Tag: addiction

Misc Rambling

Thank God a New Year 2020

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A New Year

To say that 2019 was one hell of a ride is an understatement. If you follow my blog you know that my oldest son was incarcerated as part of the good ole boy network and the asinine mandatory minimum sentencing laws in Idaho, my dad passed away unexpectedly, both my old rescue dogs died, and I wrote a book about all this craziness. “Mad as Hell, A Mom’s Journey”

I am thrilled to say I made it through and truly am grateful for all that I learned in 2019.
Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t EVER want to repeat that shit, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason:
1. Love your family, this for me is not just blood relatives
* Know who shows up when you need them and those that you only hear from when they need something
* I am that ride or die momma for those I love
2. Have empathy and compassion- you never know what is happening in someone’s life
* A kind word or smile truly makes a difference
* Don’t judge until you have walked in someone else’s shoes
* We are all 2 paychecks away from being homeless
3. Drugs are not a choice
* Do some research before you open your mouth
* Drugs take over the neurons in the brain (dopamine)
* Not all addicts relapse or become dealers to support their habit
* Recovery is possible
* Not all addicts recover the same way
If I have learned nothing else in 2019 it is that no one has your best interests at heart but you, research, rely on facts, and be an advocate for those that can’t do it for themselves.    
Oh and last, adopt a shelter dog, people are dumb, dogs are great and we all need some companionship and to feel needed. Here is my rescue, Punkin Spice Latte Starr

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Misc Rambling

Media Stupidness

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I am not a regular consumer of news or just about anything published by the large main stream media companies. I have however seen some coverage the past few weeks about the overdose of Demi Lovato and I have to say I’m angry at the stupidness (probably not a real word)

First let me say that I am hopeful that this young lady will recover and get the help that she needs to get and stay sober. As you all know if you follow me, I have a child in recovery. What infuriates me is the fact that there are millions and I mean millions of people addicted to some type of substance in this country but it is not important or news worthy until it impacts a celebrity. 

I wonder if the media actually did some journalistic research and continued to run the facts about addiction as a regular reoccurring conversation if perhaps society might learn something.

Such as: 

  1. Misuse of prescription opioids is increasingly recognized as one of the nation’s most significant public health problems because it can lead to physical and mental impairment and even death (NIDA Research Reports, 2005; Simoni-Wastila and Strickler, 2004; Zacny et al., 2003; Denisco et al., 2008; Compton and Volkow, 2006; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2009; Okie, 2010). 
  2. Though there is no standard definition of misuse, common definitions range from “taking a medication in a manner other than prescribed or for a different condition than that for which it was prescribed,” to “intentional self-administration for non-medical purposes, such as getting high” (Compton and Volkow, 2006; Denisco et al., 2008). 
  3. Data from the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) indicate that 12.7% of the general population aged 26 and older report lifetime misuse of prescription pain relievers and that 1.6% report past 30 day misuse, with higher rates among some subgroups (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2009).

It saddens me that the media continues to state how Demi is going through withdrawals and that she is still being treated for whatever her symptom is that day. 

  • Fact, when you use drugs and then stop (forced or otherwise) you go through withdrawal, duh. 
  • If you are given Nar can, you go into withdrawal shortly after. 

So my plight is to leave this girl alone and let her get healthy and switch the focus to publicizing the problem in this country with drug addiction instead of a person.  

Misc Rambling

Addiction lessons

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I must say I never thought I would be impacted by addiction but it has smacked me in the face full on. My oldest son who has always been the strong athlete is sitting in rehab getting well. As a college athlete he was given every opioid available to keep him on the field and now he is repairing the damage. I am thankful he is alive and the man he is meant to be has emerged. He has gained 60 lbs of muscle and is not only physically but mentally healthy it is truly amazing. I never knew how horrible the addiction was but am grateful my son has found his purpose. We never understand the struggle or circumstances until god reveals them and he is on his way to a great great great future

Misc Rambling

Addiction and It’s Victims

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My heart hurts today. A friends young daughter passed away yesterday of a drug overdose. The pain she is dealing with right now must be unbearable. I cannot even imagine if one of my children left this earth before me, honestly this is one of my greatest fears.

I have been around drug abuse most of my life and have seen the devastation it causes to the person using and the family and friends around them who love and care about them.

The question I have to ask is when and how do we stop this train wreck?

  • The pharmaceutic companies must have some consequence for creating highly addictive substances that have 8 million people in the United States hooked.
    • How do citizens fight this multi-billion dollar industry?
  • What about the doctors who prescribe these like candy, what’s their penance?
    • Certainly there are tracking mechanisms in place to catch doctors over prescribing
  • How about the dealers with no conscience who sell anything and everything for a quick buck?
    • Used to be a lot more difficult than it is today to get illegal drugs, every corner
  • How about the coaches who want athletes on the field at any cost?
    • Oh I know this begins in high school as I have seen it firsthand, college, NFL, your knee hurts here is a pain med.

I don’t pretend to have the answer but certainly as a society we at some point have to recognize that something has to give. Maybe instead of building new prisons maybe we should put our funding into treatment facilities. Yes the argument I am certain will be made that each person has a choice, but do they really once they are hooked. The mind and body aren’t fully developed until almost 30 and are now altered, how do you go back? I found some research from Daniel Amen which I found very interesting, if you have time take a look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esPRsT-lmw8