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 The old paradigm doesn’t resonate with you anymore, and you have released these outdated thoughts to accommodate your soul’s desires.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 Prayers

Learn more about the Christian 12 Steps HERE

12 Step PrayersThanks to our friend Holly Jo for passing this on to us. These little prayers are great for anyone in AA, Alanon, Alateen or anyone who wants to have a greater understanding of the 12 Step Program, in order to grow closer to their friend or loved one who is in recovery. Enjoy.

~First Step Prayer~
Dear Lord,
I admit that I am powerless over my addiction.
I admit that my life is unmanageable when I try to control it.
Help me this day to understand the true meaning of powerlessness.
Remove from me all denial of my addiction.

~Second Step Prayer~
Heavenly Father,
I know in my heart that only you can restore me to sanity.
I humbly ask that you remove all twisted thought and
addictive behavior from me this day.
Heal my spirit and restore in me a clear mind.

~Third Step Prayer~
(Page 63 – A. A. Big Book)
God,
I offer myself to Thee
To build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do
Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear
witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love and
Thy Way of life, May I do Thy will always!

~Fourth Step Prayer~
Dear God,
It is I who have made my life a mess.
I have done it, but I cannot undo it.
My mistakes are mine, and I will begin a
searching and fearless moral inventory.
I will write down my wrongs,
but I will also include that which is good.
I pray for the strength to complete the task.

~Fifth Step Prayer~
Higher Power,
My inventory has shown me who I am,
yet I ask for Your help in admitting my wrongs
to another person and to You. Assure me, and be with me, in this Step,
for without this Step I cannot progress in my recovery.
With Your help, I can do this, and I do it.

~Sixth Step Prayer~
Dear God,
I am ready for Your help in removing from me the defects of character
which I now realize are an obstacle to my recovery. Help me to continue
being honest with myself and guide me toward spiritual and mental
health.

~Seventh Step Prayer~
(Page 76 – A. A. Big Book)
My Creator,
I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad.
I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character
which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows.
Grant me strength, as I go out from here to do your bidding. Amen

~Eighth Step Prayer~
Higher Power,
I ask Your help in making my list of all those I have harmed.
I will take responsibility for my mistakes, and be forgiving to others as
You are forgiving to me. Grant me the willingness to begin my
restitution.
This I pray.

~Ninth Step Prayer~
Higher Power,
I pray for the right attitude to make my amends,
being ever mindful not to harm others in the process.
I ask for Your guidance in making indirect amends.
Most important, I will continue to make amends by
staying abstinent, helping others, and growing in spiritual progress.

~Tenth Step Prayer~
I pray I may continue:
To grow in understanding and effectiveness;
To take daily spot check inventories of myself;
To correct mistakes when I make them;
To take responsibility for my actions;
To be ever aware of my negative and self-defeating attitudes and
behaviors;
To keep my willfulness in check;
To always remember I need Your help;
To keep love and tolerance of others as my code;
And to continue in daily prayer how I can best serve You, my Higher
Power.

~Eleventh Step Prayer~
Higher Power, As I understand You, I pray to keep my connection with
You open and clear from the confusion of daily life.
Through my prayers and meditation I ask especially for
freedom from self-will, rationalization, and wishful thinking.
I pray for the guidance of correct thought and positive action.
Your will Higher Power, not mine, be done.

~Twelfth Step Prayer~
Dear God,
My spiritual awakening continues to unfold.
The help I have received I shall pass on and give to others,
both in and out of the Fellowship. For this opportunity I am grateful.
I pray most humbly to continue walking day by day on
the road of spiritual progress.
I pray for the inner strength and wisdom to practice the principles of
this way of life in all I do and say.

Source

Are you sabotaging your recovery?

Are you sabotaging your recovery?

