If you are believing that your dealer or any dealer cares about you and your welfare, sadly you are misinformed. In fact, former dealers of heroin have admitted that the users and those addicted to heroin were "pawns in their chess game." You are
Absolutely
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
What the Dealer Will and Will Not Tell You About Heroin
If you are believing that your dealer or any dealer cares about you and your welfare, sadly you are misinformed. In fact, former dealers of heroin have admitted that the users and those addicted to heroin were "pawns in their chess game." You are
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
The 6 C's of Addiction
Today is the third day of the April Blogging Challenge. Today I have chosen the 6 C's of addiction and Recovery. Those six words of Addiction and Recovery are Choice, Compulsion, Craving, Consequence, and Control and Choose Life.The first C word is Choice. This word is the greatest of the debate in the disease of addiction. Many do not believe that addiction should be categorized as a disease because of the word, Choice.
Webster's defines with word Choice: The act of choosing
There are those who say using is a choice and it was their fault for making poor
Monday, April 3, 2017
Bikers Against Heroin, WV Chapter
Today is the second day of the April Blogging Challenge and the Letter for today is, B. For this letter I have chosen to tell you about a local group who is helping out in the fight against this heroin epidemic. They are the WV Chapter of Bikers Against Heroin. I feel honored to do this post.In case you haven't heard of them before you might be wondering, just who are the Bikers Against Heroin? What do they do?
This group was founded in November 2015 and is headed by Dee Stotelmyer Pierce, President of the Group. Bikers Against Heroin WV Chapter filed for 5013c nonprofit status in May of 2016.
The group currently has about 1,072 members on and off their
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Addiction Is...
Today is the first day of the April Blogging Challenge. Are you excited? Today is the letter A. My posts throughout April will be about Addiction and Recovery. Today my post is called, Addiction is...What is an addiction? Who can be affected?
Ask anyone going through addiction or those who love someone suffering from addiction and we will tell you, it is pure hell.
Many of us really do not understand what addiction is. In searching the Internet the search engines will come up with a lot of
Friday, March 31, 2017
Video: Addiction to Heroin Explained With Nuggets
A Facebook friend shared this video with me last week which does a good job of explaining addiction and how it works. Pretend for a moment that the Kiwi bird is a human and the gold nuggets is heroin.
From youtube
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Poll Results:Should money from Drug Busts be Used for a Treatment Center Here?
Yesterday I posted a poll. I was curious as to how others felt about the monies from drug busts and should the money be used for a treatment center. The results of the poll are this:
I am interested in doing more polls in the future here on my blog. I need your help in this for instance, is it easier if the poll is placed in the post? OR would you like to click a link to go to the poll? Are there any questions you would like to see asked in a future poll? Chime in and let me know!
According to the post stats 33 people visited and read the post.
7 people responded to the poll
I thought more would have responded because I have talked to a lot of people about this and most people are concerned because of the burden it would place on taxpayers. This was a good start! Thank you for voting
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86%
0%
14%
0%
0%
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Poll: Should the Money From the Busts be Used for a Treatment Center?
If you live in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia I guess you have been reading the stories of the big drug busts going on around the area as well as the arrests of several drug kingpins in the area. This, in my opinion, is a prime example of where the monies should come from for a treatment center right here in Martinsburg and/or Berkeley County.
I am wondering what your opinion is...
Click the link above to vote in the opinion poll to pick your answer. The possible answers to this are:
Yes absolutely
No, it should not be
Maybe but I need more information first
I am still trying to decide
I have no opinion
Nothing pops up to buy stuff or advertisements as in other online polls.
As always your opinion matters. Please feel free to leave a comment if you like. Thank you for participating in this poll.
Anti Drug PSA: Heroin
They will tell you Heroin is the best high you will ever high you ever have...
Monday, March 27, 2017
Truth About Drugs Documentary: Heroin
I am putting a few short video documentaries here for the next week before the April A-Z Challenge begins on the first. If you are a parent it does not matter your kids ages I hope that you are having the discussions in your family, even if you think this doesn't involve you or your family. Tomorrow is a brand new day.
