Motivational Quotes From the Bible

Motivational Quotes From the Bible




When you say: “I’m too tired” God says: “I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28-30

When you say: “I can’t go on” God says: “My grace is sufficient.” 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 91:15

When you say: “I can’t figure things out” God says: “I will direct your steps.” Proverbs 3:5-6

When you say: “I can’t do it” God says: “You can do all things.” Philippians 4:13

When you say: “I’m always worried and frustrated” God says: “Cast all your cares on ME.” 1 Peter 5:7

When you say: “Nobody really loves me” God says: “I love you.” John 3:16, John 3:34

When you say: “I’m not smart enough” God says: “I will give you wisdom.” James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 1:30

When you say: “I’m not able” God says: “I am able.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

When you say: “It’s not worth it” God says: “It will be worth it.” Roman 8:28

When you say: “I can’t forgive myself” God says: “I forgive you.” 1 John 1:9, Romans 8:1

When you say: “I can’t manage” God says: “I will supply all your needs.” Philippians 4:19

When you say: “I’m afraid” God says: “I have not given you a spirit of fear.” 2 Timothy 1:7

When you say: “It’s impossible” God says: “All things are possible.” Mark 10:27

When you say: “I feel all alone” God says: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” John 14:18, Hebrews 13:5


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How can drug users reduce their risks for HIV/AIDS?

DRUG REHABILITATION REFERRAL SERVICES

How can drug users reduce their risks for HIV/AIDS?

  Drug users should be advised that stopping all drug use, including drug injection, is the most effective way to reduce their risks for contracting HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne diseases, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C. However, not every drug user is ready to stop using drugs, and many of those who stop may relapse.

  A variety of HIV/AIDS prevention strategies to protect against becoming infected are available for individuals who may be considering or already injecting drugs. These are described in a hierarchy of HIV/AIDS risk-reduction messages, beginning with the most effective behavioral changes that drug users can make:

• Stop using and injecting drugs.
• Enter and complete drug abuse treatment, including relapse prevention.
• If you continue to inject drugs, take the following steps to reduce personal and public health risks:
  
  
  • Never re-use or "share" syringes, water, or drug preparation equipment.
  • Use only sterile syringes obtained from a reliable source (e.g., a pharmacy or a syringe access program).
  • Always use a new, sterile syringe to prepare and inject drugs.
  • If possible, use sterile water to prepare drugs; otherwise use clean water from a reliable source (e.g., fresh tap water).
  • Always use a new or disinfected container ("cooker") and a new filter ("cotton") to prepare drugs.
  • Clean the injection site with a new alcohol swab before injecting drugs.
  • Safely dispose of syringes after one use.

  As the hierarchy shows, drug injectors can best reduce their risks by stopping all drug use. If they inject drugs, they should always use sterile supplies and never share them. When this is not possible, cleaning and disinfecting techniques should be considered. Full-strength bleach is the most effective disinfectant when safer options are not available. However, sterile, unused injection equipment is safer than previously used injection equipment disinfected with bleach. Drug users should never share their other injection equipment, such as cookers, cottons, rinse water, and drug solutions prepared for injection. Sharing these materials presents an important but often overlooked HIV transmission risk.

  In addition to learning how to make the behavioral changes described in the hierarchy, drug users and their sex partners should be counseled about sexual risks for HIV and other STDs and the importance of avoiding unprotected sex.

  Community-based outreach workers, treatment providers, and other public health professionals should use any contact with a drug user as an opportunity to convey these important HIV/AIDS risk-reduction messages. The messages should be delivered along with referrals for testing and counseling services for HIV and other blood-borne infections, drug abuse-treatment programs, and other services.

What is the best HIV/AIDS prevention strategy for drug users?

  Given the diversity of drug users and their sex partners, no single HIV/AIDS prevention strategy will work effectively for everyone. A comprehensive approach is the most effective strategy for preventing HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne infections in drug-using populations and their communities. A comprehensive approach readily adapts and responds to changing patterns of drug use and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors, to the characteristics of the local setting, and to the varied service needs of drug users and their sex partners. At every contact with a drug user, outreach workers, interventionists, and counselors deliver drug- and sex-related risk-reduction messages and provide the means to reduce or eliminate their risks for transmitting HIV and other blood-borne infections.

