Marijuana X - The Other Side of Should Marijuana Be Legal?

It's just not marijuana anymore! Weed is being commercialized. It is being genetically modified and chemically altered on a commercial basis. The very nature of these changes should infuriate the very naturalist legalizers that have led the legalize movement. Butane Hash Oil, edibles and concentrates are all products that contradict the natural argument. The "It's just Weed" slogan no longer applies. THIS is not your Grandfather's Pot!

Since the government owns the patent on marijuana can we really trust them?

Remember they were the same folks who said, nicotine and cigarettes weren't addictive?

Video: youtube

From Stay In Your Lane

Up For Discussion: Should Marijuana Be Legal?

I know this topic has been covered all over the place.

BUT...

Did you know that the US Government holds the patent on all marijuana in the USA?

I personally am not for or against marijuana- medicinally or recreationally. I did sign a petition awhile back in favor of medical marijuana only because I know people who say it has helped them.

If something can help someone then who am I to say they can't have it?

AND...

This is all just my opinion of course. We all have opinions! This didn't come lightly for me because heroin and addiction has torn my family to pieces. I have thought a lot about this.

Now... It's your turn. What is your opinion on this subject of marijuana being legal? Are you for medicinal marijuana? Are you for recreational marijuana use? I am curious about others opinions on this topic of discussion.

Other Links:

The Drug Policy Alliance

Please Post Your Comments Below!!!!

How to post a comment:

You don't have to have a google account or a blog to place a comment.  Click the "Comment As" in the comments and scroll down to Anonymous to enter your comment. If you wish to leave your name or initials you can.

You are also more than welcome to enter your name or initials in the NAME/URL or Open ID if you wish

Thank You to those reading! You guys are amazing!

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opinion here © 2016 Gossip Girl

Challenge Myself: Day #103 Workplace Conflicts

Today is Day #103 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to summarize three points of your adversary's argument.

Employee conflict in the workplace is a common occurrence, resulting from the differences in employees' personalities and values. Dealing with employee conflict in a timely manner is important to maintaining a healthy work environment.

The book says,

Challenge Myself: Day #102 Do You Add Value To Your Company?

Today is Day #102 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to list the ways that you provide value to your company.

The book says,

Companies That Hire Felons

The Live Happy Challenges for the past week have been about the workplace. I have a few readers to this blog who are recovering addicts. A few were incarcerated and/or felons and they are having a hard time finding work after making major life changes. Here is a list of companies that DO hire felons.

Challenge Myself: Day #101 Focus on What You Want

Today is Day #101 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to spend five minutes before bedtime imagining forthcoming fame.

The book says,

Challenge Myself: Day #100 Effective Communication

Today is Day #100 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to improve your oral communication skills by joining a group such as, Toastmasters International.

The book says,

Just For Today

Challenge Myself: Day #99 Outline Your Career

Today is Day #99 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to create a chart to outline the steps of your career.

The book says,

In college, you may have had a clear idea of where you wanted to be three to five years after graduation, but have you considered it since?

Now is as good a time as any to create a chart for your new career goals. Use the chart to outline each step and put a date beside the steps. You may find it easer to work on this by starting with your ultimate goal, say in five years, and then working back to the present.

Do this exercise when you don't have other matters clamoring for your time and attention; your career deserves your focused and thoughtful consideration.

For instance, what level did you start at? Did you start at an entry level position? What other levels in your career have you had a chance to work? In the beginning did you have a goal in mind? If you are just starting out in your career, where do you want to be in five years in your present career? What will it take to climb the ladder of success in your field?

Just For Today: I am happy doing the job that I am doing at this present moment!

From the book: Live Happy

Local Community Involvement

So excited to announce something AMAZING that this local church is doing....read on you will definitely want to get involved.


Come by the First Baptist Church located at 315 W. King St. in Martinsburg, WV.

Every Thursday they offer a recovery program, not just for recovering drug and alcohol addicts but for those who struggle with anything, yes basically everyone.

