“Our society considers prescription drugs safe as opposed to snorting cocaine or shooting heroin,” DeFreese said. “That acceptance makes it very easy for young people to say it’s no big deal. Both parents and young people need to realize the dangers.”
Yeah I’m tooting my own horn, but it’s for a good cause! See the whole story at the Shelby County Reporter.
I just wanted to share the flyer that is going out to publicize the task force's presentation/panel on prescription drug abuse and addiction. The panel fleshed out rather nicely with a great mix of treatment providers, law enforcement, medical professionals and one semi-deranged blogger/recovering alcoholic.
It’s a great pleasure to say that The Discovering Alcoholic hasn’t missed a nightly update in over a year and readership has increased by the thousands, so I figured introductions are in order for those new to the site. You have probably already guessed by the site name that yes, I am a recovering alcoholic clean and sober without relapse since the fall of 94’ and keep feeling better everyday. I am proud of my recovery and often share this fact.
I consider most substance addictions as birds of a feather, not making great distinction between drug addicts and alcoholics. It is my belief that any step toward recovery is a smart step and I support most programs including AA, NA, MA, religious groups, self-styled, and rehabs. I am a member of a substance abuse task force, hold a recovery class every week at a local methadone clinic, always have at least one or two alcoholics/addicts to which I act as a sponsor, and of course there is TDA. I have found through my efforts of attempting to help others that my own spirituality, confidence, and appreciation of life greatly increases.
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We had to move the date up a bit to take advantage of a larger venue, but it is my extreme pleasure to announce that on Dec 2nd I will host a substance abuse workshop at the Calera High School auditorium. Prescription drug abuse will be the primary theme for the program, but resources and experts on all substance abuse and addiction will be available.
The presentation will include participation from the Substance Abuse Task Force, Alabama Department of Mental Health, Faces and Voices of Recovery. Community representation will also include those from law enforcement, EMS services, and health and medical officials.
I would like to offer a special TDA salute to Principal Bishop who did not hesitate to offer the school’s new 600 seat auditorium for the event; it is representative of his obvious concern and care about our kids and community. If you are local to the TDA area, check out this link for details on where (map included) and when to attend.
It’s been a good while since I’ve made an advocacy update on my activity with the Governor’s Substance Abuse Task Force in Alabama, so here’s a report on today’s monthly meeting.
The mission of the task force is to enhance and promote substance abuse and addiction prevention, treatment and recovery. The group is made up of 22 very talented members from different fields of prevention, treatment, recovery... and one simple-minded blogger. The meeting today covered two main topics, the planning of quarterly community outreach programs and National Recovery Month (NRM) activities.
The outreach programs focus on reducing the stigma associated with substance abuse and addiction, discussing treatment and funding sources, and to allow those in the community to voice their concerns. Not only do the experienced task force members attend, but local law, judicial, and community leaders are also invited to attend and speak. My intentions were to plan a community outreach program in my home county in July but the travel schedule for my job that pays the bills was just too unpredictable. Even though it is later than I had hoped, today we set a concrete Dec.11th date for the program in my home area.
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