Sound familiar?
The Truth About Drugs documentary is the cornerstone of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Campaign, sponsored by the Church of Scientology. This documentary is the real story of what drugs are and what they do to one's body and mind—told by people who've been there, done them and survived to tell about it.
There is help. There is hope. Please reach out to someone today.
video found @youtube
Sunday, March 26, 2017
A Lesson In The Rise of Mexican Black Tar Heroin
We all know in the 1990's and early 2000's that the heroin and opium rushing into the United States was primarily from Afghanistan. The information is out there to read. If we fast forward to 2014, 2015, 2016 still some of the heroin and poppy from Afghanistan continues coming to the U.S. mainly via South America. As you will see in the video a lot of heroin these days that we are seeing on the streets of the United States, especially the Black Tar is coming into the U.S. via the border with Mexico. It is a very lucrative market for the farmers there. Many are paying with their lives as you will see in the video. Many others in the U.S. have paid with their lives in the form of addiction.
As the rate of opioid addiction has surged in the United States, Mexico has become the world's third-largest producer of opium used to process heroin. Mexican cartels are now the primary suppliers of the drug to the US, producing a crude and unrefined form known as black tar.
VICE News travels to the fertile mountains of western Mexico, where we see the beginning of the path black tar heroin takes to the US on plantations growing poppies used to make opium. We then head across the US border to witness the human cost of the lucrative but destructive heroin trade.
Read “The Golden Age of Drug Trafficking: How Meth, Cocaine, and Heroin Move Around the World“
Read also “Mexico Will Never Win Its War on Drugs — But It’s Going to Keep Fighting Anyway” -
As the rate of opioid addiction has surged in the United States, Mexico has become the world's third-largest producer of opium used to process heroin. Mexican cartels are now the primary suppliers of the drug to the US, producing a crude and unrefined form known as black tar.
VICE News travels to the fertile mountains of western Mexico, where we see the beginning of the path black tar heroin takes to the US on plantations growing poppies used to make opium. We then head across the US border to witness the human cost of the lucrative but destructive heroin trade.
Read “The Golden Age of Drug Trafficking: How Meth, Cocaine, and Heroin Move Around the World“
Read also “Mexico Will Never Win Its War on Drugs — But It’s Going to Keep Fighting Anyway” -
Video Found @ youtube
The Last April A-Z Blog Challenge Update
I thought I would give one last update to the April A-Z Blogging Challenge today. If you have been reading here you know I will be participating in a huge blog challenge in April which starts next Saturday, April 1st. The object of the challenge is based on the alphabet. We are to post a subject each day in April (except on Sunday). The countdown has started.
I announced last week that my theme for this April Challenge will be about Addiction, Recovery, Hope and Healing. I hope that you tune in starting next Saturday to read my April postings. This week I have finished all of my first week of posts. They have been edited and pre-scheduled. This week the challenge is working my full-time job and getting the second week of posts ready. I still have a few letter days I am working on.
As I continue working on the posts I feel so honored to be sharing personal stories from those in my community as well as outside of my community who put in tireless hours reaching out and helping those with substance abuse problems. There are also a few stories in April of personal recovery that I will be sharing. Thank you to all who have gotten back to me and those allowing me to share your personal stories on my blog.
One of the biggest goals for April is to hopefully shine more public awareness on substance abuse. I hope that the personal stories that I will be sharing will show you that people can and do recover from this disease. With the proper pillars of treatment in place, they can and do heal and they go on to do some of greatest things in life.
The stigma relating to substance abuse and addiction does no one good. In fact, it only harms those who are working hard and trying to recover. So many mistakes have been made for instance incarceration of those who are only guilty of having an addiction to a powerful drug. To be truthful handcuffs helped no one except those who own the jails and prisons.
Sending those with substance abuse problems "out of here" is not the answer. There are only roughly 144 beds available across the state on any given day. If you have had any dealing with that you know it's like a lottery or game of BINGO when it is someone you love. Many have died while waiting on a bed. Many others have died because they didn't have transportation to one of those beds.