Twice a month before this begins they go out on the sidewalk of King St and feed a meal to anyone that shows up, which includes many addicts and homeless.

Starting in October we will in addition be opening a food pantry to give away groceries to the needy!! We have 3500lbs of groceries coming to be given to those in need on October 6th.

NOW HEAR THIS... because this is a God thing, a community thing and not just a 'church thing' they need more people to get involved.  They need man power to hand out flyers, sort and distribute food, make meals for our meal nights. They need to know who wants to be a part of this?

Remember we can't complain about our community if we aren't taking part in healing it. They are offering you a chance to help with some of that healing. Who wants to take part? 

For more information on this program or how you can help please contact Jill Dodson Bevins on her Facebook or email her at jillbevins@gmail.com or you can call the church directly at (304) 263-5722.

...Matthew 25:40

pic of church provided by Google
Matthew 25:40 pic: embedded faith

Stop The Stigma: Crimes and Jail

Here is another post in the Angry Mom edition of.... Heroin Epidemic in Berkeley County!!!


This post as you will see is a venting about a system that is broken. Not just here in Berkeley County or West Virginia. Everywhere!

That system you may wonder? The criminal justice system.

Many of the jails in this country are now privately owned. I believe our own jail systems in West Virginia under the "Regional Jail System" are privately owned.

I remember when they were county owned but I believe

Petition: Stop The War on Kratom

On August 31st the DEA irresponsibly placed the active compounds in kratom, Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine, into Schedule I, effective September 30.

Kratom is a tropical plant in the coffee family from Southeast Asia that has been used to help those suffering from opioid withdrawal for centuries.

Without a serious scientific investigation the DEA intends to subject anyone caught with kratom to long prison terms and mandatory sentencing. This DEA action threatens to halt all scientific investigations into kratom’s medicinal benefits in part because it will become illegal to import the kratom needed for research purposes.

With America currently suffering from an overdose epidemic linked to opioids, the DEA is criminalizing a plant many people use to help with opioid withdrawal. If the DEA gets its way, more people who struggle with addiction could be criminalized, which is exactly the opposite direction we should be going. 

As your constituent I ask that you please act immediately to halt the DEA’s irresponsible action to place kratom on the list of Schedule I drugs.

Sign The Petition

Other Links:

45 Congressman Ask the DEA Not to Ban Kratom

SOAPBOX: I Am Still an Angry Addicts Mom Here...

I will not argue and I will only give this topic a minute of my time with this soapbox post.

Recently when I heard from someone that someone in position had referred to this blog and I guess to myself as, The Mommy Bloggy let me tell you I was very offended by that labeling of my blog and yes I did get angry at that. How dare someone?

My son may be five and a half hours away at a recovery house, recovering from heroin and other substances that he abused daily and not using today however I am still an angry addicts mom!

Let's not pretend wink wink. I am getting a little better with the

Abuse of Prescription Drugs: This is How This Epidemic Started

From Drug Abuse. Gov

Chasing The Scream: The Story of the Drug War You've Never Heard Before ...

Chasing the scream

video youtube

Solution: Overdose is A Preventable Death

When you think about this heroin epidemic in our town and the communities here it doesn't take but a minute to start figuring out what is needed here. In this country overdose deaths are the leading cause of death among our young generation of people. Our children are dying and at a higher more alarming rate.

The high numbers of Overdose and Preventable Death

Our numbers of OD's and OD causing death continue to rise.
Drug use and the disorders that go along with it are still going untreated.

Our town officials and the local media need to stop using the catch phrase, "Dispelling Rumors" when referring to this heroin epidemic here! What rumors? There is no place for the word rumors in the discussion about this heroin epidemic. The numbers we have is data and statistics!!!!

We need to remove certain words from our vocabulary when speaking to others about our heroin problems here.

