(Book) Setting Boundaries With Your Adult Children

This important and compassionate new book from the creator of the successful God Allows U-Turns series will help parents and grandparents of the many adult children who continue to make life painful for their loved ones.

Writing from firsthand experience, Allison identifies the lies that kept her, and ultimately her son in bondage―and how she overcame them. Additional real life stories from other parents are woven through the text.

A tough–love book to help readers cope with dysfunctional adult children, Setting Boundaries® with Your Adult Children will empower families by offering hope and healing through SANITY.


S.A.N.I.T.Y.―a six–step program to help parents regain control in their homes and in their lives.

• S = STOP Enabling, STOP Blaming Yourself, and STOP the Flow of Money
• A = Assemble a Support Group
• N = Nip Excuses in the Bud
• I = Implement Rules/Boundaries
• T = Trust Your Instincts
• Y = Yield Everything to God

This book was written by Allison Bottke and is available on Amazon for Kindle, in Paperback, in Audible and Audible CD

Opening Soon: Crossroads Treatment Centers

Guest Post: Change Takes Courage- You Are Worth It.

Today I have a very special guest post by the ladies at The Hope Dealer Project.

You are gazing in the mirror and this time you actually "see" yourself, you know what I mean....when you feel like you've had a sudden wake-up call as to the choices you've been making are not the best ones for the life you want to live. Only you know that answer. Our purpose is to help you know yourself & trust yourself.

So, you realize as you see yourself that life in all of its beautiful & messy glory is not adding up to be the life that your soul so deeply longs for then…you're in for a quest...we ask that you dare to Hope!

If you've been the person who looks around and thinks "Is this it? Is this all

(Book) Boundaries

Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible.

In other words, boundaries define who we are and who we are not. Boundaries impact all areas of our lives:

Physical boundaries help us determine who may touch us and under what circumstances --

Mental boundaries give us the freedom to have our own thoughts and opinions --

Emotional boundaries help us to deal with our own emotions and disengage from the harmful, manipulative emotions of others --

Spiritual boundaries help us to distinguish God's will from our own and give us renewed awe for our Creator --

Often, Christians focus so much on being loving and unselfish that they forget their own limits and limitations. When confronted with their lack of boundaries, they ask:

- Can I set limits and still be a loving person?
- What are legitimate boundaries?
- What if someone is upset or hurt by my boundaries?
- How do I answer someone who wants my time, love, energy, or money?
- Aren't boundaries selfish?
- Why do I feel guilty or afraid when I consider setting boundaries?

This book written by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend offer biblically-based answers to these and other tough questions, showing us how to set healthy boundaries with our parents, spouses, children, friends, co-workers, and even ourselves.

Boundaries is available on Amazon for Kindle, in hardcover, in paperback and for audible.

Challenge Myself: Day #127 Make A P&L Chart

Today is Day #127 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, learn to create a profit and loss chart for your household finances.

The book says,

If you've never produced a personal profit and loss chart, don't sweat it. It's easy to create and useful for preparing your income tax filings.

Really, it's about pulling together two columns of numbers, income and expenses. List all your income sources, such as wages, investment dividends, lottery winnings, social security benefits, income tax refunds, or others, and their respective amounts in one column.

A second column lists all your expenses with those amounts also allocated. That means money spent for orthodontic braces, medical insurance premiums, and regular medications go under a "medical" heading. Also include headings such as, Auto, Charity, Child Care, Education, Household (mortgage, moving expenses, for example) and others.

Knowing the amount of money coming in exceeds the amount being spent for your needs means that you most likely will have money left over. Maybe a lot! Now, doesn't that make you happy?

Just For Today: I am thankful for jobs and the few dollars left over after the bills are all paid.

From the book: Live Happy

When I Lay My Isaac Down

On most Sunday's I try to post something inspirational and positive in which to start my week.

So many times in so many situations and especially loving someone with the disease of addiction I've had so many people tell me, "GOD DOESN'T GIVE US MORE THAN WE CAN HANDLE" And so many times I've wondered about that very statement and those words. I mean come on! Really!

What the heck does it mean He doesn't give us more than we can handle?

Come on! I am dealing with a child addicted to heroin here on earth. Wondering often, has God turned his back on me? Does He not hear my middle of the night prayers and cries? And so many

(Free e-Book) Supporting a Loved One Struggling With Addiction

As a residential rehab and recovery center for people struggling with addiction, we hear from many family members.