July 16, 2015 By Katie

(For help with recovery to drugs or alcohol, call us at 1-800-513-5423)

I used to be realllllyyyyy negative. On the outside I was a very polite, kind, and soft spoken girl who was always lifting other people up and encouraging people to go for their dreams, but on the inside I was saying that I was fat, ugly, unlovable, and going to fail at life.

And with that kind of thinking, you can bet your bottom dollar that it’s going to turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you think everyone hates you, you’re going to subconsciously sabotage all your relationships until you prove yourself right. This has to do with cognitive dissonance, which is when your reality doesn’t match up to your beliefs and so your mind is torn between two or more conflicting beliefs. (Whoa, I didn’t know we were going to learn something here).

Because of cognitive dissonance, if you think you’re a failure, you’re going to start failing at things because your brain wants to prove itself right. This isn’t even done consciously usually, we just subconsciously start to sabotage things in our life. So if you’ve ever started to get better and then you suddenly fall off the wagon, it’s because your brain is subconsciously sabotaging you. (Stop it, brain!)

Another reason we sabotage ourselves is based on Gay Hendricks’s idea that we have “upper limits” to how much happiness, success, love, etc we will accept into our lives. It’s like this quote from The Perks of Being a Wallflower:

“We accept the love we think we deserve.”

So if you believe you’re not worthy of love, you’re going to sabotage any good thing that comes into your life. For example, if a sweet, friendly guy comes into your life, you’re going to reject him (but in your mind you’ll be like, “Well he’s not really my type,” etc, etc, and make up some excuse) because you believe, deep down, that you don’t deserve to be loved.

Or if you start studying really hard and doing well in all your classes but you still have the belief that you’re not very smart (maybe because when you were little someone told you that you weren’t smart), at some point you’ll probably feel uncomfortable with the success you’re having. Maybe you’ll start thinking that everyone is going to have higher expectations for you now, and then you’ll study a little less and do less well on your tests until you’re back to a level where you are comfortable. You’ve reached your upper limit.

So, you might be wondering what the heck you’re supposed to do when you realize you’re sabotaging yourself. The first step is to just be aware of it. Recognize and identify whatever the particular negative belief is causing the upper limit. For example, if we use the studying example from before, the belief would be that you’re not smart. Once you realize what you’re thinking, it can be helpful to affirm the opposite. So you might affirm, “I am intelligent and capable.” You’re replacing the old negative belief with a new one. It’s not going to fix the problem overnight, but sometimes just being aware that you’re sabotaging yourself is enough to prevent it from continuing. You can do this.

source

DEALING WITH ADDICTIONS IN MARRIAGE

DEALING WITH ADDICTIONS IN MARRIAGE #017

BY JOLENE ENGLE

Addictions in marriage are becoming ever so popular. Whether it’s alcohol, gambling, porn, or video games, which is the topic that I’m addressing today, addictions seem to be rampant in our world today.  We are a culture of unrestraint or we’re easily deceived to think we won’t fall into the addiction trap. I wish this reality weren’t so, but it is.  Perhaps I just hear more about it since I run this on-line space, a place where women feel comfortable opening up and sharing their deepest, darkest secrets?

Here’s one woman’s story…

Dear Jolene,

I have been married to my husband for almost 7 yrs. About 5 yrs. ago my husband became obsessed with a game on his iPhone.  He was constantly playing and would even stay up for days playing it. I was told from a friend that he should be careful with those games because you can spend money on it and it adds up quick. My husband informed me that he wasn’t spending any money. Well 3 months goes by and our car is repossessed because we hadn’t been making payments. Well I started doing research in all our bank accts. including my husband’s business acct. Well long story short, he had spent $5,000 on that game in 3 months. I was devastated. He lied at first, but then quickly turned very apologetic & said he didn’t realize he had spent so much!! He swore he’d never play again! Fast forward 5 yrs. and I have caught him several times playing that same game. But every time I find out, he lies and says he’s not playing until I show him proof. I sat him down today and told him how hurtful his lies have been and told him that I will not accept him playing that game because all it’s done is cause turmoil!! He said if I’d quit snooping and get over it, he wouldn’t have to lie and we wouldn’t have any problems. He said he’s a grown man and he spent a lot of money on that game and that he wasn’t going to throw it all away!! He then stormed out and said that I’m going to ruin this marriage over a game!! So what do I do?? Do I allow him to continue to play that game even though it upsets me? He talks to other females on there, also, and that gives me a sick feeling!!