Many in leadership roles need to stop acting like they have all of the answers to the problems. If that were the case, why are they waiting all of these years to find a fix to the problem and correct it?

Of course this is just my opinion. They should be open to listening to what others have to say about it and maybe together we can all find the solutions!

© 2016 Gossip Girl

The Bikers Against Heroin: First Chilli Cook-Off

I went to the Bikers Against Heroin First Annual Chilli Cook-Off yesterday held at The Rock on Rt. 11 North Williamsport Pike. Included in the events of the evening was a cornhole tournament, a raffle and a dance at the end of the evening.

This pic belongs to: Bikers Against Heroin WV Chapter

The Bikers Against Heroin is a local non profit who is trying to help and raise awareness in our community on how bad this deadly epidemic is and vow to help as many as they can by raising money at fund raisers as well as helping with transporting to rehab and treatment facilities across West Virginia.

This pic belongs to: Bikers Against Heroin WV Chapter

The band was The Dixie Moon Band.

Here are some pics that highlighted the evenings events.

Contestants registering their chilli for the event

President of the WV Chapter Dee Stotylmyer Pierce, Vice President Trina Gletner and Educator Lisa Everhart telling the crowd about the Bikers Against Heroin and what they stand for in this community.

The money raised last night will go to Kevin Knowles Coordinator of our new Resource Recovery Center which will open one day this week.

Judging the Chilli for this event was Left: Kyle Koontz, Middle: Candidate for WV Delegate Christy Santana and setting is Josh Roseman.

Pictures of the winners coming soon.

pics: © 2016 Gossip Girl

Challenge Myself: #98 Stop Holding Back

Today is Day #98 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to think about two reasons why you haven't moved ahead in your job.

The book says,

This may seem like an exercise in negative thinking, but it isn't. In fact, it's just the opposite. In order to move forward, you have to know what holds you back and then figure out how to deal with
whatever it is.

For example, you are always over budget and behind schedule on projects assigned to you. Figure out why that is and what specific steps you can take to ensure it won't happen again.

If the problem is lack of knowledge, take some critical education classes, refresher courses, or find other ways to learn more about your field. If you are in a management position and are chronically late to meetings, don't possess great conflict resolution skills, or are not a people person, you may want to consider shifting into a different job. Working on a job that you enjoy will increase your levels of happiness.

Just For Today: I am happy right where I am at in my job.

pic from: quotes gram
From the book: Live Happy

Fentanyl: The Drug Deadlier than Heroin

video: youtube

Stop The Stigma: Addicts Are Humans

Beware Of Scams: Multimillion Dollar Indictment

This week in the local news the story came out about the seven local residents are accused of operating illegal bingo and raffles for a fraudulent charity known as Kids Against Drugs of W.V. Inc. and doing business as Big Bucks Bingo, according to an indictment announced this morning by U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld. The defendants were able to pocket over $7 million through the games, Ihlenfeld said.

I am not going to be judge and jury here on my blog but if this is all true and they used this as a means of scam to pad their pockets then yes they should have to pay.

For one, people are desperate in this town for answers and results to this heroin epidemic. Nothing is magical! But when you have an entity or group scamming that has anything to do with the words Kids or Drugs then yes in my opinion they should be brought to trial and their story unfold before a jury. This is unspeakable! We can't have people assuming scams under bogus names to pad their pockets with the proceeds and think that it is okay to do this.

Personally I have lived here my entire life and I want to know what this group Kids Against Drugs of WV, Inc. did FOR their group and for helping Kids and Promoting Kids Against Drugs. What did they do preventive and awareness? Most of us had never heard of them until this group was brought to the surface.

Read More @>>>>>>>>>> Seven Indicted In Apparent Multi-Million Dollar Scam

Link The Journal

Challenge Myself: #97 Oversee a Project

Today is Day #97 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to spearhead a pet project at work.

The book says,

If there's a project that you are itching to take on, then make it happen. Start with a discussion with a trusted colleague or supervisor who is empowered with the knowledge necessary to limit or expand the scope of the project and who knows what is needed to get a go-ahead.