A comprehensive approach is the most effective strategy for preventing HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne infections in drug-using populations and their communities.

  What are the components of a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention approach?

  The comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention approach for drug users includes three complementary approaches: community-based outreach, drug abuse treatment, and sterile syringe access programs. Each of these also includes HIV testing and counseling.

  Community-based outreach is an effective approach for contacting drug users in their local neighborhoods to provide them with the means to change their risky drug- and sex-related behaviors. This approach relies on outreach workers who typically reside in the local community and are familiar with its drug use subculture. As a result, they are in a unique position to educate and influence their peers to stop using drugs and reduce their risks for HIV and other blood-borne infections. Outreach workers distribute HIV/AIDS educational information, bleach kits for disinfecting injection equipment when sterile equipment is not available, and condoms for safer sex. They also provide drug users with referrals for drug treatment, syringe access and exchange programs, and HIV, HBV, and HCV testing and counseling.

  Drug abuse treatment is HIV prevention. Drug users who enter and continue in treatment are more likely than those who remain out of treatment to reduce risky activities, such as sharing needles and injection equipment or engaging in unprotected sex. Drug abuse treatment can be conducted in a variety of settings (e.g., inpatient, outpatient, residential) and often involves various approaches, including behavioral therapy, medications, or a combination of both. The best treatment programs offer their clients HIV testing and counseling and referral to other services.

Comprehensive HIV prevention programs can help drug users stop using drugs, change their risk behaviors, and reduce their risks for acquiring or transmitting the HIV infection.

  Sterile syringe access programs complement community-based outreach and drug abuse treatment by providing drug users who will not or cannot seek treatment, or who are in treatment but continue to inject drugs, with access to sterile syringes and other services. These programs help remove potentially contaminated needles from circulation. They also serve as a bridge to active and out-of-treatment drug users by providing them with HIV/AIDS information and materials (e.g., bleach kits and condoms) to reduce their risks, by offering opportunities for HIV testing and counseling, and by providing referrals for drug abuse treatment and other social services. Hence, it is important that drug abuse treatment and other services are available and accessible to drug users referred by sterile syringe access programs.

Testing and Counseling Services for HIV and Other Blood-Borne Infections

  HIV testing and counseling services are an important part of comprehensive HIV prevention programs. These services are most effective when a range of anonymous and confidential testing options are available in diverse, accessible settings (e.g., mobile clinics) and at nontraditional times. The most current, rapid testing technologies can be especially useful. These allow drug users and others at risk to learn their test results as soon as they are available, plan a course of action to stop using drugs and reduce their risk of transmitting HIV to others, and get a referral to appropriate drug abuse treatment and other health services. HIV testing and counseling staff also can inform drug users about their potential risks for contracting HBV and HCV and explain why it is important to be tested for these and other blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections. Staff are trained to help people who test positive for HIV and/or other infections to inform their drug use and sex partners about their potential risks for infection and the importance of getting testing and counseling.

If you are ready to stop using drugs call 1-800-513-5423 and we can help get you on the road to recovery. 

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Bulimia Nervosa in Teens

Teenage girls with bulimia is becoming a growing issue in this day in time. If your daughter has an eating disorder, now is the time to get her help, before it is too late. 

Call us at 1-800-819-9973 

Bulimia Nervosa

Young girls with bulimia binge eat large portions of food, then shortly after excuse themselves and while out of sight and earshot, they purge their food by induced vomiting. This practice can be extreme; with  self induced vomiting and the consumption of large quantities of food, putting the teens body in distress. Laxative and binge exercising can be associated with this disorder as well.

Signs, Symptoms, and Consequences

Stomach and intestinal distress— Inflammation of the stomach lining and gastritis are common among those who binge eat and purge, due to the stress on the system. Abusing laxatives alters the bodies chemical balance robing it of essential minerals and fluids. This leads to the digestive tract and lining becoming damaged, and eventually burns out the colon. In severe cases, the colon must be removed.

