A mother who just lost her son to a heroin overdose posted this from writer, Alicia Cook on her Facebook wall. It is her grief. Prayers that no other mother will have to bear this grief. Alicia Cook documents the pain many feel from addiction. "Sometimes you don't realize you are holding yourself together until you aren't anymore. Suddenly, you're not the same person you thought you were just moments before. No. You are not okay, You are not fine. But you will be. When I say "you will be okay" I do not mean you will wake up one day and be the same person you were before the pain. Pain changes a person. But you will discover a new version of "you". One who has experienced the great sadness that only follows a great loss. One who knows the value of a good cry. One who knows that even after the coldest of winters, spring will still survive. " I know his parents. His name was Justin. College educated, a kind soul who enjoyed working with dogs. You know the disposable ones, the dogs that seemed like a good idea at the time or who got old and needed more care just when the owner lost interest. Justin was that gentle soul who gave these disposable pets love and care. Sadly, heroin addicts are becoming our disposable people. Stigma keeps us from caring. People think addiction is something the addict brought on themselves. Get your loved one help. Don't give up. Push someone that you think is giving up on their loved one. Don't let addiction take another soul. I love the song by The Fray. Very pointed. Robert E Martin was featured in Sam Quiones book, Dreamland: A True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic.
R E Martin and Associates provide interventions for families and businesses with an employee or loved ones suffering from an addiction, training and education for professionals on a variety of substance abuse and recovery topics, program evaluations, drug diversion prevention surveys for medical practices and hospitals and of course sober coaching. See "Recovery Resources" on our website for treatment facilities we recommend.
2 Comments
Got a DWI? Not sure what to do next? If you have been convicted of a DWI (Driving While Impaired), you must get a substance use assessment. You must also complete either an education program or treatment program. If you fail to submit to a breath test or if you are registered over 0.14%, you will be referred to treatment. 1. To get your driver's license re-instated, you must complete a Substance Use Assessment. 2. All assessments must be conducted in person by a qualified or certified substance abuse professional. 3. You will need to bring a copy of your citation and documentation of your BAC to the assessment. An assessment requires a fee of $100.00. The assessment is composed of a standardized test and a clinical interview. 4. The assessor will obtain your "Complete Driving History" from the DMV. 5. Your assessment is good for 6 months. The clinical substance abuse assessment for persons with a DWI offense is valid for 6 (six) months. If an individual does not begin services within 6 (six) months of the completion of the clinical substance abuse assessment, a new substance abuse assessment is required, in order to ensure the inclusion of all current and relevant information to recommend the appropriate level of care. An additional fee will be required. 6. Assessments must follow American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria to determine your needs. 7. The provider is required to inform you of other local providers who offer the service you need. 8. The provider may not charge a fee to transfer your case to another in-state provider. 9. The provider may charge for special services and for handling out-of-state cases. 10. Breathe. Have additional questions? Stop holding your breath, and Breathe! Give us a call today, 704-782-3050. Breathe., LLC is an approved provider with the state of North Carolina to provide DWI assessments and treatment. I cannot tell you how many times I've heard," I think my car has automatic pilot to the ABC Store. I don't know what happened, before I knew it I was there." How often are you driving on automatic pilot? How many times have you been on your way to work and then suddenly realize that, for miles, you have been unaware of what has been going on? It's not uncommon for people in recovery or not in recovery to get lost in their thoughts. “Wondering about why my mom look at me did that way this morning?” “When will my spouse trust me again?”
When we practice mindfulness we are more aware of what is going on in the moment. Often, in addiction clients are concerned about what happened in the past and what can potentially happen in the future. This takes away from the beauty of experiencing recovery, here and now. By being mindful, you enjoy your recovery more, your meetings more, and your family and friends more. Here are some simple techniques to become more mindful. 1. Connect with your breath. Become aware of your breath, and where you feel your breath the most. Possibly focus on the rise and fall of your belly, and/or the rise and fall of your chest. 2. Connect with your five senses. Take a moment to connect with your sense of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Addiction is a disease that impacts the body, mind, and spirit. Too often we leave the body out of the equation. Take a few moments to become aware of what your body needs. Listen to your body. Take 5 minutes a day to do absolutely nothing. Take a moment to reset! You’ve reset your computer when you’re frustrated, right? Why not take a moment to reset yourself. Take a few moments to sit in stillness, and which each exhale find yourself becoming more relaxed. Remember, don’t hold your breath! Breathe! Please visit our Meditation and Resources Page for a free mindfulness meditation. With summer quickly approaching, I’m frequently being asked, “What should I do when I attend this party?” Often, the first step is examining your motivation for attending the event. If the motivation is, “I want to show everyone how well I’m doing!” This can be very similar to the phrase, “Hey! Watch me jump off this!” For people in early recovery and clients who’ve had years in recovery this can be a struggle and a high risk situation, to attend an event where alcohol is being served. Sometimes, it is impossible to miss your sister’s wedding or grandma and grandpas 50th wedding anniversary. If you simply can’t avoid these events, you may find these tips helpful. 1. Have an exit plan- Have a plan in place that when you become uncomfortable you can leave. It’s best to bring a friend or a partner that is supportive of your recovery. Prior to attending the event have a discussion with your friend or partner. Have a saying or phrase that is code for, “I’m ready to leave.” 2. Go early and leave early-Go to the event prior to everyone beginning to drink or drink heavily at the event. Often, it can become very uncomfortable, and cravings can rise when you are around this environment for an extended period of time. 3. Self-serve-Upon arriving at the party grab a water or a soda. It is not likely someone will approach you with a drink or ask you if you want a drink, if you already have a drink in hand. Always keep your drink with you to avoid picking up the wrong drink. If you are approached? Respond with, “No thanks”, “I’m driving”, “My personal trainer has me on this crazy diet….I can’t.” 4. Always be ready to go-Make sure you are parked in a space that you are not blocked in and can leave easily. Always know where your keys are so if you become uncomfortable you can exit quickly. |
AuthorsAlanna is the Owner and Clinical Director of Breathe., LLC. Alanna is a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, Registered Yoga Instructor, and Certified Heartmath Trainer. Alanna has over 20 years of experience working in the addictions field. Alanna takes a holistic approach when working with clients, combining the mind, body, and spirit in counseling. Archives
October 2024
Categories
All
|