Often the person who contacts us isn’t the one suffering from substance abuse, but their distraught spouse, parent, sibling, or good friend. 

As a spouse or loved one of the person struggling, there are some important things you need to know to help you get through this trying time and keep your sanity.

You also need to know how to offer the right type of support to your loved one.

What you'll learn:

• How to know if someone you love is addicted
• Reality Check - the good news and bad news about addiction
• Some dos and don'ts for supporting your loved one
• Treatment options and resources 

Visit The Clearing for more information on how you can download this free book.

(Poem) Monday's Child

Monday's child is fair of face.

Tuesday's child is full of grace.

Wednesday's child is full of woe

Thursday's child has far to go.

Friday's child is loving and giving.

Saturday's child has to work hard for a living.

The child born on Sunday is fair and wise and good and gay.

"Monday's Child" is one of many fortune-telling songs, popular as nursery rhymes for children. It is supposed to tell a child's character or future based on the day of birth and to help young children remember the seven days of the week.

What Is Vivitrol?

What Is Vivitrol?

Naltrexone is a medication that reverses the effects of opioids and is used primarily in the management of alcohol dependence and opioid dependence.

The closely related medication methylnaltrexone is used to treat opioid-induced constipation. Nalmefene is a very similar drug that is used for the same purposes as naltrexone. Naltrexone should not be confused with naloxone nor nalorphine, which are used in emergency cases of opioid overdose.

Naltrexone is marketed as its hydrochloride salt, naltrexone hydrochloride, under the trade names Revia and Depade. A once-monthly extended-release injectable formulation is marketed under the trade name Vivitrol.

Read More>>>>>>>>>> What Is Vivitrol?

(Book) Tweak

A few years ago I was watching a show in which they were talking about a book that was banned from many schools. Curious of course I listened in. The book they were referring to was a book written by a young man, Nic Sheff (son of author David Sheff).

The book called, Tweak was written by Nic and is a personal up close look at his life as it spiraled out of control due to addiction to meth. The story is true and relates to his personal struggle with drugs and alcohol in this poignant and often disturbing memoir. The book is very graphic and honest which is what I love.

Nic Sheff was drunk for the first time at age eleven. In the years that followed, he would regularly smoke pot, do cocaine and Ecstasy, and develop addictions to crystal meth and heroin.

Even so, he felt like he would always be able to quit and put his life together whenever he needed to. It took a violent relapse one summer in California to convince him otherwise.

In a voice that is raw and honest, Nic spares no detail in telling us the compelling, heartbreaking, and true story of his relapse and the road to recovery.

As we watch Nic plunge the mental and physical depths of drug addiction, he paints a picture for us of a person at odds with his past, with his family, with his substances, and with himself. It's a harrowing portrait -- but not one without hope.

Writer, Nic Sheff is a recovering drug addict and alcoholic. Still in his early twenties, he continues to fight daily battles with his addictions. His writing has been published in Newsweek, Nerve, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Tweak is his first book.

The book Tweak is available on Amazon for Kindle, paperback, hard cover and for audible.

What Is Methadone?

What is methadone?

Methadone is an opioid medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic. Methadone reduces withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to heroin or other narcotic drugs without causing the "high" associated with the drug addiction.
Methadone is used as a pain reliever and as part of drug addiction detoxification and maintenance programs and is only available from certified pharmacies.

Read More>>>>>>>>>Important Information About Methadone

Challenge Myself: Day #126 Make a Money Poster

Today is Day #126 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 make a money manifestation poster.

The book says,

Hung up about money?

Get a little crazy. Pull out a piece of paper, some magazines, a pair of scissors, glue and some colored pens. Go through the magazine cutting out images of money or words like "millionaire" or "money magnet."

Choose visual images of dreams you would like to manifest as you become more prosperous. In the center of your poster, draw a giant dollar sign or stacks of currency or your personal symbol of wealth.

Use the colored pens to draw several spokes away from your symbol of wealth. At the end of each spoke draw a circle, write a different way to bring in some money, right now or in the future. Dream it, draw it, do it.

Just For Today: Having money isn't everything. It's nice to have to pay the bills, but it doesn't buy true happiness.

