSEY SOBER…FUHGGEDABOUTIT!

3/29/2021 – 

Editor’s note: Last week, we at Addiction & Recovery eBulletin reported on singer Demi Lovato’s decision to be “California Sober,” which entails imbibing “moderate” amounts of alcohol and marijuana. While neither we nor anyone else can take Ms. Lovato’s inventory – she alone can decide whether she is a full-fledged alcoholic or addict that must completely abstain from drugs and alcohol – we were concerned by this announcement.

For starters, as a pop music star, Ms. Lovato has outsized influence over young people – many of whom, like the rest of us, have or will develop troubling issues with drugs and alcohol. By her own admission, Ms. Lovato, who is just 28, has had three stokes, a heart attack and has nearly perished several times during relapses. Several people close to Ms. Lovato – including her manager, Scooter Braun, and the long-sober Elton John, who she has described as a recovery mentor – do not think the path of moderate drinking and drugging is a reasonable choice for Ms. Lovato. 

We are worried that young people will point to Ms. Lovato’s “Californian” sobriety as rationale for continuing to drink and drug despite harsh consequences they themselves may have endured. Ms. Lovato’s example has the potential to open trap doors in her fans’ addiction bottoms. Blessed with a platform to speak up, we cannot sit silent.

Also, our editorial team is based in California. As Californians who adhere to the conventional definition of sobriety – no inebriating substances, ever – we take umbrage with the hijacking of our state’s firm recovery reputation. After all, California is the most populous and industrious state in the country. Our example matters.

To showcase the impact both Ms. Lovato and our beloved Golden State have on the rest of the nation, we assigned an East Coast reporter – New Jersey-based Christopher Dale – to get a sense of the effect this news is having on recovery in his home state. The following is a transcript of a conversation between two members of Alcoholics Anonymous in beautiful Bayonne, New Jersey.

Hey how ya doin’? How’s ya ma? My cousin heard she fell and broke her hip. Madonn!

Anyway, you heard about this Demi Lovato chick? I picked up the Post last week to read about the Mets – goddamn bums – and saw that article about her. Says she’s California sober. Somethin’ about no drugs or drinking except for smokin’ weed. Oh and she says she drinks a little too.

I’m like ‘Hey, sign me up for summa that California sober,’ know what I’m sayin’? Some pretty nice perks they got for sober folks over there! I was out there once actually. Nice weather but the pizza and bagels are oogatz. And if you’re lookin’ for some decent gabagool it’s like fuhgeddaboudit.

Anyways this Demi chick gets me thinkin’. If she can be California sober, why can’t I be New Jersey soba?

I mean hey, if a 28-eight-year-old whose had three strokes and a heart attack and almost died a buncha times from drugs can handle a little pot and booze, why can’t I?

By the way, you heard that brand new songa hers? That Dancing with the Devil? Catchy tune! My niece can’t stop playin’ it – drives my sista nuts but whuddya gonna do. I love how the first verse is all about having a little red wine and being fine, and then the second verse is about smoking crack. What a toe tapper!

Sounds like someone poifectly capable of drinking responsibly. I’m all ‘Salut, Demi!’ I mean, just because you might influence a real drunk or junkie to go out and get loaded and maybe die, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your own thing. Ya gotta be you, ya know? I mean it’s not Demi’s fault my niece was clinically dead for 25 seconds from that fentanyl. Maybe next time she’ll just stick to wine and weed like Demi!Now, she did say that her ‘journey of moderation’ isn’t for everyone. So maybe she means once you’ve had four strokes and two heart attacks, it’s maybe time to call it quits. Or maybe when my niece has another brain aneurysm.

Anyways this Jersey soba thing. You want in? I mean, I know you’ve had some issues wit’ H in the past, and you just had that stroke – how’s your eyes by the way? Hey how many fingas am I holdin’ up? Just bustin’ your chops – but you been doin’ real good at those meetin’s. Me too. My collapsed lung is mostly better and I haven’t popped any of them pills in more than a year. Got my chip to prove it. Keep it in a place of honor: near the espresso maker. It was either that or the tomata garden. They’re comin’ in nice this year.

So yeah I been doin’ real good at them meetin’s. Even though I was speakin’ up there in Connecticut last week and I swear those medigans ain’t never seen no pisans before. I start talkin’ about missin’ a little grappa with my schviadel and they’re lookin’ at me like I got two heads. Probably too busy eatin’ noodles and ketchup.