Esophageal Injury— Repeated purging releases bile and acid to rise from the stomach, which can irritate and lead to inflammation of the esophagus, narrowing of the throat passageway, and in some cases tearing the lining of the esophagus which can lead to a fatal rupture.

Tooth Decay and Rot—- Vomiting increases the mouths ph level making it more acidic resulting in erosion of tooth enamel and dentin.

Kidney and Heart Problems—- When a person binges and purges, this has a profound effect on the vital mineral intake and fluids that we need to run our bodies. Food and fluid intake is the fuel that runs our bodies and denying the body of these vital key elements and minerals can lead to the shutting down of essential systems. Low potassium levels and what can become chronic dehydration, will eventually lead to kidney distress and eventually failure of the organ completely. With the frequent vomiting, associated with Bulimia, it brings with it higher than normal alkali levels in the blood stream and the body tissue itself. High potassium levels and severe alkalosis can lead to irregular heart rhythms and cause sudden death in some teenage girls.

To get your son or daughter help for an eating disorder, call us at 1-800-819-9973 now 

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7 Things Parents Can Say When Their Child is Struggling with Drugs or Alcohol

7 Things Parents Can Say When Their Child is Struggling with Drugs or Alcohol

Posted by:Cathy Taughinbaugh


Do you struggle with what to say to your child?

Are you looking for those words that will make a difference?

I was very moved by Karen Salmansohn’s article, 7 Things Parents Should Tell Their Kids Everyday.

As always, I went to that place of, “If I had said those seven things everyday, maybe my kids would not have struggled with drugs and alcohol.”

While these seven message would be helpful for any child to hear, I have to remind myself that addiction doesn’t discriminate. There are kids who were given everything they needed and more, and still went on to have a drug or alcohol problem.

Nevertheless, her messages are strong powerful words of wisdom that go a long to building self-esteem and empowering kids at any point in their life.

I have often been asked the question by parents as to what to say to kids as they struggle to make sense of their life. Parents often feel that they are walking on eggshells. Their kids have made a major detour because of their drug and alcohol use. They may be struggling to get their life back on track, or simply still in the midst of their drug use.

Parents so often hope that they will say the golden words that will make a difference.
We’ve been told so often that there is nothing that we can do. We need to detach and let go. There may come a time when that is all that a person can do.

Studies have shown, however, that parents do have an influence and can make a difference.

Letting our kids know when they are struggling with substances, that we are still there for them and will be waiting for them on the other side can give them the inner strength that they need to start their life anew.

Here are some ideas on things that you can say when your child is struggling with drugs or alcohol.

1. “I love you.”

While we can change these three little words up in a variety of ways, the basic “I love you” gets the message across at this critical time with no confusion.

I use every opportunity these days to add those three simple words at the end of every phone conversation and every goodbye. I don’t think any of us, no matter what our age or our situation, can hear it enough. When you going through a rough patch, you need to hear “I love you” more than ever.

2. “I understand.”

While we may not have expected our kids to take the path of drug and alcohol misuse, understanding can go a long way in helping them to know that you are there for them. You have taken the time to do the work to have a deeper understanding about why they felt they needed to relieve their pain and numb their emotions. By understanding you are a source of help and guidance and your child will know that ultimately, you are there for them.

3. “How can I help?”

Offering to help is the greatest gift you can give your child. Giving out money that is spent on drugs or alcohol is never the answer, but help can come in a variety of other forms, and can make a difference when your child is struggling.

Think of ways that you can help that will give your child the chance to start again. You may offer to pay for counseling, in-house treatment or for the first couple of months of a sober living home. If that is not possible, look for less costly treatment options. While your child may not decide to take you up on your offer of help immediately, they will know that help is available for them when they are ready.

4. ”I respect you.”

As your child struggles to make better choices, they need your love and respect. Everyone knows that the choices that they made were not good ones. You can, however respect the hard work that they have chosen to do to change their lives. It isn’t easy to be sober or to seek a better way when the temptation to return to old habits is always lingering in the wings.

Each morning, your child makes a new decision about what path he will take that day. It gets easier down the road, but it is a challenge for someone just starting out. Kids that never made the decision to let drugs or alcohol run their life deserve our respect. Overcoming a substance use problem deserves our respect as well and telling our kids, we respect them, helps them respect themselves once again.