From the book: Live Happy

What Is Suboxone?

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioid medication, including pain relief or feelings of well-being that can lead to opioid abuse.

Suboxone is used to treat narcotic (opiate) addiction. It is not for use as a pain medication.
Suboxone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Read More>>>>>>>>>>>Important Information About Suboxone

(Book) Codependent No More

Is someone else's problem your problem? If, like so many others, you've lost sight of your own life in the drama of tending to someone else's, you may be codependent--and you may find yourself in this book--Codependent No More.

The healing touchstone of millions, this modern classic by one of America's best-loved and most inspirational authors holds the key to understanding codependency and to unlocking its stultifying hold on your life.

With instructive life stories, personal reflections, exercises, and self-tests, Codependent No More is a simple, straightforward, readable map of the perplexing world of codependency--charting the path to freedom and a lifetime of healing, hope, and happiness.

Melody Beattie is the author of Beyond Codependency, The Language of Letting Go, Stop Being Mean to Yourself, The Codependent No More Workbook and Playing It by Heart.

This book is available on Amazon for Kindle, Library Binding, in Paperback and for audible.

Also available in PDF Download Format

Visit the authors website for more information on this book @ Melody Beattie

Please God, I'm Only 17

This was posted in a Dear Abby Column circa late 1970's early 1980's. My mom clipped it a very long time ago and gave it to me a very long time ago. It is worth sharing!

The day I died was an ordinary school day. How I wish I had taken the bus! But I was too cool for the bus. I remember how I wheedled the car out of Mom. ``Special favor,`` I pleaded. ``All the kids drive.`

When the 2:50 bell rang, I threw all my books in the locker. I was free until 8:40 tomorrow morning! I ran to the parking lot, excited at the thought of driving a car and being my own boss. Free!

It doesn`t matter how the accident happened. I was goofing off--going too fast. Taking crazy chances. But I was enjoying my freedom and having fun. The last thing I remember was passing an old lady who seemed to be going awfully slow. I heard a deafening crash and I felt a terrible jolt. Glass and steel flew everywhere. My whole body seemed to be turning inside out. I heard myself scream.

Suddenly I awakened; it was very quiet. A police officer was standing over me. Then I saw a doctor. My body was mangled. I was saturated with blood. Pieces of jagged glass were sticking out all over. Strange that I couldn`t feel anything.

Hey, don`t pull that sheet over my head! I can`t be dead. I`m only 17. I`ve got a date tonight. I`m supposed to grow up and have a wonderful life. I haven`t lived yet. I can`t be dead.

Later I was placed in a drawer. My folks had to identify me. Why did they have to see me like this? Why did I have to look at Mom`s eyes when she faced the most terrible ordeal of her life? Dad suddenly looked like an old man. He told the man in charge, ``Yes, he is my son.``

The funeral was a weird experience. I saw all my relatives and friends walk toward the casket. They passed by, one by one, and looked at me with the saddest eyes I`ve ever seen. Some of my buddies were crying. A few of the girls touched my hand and sobbed as they walked away.

Please--somebody--wake me up! Get me out of here! I can`t bear to see my mom and dad so broken up. My grandparents are so racked with grief they can hardly walk. My brother and sisters are like zombies. They move like robots. In a daze, everybody! No one can believe this. And I can`t believe it, either.

Please don`t bury me! I`m not dead! I have a lot of living to do!

I want to laugh and run again.

I want to sing and dance.

Please don`t put me in the ground. I promise if you give me just one more chance, God, I`ll be the most careful driver in the whole world.

All I want is one more chance.

Please, God, I`m only 17!

Written by Unknown and posted by Dear Abby

Challenge Myself: Day #125 A Dollar In Your Pocket

Today is Day #125 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 keep a one dollar bill in your pocket or purse at all times. Then, you are never really broke. You still have a dollar.

The book says,

There's something reassuring about having money in your purse or your pants pocket. Think of that dollar as insurance against developing a poverty mentality.

Abolish the sense of deficiency in your life and try to stay focused on the abundance that you want to manifest. You are certainly not broke as long as you have that dollar. Let that dollar lead you into brainstorming ways of creating more dollars.

Positive and hopeful thinking and dreaming can get you started. Goals will pull you a little farther along, and creative ingenutity and concrete effort can remove blockages and shift the flow of money into your life. And being able to manifest the money you need replaces your fear and worry with joy and expectation.