When I came out of the shadows of stigma last year and decided to hold a memorial and vigil I was tired. I was tired of seeing the many young people dying. Many families that I know. Some that I am related to. I was tired of running into brick walls with my own children who have addiction problems. When the news came out about the plans for 750 Baltimore St. to become a treatment facility I danced with joy. It is about time. Then of course within a few days and weeks, the fight began with zoning and all the other bureaucratic mess surrounding it meanwhile the numbers of overdoses only climbed higher. The number of those losing their fight with this disease continued climbing.
I didn't come out of the stigma of shame to lay down and surrender. I came out with a purpose and a goal that included Hope and Healing. I have met many along the way. Our bond is so great that we are held by the thread of addiction. We scream loudly, no more lives lost. We even locked arms across the Heroin Highway to say, no more!
We on this side know there is so much more work to be done in this fight against addiction and substance abuse. The fight I have in me I credit to my grandchildren whose biggest fear is that they will lose their dad. That he will die. I knew then that I had to do something. I could not live the rest of my life with those kids thinking I did nothing. One of them found their mother overdosed about a year ago in the bathroom. So no. I have to do something. All of those children just like my own grandchildren are the future of Martinsburg, WV and Berkeley County!
For those who have lost their loved ones to this disease, I am saddened. I pray for those families every day. I cannot let their loved ones be forgotten. They did not die in vain. I will always speak their names. Their memories should go on forever, and they will.Their memories will live on forever. Never Forget Them. I hope that you stick around to read some very exciting posts coming in April.
Thank you. You are amazing!
© 2017 Gossip Girl
I announced last week that my theme for this April Challenge will be about Addiction, Recovery, Hope and Healing. I hope that you tune in starting next Saturday to read my April postings. This week I have finished all of my first week of posts. They have been edited and pre-scheduled. This week the challenge is working my full-time job and getting the second week of posts ready. I still have a few letter days I am working on.
As I continue working on the posts I feel so honored to be sharing personal stories from those in my community as well as outside of my community who put in tireless hours reaching out and helping those with substance abuse problems. There are also a few stories in April of personal recovery that I will be sharing. Thank you to all who have gotten back to me and those allowing me to share your personal stories on my blog.
One of the biggest goals for April is to hopefully shine more public awareness on substance abuse. I hope that the personal stories that I will be sharing will show you that people can and do recover from this disease. With the proper pillars of treatment in place, they can and do heal and they go on to do some of greatest things in life.
The stigma relating to substance abuse and addiction does no one good. In fact, it only harms those who are working hard and trying to recover. So many mistakes have been made for instance incarceration of those who are only guilty of having an addiction to a powerful drug. To be truthful handcuffs helped no one except those who own the jails and prisons.
Sending those with substance abuse problems "out of here" is not the answer. There are only roughly 144 beds available across the state on any given day. If you have had any dealing with that you know it's like a lottery or game of BINGO when it is someone you love. Many have died while waiting on a bed. Many others have died because they didn't have transportation to one of those beds.
When I came out of the shadows of stigma last year and decided to hold a memorial and vigil I was tired. I was tired of seeing the many young people dying. Many families that I know. Some that I am related to. I was tired of running into brick walls with my own children who have addiction problems. When the news came out about the plans for 750 Baltimore St. to become a treatment facility I danced with joy. It is about time. Then of course within a few days and weeks, the fight began with zoning and all the other bureaucratic mess surrounding it meanwhile the numbers of overdoses only climbed higher. The number of those losing their fight with this disease continued climbing.
I didn't come out of the stigma of shame to lay down and surrender. I came out with a purpose and a goal that included Hope and Healing. I have met many along the way. Our bond is so great that we are held by the thread of addiction. We scream loudly, no more lives lost. We even locked arms across the Heroin Highway to say, no more!