Anyways I think this Jersey soba thing could really take off. Whuddya think?

What would it look like? Well for one thing, I think red wine with the macaroni and gravy is a given. I mean my God, we’re alcoholics, not savages. Am I right?

OK, so we’re good on red wine when we eat pasta. And pizza. Oh and lasagna, chicken parm or sausage and peppers. Done and done.

 Also, if the Jets don’t start winning some games here – and let’s be honest, that ain’t gonna happen – we’re gonna need a few Bud Lights to keep us from trowin’ the remote through the TV. That reminds me: you call Vito about that deadbeat who won’t pay up?  Anyway OK, so red wine with the food, beer with football. Oh and baseball. And how ‘bout those Nets? Harden looks unstoppable. So yeah them too.

Oh and Mass wine. Hey, it’s the blooda Christ for Christ’s sake. Who the hell are we to pass that up? Now let’s talk weed. After all, it’s legal here just like in Cali. Those people think they know all about the weed, but they ain’t never had a Jersey Joint. It’s got marijuana leaves, red peppers and mutz. Can’t beat it. Goes great with a nice glass of Chianti actually.  I gotta tell ya, I’m really liking this idea. Move over Jersey Shore and Jersey Mike’s. Make room for Jersey Soba.  I’m sure this will work out just great for Demi, too. I mean, who am I to take her inventory? What 28-year-old hasn’t had a few strokes and a heart attack?

And so what if she once said “this illness is not something that disappears or fades with time?” Who knows, maybe she meant COVID? How’s your uncle by the way? Still on the ventilata?

Anyways, so we got the red wine for the red sauce, beer for the sports and weed for … well, I guess wheneva. Let’s do it! Let’s get Jersey Soba. What could go wrong? Fuhgeddaboudit.


The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Addiction/Recovery eBulletin or its staff.

The post What’s In A Name? – Editorial by Christopher Dale appeared first on Addiction/Recovery eBulletin.

Journalist Investigates “New Jersey Sober” by Christopher Dale

Addiction Recovery Bulletin

NEW JERSEY SOBER…FUHGGEDABOUTIT!

3/29/2021 – 

Editor’s note: Last week, we at Addiction & Recovery eBulletin reported on singer Demi Lovato’s decision to be “California Sober,” which entails imbibing “moderate” amounts of alcohol and marijuana. While neither we nor anyone else can take Ms. Lovato’s inventory – she alone can decide whether she is a full-fledged alcoholic or addict that must completely abstain from drugs and alcohol – we were concerned by this announcement.

For starters, as a pop music star, Ms. Lovato has outsized influence over young people – many of whom, like the rest of us, have or will develop troubling issues with drugs and alcohol. By her own admission, Ms. Lovato, who is just 28, has had three stokes, a heart attack and has nearly perished several times during relapses. Several people close to Ms. Lovato – including her manager, Scooter Braun, and the long-sober Elton John, who she has described as a recovery mentor – do not think the path of moderate drinking and drugging is a reasonable choice for Ms. Lovato. 

We are worried that young people will point to Ms. Lovato’s “Californian” sobriety as rationale for continuing to drink and drug despite harsh consequences they themselves may have endured. Ms. Lovato’s example has the potential to open trap doors in her fans’ addiction bottoms. Blessed with a platform to speak up, we cannot sit silent.

Also, our editorial team is based in California. As Californians who adhere to the conventional definition of sobriety – no inebriating substances, ever – we take umbrage with the hijacking of our state’s firm recovery reputation. After all, California is the most populous and industrious state in the country. Our example matters.

To showcase the impact both Ms. Lovato and our beloved Golden State have on the rest of the nation, we assigned an East Coast reporter – New Jersey-based Christopher Dale – to get a sense of the effect this news is having on recovery in his home state. The following is a transcript of a conversation between two members of Alcoholics Anonymous in beautiful Bayonne, New Jersey.

Hey how ya doin’? How’s ya ma? My cousin heard she fell and broke her hip. Madonn!

Anyway, you heard about this Demi Lovato chick? I picked up the Post last week to read about the Mets – goddamn bums – and saw that article about her. Says she’s California sober. Somethin’ about no drugs or drinking except for smokin’ weed. Oh and she says she drinks a little too.

