The holidays are coming
Mood:  cool
Topic: Time to think

GIVE YOURSELF A PRE-CHRISTMAS/HANNUKAH  PRESENT

The holiday season is always an excuse for drinking and drugging. But then people who suffer from addiction will always find an excuse to satisfy their cravings. If you are in a home where the addictive habits really burst forth during the holidays there are several preparations you and your siblings can do.

1. Make a list of relatives and friends whom you feel comfortable visiting. Phone them and ask if in an emergency you could stay with them.
2. Always let your parents know where you are spending the night. Don’t just tell them but also write the name, address and phone number down and safety pin the paper on your bed. If your parents have email send it to them as well.
3. If you have no place to go have the phone numbers of your local Alcoholics Anonymous, and other addiction help centers available in case you need to talk to someone.
4. If all else fails be prepared to phone 911.
5. Depending on your relationships with your mother and father, the holidays are sometimes a good time to discuss what worries you about your parents’ habits. It is important to talk to your parents in a positive and non-insulting way. For example instead of saying, “I hate it when –“ you might say, “I really worry when you ---, or “My feelings hurt when you ---“. 

We are also living through financially difficult times which may be adding more stress to our families. Lets try and be grateful for the good things we do have. It may also be a good time if you are affiliated with a church or synagogue to talk to your clergyman about your personal concerns. Make some plans of your own where you can let off some steam. Is there a pool near your home? Bowling Alley? A gym? You get the idea. Get some healthy activities going outside of your home. Have some fun. To all my web site visitors a healthy, prosperous and peaceful new year. May you find the strength within you to make your wishes come true. Believe in yourself.

A NEW IDEA
Mood:  bright
Topic: GO FOR IT

As you have gathered by now if you have been reading my blogs I am always looking for stuff you can do outside of your home, especially if you are having a difficult time. One great thing is to develop your talent. See if you like this contest. And if - go for it.

Daniel Chavez Moran Award Seeking Health, Science and Technology Ideas from YouthsFounder of Grupo Vidanta and Vidanta Foundation creates new award to harness ideas from youths to combat poverty in Latin America

Is it sadness or depression
Topic: Lets think this through

Sometimes we feel lousey, you know blue, sad. Everyone feels like that occasionally. However, if it persists you may want to ask yourself about the following symptoms which come from the Mayo Clinic web site.

Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Managing Depression

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Teen depression is a serious condition that affects emotions, thought and behaviors. Although teen depression isn't medically different from depression in adults, teenagers often have unique challenges and symptoms. Issues such as peer pressure, academic expectations and changing bodies can bring a lot of ups and downs for teens. But, for some teens, the lows are more than just temporary feelings — they're a sign of depression.

Also called major depression and major depressive disorder, teen depression isn't a weakness or something that can be overcome with willpower. Like depression in adults, teen depression is a medical condition that can have serious consequences. However, for most teens, teen depression symptoms ease with treatment such as medication and psychological counseling.

*******

Did the Mayo Clinic's info help you at all?

You may also want to visit their depression blog, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-blog-break/MY02247

This blog gives you all kinds of advice and places to seek more information. 

I would like to suggest that for starters you may want to talk to your parents or a parent. If that is not feasible talk to your school counselor. You can also go on line and see if there is a NAMI near you. NAMI will know what is available in your community and will have compassion and excellent information if you have not found anyone in your circle who can help. If you are truly not just sad but depressed do something. You deserve the best.

 

 

Some Thoughts About School
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: What Do You Think

Every September when school starts instead of giving a lot of advice I like to say the following (hope it helps):

It's that time of year again - school. Some of you like your studies and some of you don't. Some of you are happy at home and some of you are not. One good thing to do is to keep a journal. Don't write your thoughts on line but in a book with a good old fashioned ball point pen or pencil. Write your thoughts, your ideas, your feelings, your plans, your dreams, your questions, and descriptions. And, then hide your journal. Let it be your private, intimate journal. Let the journal be your hang out for all your feelings. The journal is your private place and only your place. And, if you are having trouble with your school work remember to look up www.khanacademy.org/  these instructors make most subjects easy. Their graphs are terrific.

More About Recovery Month
Mood:  bright
Topic: think TV
As you know September is Recovery Month and there is much you can do. If you go to SAMHSA web site you will note  that they have movies that they will let your local TV station show. Get in touch with your local TV station and urge them to have a program on recovery. Study the station's programs and decide where a program on recovery would fit. Talk programs are always looking for ideas. You can do it.

Think positive
Mood:  happy
Topic: Recovery Month
An Important Message from SAMHSA

National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) (www.recoverymonth.gov) is a national observance that educates Americans on the fact that addiction treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. The observance’s main focus is to laud the gains made by those in recovery from these conditions, just as we would those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.

Recovery Month , now in its 23rd year, highlights individuals who have reclaimed their lives and are living happy and healthy lives in long-term recovery and also honors the prevention, treatment, and recovery service providers who make recovery possible. Recovery Month promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible, and also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those in need.

Celebrated during the month of September, Recovery Month began in 1989 as TreatmentWorks! Month, which honored the work of the treatment and recovery professionals in the field. The observance evolved to National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month) in 1998, when the observance expanded to include celebrating the accomplishment of individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. The observance evolved once again in 2011 to National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) to include all aspects of behavioral health.

Each September, thousands of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs and services around the country celebrate their successes and share them with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues in an effort to educate the public about recovery, how it works, for whom, and why. There are millions of Americans whose lives have been transformed through recovery. These successes often go unnoticed by the broader population; therefore, Recovery Month provides a vehicle to celebrate these accomplishments.

The 2012 Recovery Month observance emphasizes that while the road to recovery may be difficult, the benefits of preventing and overcoming behavioral health conditions are significant and valuable to individuals, families, and communities. Recovery Month, officially celebrated each September, has become a year-round initiative that supports educational outreach and celebratory events throughout the year.