We on this side know there is so much more work to be done in this fight against addiction and substance abuse. The fight I have in me I credit to my grandchildren whose biggest fear is that they will lose their dad. That he will die. I knew then that I had to do something. I could not live the rest of my life with those kids thinking I did nothing. One of them found their mother overdosed about a year ago in the bathroom. So no. I have to do something. All of those children just like my own grandchildren are the future of Martinsburg, WV and Berkeley County!
For those who have lost their loved ones to this disease, I am saddened. I pray for those families every day. I cannot let their loved ones be forgotten. They did not die in vain. I will always speak their names. Their memories should go on forever, and they will.Their memories will live on forever. Never Forget Them. I hope that you stick around to read some very exciting posts coming in April.
Thank you. You are amazing!
© 2017 Gossip Girl
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Challenge Myself: Day #223 Help With Habitat for Humanity
Today is Day #223 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to volunteer time and help out with a Habitat for Humanity Project.
The book says,
Swing a hammer, carry some lumbar, and otherwise help build a home for a poor family if this appeals to your social conscience. Habitat For Humanity is a nonprofit organization that works in tandem with volunteers in communities worldwide to build houses for the low-income people.
Former president Jimmy Carter and wife spend a week every year swinging hammers to help erect affordable shelter for the poor on behalf of Habitat For Humanity.
If you believe that you could be doing more to help the less fortunate, then grab your hammer, go out, and work up a sweat with people like yourself working with Habitat for Humanity.
Now I personally have never helped with the Habitat program but I know others who have. I do help out in other ways. I help many of my neighbors in need. I help several older folks with housekeeping chores around their homes. Locally we have a Day of Caring. Mine just exceeds into days, months and years of caring.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that Habitat is a good way of showing that you care, but there are other things you can do also to help out in your community. Donate to the local food banks is one way. There is a very good program happening every Thursday at the First Baptist Church on King St. here in Martinsburg. They feed the hungry every Thursday evening. Here is the link to Habitat Eastern Panhandle for those who are interested.
Just For Today: I will continue helping my neighbors in need.
Just a quick note, today is the last day of the challenges for the section on Finding Happiness Living Healthy. I wanted to add a quick note that the next section of Challenges will resume May 1, 2017, after the April A-Z Blogging Challenge is over. I have the first week of April posts completed and ready to go. I need to work on the second week. I still have about three days of posts I am still trying to complete. I hope you understand.
From the book: Live Happy
The book says,
Swing a hammer, carry some lumbar, and otherwise help build a home for a poor family if this appeals to your social conscience. Habitat For Humanity is a nonprofit organization that works in tandem with volunteers in communities worldwide to build houses for the low-income people.
Former president Jimmy Carter and wife spend a week every year swinging hammers to help erect affordable shelter for the poor on behalf of Habitat For Humanity.
If you believe that you could be doing more to help the less fortunate, then grab your hammer, go out, and work up a sweat with people like yourself working with Habitat for Humanity.
Now I personally have never helped with the Habitat program but I know others who have. I do help out in other ways. I help many of my neighbors in need. I help several older folks with housekeeping chores around their homes. Locally we have a Day of Caring. Mine just exceeds into days, months and years of caring.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that Habitat is a good way of showing that you care, but there are other things you can do also to help out in your community. Donate to the local food banks is one way. There is a very good program happening every Thursday at the First Baptist Church on King St. here in Martinsburg. They feed the hungry every Thursday evening. Here is the link to Habitat Eastern Panhandle for those who are interested.
Just For Today: I will continue helping my neighbors in need.
Just a quick note, today is the last day of the challenges for the section on Finding Happiness Living Healthy. I wanted to add a quick note that the next section of Challenges will resume May 1, 2017, after the April A-Z Blogging Challenge is over. I have the first week of April posts completed and ready to go. I need to work on the second week. I still have about three days of posts I am still trying to complete. I hope you understand.
From the book: Live Happy
Friday, March 24, 2017
Challenge Myself: Day #222 Plan a Hike
Today is Day #222 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today suggests that we trek the Himalayas.
The book says,
If you've ever wanted to break out of the ordinary routine and taste adventure, trekking might be just the thing to try. Trekking regions of the Himalayas used to be only for adventurers, mountain climbers, and tourists with a liking for remote and exotic destinations.