Then dig deep, do the work, write a project proposal, and volunteer to oversee it from start to finish. Your passion will be the driving force to manifest the project and your creativity and drive will ensure that your managers and bosses take notice.

A self-starter with a "can do" attitude is an asset to any company.

Just For Today: I will start today with a "can do" attitude at work.


pic from: quotesgram
From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #96 Empowerment in the Workplace

Today is Day #95 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to list your 5 Guiding Principles.

These are what I could come up with at a short notice.

1- Be a leader.

2. Never make anyone do a job you yourself wouldn't do.

3. Encourage others at work.

4. Work as a team

5. Involve others in taking responsibility.

The book says,

Your guiding priniciples are those that reflect your core beliefs and guide not only what you do but why and how you do it. Try to list five principles that you use to guide you in your work or career.

For example,

• 
  
• Do you expect others to demonstrate ethical behavior?
• Do your believe in being open and transparent?
• How about being flexible, innovative, efficient, and effective?
• Do you value diversity in your treatment of people?

If your guiding principles and those of your company are in alignment, you are likely to be much happier on the job than if they are in conflict.

Just For Today: I will use these principles at my own workplace.

Other Links:
Principles of Employee Empowerment

pic from: digeronimo
From the book: Live Happy

Slay The Dragon Event

Fair Warning

We are in an election year this year. This is what Bill Cole who is running for Governor of West Virginia  has to say about West Virginia and the Heroin Epidemic in our state!

video: youtube

October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

We are only about a week away from the first of October...

October is National Red Ribbon, Drug Awareness and Say No To Drugs!

Enrique (Kiki) S. Camarena Story

History of the Red Ribbon Wiki

Challenge Myself: day #95 Job Mentoring

Today is Day #95 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to ask a favorite boss or someone you admire to mentor you.

The book says,

Having a mentor can put you on the a fast track in your job or propel your career into liftoff. Just asking someone to mentor you suggests to others that you are eager to move ahead and that you may even be an overachiever.

In fact, if you have a career or job with various aspects that require special skills, why not seek out several mentors, one of each specialized area?

Some career stategists believe that mentors are vital if you desire to rise quickly through the ranks. Plus, they can be wonderful allies as your pursue your dreams. A bonus is that both proteges and mentors seem to benefit from such relationships.

If your plans are to move up the career ladder at work find someone in a position to mentor you.

Just For Today: I have no plans to move up at my job but I still remain positive everyday at work.

pic from: med emory edu
From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #94 Reach For The Stars

Today is Day #94 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to create a time line and action list for starting your own business.

The book says,

You may want to start your own company, but aren't sure when is the best time to launch it-next week, six or seven months from now, five years out?

Tasks and timelines often go together. You've heard the proverbial expression, "getting all your ducks in a row." Ask yourself, what ducks will I need to line up in order to launch?

Make a list of specific actions to undertake, and items to prepare or acquire. Then plug your list into a calendar and get ready for the launch date.

I think we all have dreamed of owning our own business a time or two. I know many who have been talking about starting their own sober living houses. This area is in great demand for this type of housing due to our heroin epidemic.

Our local addicts have to go five or six plus hours to other parts of the state for help. Many others have had to leave the state to seek treatment facilities.

Just For Today: I have no plans to start a business, but today I can appreciate the organization that it takes to start a small business.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #93 The Pursuit of Success

Today is Day #93 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says we need three to seven habits for success.

The book says,

Motivational Speakers will tell you there are a number of good habits that you can implement to aid in your pursuit of success.

Start by establishing three new habits and then expand the number to seven or more.
These successful habits might include:

1. 
   Learn to manage your time and not waste it.
2. 
   Be curious and have a desire to always be learning.
3. 
   Practice self discipline because your motivation and work ethic depend on it.
4. 
   Always follow through and complete what you start.
5. 
   Be of service to others.
6. 
   Do the right thing; show your integrity.
7. 
   Keep your word.