source 

10 VERSES EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD

I found this blog and wanted to share it with you all (source link on bottom of blog)

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and have no where to turn call one of our Christian Counselors today at 1-866-391-6530
http://christian-drug-rehabilitation.com/

The Bible is full of wonderful verses. And every single word is significant and God-breathed across the pages. So where do you start? Here is an awesome top 10:

10 VERSES EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD KNOW BY HEART

#1  John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

This verse is the Who, What, Why, and How of the Bible. It’s the whole purpose of God’s Word wrapped in a few words. Every Christian should have these words stitched within their memory as a reminder that He loves us and as an opportunity to share His love with everyone else.

10-bible-verses-every-christian

#2 and #3   2Timothy 3:16-17

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

If you don’t believe this passage, then why waste your time with any other verse? As Christians we must believe every word of God’s Word as HIS Word. If not, the whole thing falls apart. Christians can’t pick and choose the parts they want to believe or even the parts they want to follow and toss the rest to the wind. ALL Scripture is God inspired. His Word is complete Truth and will remain forever.

You’ve probably noticed I count this passage as 2 verses–not because they should be separated, but as a way to easily chunk and memorize if using Scripture Memory Cards.

Known as the Romans Road, the next 4 verses are vital because they map out the plan of salvation. Christians use these verses first, for their own steps toward salvation and then as a tool to help lead others to Christ. Each verse provides a specific step in the Salvation Plan.

#4  Romans 3:23

(Who is in need of Salvation?)
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

#5  Romans 6:23

(Why do we need Salvation?)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

#6  Romans 5:8

(What did God provide as our only source of Salvation?)
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”

#7  Romans 10:9

(How are we Saved?)
“that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Some add a few other verses to the Romans Road. However, these 4 are the basic steps and are a great starting point when leading the lost who are searching for hope.

#8  1John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

When we realize the wonderful gift of God’s plan to save us, we realize just how unworthy we are to receive it. This verse helps us fight off worries, doubts, or any thoughts about our past to fully embrace and celebrate God’s promise to save us. Taking hold of this scripture reminds us that, even though we are unworthy, God keeps His word and forgives us when we confess our sins to Him.

#9 John 14:6

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'”

Just as the enemy tries to keep us bound to our past, he will also try to convince us to follow anything and everything else to keep us from following Jesus. With so many theologies, false teachings, etc., it is important for us to remember this verse. John 14:6 is the verse we hold up to any other teachings. Jesus Christ is our center. We base everything on His Word, His teachings, and His sacrifice.

#10  Psalm 119:11

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”

This verse reminds us to keep ourselves focused on His Word to keep us from–well, anything that hinders, hurts, or keeps us from the victorious life God has planned.

Though there are countless scriptures to recommend, these 10 verses are a great place to start.

Source

What is the relationship between the twelve step program and Christianity?

What is the relationship between the twelve step program and Christianity?

The Christian twelve steps are the same steps as their secular counterpart but the difference between the two are like night and day. Although secular twelve steps do work for some, the Biblical twelve step program has one huge advantage. When you put God in your corner, you have the help you need when it seems that all is lost. Being able to lean on Him and have Him take the weight that has been crushing our mind body and spirit really makes a difference in our life.

The twelve steps were developed by Alcoholics Anonymous and has become the most commonly used model for the treatment of addictions, and other compulsions. The main purpose of the twelve steps is to help people with drug and alcohol addictions but not excluding eating, gambling, sex, internet, and porn addictions. 