Today, trekking has become a popular pastime for ordinary people with a chunk of time and enough money to get to Nepal or India. It's a good idea for you to join a trekking group if you are a first-time trekker if you are first-time trekker.
Trekking, defined generally as walking while carrying a backpack. will take you through lots of different types of terrain if you are walking in regions of the Himalayas. As you hike, you'll burn lots of calories. Your muscles will become firmer and stronger and you'll begin to feel mental, spiritual, and physical renewal. Read up on trekking; give it a try.
I doubt I ever get the opportunity to trek the Himalayas, but I have had the opportunity to trek quite a few miles of the Appalachian Trail in the George Washington National Forest.
Just For Today: Just added this one to my 2017 bucket list of things to do this summer. I will spend more time out hiking this summer for the benefits of the mental, spiritual, and physical renewing.
From the book: Live Happy
The book says,
If you've ever wanted to break out of the ordinary routine and taste adventure, trekking might be just the thing to try. Trekking regions of the Himalayas used to be only for adventurers, mountain climbers, and tourists with a liking for remote and exotic destinations.
Today, trekking has become a popular pastime for ordinary people with a chunk of time and enough money to get to Nepal or India. It's a good idea for you to join a trekking group if you are a first-time trekker if you are first-time trekker.
Trekking, defined generally as walking while carrying a backpack. will take you through lots of different types of terrain if you are walking in regions of the Himalayas. As you hike, you'll burn lots of calories. Your muscles will become firmer and stronger and you'll begin to feel mental, spiritual, and physical renewal. Read up on trekking; give it a try.
I doubt I ever get the opportunity to trek the Himalayas, but I have had the opportunity to trek quite a few miles of the Appalachian Trail in the George Washington National Forest.
Just For Today: Just added this one to my 2017 bucket list of things to do this summer. I will spend more time out hiking this summer for the benefits of the mental, spiritual, and physical renewing.
From the book: Live Happy
Hope Dealer Project: 1st Annual Community United in Recovery
I am pleased to announce the First Annual Community United in Recovery, an event sponsored by The Hope Dealer Project of Martinsburg, WV.
RECOVERY RESOURCE VENDOR: If you are interested in showcasing your company and/or services and speak with individuals and families about the services that your organization offers in the areas of detox, rehab and transitional housing, please contact us to reserve your booth rental space. Deadline 4/20/17
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES: If you or your organization would like to assist in becoming a sponsor for this event please email Tara Mayson at tara.mayson@gmail.com for our sponsorship package details. Deadline 4/20/17
ADVERTISING SPACE: We will have a Resource Guide available for all attendees. If you would like to purchase an advertising spot in our guide listing your recovery business information and recovery services, please email Tara Mayson at tara.mayson@gmail.com indicating your desire to purchase a spot in our guide. Advertising spaces available for sale are a full page, half page, quarter page and business card. Even if you do not offer recovery resource services and would like to purchase space as a business that supports the recovery efforts in the Panhandle or would like your name listed in the guide as a supporter please contact us as well to purchase your space and have your name listed as a supporter in our Resource Guide. Deadline 4/20/17
While at the event do not forget to check out our Kids Corner for fun activities such as face painting and a coloring contest and more...
There will be guest speakers and live music about recovery. This will be an informative event that you don't want to miss.
A community UNITED in recovery will RECOVER! Will you join us?
***FOOD WILL BE SERVED***
If you need additional information or have any questions please contact Tara Diggs Mayson or by email tara.mayson@gmail.com and by phone at 844-383-4673.
The Hope Dealer Project is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.
You may also visit their Facebook Event page @ 1st Annual Community United in Recovery for more information on this event.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Challenge Myself: Walk to the Local Market
Today is Day #221 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says we need to walk to the local market when we can.
The book says,
If there's a grocery store in your neighborhood or a weekend farmer's market, gather together canvas bags or heavy-duty utility bags and head out of a brisk walk to do your grocery shopping.