I’m like ‘Hey, sign me up for summa that California sober,’ know what I’m sayin’? Some pretty nice perks they got for sober folks over there! I was out there once actually. Nice weather but the pizza and bagels are oogatz. And if you’re lookin’ for some decent gabagool it’s like fuhgeddaboudit.

Anyways this Demi chick gets me thinkin’. If she can be California sober, why can’t I be New Jersey soba?

I mean hey, if a 28-eight-year-old whose had three strokes and a heart attack and almost died a buncha times from drugs can handle a little pot and booze, why can’t I?

By the way, you heard that brand new songa hers? That Dancing with the Devil? Catchy tune! My niece can’t stop playin’ it – drives my sista nuts but whuddya gonna do. I love how the first verse is all about having a little red wine and being fine, and then the second verse is about smoking crack. What a toe tapper!

Sounds like someone poifectly capable of drinking responsibly. I’m all ‘Salut, Demi!’ I mean, just because you might influence a real drunk or junkie to go out and get loaded and maybe die, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your own thing. Ya gotta be you, ya know? I mean it’s not Demi’s fault my niece was clinically dead for 25 seconds from that fentanyl. Maybe next time she’ll just stick to wine and weed like Demi!Now, she did say that her ‘journey of moderation’ isn’t for everyone. So maybe she means once you’ve had four strokes and two heart attacks, it’s maybe time to call it quits. Or maybe when my niece has another brain aneurysm.

Anyways this Jersey soba thing. You want in? I mean, I know you’ve had some issues wit’ H in the past, and you just had that stroke – how’s your eyes by the way? Hey how many fingas am I holdin’ up? Just bustin’ your chops – but you been doin’ real good at those meetin’s. Me too. My collapsed lung is mostly better and I haven’t popped any of them pills in more than a year. Got my chip to prove it. Keep it in a place of honor: near the espresso maker. It was either that or the tomata garden. They’re comin’ in nice this year.

So yeah I been doin’ real good at them meetin’s. Even though I was speakin’ up there in Connecticut last week and I swear those medigans ain’t never seen no pisans before. I start talkin’ about missin’ a little grappa with my schviadel and they’re lookin’ at me like I got two heads. Probably too busy eatin’ noodles and ketchup.

Anyways I think this Jersey soba thing could really take off. Whuddya think?

What would it look like? Well for one thing, I think red wine with the macaroni and gravy is a given. I mean my God, we’re alcoholics, not savages. Am I right?

OK, so we’re good on red wine when we eat pasta. And pizza. Oh and lasagna, chicken parm or sausage and peppers. Done and done.

Also, if the Jets don’t start winning some games here – and let’s be honest, that ain’t gonna happen – we’re gonna need a few Bud Lights to keep us from trowin’ the remote through the TV. That reminds me: you call Vito about that deadbeat who won’t pay up?  Anyway OK, so red wine with the food, beer with football. Oh and baseball. And how ‘bout those Nets? Harden looks unstoppable. So yeah them too.

Oh and Mass wine. Hey, it’s the blooda Christ for Christ’s sake. Who the hell are we to pass that up? Now let’s talk weed. After all, it’s legal here just like in Cali. Those people think they know all about the weed, but they ain’t never had a Jersey Joint. It’s got marijuana leaves, hash and a few sprinkles of coke. Can’t beat it. Goes great with a nice glass of Chianti actually.  I gotta tell ya, I’m really liking this idea. Move over Jersey Shore and Jersey Mike’s. Make room for Jersey Soba.  I’m sure this will work out just great for Demi, too. I mean, who am I to take her inventory? What 28-year-old hasn’t had a few strokes and a heart attack?

And so what if she once said “this illness is not something that disappears or fades with time?” Who knows, maybe she meant COVID? How’s your uncle by the way? Still on the ventilata?

Anyways, so we got the red wine for the red sauce, beer for the sports and weed for … well, I guess wheneva. Let’s do it! Let’s get Jersey Soba. What could go wrong? Fuhgeddaboudit.


The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Addiction/Recovery eBulletin or its staff.

The post Journalist Investigates “New Jersey Sober” by Christopher Dale appeared first on Addiction/Recovery eBulletin.