There were many sources that influenced the foundations of the AA program, started and recorded by Bill W. and Doctor Bob. The Oxford Group movement in the UK and the American Leader Clergyman, Samuel Moor Shoemaker, Jr. started the Christian basis of Alcoholics Anonymous.

This oxford group came to the conclusion that there are 6 basic assumptions that need to be worked in order to gain sobriety.

1. Humans are sinners.

2. We can be changed

3. In order to change we need to confess our sins and misgivings

4. Once the soul has changed only at this point can we have direct access to God

5. The age of miracles has returned

6. Once you are changed you need to pass the message onto others and help change them.

Source psychology of social movements 

Wilson also added 5 procedures which are:

1 . Giving to God

2. Listing to Gods directions

3. Checking guidance

4. Restitution or making up of damages

5. Sharing in both confession and as a witness to others

The  twelve steps have been adapted for Christians and listed below are the corresponding biblical verses that support each step. 

Step One: We admitted we were powerless over our separation from God—that our lives had become unmanageable.

“I know nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (ROMANS 7:18)

Step Two: Come to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (PHILIPPIANS 2:13)

Step Three: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood Him.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—which is your spiritual worship.” (ROMANS 12:1)

Step Four: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” (LAMENTATIONS 3:40)

Step Five: Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (JAMES 5:16)

Step Six: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (JAMES 4:10)

Step Seven: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 JOHN 1:9)

Step Eight: Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (LUKE 6:31)

Step Nine: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift.” (MATTHEW 5:23-24)

Step Ten: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.” (1 CORINTHIANS 10:12)

Step Eleven: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (COLOSSIANS 3:16)

Step Twelve: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” (GALATIANS 6:1)

All information about the twelve step program is provided by AA and it’s affiliates and is in no way a substitute for going through a treatment center or seeking medical help for addiction to drugs or alcohol. The description and writings of how the christian 12 step program is paraphrased and edited to give a synopsis of how the program was started. for further information please contact AA or NA and they will be able to give you the exact reference for the information provided.

For more information on the Christian Twelve-Steps and a list of 12-step programs in your area, give us a call at
1-866-391-6530. 

http://christian-drug-rehabilitation.com/christian-twelve-step-programs/

Addiction No More

                       Addiction No More

Addiction No More is a free service which  provides referrals to residential treatment centers and detox facilities across the country. Our organization offers these services free to the public. Chemical Dependency Treatment professionals stress the importance of long term exposure to recovery oriented activities. For one to achieve long-term sobriety it is important to get the right treatment. If the right treatment is not received the result is that all too often the addict may return to social alcohol and or drug use.

 Finding a good treatment program for addiction can be a very long, and complicated process, but with our help, we can help your or your loved one overcome addiction for good. 

Call 1-800-513-5423 today to speak with a certified counselor. We can help you find treatment in your state, or anywhere you would like to go. www.addictionnomore.com 1-800-513-5423 

Do I Need Drug Rehab?

Do I Need Drug Rehab?

Jul 20,2015 Comments Off on Do I Need Drug Rehab?  By admin

Very few people have the clarity of mind to discern the difference between recreational drug and alcohol use to abuse or addiction. Learning to recognize the signs that drug use has turned into drug abuse or alcohol abuse and addiction can be a wake up call for anyone and a start on  the road to recovery.

• Needing more and more of the same drug to experience the same euphoric feelings.
• Starting to feel symptoms of withdrawal, sleep patterns changed, nausea, sweats, shaking, and depression when trying to stop the usage of drugs or alcohol.
• Unable to control the amount and frequency of the Drug usage.
• Attempting to cut back and stop drug use without success.
• starting to engage in risky behavior. 
• Hobbies and interests fall to the waste side as addiction takes hold.
• Not able to have any sort of fun without the usage of drugs or alcohol.

Recovery is not something that you should have to do on your own.