5. “I will support your positive change.”

Give your child the message that you will support their long-term recovery or positive change. This is a message that is helpful for them, but also helpful for parents as you think through each action you take to decide if you are being helpful or enabling

Acknowledging positive change is a good thing. While we would like to think this is something that is already ingrained in our kids, the bottom line is that they’ve taken a detour in life and we need to do what we can to support their safe return. It takes work and effort to change the negative cycle and start down a healthier path.  Sending a clear message of what you will and will not support will make a difference for their future.

6. “We can get through this together.”

Letting your child know that this is a team effort helps. I am divorced from my child’s father, but we came together to help each other come up with solutions for the problem when my daughter was ready to make a change in her life. We both loved our daughter dearly and wanted only the best for her. Working together with your child and with those immediately affected, so that you are all moving in the same direction, can make a difference. Whether you are married or divorced, putting aside differences and collaborating as a family unit helps to move things forward to a better place.

7. “Don’t forget, you were meant to shine.”

As Marianne Williamson says, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” I like the idea of reminding our kids that there is a greater purpose for their lives that is waiting for them. Fear is often what is holding them back, but when they peel back the layers, they too can find their greatness and shine. We all need to know that while we may stumble and fall, we can always get up and go on to be our best selves.

NOTE: This blog was found online, and the source link below is the link to the original post. If your son or daughter needs help with addiction, give us a call at
1-800-818-9973 http://freemyaddiction.com/

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20 SIGNS YOU’re Becoming Your Best Self

By now, you may have realized that you came here on a mission greater than anyone ever told you about growing up.

Some event or person may have woken you up out of a deep slumber, and now you see the world through new eyes. It may feel like you’ve stripped away your camouflaged skin to reveal your true colors – if you need some more clarity about whether you have begun to embody your best self, consider the following guidance.

20 SIGNS YOU’RE BECOMING YOUR HIGHER SELF
1. YOU FEEL MOVED BY SOME GRAND MISSION HERE ON EARTH.
You have awakened to your soul’s calling; you may have recently quit your job or even moved to a new city in order to facilitate your newfound calling. The old paradigm doesn’t resonate with you anymore, and you have released these outdated thoughts to accommodate your soul’s desires.

2. YOU FEEL PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY LIGHTER.
You might feel alive for the first time in years, because you have begun to accept your most genuine nature. During this time, you may even miraculously recover from chronic ailments, or be drawn to healthier, more nutritious foods to match your new vibration.

3. THINGS BEGIN TO MANIFEST AT LIGHTNING SPEED.
What you truly desire seems to come into your life almost effortlessly, and in much less time than before. The universe sends you assuring signs regularly, whether through songs playing frequently on the radio, meeting the right people at the opportune time, or even in your dreams. Your intentions have been made clear to the universe, and now it’s responding to your energy.

4. YOU ATTRACT EXACTLY WHO YOU NEED TO MEET.
Some people call this your “Soul Family” or “Soul Tribe,” because you meet them and feel like you’ve known them for lifetimes before. In this life, they appear at various stages to help you along your path and reconnect with you to give you comfort and guidance.

5. YOU FEEL TOTALLY COMFORTABLE IN YOUR SKIN.
You don’t have to think about who you are, because you’re simply BEING it. What you act, think, and say form a perfect harmony, and you don’t feel the need to fight your inner self anymore. You let it shine proudly, and people notice.

6. YOU DON’T TRY TO REPRESS ANY EMOTIONS, BUT INSTEAD HONOR THEM.
You no longer feel that your thoughts and feelings own you; you simply observe them and allow them to move effortlessly through you. You realize that people experience many different feelings depending on their moods and situations they encounter, and nurture every emotion that washes over you.



7. YOU NO LONGER SEEK LOVE OR ATTENTION OUTSIDE YOURSELF.
You know that you embody love in the flesh, and realize that love will come to you only when you find it within first. You practice self-love and self-care, and you’ve learned to accept yourself as you are in this moment.

8. YOU’VE GIVEN UP THE VICTIM MENTALITY.
Since we have all come here on Earth due to past life karma, you know that blaming anyone or anything outside yourself will only perpetuate bad karma. You accept all responsibility for your own happiness and choices in life.