Just For Today: It is not the just the monetary things in life that is important or will bring happiness. Happiness starts from within all of us!

From the book: Live Happy

Family: One Cost of Addiction and Consequences of Addiction

I hope everyone reading had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday. Me, I had to work. My sister in law prepared the delicious meal.

One thing I am truly thankful and blessed this year is that our son found recovery. A new life, free from the dependency on heroin. He has truly been alive now for about 133 days.

Many months ago I wasn't sure if we would even have this holiday or any other holiday with our son. That is a reality we all face loving someone addicted to heroin.

Along with this new found freedom there are some consequences called triggers.

Because of heroin and triggers our family unit is forever changed. I will never again get to have all of my kids together at the same time because the kids are triggers for each other and the addictions they deal with.

I hadn't thought of it until reality set in yesterday. So and so can't come to dinner because so and so will or may be there. So and so wasn't invited because so and so might come to dinner. Of course people don't think about things like before ever trying heroin.

So while I am thankful at the same time I am saddened by that fact. No more family get together, not even for a family photo. No more family picnics.

Heroin has forever changed our family unit and we never had a say!

As I type this I am also reminded of all of those families in this community who are forever changed by heroin. Too many in my community have lost a loved one to heroin and the disease of addiction. I was reminded of this after reading a post on Facebook. The pain and heart ache and destruction on a lot of families have suffered because of heroin and addiction.

After reading I am reminded that Heroin and trail of destruction it will leave in it's wake has forever changed so many other families and not one other had a say!

Those families in our community- we are all bound by a common thread called heroin, addiction and the disease of addiction. Some have found healing while others have lost a loved one.

Challenge Myself: Day #124 Make Wise Investment Choices

Today is Day #124 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 put your money to work for you.

The book says,

When you inherit property, for example, there's an inherent temptation to spend money rather than invest it.

However, if you don't need that money and can invest it in mutual funds, annuitites, real estate income trust (REITS), or other assets, consult a trusted advisor or investment professional for advice on how to put your money to work earning more money for you.

Expenditures on luxury items can give you a thrill, but the happiness isn't lasting. Anytime you have discretionary income that isn't earmarked for your personal or family needs, a better approach to spending it on expensive toys is to buy assets that, over time, will put money in your pocket.

Do you have an inheritance? Did you win the lottery? Do you have an annuity? Then make wise investments and let your investments make money!

Just For Today: I am not rich in worldly possessions. I am happy with what I have.

From the book: Live Happy

The Hope Dealer Project

Locally we have two ladies in our community who do so much for others- for families in our community of active users, for anyone using and abusing who is ready to get the help they need and for those like us- the family of someone using and abusing heroin and other drugs.

They do not get the recognition that they so deserve.

Not only do they go above and beyond helping families and active users in the community but together they co-chair our local Nar Anon group and make it possible for us to meet each Sunday.
So, today I am highlighting and featuring a small local non profit organization called,

The Hope Dealer Project

"This group was born to bring hope, strength and healing to addicts and family members. 

Once a parent becomes aware that their beautiful child is an addict... hopefully, we will learn the truth about the impending situation sooner rather than later. Here are some truths that I have learned: 

Parents are enablers. We enable in ways we do not recognize such as handing out cash for "gas" or "food" when in fact, this money is inadvertently used for "drugs" T

his is something you will learn when dealing with an addict.  They are the best story tellers ever! They can make us believe outlandish stories which we would not believe from someone else, but these are our children, our husbands, our wives. They are people we love, how can we not believe them? 

We learn to do things differently in order to support them without enabling them. It's definitely not easy and it hurts!  But it can be done. We did not cause the addiction. We cannot control the addiction and we cannot cure the addiction. All we can do is educate ourselves, get support for ourselves and learn ways to BREATHE as we make it through each day loving our addicts. 

When we begin the terrible journey of turmoil and horrific consequences that the life of an addict involves, we are forced to learn and try to understand. It is only then that we are able to empathize with the addict while making sure that we take the time to "save ourselves"  

One thing is for sure, life as we knew it will never be the same, but with God's grace we can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

As parents, we will do ANYTHING to take away the pain and smooth the road for our loved ones, but we must be aware of certain truths because even as we struggle against the truth, we find that we're we are powerless.  By accepting the truth, we can begin to help the addict by helping ourselves. Feel free to reach out."