Some people that start to see that addiction is taking hold of their lives believe that they can handle it and quit on their own. This can often times delay the addict from getting the help they need. The more failures someone has, the harder it is to see that there is a solution that will work. Starting to recognize that we are powerless over addiction and need help to recover, are the first steps in the recovery process.

Recovery Begins With Christian Drug Rehab

For those addicted to drugs or alcohol, the detox can be the first step in their programs. Being addicted physically as well as mentally is the main reason that some continue to use their substance of choice. The sickness and discomfort of withdrawal is often times too painful for someone to want to stop using. With the new drugs specifically designed to help people with painful withdrawal symptoms, going through detox can be a painless process.

Entering into a program is more than just detox. Those who only seek help through a detox program are more likely to return to their drug or alcohol abuse. Detox is only to equip the addict with the tools necessary for long lasting sobriety. The real program starts in a drug rehab center, this can take weeks or even month to achieve, with the guidance and coaching from christian therapists and counselors.

Call today to speak with a counselor about Drug or Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers in your area. 1-866-391-6530 christian-drug-rehabilitation.com

Pot Addiction

 Pot  Addiction

Call 1-800-513-5423 today to speak with a counselor about rehab for pot addiction.

Marijuana is the most used illegal drug in the United States. Nearly 69 million Americans over the age of 12 have tried marijuana at least once.

Marijuana is California's largest cash crop.

Today's marijuana is 10 to 15 times stronger than it was in the 60's

Reaction time for motor skills, such as driving is reduced by 41% after smoking 1 joint and is reduced 63% after smoking 2 joints.

There have been over 7,000 published scientific and medical studies documenting the damage that marijuana poses. Not one study has shown marijuana to be safe.

Data has shown that people high on marijuana show the same lack of coordination on standard "drunk driver" tests as do people who have had to much to drink.

The daily use of 1 to 3 marijuana joints can produce the same lung damage and potential cancer risk as smoking five times as many cigarettes.

Marijuana is the second most common drug, after alcohol, present in the blood stream of non-fatally and fatally injured persons.

Among teens 12 to 17, the average age of first trying marijuana was 14 years old.

A yearly survey of students in grades 8 to 12 shows that 23% of 8th graders have tried marijuana at least once and by tenth grade, 21% are "current" users. Among 12th graders, nearly 50% have tried marijuana at least once, and about 24% were current users.

Marijuana is a complex material containing 421 chemicals, 60 of which are only found in marijuana

33.6% of students listed to have used marijuana in the last year and 20% were listed to have used in the last month.

75% of drug-related criminal charges are connected to marijuana.

65% of people arrested for marijuana related crimes are for simple possession.

Approximately 50,000 Canadians are arrested each year for marijuana related crimes.

600,000 Canadians have a criminal record for simple possession of marijuana.

Estimates put the value of the marijuana industry to the British Columbia Economy at anywhere between $2 billion and $10 billion, making it one of British Colombia's top three industries.

www.addictionnomore.com

1-800-513-5423

Open Your Heart To God

Resource

If you look inside and listen to your heart you will know something is not right. You can feel that there is a separation from those who love you beginning to happen. You can feel loneliness starting to fill your heart as you distance yourself from God. But there is hope. 

Proverbs3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 147:3

He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.

When your heart starts to fill with the loneliness that addiction to drugs or alcohol brings and you start to feel like your heart is turning cold, your heart will try and lead you back to your faith in God. We just have to listen to the still, small voice inside. 

Drugs and alcohol start to separate you from the people and things that are positive and good for you; not only from God and Church, but also family and friends that want to see you walk in the right path that God has laid out for you. As addiction starts to progress we tend to start to surround ourselves with people and places that support a lifestyle that is not conducive to survival as a Christian. Our friends start to change and our priorities are skewed by the addiction that has been allowed to take hold of our lives. You start to feel the loneliness as you distance yourself from God. In the beginning, you may feel the need to drink or use more drugs to compensate for the emptiness in your heart. This will fill the void for the time being but as soon as the affects of the drugs or alcohol wear off, the emptiness will return and you may feel even deeper despair and loneliness.