Cultivate a sense of enthusiasm and joy, then notice how you are suddenly attracting exactly the kind of people-helpers,mentors, investors, and guides- you need for success.

Just For Today: I love my job and try to be all of the above on my job!

pic from funmozar
from the book: Live Happy

Putting Our Careers on the Happy Track

Today is the last day of challenges on Taking the Healthy Path. The next Challenges in the Live Happy book is about putting our careers on the Happy Track. We could all use some advice in the career area can't we?

I just started back to work for the peak season. I honestly love my job. It is fast paced. I have to meet a quota, but it's a fun job.

I have worked jobs in the past which did not allow a work and life balance. One of those particular jobs was when we discovered our son was using and abusing heroin and had been for about a year and a half.

I honestly feel like I allowed my job to get in the way of my family life. If I would have been present more at home instead of my job (which wasn't one that was a matter of life and death) that I possibly could have spotted the signs way earlier than a year into his addiction. My kids were adults, but I worked so much I didn't get to see or visit them that often.  I don't know. I can't go back and change things now, but I can make a change by allowing myself the work life balance with future jobs.

In the years I worked at that convenience store I wasn't allowed a vacation. Oh I had the hours for it. Actually taking one, nope. Each time I asked was like a colonic. We haven't had a real vacation since 2008. Life, the economy and finances get in the way of getting away and taking a real one. We need one!

Hopefully the next set of challenges on careers will have something for all of us working people!

Pic From Just Outside the Box

Challenge Myself: Day #92 Take A Vacation

Today is Day #92 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says go on a vacation every year!

OMG!!!! Todays challenge is for me I know it!!!!! We haven't been on a real vacation since 2008. We definitely can use one. We used to take yearly trips to the beach and the last time we went was in 2008. About as close to a real vacation I've gotten over the past few years is opening up a box of Calgon and begging, "take me away."

We went camping a few times last year and once this year. So, yes we need a vacation!

The book says,

Take your vacations; they're good for you. One study found that the risk of heart attack decreased in middle-aged men who regularly took an annual vacation.

Even so, roughly a third of Americans who have accrued vacation time don't take all of the time they are allotted. Vacations can restore balance between work and the other areas of your life by providing relief from the relentless pressures of work commitments, schedules, and deadlines.

A vacation can provide much-needed rest, recovery and renewal, but vacations can also create stress. Make sure to factor in some vacation days just to hang out, sleep, and rejuvenate yourself if you want to return to work feeling happy and recharged.

I need a vacation to vacate from all of this!!!!

Just for today: Dreaming of a vacation!

pic from: Pinterest
from the book: Live Happy

Pics

Here are a few pics highlighting yesterdays event at Standup At The Gateway to the Heroin Highway. I didn't cross King St. to get a pic of the lineup across the bridge. The traffic was too bad in that area.

Members from the WV Chapter of Bikers Against Heroin were there.

Dee Pierce, Lisa Everhart, Trina and Donnie Gletner were present for their group.

Found several Love Locks on the fencing over the bridge.

Relapse Prevention: Early Warning Signs and Maintaining Sobriety

For those new in recovery and for those recovering it is important to understand the early warning signs of relapse to prevent it as well as the coping skills needed in order to maintain sobriety.

Read More @>>>>>>>>>>> Relapse Prevention: Have a Plan In Place

video from: youtube

UPDATE On Petition: We Need Treatment On Demand

I went to Mr. James Boyd's event yesterday to Stand Up at the Gateway to the Heroin Highway! The weather was absolutely gorgeous yesterday.

I want to say at least 30 gathered on the bridge and then we went back to the ROC's to hold a meet and to talk about this heroin epidemic here in Martinsburg.

Many of you know that James has been helping a local addict to find help for about two weeks now. On Friday, Lisa was tired of living on the streets and tired of living the life of an addict. She was ready.