Message us Today!
Don't Be Alone!
Sending you much love and understanding.

To get more information call The Hope Dealer Project at 844-383-4673

You can find them on Facebook at The Hope Dealer Project

© 2016 The Hope Dealer Project

Challenge Myself: Day #123 Visit The U.S. Mint

Today is Day #123 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 plan a family trip to the United States Mint.

The book says,

Plan a family vacation around a trip to the U.S. Mint in Washington, DC. The mint oversees the custody and protection of over $100 billion of U.S. gold and silver assets.

Why not use the occasion as a field trip to learn about the history of the mint, how it produces currency and coinage for commerce, why a mint mistake can get coin collectors salivating, what is a proof set of collectible coins, and how someone can start a coin collection for fun and to learn history.

That trip, quite possibly, could be the highlight of your family vacation.

Many years ago we took the kids to visit many of the sites in our Nations Capitol and the Memorials. We especially visited the Vietnam Memorial Wall because my uncles name is on that wall. We visited the Arlington National Cemetery visit President John F. Kennedy's grave and to see the eternal flame. I regret now not planning a trip to the Mint.

Just For Today: Learn a little bit about the history of our coins in the U.S.

Other Links:

What Is The U.S. Mint?

The U.S. Mint Website

From the book: Live Happy

Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction

Sheff s story is a first: a teenager s addiction from the parent s point of view a real-time chronicle of the shocking descent into substance abuse and the gradual emergence into hope.

Before meth, Sheff s son Nic was a varsity athlete, honor student, and award-winning journalist.

After meth, he was a trembling wraith who stole money from his eight-year-old brother and lived on the streets.

With haunting candor, Sheff traces the first subtle warning signs, the denial (by both child and parents), the three A.M. phone calls (is it Nic? the police? the hospital?), the attempts at rehab, and, at last, the way past addiction.

He shows us that, whatever an addict s fate, the rest of the family must care for each other too, lest they become addicted to addiction.

Meth is the fastest-growing drug in the United States, as well as the most addictive and the most dangerous wreaking permanent brain damage faster than any other readily available drug.

It has invaded every region and demographic in America. This book is the first that treats meth and its impact in depth. But it is not just about meth.

Nic s addiction has wrought the same damage that any addiction will wreak. His story, and his father s, are those of any family that contains an addict and one in three American families does.

Author David Sheff's books include Game Over, China Dawn, and All We Are Saying. His many articles and interviews have appeared in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Playboy, Wired, Fortune, and elsewhere. His piece for the New York Times Magazine, My Addicted Son, won an award from the American Psychological Association for Outstanding Contribution to Advancing the Understanding of Addiction. It led to his #1 New York Times Best Seller, Beautiful Boy, which was named the best nonfiction book of 2008 by Entertainment Weekly. Beautiful Boy was also an Amazon Best Book of 2008. Sheff and his family live in Inverness, California.

The book, Beautiful Boy is available on Amazon for Kindle, paperback, hardcover and is available for audible.

Joey's Song: A Mother's Story of Her Son's Addiction

There can be recovery, even if it doesn't happen within the addict. Sandy lives where love and addiction meet--a place where help enables and hope hurts. When addiction steals her son, Sandy fights for his survival, trying to stay on the right side of an invisible line between helping him to live and helping him to die.

By age 20, Joey overdoses, attempts suicide, quits college, survives a near-fatal car accident, does time behind bars, and is kicked out of rehab more than once. Increasingly manipulative, delusional, and hateful, the sweet Joey from childhood is lost to the addict wearing his face. Working with an interventionist, a judge, and tracking Joey's movements online, Sandy does what she can to save Joey from himself until it hurts more to hang on than it hurts to let go.

Through Family Programs, Al-Anon, reading, and learning from her mistakes, Sandy discovers that sometimes love means doing nothing, and that Letting Go is not the same thing as giving up. She also learns that she needs to work on surviving her son's addiction while coming to terms with the fact that he may not.

Years pass. Friends and family no longer ask about Joey; they no longer know what to say. Joey is not in recovery, but Sandy works on hers, trying to keep the poison that is consuming Joey from destroying the rest of her family and her life.