Songs about Recovery

By Roger C

The road to recovery can be rough. The detox, the rehab… Even without those, the first few weeks and months without alcohol or drugs can be a challenge. But…

Life in recovery is often inspiring. Over time we discover how to live a good life, and to do that one day at a time. Who would have thought?

Today we have five inspiring songs, all about living in recovery, and what it’s all about. Enjoy!


I Can See Clearly Now

Johnny Nash wrote and produced this song for his 1972 album of the same name. The song is about hope and courage for people who have experienced adversity in their lives, but have later overcome it. ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ reached number one in America, selling over a million copies. “It’s going to be a bright sunshiny day.” You will hear more about the sun in another one of today’s songs.

Here’s the song on YouTube and here are the lyrics.

I can see clearly now the rain is gone.
I can see all obstacles in my way.
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.
It’s gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day.
It’s gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day.

Oh, yes I can make it now the pain is gone.
All of the bad feelings have disappeared.


Let It Be

Well, the Beatles. I was one of 73 million people who saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show on February 9, 1964. Beginning two years earlier, they released over 300 songs and one of my favorites – something I understand in recovery – is “Let It Be”, released in 1970. This is a song that connects very well with the Serenity Wish (otherwise known as a prayer), often shared at AA meetings.

Paul McCartney wrote the song. Guilty of extreme substance abuse at the time, he had a dream in which his mother – her name was Mary and she had died ten years earlier – told him to “let it be”. Here are the lyrics and you can watch and listen to the song on YouTube. Whisper words of wisdom, my friends:

And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me
Shinin’ until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be


Just for Today

My long time friend, Nina, also a member of our “We Agnostics” AA group in Hamilton, has written a song about her life in recovery. Sung by Nina with the harmonies by her daughter, you can listen to Just for Today and, if you wish, you can read and download the lyrics.

Just for today I’ll do everything right
Hold onto the bright side with all of my might
If this is the last day I spend with you
Then let it be joyful, authentic and true

Just for today I’ll be happy and bright
Just for today I’ll let go of the fight
Just for today I’ll love all that I am
Just for today I won’t give a damn
Just for today I won’t give a damn


One Day at a Time

This song is about Joe Walsh’s recovery from heavy alcohol and cocaine addictions. As Joe put it “I got sober. It was not easy, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, and I had to stop and learn how to do everything over again sober”. He then had “a wonderful life,” as he put. This song was released in 2012 and you can listen to it on YouTube and here are the lyrics for “One Day at a Time”.

Well I finally got around to admit that I might have a problem
But I thought it was just too damn big of a mountain to climb
Well I got down on my knees and said hey
I just cant go on livin’ this way
Guess I have to learn to live my life one day at a time

Oh yeah, one day at a time
Oh yeah, one day at a time


Here Comes the Sun

Another Beatles song, this one written by George Harrison and, as part of the Abbey Road album, was released in 1969. As someone put it, “To me Here Comes the Sun is a good metaphor to forget the dark, cold past, and bask in the new warm sunlight, because good is on its way…” Well said.  Here are the lyrics and here it is on YouTube.

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here

Here comes the sun do, do, do
Here comes the sun
And I say it’s all right

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been clear


 

The post Songs about Recovery first appeared on AA Agnostica.

Demi Serves California Bullshit For Lunch

Addiction Recovery Bulletin

ONE STROKE OVER THE LINE? – 

March 22, 2021 – Lovato has endured two highly publicized relapses and suffered “three strokes and a heart attack” during that time — details of which will be shared in her forthcoming YouTube documentary “Dancing With the Devil.”

Lovato also talked about her current stage of recovery, when CBS’s Smith asked her to elaborate on the “moderation” approach to recovery.

“So, you’re doing what they call moderation, I guess, right? So, you’re drinking, smoking a little bit of weed, is that fair to say?” Smith asked. “Yeah. I think the term that I best identify with is ‘California sober,’ ” said Lovato, at her Los Angeles home with Smith last week. “I really don’t feel comfortable explaining the parameters of my recovery to people, because I don’t want anyone to look at my parameters of safety and think that’s what works for them, because it might not.”

She continued, “I am cautious to say that, just like I feel the complete abstinent method isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for everybody, I don’t think that this journey of moderation is a one-size-fits-all solution for everybody, too.”