Since you'll be carrying bags of groceries back home afterwards, you'll want to be sure you can carry what you purchase, in other words, buy only what you need that will fit into a couple of bags.
Walking while carrying groceries means you'll be burning a lot more calories than you would driving your car to the store. Plus, it's better for the environment. Now, that's something to feel good about.
Just For Today: Now that the weather is warming up I am taking more walks.
From the book: Live Happy
The book says,
If there's a grocery store in your neighborhood or a weekend farmer's market, gather together canvas bags or heavy-duty utility bags and head out of a brisk walk to do your grocery shopping.
Since you'll be carrying bags of groceries back home afterwards, you'll want to be sure you can carry what you purchase, in other words, buy only what you need that will fit into a couple of bags.
Walking while carrying groceries means you'll be burning a lot more calories than you would driving your car to the store. Plus, it's better for the environment. Now, that's something to feel good about.
Just For Today: Now that the weather is warming up I am taking more walks.
From the book: Live Happy
City of Martinsburg Defers Funds for Treatment Program
In case anyone is wondering what our city council thinks about a treatment center here a story is out today by our local newspaper.
“I personally would like to see that thing put on hold until we see our upcoming (city) balance in July or August, and then we’ll revisit this thing instead of jumping into it right now,” said Councilman Mark Baker.
Read more>>>> @ The Journal-Martinsburg
Story by: The Journal
City Defers Funds for Treatment Program
“I personally would like to see that thing put on hold until we see our upcoming (city) balance in July or August, and then we’ll revisit this thing instead of jumping into it right now,” said Councilman Mark Baker.
Read more>>>> @ The Journal-Martinsburg
Story by: The Journal
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Challenge Myself: Join a Rowing Club
Today is Day #220 of the Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my daily Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today suggests joining a rowing club.
The book says,
If you like working out with others, join a rowing club. Rowing tones the arms builds upper body strength and involves all major muscle groups. Basically, rowing takes tow forms.
Sculling is when rowers have an oar in each hand. But when the rowers have both hands on one oar, that type of rowing is called sweep rowing. Rowing is a low-impact exercise but does require a degree of agility, grace, and teamwork.
Rowing as a team teaches you to work together for maximum effectiveness. The boat advances more quickly when the rowing team members row fast and in unison. So make some new friends, learn the art of rowing, get in a regular workout, and feel good as your body becomes trim and toned.
Just For Today: Appreciating the challenges of living healthy in the exercise challenge.
From the book: Live Happy
The book says,
If you like working out with others, join a rowing club. Rowing tones the arms builds upper body strength and involves all major muscle groups. Basically, rowing takes tow forms.
Sculling is when rowers have an oar in each hand. But when the rowers have both hands on one oar, that type of rowing is called sweep rowing. Rowing is a low-impact exercise but does require a degree of agility, grace, and teamwork.
Rowing as a team teaches you to work together for maximum effectiveness. The boat advances more quickly when the rowing team members row fast and in unison. So make some new friends, learn the art of rowing, get in a regular workout, and feel good as your body becomes trim and toned.
Just For Today: Appreciating the challenges of living healthy in the exercise challenge.
From the book: Live Happy
American Epidemic: The Nation's Struggle With Opioid Addiction
As the April A-Z Blogging Challenge gets closer I wanted to share this short film documenting the lives of four families affected by heroin and opioids.
Many still debate whether or not addiction is a disease or choice. The studies are out there. You can google and bring up so much information. Whichever side of the debate you set on there are studies showing how this changes and affects the brain. There are studies proving that mental illness is a key factor to this disease.
There are currently studies out there showing the relation between addiction and genetics. For some, it started as an over-prescribing of some powerful painkillers. For some this started as a way of numbing pain. Then there are those who just made a wrong decision to try it just once as a choice. Their lives will never be the same. Their families will never be the same.
No one person is immune. No one family is immune from this epidemic. If you are a parent get as much information as you can relating to this. Bring up the discussion in your family. Talk about it.
None of us affected by this today ever thought we would be going through this either.
video found @ youtube
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
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