If you have found yourself here looking for help, you have heard the messages that God has sent your heart. Drugs and alcohol have failed to bring you the peace that you once had before addiction had a hold on your life. No matter how hard you try to drown out the loneliness and pain, that addiction has brought, the pain comes back even harder than before and depression starts to come back with a vengeance.

The only way that you will ever have true peace and happiness, is through recovery. Doing this alone, is very hard and the pitfalls are many. God is with you to help take some of the burden off of you. He will put people in your life to help you overcome this addiction to drugs or alcohol. 

Always listen to your heart. Find help today and start back on the path to recovery. Call us now 1-800-513-5423

22 Things Meth Addicts Won’t Tell You About their Addiction

For help with meth addiction 

call 1-800-513-5423 

22 Things Meth Addicts Won’t Tell You About their Addiction

Methamphetamine is a terrible drug, and the effects it has on people are very strong. Once addicted, it becomes normal for a person to lie about or minimize their drug use and its effects.

  

1. Many meth addicts suffer from skin issues and infections. Acne is common in chronic abusers of meth, and many individuals who abuse the drug regularly will get painful-looking sores all over their body and face. This can often occur because the individual is picking at their skin, a sign that they are experiencing a meth-induced hallucination called crank bugs.
2. According to CESAR, “Methamphetamine abuse can cause insomnia, anxiety, and violent or psychotic behavior. If this type of behavior is not typical for that person, he or she may have a drug problem.” Meth addicts will often not want to discuss the reason for this type of behavior.
3. Many people understand that “severe dental problems (‘meth mouth’)” are a sign of the abuse of the drug, but most do not realize why (NIDA). For the most part, meth mouth occurs as a result of severe jaw clenching when the individual is high. This can actually cause teeth to crack and decay.
4. There is a high correlation of meth abusers who are also HIV positive (from unsafe sex or sharing needles). According to the NIDA, “Methamphetamine use may actually worsen the progression of HIV/AIDS and its consequences,” as “HIV causes more injury to neurons and greater cognitive impairment in individuals who are HIV-positive and use methamphetamine.”
5. Many meth addicts like the way they feel on meth. The drug has extreme effects, and a large number of individuals who abuse it have become tolerant in the past to less intense drugs. However, a meth high can turn on an individual very quickly, from euphoria to irritability, paranoia, and even aggression and violence.
6. Seizures are possible when a person has been abusing a large amount of the drug. These seizures can actually be very dangerous and be a part of the sudden death syndrome that meth sometimes causes.
   
   