Yet some viewers were critical of the “California sober” tagline.

more@NYPost

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Demi Does California Sober for Brunch. Rosé or Riesling?

Addiction Recovery Bulletin

ONE STROKE OVER THE LINE? – 

March 22, 2021 – Lovato has endured two highly publicized relapses and suffered “three strokes and a heart attack” during that time — details of which will be shared in her forthcoming YouTube documentary “Dancing With the Devil.”

Lovato also talked about her current stage of recovery, when CBS’s Smith asked her to elaborate on the “moderation” approach to recovery.

“So, you’re doing what they call moderation, I guess, right? So, you’re drinking, smoking a little bit of weed, is that fair to say?” Smith asked. “Yeah. I think the term that I best identify with is ‘California sober,’ ” said Lovato, at her Los Angeles home with Smith last week. “I really don’t feel comfortable explaining the parameters of my recovery to people, because I don’t want anyone to look at my parameters of safety and think that’s what works for them, because it might not.”

She continued, “I am cautious to say that, just like I feel the complete abstinent method isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for everybody, I don’t think that this journey of moderation is a one-size-fits-all solution for everybody, too.”

Yet some viewers were critical of the “California sober” tagline.

more@NYPost

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6 Ways to Create Meaning in Your Life

Published on The Fix

What makes life meaningful?

Knowing the answer can make a big difference in your personal fulfillment. At Sunshine Coast Health Centre in British Columbia, program director Geoff Thompson and his team regularly help clients discover and develop a meaningful life.

Despite that, Thompson doesn’t have any easy explanation for what makes life meaningful.

“A meaningful life is a personally meaningful life,” he says. “Regardless of wealth, education, fame, power, etc., if a person does not feel their life is meaningful, then it isn’t.”

It can be easy to overthink whether or not your life has meaning. But if you find yourself questioning whether you have a meaningful life or not, chances are you have some work to do.

“It’s interesting that those who are contented in life don’t really think about living a meaningful life,” Thompson says. “In fact, if questions of meaning come to the fore, it’s a guarantee that the wheels have come off.”

No one but you can decide what makes your life meaningful. However, there are some things to consider as you think about creating a more meaningful life.

Recognize that Happiness Isn’t Enough

It’s common to think that a meaningful life is one full of happiness. However, that’s not always the case, says Thompson. We’ve all heard of people who have everything they thought they wanted — the perfect job, home, spouse, etc. — but who were not content. On the other hand, we’ve heard stories of people who have given it all up to pursue a passion and found meaning and richness of life along the way. So, it’s safe to say there’s more to a meaningful life than just happiness.

Embrace Life, with Good and Bad

Happiness isn’t the key ingredient to meaning, and to find a meaningful life you also need to accept that life comes with good times and bad, Thompson says.

“The problem with the ‘happiness’ approach is that those who pursue happiness are doomed,” he says. “Suffering is a natural part of life, so they will always fail.”

Some people find meaning through their suffering — including people who have navigated the difficulties or drug or alcohol addiction. It can be worth exploring what your suffering has contributed to your life — the lessons it has taught or the people it has brought in — and reflecting on how those things have increased meaningfulness.

Accept Reality

For many people, life is harsh. This can be particularly true coming out of the chaos of addiction and the traumas that might have contributed to your drug or alcohol misuse. But in order to find meaning, you must accept life, just as it is, Thompson says.

“A person who desires a meaningful life must first accept reality, no matter how bleak,” he says.

This means no excuses — you can’t say your childhood trauma caused your addiction, or that you only have a record because the criminal justice system was out to get you. Instead, you need to accept reality and make sense of the world around you.

Know Yourself

A meaningful life is incredibly personal. To know what is meaningful to you, you must have a sound sense of self. That means defining the values, principles and beliefs that will guide you throughout life.

“Those who live meaningfully understand what is important to them: their values, their beliefs, strengths, limitations, desires and wants,” Thompson says.

Once you understand these things, you can create goals based on these criteria.

Build Relationships

Almost everyone finds meaning in quality, authentic connections with others. Fostering healthy relationships — and getting rid of those that are no longer healthy — can contribute to the meaning in your life.

“Those who live meaningful lives develop positive, authentic connections with others,” Thompson says.

Diversify

The people who have the most fulfillment in life find meaning from various sources, Thompson says.