She starts a program to teach young men living in a group home how to budget, grocery shop, and cook, hoping that someone will someday help her own son in some way that she cannot. As in the song she sang to him so many times, Sandy keeps Joey down in her heart to stay. There is a place in her life that is exactly his size. One she hopes he will someday want to fill.

Joey's Song is written by Sandra Swenson. This is the poignant story of a defiant addict and the mother who won't give up on him. She finally realizes that it hurts more to hang on than to let go, and that letting go is not the same thing as giving up. Sandra Swenson beautifully orchestrates a mother's lessons of love and loss, while surviving her son's addiction. 

This book is available on Amazon for Kindle or in paperback.

Challenge Myself: Day #122 Financial Audio Books

Today is Day #122 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 listen to audio books written by financial wizards during our commute.

The book says,

What do you do during your commute other than drive? Talk on your cell? Think about your troubles? Curse at the long line of cars ahead or the guy who just cut you off?

Do something productive when you are forced to sit in traffic. Buy some audio books about finance. Or choose audio titles in other areas of your business or career.

Maybe there's an industry topic that you want to know more about or a new language you'd like to learn for a new market you want to tap.

You have to be on that road twice a day, so instead of letting all that time go to waste, use the time in ways that can return dividends in your career or business.

You may find yourself looking forward to that commute.

You can find  audio books at the Library, at any book store or on Amazon.

Just For Today: I am trying to learn ways and understand how I can apply these challenges into my daily life.

From the book: Live Happy

Walking The Nar Anon Steps

A couple of weeks ago at Nar Anon, Tina who is Co-Leader of our local group mentioned that we should all start working the Nar Anon Twelve Steps.

In our group Tina and Lisa have loved ones in recovery from addiction and yet they always have the time for us- to listen to our problems with loving our addict and our cries. Suggesting the ways

It Will Take The Entire Village of This Town To Help Solve This Problem

Michael Deleon, well known for his documentaries The American Epidemic, Kids Are Dying and Steered Straight says this about solutions to this national crisis in our country today:

We are experiencing the most damaging health crisis ever to face our Nation. The only way to solve this problem is through collaboration. Law Enforcement cannot solve this. Medical

When Is Enough, Enough?

When exactly is enough, enough?

How many more lives will our community lose to heroin, opiates, addiction and overdose before enough is enough?

If this disease doesn't affect you today, how can you be so sure it

Challenge Myself: Day #121 Past Financial Experiences

Today is Day #121 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 put your past financial experiences into perspective.

The book says,

If you are looking for that silver lining in the dark cloud of America's recent economic downturn, try studying what happened to your

Here We Go Again: The NIMBY Protesting Over a Planned Detox Center in Martinsburg

Earlier this week it was announced in our local paper, The Journal of the possibility that a crisis-stabilization and detox center is being proposed for Martinsburg, WV. The future site of this center is in the old Buyers Guide building at the end of South Raleigh St. where it intersects with Wilson St.

According to the article the planned proposal is said would consist of 12 to 16 beds and would provide services to those experiencing withdrawal from heroin, alcohol and other drugs and those going through emotional crises.

Those staying at the facility would stay for four to 10 days at a time, until the individual is stable, and then would be released and sent to a long-term treatment facility (in or out-of-state) if needed.

The proposed crisis stabilization and detox center is said to be a privately run inpatient program through Peter J. Callahan, of Callahan Counseling Services in Martinsburg.

Callahan Counseling Services has it's office on Winchester Ave. in Martinsburg.

Then the fire once again reignited the "Not In My Neighborhood and Backyard" crowd as the protesting began.

NIMBY always sounds the same. Not in my neighborhood. It is too close to the schools and the churches and always, our property values will go down.

Once again I tell the NIMBY's

Look around you. It is everywhere in this town. It is in everyone's neighborhood. It is in the churches and it is most definitely in the schools. And then of course is, their property values will go down. I say, show us the statistics of this happening!

People here are losing their children. Children are losing their parents. Just how many more lives should be lost to the disease of addiction to heroin and opiates?

In my opinion:

What have our community leaders done in all of these years to stop the NIMBY stigma? Sometimes they feed into it as well. I say that we must educate our community on the disease of addiction, its chronicity, and its required treatment.