James called the hotline only to be put on hold and after twenty minutes or more he made some more phone calls and took her to the Substance Abuse Crisis Team at the hospital.

For a couple of weeks now I have heard some stories about the team there when someone has taken a loved one there. I shared some concerns I was having with James who got to visit and see the team first hand.

What happened there is proof that we need a treatment facility right here in Martinsburg and/or Berkeley County for our local people. When an addict is ready for help we must have treatment on demand ready for them.

When someone is suffering a heart attack or a stroke they go to the hospital. That person will get triaged in the ER, tests are run, they will go to the ICU for further medical care. They are under constant medical supervision 24/7 and will get the best of all medical care.

When someone is suffering from heroin addiction and they go to the ER there they get Narcan. They are often laughed at and put down, called a junkie and later released back to the streets where the cycle of drug abuse continues.

When a person is suffering from a heroin addiction like any other sickness or disease the bed should be ready. An addict shouldn't have to say they are suicidal and going to kill themselves to get access to a treatment facility. It should be available to them when they need it!

Something is clearly wrong with that!

When someone is ready to go get the help and the treatment they need for their addiction, the treatment center needs to be right there and ready to take that addict.

We put up a petition back in late April/early May for this treatment center to be right here in this town. The link to read and sign the petition is: Mayor of Martinsburg and Berkeley County Council

Treatment on Demand

We Need A Treatment Center in Our Town

People are still signing it! Stop by and visit the petition!

© 2016 Gossip Girl

Challenge Myself: Day #91 Take A Spa Day

Today is Day #91 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to take a spa day!


The book says,

When you feel like life has become a treadmill and you just need to step off for some respite, treat yourself to a day at the spa.

Get a manicure, a pedicure, or a skin rejuvenation facial. Or if you like to try something a tad bit more radical get a colon cleansing, take a mud bath or slip into a sensory deprivation tank.

For a healthy state of mind and body, try some treatments at an upscale med-spa center that integrates innovative, cutting-edge therapies and holistic healing modalities with ancient practices of other cultures.

Many of us today cannot afford the expensive spas. There is no need. Make your own! I found a very nice site with recipes for making your own right at home treatments. Homemade Spa Recipes

Walmart has a CD of soothing sounds. Or if you like put on your favorite music that you like to relax to. Light those candles and have a spa day!

Yes, I know it says for kids, tweens and teens. These are all very nice recipes and are easy to make yourself. Trust me you will still feel like a million bucks and didn't spend it!

I personally have used the hot stones. I have my own stones. Set them in sun for a few hours and then have your partner put them on your back for a relaxing and warming back treatment. Use your imagination to have your very own spa day.

Need more ideas? Visit Pinterest!

Just For Today: I will close my eyes, breathe and allow myself to feel relaxed.

Other Links:

Easy To Make Spa Recipes
Spa Recipe and Activities

pic from South Florida Food and Wine

Steered Straight Speaks About the Heroin Epidemic Across This Country

This heroin epidemic that we are faced with in this country is the most damaging health crisis ever. It is happening in every city and in every state across the entire United States. The most devastated are small cities and states where the poverty level is below the national standard, like the state of West Virginia. Those of us on this side know that law enforcement cannot solve this problem. In fact the criminalizing those with addiction problems with handcuffs instead of help has been a disaster.

At the July town hall meeting here in Martinsburg, WV citizens were able to listen to our local officials and those from various other organizations talk about the heroin epidemic here. We had

Heroin Does Not Wear A Mask

I have been thinking about this for the longest time. You know I think there are so many out there that believes that heroin wears a face mask.

I often read posts on social media relating to the disease of this addiction and to heroin abuse using the Walking Dead relating to it. Too many people are looking for the faces of...

If this is what you're looking for you will miss it!!!!

Take a good look at your spouse, your child, your loved one your friend does that person look like a character from the Walking Dead? So, just how do you know that they are not using and abusing heroin or other drugs?