“A contented person needs several sources of meaning to live a meaningful life: work, family, community, etc,” he says.

If you just have one or two of those, you might find your sense of a meaningful life lacking.

“Many clients find meaning only in one area of their life,” Thompson says. “In this case—all eggs in one or two baskets—we would say the person is not living a personally meaningful life.”

Finding fulfillment from different areas can ensure that you maintain a rich and meaningful existence.


Sunshine Coast Health Centre is a non 12-step drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in British Columbia. The Fix staff consists of the editor-in-chief and publisher, a senior editor, an associate editor, an editorial coordinator, and several contributing editors and writers. Articles in Professional Voices, Ask an Expert, and similar sections are written by doctors, psychologists, clinicians, professors and other experts from universities, hospitals, government agencies and elsewhere. For contact and other info, please visit our About Us page.


 

The post 6 Ways to Create Meaning in Your Life first appeared on AA Agnostica.

Biden’s Likely “Drug Czar” Presided Over Destruction of WV Syringe Program

Addiction Recovery Bulletin

SAFE INJECTION SITES UNLIKELY – 

March 17, 2021 – President Joe Biden is planning to announce Dr. Rahul Guptaas his pick for the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), otherwise known as the nation’s drug czar, sources close to the White House tell Filter.

Dr. Gupta, an internal medicine physician, led Biden’s drug policy transition team, and is currently the senior vice president and chief medical and health officer at March of Dimes, a nonprofit that focuses on improving the health of mothers and their children.

But Dr. Gupta previously led West Virginia’s response to the overdose crisis, as the state’s public health commissioner from 2015 to 2018. And it’s his actions (or rather, inaction) in this role that raise questions about his suitability for the ONDCP post—especially since Biden’s current ONDCP has expressed a commitment to compassionate harm reduction principles, a major departure from past federal drug policy agendas.

West Virginia currently leads the nation in overdose fatalities, according to the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And Gupta was praised by local and national press for his efforts to reverse West Virginia’s alarming overdose death rate. In May 2018, Politico Magazine described him as “a data-driven health commissioner” who “figured out a way to slow overdose deaths.”

While Gupta earned accolades for his overdose efforts, public health and harm reduction experts question his response to another urgent health crisis plaguing West Virginia: the spread of blood-borne viruses like HIV and hepatitis.

Facing the known risk of a massive viral outbreak linked to syringe sharing, Dr. Gupta put politics above the health of vulnerable and stigmatized people, public health experts say.

more@FilterMag

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Do College Students even do drugs?

Addiction Recovery Bulletin

DO BEARS COME IN THE MAIL? – 

March 4, 2021 – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a statewide standing order for free naloxone to help curb out the mortality rate from opioid overdoses. California colleges and universities are able to qualify to receive naloxone for distribution after completing an online application process for CDPH. The bill’s fact sheet explains that the CDPH program, “Is open to any community organization or entity in California that can provide naloxone to those at risk of overdose.” Additionally, instructional videos are provided by CDPH on how to properly administer the naloxone. As part of SB 367, campus orientation materials will be required to provide the educational information to teach how to properly administer the naloxone.

Passing of this bill will ensure that the number of individuals properly trained to assist someone experiencing an overdose will be expanded. Executive Director and Co-Founder of A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing) Gretchen Burns Bergman says, “As a mother of two sons who had struggled with opioid addiction, I feel it is my right and responsibility to have naloxone in my medicine cabinet. We know that there is drug use happening on college campuses, so students and faculty should be prepared to save the life of a friend at risk. Doesn’t it make more sense to carry naloxone than to deal emotionally with tragic and unnecessary loss?”

If SB 367 is to pass, it will at least be giving college students the knowledge of knowing there is naloxone easily and readily available for them to use. “As an advocate to the recovery community, and an everyday advocate to basic human rights, I think it is only logical to give the youth the ability to choose how they live in the world around them. Giving people options to resources and avenues of support will build community and connection for everyone involved,” says Young People in Recovery Chapter Coordinator Jessica Saldana. The importance of giving youth options to resources is critical. 

It cannot be understated that what SB 367 will require will surely be life changing for many people. Additionally, it could start the progression of ultimately having naloxone be available in most public places for people to use in case of an emergency. This will be a huge step to help stop the continued rise of opioid overdose deaths in California.

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