We need our community to embrace and support the initiative of inclusion to improve treatment outcomes. We need our community leaders to step up and start speaking this otherwise we will always have the NIMBY Stigma. Huntington WV is but one community in WV who disproves all of the NIMBY claims which is an example I use when someone says, "My property values will go down"

I do have a couple of concerns for one why are they being referred to as patients? Why not call them clients.

Another concern is that this will turn into yet another medically assisted Suboxone or Methadone clinic here in Martinsburg. In my opinion people do detox safely without medications that they have to be on for long term.

The cost of these medically assisted places here in Martinsburg is also a concern. An initial $1,200 is given on intake at these places here and after 30 days it becomes self pay at $20 a day. Add that up and it is $7,300 a year.

Both Methadone and Suboxone can also be addictive. A person weaned to the lowest dosage and there they stay on them long term. I know someone who has been on Suboxone for two years now. Studies have shown that once they are stopped that a person has a high chance of percentage of returning to their drug of choice- heroin or opiates.

Methadone and Suboxone can be found on any street corner as well as in the jail.

People do recover from this disease. Programs like The Newness of Life shows us each and every day that our loved ones do recover. A person has a higher chance of long term recovery using non medicated treatment.  

Recovery happening in this town is going to take the entire village standing up to say, enough is enough!!!!!

To those who are concerned about their neighborhood and their property values please contact the City of Huntington, WV. Their information is on their webpage @ City Of Huntington, WV to talk to someone from the mayors office about how the recovery programs there has changed their town and the lives of those who live there.

Write to them. Their address is:
City of Huntington
800 Fifth Ave.
Huntington, WV 25701

OR Call them at 304-696-5540


A very good read I found when I was fighting for Baltimore St and the NIMBY is @ http://www.josre.org/wp.../uploads/2014/12/9830-63_92.pdf

You can read the entire article Residents Express Concerns Over Proposed Detox Center

James Boyd To Host Radio Talk Show

Mr. James Boyd will debut his radio show on WRNR talk radio 740 AM radio and 106.5 FM radio on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 11:00 AM until 12:00 starting on Monday, November 28th. 

You can listen in live on your radio or on your computer by visiting their webpage @ Talk Radio WRNR

Also don't forget to friend their Facebook page @ Talk Radio WRNR

Don't forget to tune in, listen and call in to voice your opinion and concerns.

Travis Dupri - World Peace

To anyone suffering an addiction to heroin and opiates and drugs please give Justin Ponton from The Newness of Life in Huntington, WV a call.
His number is:

(304) 972-6601

He is giving recovery and the hope of a newness of life to a lot of young men in Martinsburg, WV and Berkeley County, WV.
Love you Justin for what you have done for our family and for helping us save the life of someone we love.

Most of this video filmed on location here in Martinsburg, WV

video: youtube

Speak The Truth (Worth The Repeat)

I have noticed lately that a lot of videos and other info is being removed that deal with heroin and heroin and opioid addiction. I have set wondering why?

Is it because most of this information is real and direct and speaks the truth.

It's name is Heroin.

Heroin does not discriminate. It will take all even those who haven't gotten here yet!

When this disease affects someone we love we still love the person they are inside but we hate Heroin and the trail of disaster it leaves behind.

Not speaking about it and speaking the truth and the harsh realities of this drug is why we are still in this epidemic and in many communities still facing it with the harsh realities because heroin will kill you or someone you love.

It isn't the only reason, but it is one of the reasons.

Not speaking about is why so many who are faced with it is still stuck in the stigma- alone and ashamed and afraid to talk about what it has personally done to them.

Doing nothing and turning a back to the problem hasn't been the answer either. For years our community leaders knew about this problem and they did nothing. Many of them fed into the stigma which is why a mention of any kind of treatment in this town will bring out the NIMBY crowd in protest.

This addiction isn't something we can "hide away." We cannot continue the trend of shaming by sending the addicts hundreds of miles away to be treated.

I do and will continue to speak the truth about heroin and this addiction. I guess that is why

some in the groups and others who are in positions no longer want to talk to me or will take a phone call. 

I take it the forces that took over the Internet last week do not want anyone to see reality of what happens when you are addicted to heroin and overdose because the video was removed. What a shame!!!!

What a shame that we live in a generation of emotionally weak people. Does heroin care? Nope.
Heroin has probably affected you or someone you care about. Many don't know about it yet others are still hidden in the stigma this drug and addiction places on people.

