Energy Drink Consumption Signal Substance Abuse In Teens,

Very interesting study--it looks like when you "train" yourself to rely on outside things for your mood--i.e. energy drinks for a pick me up--and such--that you are training yourself for substance abuse--but it makes sense and why would we be surprised?

Energy Drink Consumption May Signal Substance Abuse In Teens, Young Adults - Health News - redOrbit: "Teens who constantly crack open a Red Bull or Monster energy drink could be at a higher risk of using alcohol and drugs, according to a new study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.

The energy drink industry has grown immensely over the past decade, and studies show that nearly one-third of US adolescents consume the high-caffeinated drinks. However, the latest research says that these teens also show higher rates of alcohol, cigarette or drug use."

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(36) InsideOUT Writers

If you are not a member of FaceBook I apologize for linking to this--but it is such a great endeavor. This is young people who have been incarcerated using writing to help help themselves and reaching out to others. I love it. That is how the book "Young, sober, & Free" was written--a group of young people in recovery getting together and deciding what needs to be in their book. In the forward we quote a judge who always used to say "I ain't Preaching..." because he didn't thinking preaching to those before him would ever help. Today in many 12 step programs they have a saying "reach out, don't preach out." and young writers reaching out to other kids who need guidance--well, there is nothing better.



(36) InsideOUT Writers:



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Community class educates teens and parents on pot

Community class educates teens and parents on pot: "The legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado has local law enforcement and parents concerned. Tuesday, dozens of parents and their teens had the opportunity to learn more about the harmful effects of drug use."



News flash--kids are not likely to give a hoot. In fact they are probably laughing behind your backs--with the legalization of pot, clinics on the corner, clebas doing it and even the prez saying it should be legalized--why would they listen about the "evils."



In fact, it is the least harmful of the recreational drugs--until we look at tobacco and alcohol, how can we teach about the "EVEILS" of maryjane? I think we are going to have to find another approach--like making kids think lots of others are not doing it and that's the cool thing....influences on what others do work best to persuade kids not to do, or to do, behaviors. that is the growth stage they are in. Preaching and teaching just won't cut it.





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Jenelle Evans Reads Book For Recovering Addicts!

Well, look at this--someone using Day By Day and proud of it! even has over 600 likes--That is our first meditation book and we are proud of it too Jenelle.

Despite being arrested for heroin possession and simple assault in April, Teen Mom 2’s Jenelle Evans is making sure she stays on her sober track. To prove it, the mom hopped on Facebook to show off one of her daily reads — a book called Day by Day: Daily Meditations For Recovering Addicts.

Jenelle Evans Reads Book For Recovering Addicts! (PHOTO) | Teen Mom | Wetpaint:

Post by Jenelle Evans.

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On alcoholism, Marty Walsh deserves better coverage than Bush got

Alcoholism isn't the stigma that it used to be. Here is a story about the Boston Mayor (Walsh) who is very open about his attendance at AA meetings. the article also discusses George Bush and his openness regarding his disease and spiritual recovery in a 12 Step program.



The disease of addiction (alcoholism included) can be a real blessing to those afflicted. How? i was raised in an alcoholic home that gave me a very rocky beginning. I didn't have much of a foundation to build on like kids from solid family backgrounds. I don't need to paint a picture for most of our readers about how sick and outrageous an alcoholic background could be--but take my word for it, once i began drinking--all hell broke loose. I was an ugly loudmouthed drunk who didn't have much of a chance anywhere except in a bar or the pages of Playboy.



So being an alcoholic who could join a 12 Step program was a blessing. It gave me a way out--a way to "fix" what was wrong with me--not just my current alcoholism but all those things I didn't learn while growing up. the program raised me, so to speak and gave me a spiritual base from which to build my life.



So when you discover that loved one (especially your children) are chemically dependent, look at the blessing side of recovery. Read about this Mayor and about our past president. Their recovery MADE them and your child's recovery can make them too--and you can be part of the solution. Be sure to look at our website for parents SobercoachingYourTeen.com

On alcoholism, Marty Walsh deserves better coverage than Bush got - Opinion - The Boston Globe: "So far, so good. Walsh has spoken openly about his struggles with alcohol with the Globe and other publications. It was widely reported during the mayoral campaign that Walsh still attends meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous almost 20 years after quitting. “I don’t really care who knows I’m an alcoholic, because if it helps somebody else knowing that I’m an alcoholic, then they’ll ask me for help if they need it,” Walsh told the Globe’s Stephanie Ebbert last year."

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5th Annual Experience, Strength and Hope Award Show | Writers in Treatment

I am going to this event on February 13--so excited. this is one of the non-profits I support and I hope you will give it a look see. They give scholarships to writers in recovery. this year they are

Honoring Carrie White,
author of UPPER CUT

5th Annual Experience, Strength and Hope Award Show | Writers in Treatment: "5th Annual Experience, Strength and Hope Award Show


Join Us to Celebrate
The 5th Annual
Experience, Strength and Hope Award Show"

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Substance Use Disorders in the U.S. Armed Forces

We know that the military has a high rate of addiction problems, but how are our  guys and gals helped when an addiction problem does occur? Maybe you have a loved one in the service and are worried that they have a problem or that the addiction problems of others may endanger their life.



The Department of Defense (DoD) is analyzing its policies and programs that pertain to prevention and treatment of substance use disorders for active duty service members in all branches. they commissioned a study with the Institute of Medicine. One of the problems is that the military stresses being physically fit and combat ready and addiction problems clearly are not in line with that goal--in fact a lot of energy goes into hiding addiction problems--not seeking help in the service. Why? Because when drug abuse behavior is reported to the commander--rather then get help, it means your career in the service is over.



This report may help--help train our professionals to get help for their men and bring them back...in fact i know that men in recovery will make great soldiers and generals and admirals and whatever other commanders our military holds. those who practice the principles of recovery can add so much to our national security. Read about teh study here:

Substance Use Disorders in the U.S. Armed Forces - Institute of Medicine: "Like many sectors of society, the U.S. military has a long history of alcohol and other drug misuse and abuse. In recent years, the face of the issue has been transformed by increasing rates of prescription drug abuse among service members. Heavy alcohol use and binge drinking continues to be a concern within the military."

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