   Meth users often lie about how often they use the drug and what it does to them.
7. As stated by CESAR, someone who has been on meth for a prolonged amount of time (usually 3-15 days) is called a tweaker.In this state, a meth addict is very volatile and possibly dangerous. However, “a tweaker can appear normal.” They will often be well-spoken and clear eyed. This can make them harder to identify.
8. There are ways to tell if someone is tweaking though. Eyes that move extremely fast and a slight quiver to the voice are noticeable if you pay attention. A tweaker will also move very quickly and jerkily which might become more obvious and frantic the longer they abuse the drug.
9. Meth can cause homicidal and suicidal tendencies in chronic abusers, which is why there are so many crimes associated with meth abuse. Someone who is addicted to the drug will likely try to hide these issues because they do not want to stop abusing the drug.
10. Dry mouth is one of the most common symptoms of meth intoxication. Someone who does not want you to know that they are abusing meth will likely carry a water bottle or chew gum to try to offset this.
11. Meth abuse can cause extreme weight loss to the point of malnutrition and its consequences. If someone you know has suddenly dropped an extreme amount of weight and seems unhealthy, it may be a sign of meth addiction.
12. According to the NCSACW, meth addicts, as compared to cocaine addicts, are “less likely to use alcohol” in addition to meth but also “have a higher frequency of use.” They are often younger when they start out as well and “are more likely to be female and Caucasian.”
13. Smoking crystal meth and dissolving the drug in water and injecting it are two of the most common ways the drug is abused. According to the NIDA, “Smoking or injecting the drug delivers it very quickly to the brain,” making a person even more likely to become addicted.
14. Methamphetamine can be prescribed by doctors as a treatment for ADHD, but meth addicts are not normally abusing this type of the drug. Methamphetamine is also very rarely prescribed to treat anyone because of the addictive nature of the drug, so if someone is severely addicted to meth, it is unlikely that the drug was prescribed.
15. There is not a large amount of information about what issues meth can cause during pregnancy, but “the available research points to increased rates of premature delivery, placental abruption… and various effects on babies prenatally exposed to methamphetamine, including small size, lethargy, and heart and brain abnormalities” (NIDA).
16. “Methamphetamine users, like other drug users, are more likely than non-users to have experienced physical or sexual abuse as children” (NCSACW). This can also be highly dangerous to the children of meth addicts who are also more likely to be abused by the meth-addicted parent.
17. Many meth addicts experience a severe amount of unfavorable changes to the brain that affect the individual’s emotional responses and memory capabilities. These issues can actually persist even after the individual attends treatment.
18. As a part of the schizophrenia-like psychosis that often occurs in long-term meth abusers, self-absorption is common, often to the point where the individual is unable to see beyond getting their next fix or beyond themselves entirely.
19. Someone currently intoxicated by meth may give themselves away with a little-known sign of abuse. According to CESAR, “performing repetitive, meaningless tasks” is a short-term effect of meth intoxication that is easily noticeable.
20. The production of meth is actually extremely dangerous as many people know and can result in a fire or explosion. Also the hazardous chemicals which are used can produce toxicity that “can remain in the environment around a methamphetamine production lab long after the lab has been shut down, causing a wide range of health problems for people living in the area” (NIDA 1).
21. Meth abuse and addiction can cause damage to nearly all of a person’s organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, brain, and more.
22. Depression is common in meth abusers who are coming down from the drug. This is one of the reasons why meth abusers will continue to take more and more of the drug, binging on its effects in order to avoid the severe depressive result after the high wears off.

resource link

What is Co-Dependency

What is Co-Dependency 

Codependency is an unhealthy form of love. It is where my need to take care of you compromises or harms my quality of life. Although it’s usually seen in romantic partnerships, it can occur in any relationship, including family, friends or peers. Characteristics of codependency include: 1. I feel good about myself when you like and approve of me. 2. Your problems and concerns disturb my peace of mind. 3. A lot of my mental energy is focused on helping and rescuing you (either solving your problems or relieving your pain). 4. A lot of my mental energy is diverted into protecting you. 5. I spend a lot of time and energy trying to get you to do it my way (ie. Being manipulative). 6. My self-esteem is boosted by solving your problems or helping to relieve your pain. 7. I set aside my own interests, hobbies and goals as I’d rather spend my time doing what interests you. 8. I feel how you look, how you behave, and what you achieve (or do not achieve) reflects on me – and is a judgment of me. 9. I’ve lost touch with feelings as I’m totally consumed with how you feel, and how your feelings are changing. 10. I don’t really know what I want any more – as I’m so wrapped up in you, and what you want. 11. The hopes and dreams for the future are all tied to you. 12. My fear of rejection or abandonment by you determines how I act and what I say.

13. My fear of upsetting or making you mad determines how I act and what I say.

14. I use giving as a way to feel safe and secure in my relationship with you. 15. My friends and social circle gets smaller and smaller as I involve myself more and more with you. 16. I value your opinions more than my own opinions, and am willing to sacrifice my personal values to be accepted and valued by you.