Why does it feel as if everything has to be watered down because so many find so much to be offended about, including the truth and those of us who speak it?

© 2016 Gossip Girl

Challenge Myself: Day #120 Hobbies and Income Ideas

Today is Day #120 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 brainstorm three income ideas.

The book says,

Perhaps you enjoy beadwork and make earrings, belt buckles, and pins while wathcing television at night. Or, you may have a passion for sports collectibles and pour over your binder of cachets in your leisure time.

Whatever you interest, passion, or hobby, you can make something artsy-craftsy to sell at local art and wine festivals, on ebay, or in galleries featuring the work of local artisans?

Think of at least three ways to generate income from your knowledge, passion, and expertise.
Yes, there may be a learning curve until you are actually doing it, but you're going to love the extra money flowing in.

Are you artsy and crafty? If so, why not generate a small income from your talent! Or maybe you already have tried your hand at selling your crafts. If so do you do well? Do you set up tables at craft fairs? At Flea Markets?

Todays challenge made me realize I have so many talents. I am often so busy that I disconnected with them. I love to write yet I haven't published any writings. Several years ago I tried my hand making jewelry. I love to paint and haven't done so for many years. Recently when I was without the Internet I started painting again.

Just For Today: Connecting with my inner self to reconnect with my God given talents!

From the book: Live Happy

Did You Know?

Challenge Myself: Day #119 Attend A Wealth Seminar

Today is Day #118 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 suggests that we sign up for a wealth seminar.

The book says,

Wealth begins as a state of mind. You must want it and be willing to work toward having it. Even if you don't have any discretionary income to put to work earning money, at least invest some time in a class to begin to learn about how you can build wealth.

Some of the wealthiest people in American history were once poor, hard working immigrants with little to show for their daily endeavors. Many even faced discrimination. But they had big dreams and didn't let their situation stop them from building great wealth.

A wealth seminar could be just what you need to get started working on your own stash of cash.

With the cost of everything sky rocketing I am sure that a wealth seminar can help those who invest their money. We have a Roth IRA from about six years ago in the bank. It only gains a small amount each year.

In 2008 I did the retirement calculator just to see what I would need at retirement. It said I needed $500,000.00 to retire comfortably.

I just did the retirement calculator again and according to the retirement calculator this time I got a message, "You Are Screwed!" It says I now need $1,050,745 to retire.

Just For Today: I am reminded that I can only live one day at a time!

Other Links:
Retirement Calculator

pic from Pinterest
From the book: Live Happy

A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned

It was the great Benjamin Franklin who one said,

"A penny saved is a penny earned."

I have often found pennies lying on sidewalks and in parking lots and reminded of the poem, Pennies From Heaven.

"So don't pass by that penny
When you're feeling blue.
It may be a penny from heaven
That an Angel's tossed to you."

Who knew that the value of even a penny can count?

pic found on Pinterest
Poem Pennies From Heaven Written By: C. Mashburn

Challenge Myself: Day #118 Write A Plan

Today is Day #118 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 write up a plan to get out of debt.

The book says,

You're sticking to your budget and now you want to tackle a bigger plan to get out of debt. It takes about three weeks for a new habit to really stick, so allow at least a month for your brain and spending habits to catch up to your new way of dealing with household expenses.

Don't let anything keep you from sticking to that new household budget, and resist the urge to buy new things.

Remember the best time for success is when you no longer can stand failure. Figure out a plan of action to take for those moments when temptation beckons and your will power weakens.

Reward yourself for not giving in. Have a small piece of chocolate, take a walk in a flower garden, or check out a book or video from the library to enjoy in a leisure moment. If you can resist temptation once, you can do it again.

How empowering is that!

The past few weeks have been draining. On Friday October 16th my hubby was laid off of work due to the economic downturn.

I listen to the media and thought everything was great with the economy! Apparently not so. This job layoff came out of the blue. I haven't had Internet for a few weeks because in times like this I had to decide at a moments notice exactly what bills would be paid on time. Internet is a luxury not a necessity.

I have had to apply some of these challenges to my real life in the past weeks.

Just For Today: I have been reminded these past weeks, Just Breathe! Today I will close my eyes, take a deep breath and try not to concentrate on the stress!

From the book: Live Happy