The harsh reality is that you don't really know. So, stop looking for the signs in any character or slogan or you'll miss it!!!!!

Maybe that is the problem. Relating it to the Walking Dead and to zombies that is what some are looking for, zombies. Uh no. Look at the person beside you. Do they look like a zombie? How do you know that person is not using and abusing heroin?

The quick answer is you don't. That is because they look like normal people. They look like the doctor, the lawyer, the policeman, the clergy, the grocery store clerk. Heroin doesn't wear a certain face or color. Heroin doesn't wear a mask and is not a character in a movie! Heroin is real. It will destroy those that you love.

This is just one of millions of the real face of heroin....

And this my friends....

Is the harsh reality of the powerful grip of heroin on a life and what will do....

The words relating to this picture was shocking and graphic... they may be. WAKE UP!!!! This is the reality of heroin!!!!! Some of us live or lived it everyday of every week of every month!!!!!

© 2016 Gossip Girl

So, Do You Still Think It's Not In Your Neighborhood?

It is time to stop and change our way of thinking. Heroin Inc. is big business today. It is on every street, in every city and in every town. And yes, it is in your biggest and best neighborhood too!!!!

You are invited to stand with us today at the Gateway to the Heroin Highway to say...

We have had enough!!!!

Newness of Life: Lazarus House

Coming Soon!!!!!!

In Huntington, West Virginia

Visit their Facebook page @ The Newness of Life

OR

Their webpage @ The Newness of Life for more information

For more information please call, 304-412-0668

Challenge Myself: Day #90 Keeping Your Brain Physically Fit

Today is Day #90 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says we should do puzzle games to keep our brains sharp!

The book says,

EXPOSED: Human Trafficking In the Treatment Industry

Many people are desperate to get their loved ones help and treatment. In doing so we may forget to check out the integrity of the facility that we will be sending our loved ones to. We want them better and trust all who are in the business to rehabilitate lives. That isn't always the case.

Remember...

WV AG Is Committed To Fighting This Substance Abuse Problem

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is fighting West Virginia's substance abuse problems.

Mr. Morrisey made a statement on his Facebook page,

Dear Drug Dealer

Many of you probably won't understand this post. I am beyond pissed right now. Our son had to come back to take care of some legal matters pending.

The minute he stepped into Martinsburg he was spotted by the ghosts of his past who know that he went away to get help, but that doesn't stop them now does it?

Fortunately he doesn't want that life anymore. He is loving the new life he has. He called us right

Up For Discussion: Just How Easy Is It For Your Child To Score Some Heroin?

I recently read a comment shared on Facebook. It said,

"If you work in a bar, a liquor store, a grocery store, a convenience store or a retail which sales beer, wine, liquor or cigarettes you must obey the laws set down by the government and enforced by the ABC regarding products. You must card each person purchasing these "Of Age" items. Funny we say "Of Age" because their is no age limit on purchasing drugs like heroin."

For the kids in todays high tech society finding drugs is just a click away on the Internet. On the streets heroin and other drugs is as easy for kids to get as beer and cigarettes. Many kids say they try

Challenge Myself: Day #89 Get Plenty of Rest

Today is Day #89 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says that we need to have at least eight hours of sleep.


Sleep- something we all need but do not get enough of.  Many of us on this side of the addiction do not get enough sleep and often suffer from insomnia from worry and stress over our loved ones using and abusing drugs.

The book says,

Challenge Myself: Day #88 It's Okay to Daydream

Today is Day #88 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says that we should daydream for twenty minutes per day.

The book says,

The Newness of Life For Women

In Huntington, West Virginia

Visit their Facebook page @ The Newness of Life

OR

Their webpage @ The Newness of Life for more information
You can also call Justin Ponton at 304-972-6602 for more information.

National Recovery Month...