9. YOU FEEL THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF ALL LIFE.
You see yourself in your fellow humans, lions, tigers, bears, dandelions, trees, and rivers. You know it’s all energy expressed in different forms, and you have learned to honor and respect all life on Earth.



10. YOU KNOW HOW TO BALANCE YOUR OWN ENERGIES.
As you continue to evolve, you may notice that you can attune your energy to the frequency you wish to emit. You have learned to remove any unwanted energies within your body, and may even assist others with balancing their energies as well.

11. YOU HAVE TAMED EGOISTIC DESIRES.
You no longer care to run the rat race of consuming and spending just to inflate your false self and impress others. You know what brings real meaning in life, and feel very detached from material possessions.

12. YOU DON’T CARE WHAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT YOU.
Now that you feel so confident in your own skin, you don’t need to rely on other’s opinions to bolster your ego. You don’t need anyone’s approval to be you, and you realize that people spread hatred only when they themselves feel insecure. You offer love to them instead of stooping down to their vibrational level.

13. YOU ONLY LISTEN TO YOUR OWN HEART.
You appreciate the opinion of others, but know that only you can make necessary decisions about your life. Only you know what’s best for you, so you don’t let others lead you astray.

14. FEAR DOESN’T HOLD YOU BACK ANYMORE.
You no longer let fear motivate your decisions, and instead feel driven by love and excitement. You realize that fear is only an illusion, and trust your highest self to guide you in the right direction.

15. YOU DON’T IDOLIZE LEADERS.
You have become your own guru, and know that only you hold the answers which you seek. You may have learned from these leaders, but see the same potential within yourself to teach and be taught.

16. YOU SPEAK YOUR TRUTH, EVEN IF IT ISN’T POPULAR.
You know that the real truth has been buried beneath piles of lies for years now, and feel obligated to share the knowledge you’ve gained. People may laugh or dismiss your words as ludicrous conspiracies, but you press on without faltering. You have a duty to awaken the masses, and stand firmly in your beliefs.

17. YOU FORM BETTER, DEEPER RELATIONSHIPS.
As your relationship with yourself improves, so do all the other ones in your life. Communication gets easier, and you spend more time laughing and hugging with friends and family than you did before.

18. YOU HAVE A NEWFOUND PASSION FOR LIFE.
Maybe you once felt like a zombie, aimlessly walking through a dismal existence. Now, you feel vibrant, excited, and moved to live your best life with every breath you take.

19. YOU SPREAD HAPPINESS AND LOVE TO OTHERS.
Instead of putting people down to appease your ego, you lift others up so they will feel better about themselves. This does not hurt your ego, but it nourishes your soul. You have helped yourself, so you now know how to help others.

20. ABUNDANCE GREETS YOU IN ALL AREAS OF LIFE.
You suddenly find ways of making money that you never saw before, which allows you to buy healthier foods and live a higher quality life. The universe has rewarded you for living your truth, and this financial freedom enhances your own life as well as the lives of everyone around you.

SOURCE 

12-Step Programs: A Guide For Families Of Addicts

An Introduction To 12-Step Programs: A Guide For Families Of Addicts

What Are The 12 Steps All About?

The 12-Step Program was a program of recovery developed by alcoholics for alcoholics and other addicts. The program is based upon 12 steps that help the addict to come to grips with his or her condition and establish the kind of spiritual life that will be the basis of a solid recovery and sobriety. The program recognizes addiction as a disease—an allergy of the body and an obsession of the mind. The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) premise is based on the understanding that if someone is addicted to a particular substance or behavior, he or she will never again be able to consume that substance or engage in that behavior in a normal or healthy way. Total abstinence is the only solution.

In most groups, members attend meetings regularly, read and study program literature, call and meet with other addicts or members in recovery and work regularly with a sponsor. Service to other addicts is of highest importance and seen as one of the keys to maintaining lasting sobriety.

Aren’t 12 Step Programs A Little Overzealous?