Currently, 140 Federal, State and local government entities, as well as non-profit organizations and associations affiliated with prevention, treatment, and recovery of mental and substance use disorders, comprise the Recovery Month Planning Partners’ group. The Planning Partners assist in the development, dissemination and collaboration of materials, promotion and event sponsorship for the Recovery Month initiative.

Materials produced for the Recovery Month observance include print, web, television, radio and social media tools. These resources help local communities reach out and encourage individuals in need of services, and their friends and families, to seek treatment and recovery services and information. Materials provide multiple resources including SAMHSA’s National Helpline - 1-800-662 HELP (4357) for information and treatment referral and SAMHSA's Treatment information at http://www.samhsa.gov/.

May be yes?
Mood:  cool

If you know someone struggling with addiction you might be interested in this bit of information. Here is the info:

Doron Ofir Casting, (Millionaire Matchmaker, My Strange Addiction, Jersey Shore) officially confirms and announces for the first time ever, real people struggling with addiction will have the opportunity to take part in a revolutionary and groundbreaking documentary series chronicling the emotional and physical struggles of addiction—“REHAB with DR. DREW”.

Participants will be given a once in a lifetime opportunity to enroll in a no-cost, 30-day treatment program to begin the process of breaking free from the bonds of addiction and take their first steps down the road to recovery.
VH1, in association with Irwin Entertainment and Doron Ofir Casting, is currently searching for those struggling with substance addiction but not ready to give up hope.

“If you are ready to fight to take your life back into your own hands, I’m hoping to find you! Instead of giving in, make a change and seek the help you need. I want your story and why you need the help. Your story can be someone else’s hope.” Doron Ofir, Executive Casting Director

Realize that recovery can become your reality.

If you are dealing with the disease of addiction and are ready to transform your life, this exclusive opportunity is a chance to seek the help you’ve always needed.

Please apply online at http://www.rehabcasting.com

 

DENIAL, DENIAL AND MORE DENIAL
Topic: Think - intervention

I talk a lot about denial because once denial about one's addiction has been conquered healing can take place. Denial is the biggest reason people do not give up addiction. Denial was first connoted by the man often called the father of psychiatry, Sigmund Freud. I actually looked up denial on Wikepedia which defines denial (also called abnegation) <as> “a defense mechanism in which a person is faced with a fact that is too uncomfortable to accept and rejects it instead, insisting that it is not true despite what may be overwhelming evidence.”

What I really found interesting is that Wikepedia defines 3 types of denial:

• simple denial: deny the reality of the unpleasant fact altogether
• minisisation: admit the fact but deny its seriousness (a combination of denial and rationalization)
• projection: admit both the fact and seriousness but deny responsibility by blaming somebody or something else.
  

The best way to break through the denial is to have an intervention. Seek out a professional who works with people suffering from addiction. Go to The National Intervention for Drugs and Alcohol (NIDA) to seek out someone in your area. (866) 665-5197  Good Luck.

More About Summer Jobs
Mood:  bright
Topic: Good Advice

I received the enclosed press release and since it had some good advice I thought I would share it with you.

 As businesses start to hire teenagers for the summer, customer service strategist John Tschohl, author of the book Achieving Excellence Through Customer Service, offers these tips to help your new part-time employees offers great customer service:

 -       Feel good about yourself

We tend to live in a negative world and to think negatively. It’s critical that you feel good about yourself, that you are confident, enthusiastic, and positive. Each of us is responsible for how we feel about ourselves. You must believe in yourself, concentrate on your strengths, and recognize the importance of your role. Use affirmations and visualization. Read books on self-improvement and strive to be the best you can be. See yourself as you can be, not as you are.

 -       Be courteous

It takes no more time to be nice and polite than it does to be rude. Every customer wants to feel important to you and your organization. Treat them with courtesy and respect. When you do, they will return to you time and time again.

 -       Give positive communication

Smile, call customers by name, and give specific, genuine, sincere, and timely feedback. When you communicate positively, you form a connection with the customer that says, ‘I am pleased that you patronize my organization, I value you, and I am here to ensure your needs are met."

 -       Perform for the customer

Customers have the right to demand performance. They aren’t interested in your problems and excuses; they want you to take care of them. You can be polite and courteous but, if you don’t do what you say you will do, you will not meet the standards of good customer service. If you say you’ll call a customer on Tuesday, do it. If you say you’ll ship the product on Friday, do it.  Do what you say you will do—and do it with speed and accuracy. If you ship a product when you say you will, but you ship the wrong product, you’ve taken a giant step backward.

-       Listen carefully

Few employees do this well.  If you don’t listen to what the customer is telling you, you cannot give that customer what he needs. Listen to the customer, then clarify what he has said by repeating it.  For example: “Ted, let me repeat what you said so I’m sure I’m on the right track.”  Ask questions, get involved, and show that you care.

 -       Learn and grow in your job

If a customer asks you to explain the difference between product A and product B, she’s asking you to provide more than the difference in price. Study your organization’s products and services—as well as those of your competitors—so that you can provide your customers with the information they need to make a purchase decision.

Tough Time At Home?
Mood:  down
Topic: Don't give up - think positive
By chance I was talking to a teen who said that when his parents drink they talk abusively. He said he usually goes in his room and locks the door. He also said he feels lonely. He is too embarrassed to text his friends. Solution: Get on the Alateen Facebook and pour your heart out. You can confide anything. You'll probably inspire others to tell their stories. Never heard of Alateen? Just in case here is a brief definition that Alateen has on its web site: "Alateen meetings are where teens can find support and understanding from people their own age who are going through similar difficulties."  Check them out. Alateen has a great web site.