From: Addiction Recovery Quotes

Challenge Myself: Day #87 Eat More Omega-3

Today is Day #87 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is to eat nuts, Salmon and foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids.

A few years ago while watching Dr. Oz I learned about MUFA. MUFA stands for mono unsaturated fatty acids. I started including more of these into my diet.

The book says,

Challenge Myself: Day #86 Exercise In Nature

Today is Day #86 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to do physical exercises in the park.

The book says,

Challenge Myself: Day #85 Stop Smoking

Today is Day #85 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is to give up smoking. Many of us on this side admit to smoking too much.

The book says,

A Tribute To September 11, 2001

I did not schedule any blog posts for today in remembrance of September 11, 2001. Fifteen years ago life as we knew it then here in America changed in a matter of moments.

On that day 2,996 people lost their lives in America.  (2,977 victims + 19 hijackers)

AND 6,000 Americans were injured in the attacks!

On that day fifteen years ago we were all proud Americans!

We were all patriots of our great country!

We flew our flags high!

The Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem meant something that day!

Fast forward to today when we have clashes and riots and protests that many of us don't understand what is going on.

Remember on September 11, 2001 when every life mattered?

video: youtube

Song: God Bless the USA Written and Sung By: Lee Greenwood
See Also: September 11 Attacks

© 2016 Gossip Girl

Recovery Does Not Mean

September is National Recovery Month.

If you are currently using and want help OR if you are seeking treatment for a loved one,

 please contact

pic: shared on Facebook
Information Help4WV

The Week In Blog: Update

We have about another week left of the Live Happy Challenges Taking The Path To Happy Healthy. The information in the challenges have been great!

I just returned to work in the past couple of weeks. I forgot about all the walking I do daily in my job. I will make a mental note to self to prepare myself for a marathon or maybe I should be out chasing the pokemon.

The week has been great. I am learning new things at work and meeting new people and new friendships. I am still trying to figure out a way to do all the things I need to do yet stay connected with my blog.

This week all of the guest posts are still leading in the most read stories here. I am really excited about that. I want to keep bringing readers the information you are seeking. Many thanks to those who have written a guest interview or post! Many thanks to you guys still reading here. You are amazing! Thank you!

In case you are wondering I am still seeking guest post stories. I would love to share your story here.

Challenge Myself: Day #84 Join A Team

Today is Day #84 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to join a softball or bowling league to connect with other people.

The book says,

Get active and you will feel better. If you prefer team sports to those you do solo, join a softball or bowling team or organize one that includes people from your circle of friends or business colleagues.

Softball teams and bowling leagues play other players, so even as you are having fun with friends on your team you are also potentially making new friends with players from other teams.

Psychologists say those who live isolated lives or without strong social networks are not as happy as those who have strong bonds, social connections and ongoing support from friends and family.

Many of us who love someone addicted to drugs find that we often isolate ourselves away from others. I did for the longest time. It was easier than being approached by those we knew asking about our son.

We have gotten involved in the community and speaking out about this heroin epidemic here.

Just For Today: I will get involved and be a team player!!!!

pic from Facebook
From the book: Live Happy

Heroin Is: An American Epidemic

It really amazes me the people who still in todays world think that this can never happen to them or someone they love or to their family.

I often wonder if way back in the 1980's if we as young parents had the information available today would we be dealing with a son with addiction problems to this drug?

Heroin is the worst Public Health Crisis America has Ever Seen is unfolding before our eyes. Kids Are Dying, Families Are Devastated. It's An American Epidemic!

It is in every town big or small. Heroin affects those from all walks of life. This drug is no longer seen as only affecting the poor or the lower income. People of all walks of life are addicted.

Not talking about heroin has been the problem all along. Finding solutions to this epidemic will exceed outside of the village and each and every community. The biggest problem is the devastation it leaves behind.

For more information you can visit the webpage @ An American Epidemic You can also visit their Facebook page @ An American Epidemic

Video: youtube

Facebook: An American Epidemic