It would appear that way to the outsider but, quite frankly, addiction is a little overzealous. For the non-addict it may be hard to fathom the prison and the punishment of being under the lash of a life-controlling addiction. As addicts, we have been so dominated by this cruel taskmaster that when we finally hit bottom we become willing to do whatever promises to rescue us.

And that proves to be quite a lot, as we soon find out once we’re in recovery. We believe that a powerful disease requires a powerful solution. In recovery we have to work as hard as the disease was working against us. But after a few years of sobriety many addicts come to see the program as the “easier, softer way,” when compared to the tyranny of addiction. When families see the beneficial results of program membership in their addict loved one, they too often become 12 Step supporters.

What Are The Roles Of Addict’s Loved Ones?

This will, to some degree, depend upon your relationship to the addict. For some recovering addicts, recovery needs to be a personal and private journey. They may not feel comfortable bringing others into their process, at least not in the beginning when they are yet fragile and convalescing. Don’t be offended by this; it isn’t personal. Recovery requires a lot of emotional work and some of us find we can better focus in the company of our program fellows, and perhaps apart from friends and family. Giving the addict the space he or she needs to heal can help to later guarantee closer relationships all around. Patience is needed.

It is wise, however, for the family of an addict to attend Al-Anon to learn more about the disease and how to deal with it. A family member’s addiction leaves scars on everyone. In Al-Anon you will come to better understand addiction, recovery and the 12-Step approach in addition to getting the support you need in healing from the wounds of addiction.

You can read more on 12- Step programs here : 12 Step Programs 

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Why is addiction sometimes called “a family disease”?

Why is addiction sometimes called “a family disease”? Addiction is sometimes called a “family disease” however, many people will argue this by saying “I am not the one with the substance abuse problem." Addiction affects those closest to the addict, most of the times, the family and friends. Family functions, happiness and love are replaced by an obsession to stop the destructive behavior of the addict. Often times, resentment is fueled by an “enabler” who repeatedly attempts to fix the problem themselves, using the same consequences that are effective with non-addicted children. After trying many time to help the teen overcome their addiction, and years spent to stop the addict from taking drugs, the failed cycle remains in place and family dynamics change. Living with a teen who is an addict can cause severe trauma to everyone in the home. Stress brought on by worrying about the person with the addiction to drugs or alcohol can often show itself through physical ailments, headaches, colds, chest pains, high blood pressure, behavioral changes and more. Because as parents, we are so busy worrying about others, that we stop taking take care of ourselves. Siblings often feel excluded and unimportant, which can cause the brother or sister to act out creating more issues and making parents feel the need to choose between the child and addiction. Hardships and stress become normal in a family who lives with someone addicted to drugs or alcohol. The family begins to argue more and resentment occurs. The whole family feels anger, sadness, depression, fear, loneliness, jealousy, and failure. The family has to start hiding valuables, purses, wallets and lock doors at night. Friendships are lost, relationships are damaged, health is poor and the home is a war zone. It can make everyone feel helpless. Co-dependence Some people consider co-dependence a disease itself. The Webster dictionary defines co-dependence as “a psychological condition or relationship in which a person is controlled or manipulated by another who is affected with a pathological condition (as in an addiction to alcohol or heroin); broadly: dependence on the needs of or control by another.” Parents and siblings are manipulated by the teenage addict, who will say and do anything to continue their drug usage. As parents, we want to believe the best of our addicted teen, and we want to believe them when they say they will not do it anymore. What we fail to understand is the strength of the disease of addiction. When we choose to believe them, only to be let down once again, as parents, we take it personally. We ask ourselves “how could my son or daughter lie to me again?” Education on addiction is very important to our own recovery, as well as theirs. Once we that our attempts to stop our child from being addicted to drugs or alcohol are in vain, we can then begin to utilize different strategies in dealing with our addicted children. We can allow our teenager to feel the consequences and results of their behavior. Once we have found a suitable rehabilitation program, best suited for teenagers, the healing can begin. You can begin to take care of yourself by reaching out to other parents with similar experiences. As you build friendships and begin to feel supported, it becomes easier to make difficult decisions and we learn new ways to cope with the reality of addiction. If your son or daughter, or a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, we can help you find a teen centered drug addiction facility. Give us a call for more information today.