This interview took place on 11/18/17
Perdue Pharma is the manufacturer of Oxycontin and is owned by only one family the Sackler family. Most big pharma are part of a corporation with many investers but Perdue is a corporation owned 100% by one family. It has reportedly earned 35 billion for the company and 13 billion for the Sackler family. With the successful branding other big pharmas made their own brand of opioid and followed the marketing plan of Perdue.
Arthur Sackler began the business model in the '60"s and 70's with promoting Valium to Drs. The medication in the '60's was purported to help with stress, headaches, and even sexual issues. It was the most perscribed medication of the time. By the 80's we all understood how addictive Valium was. The same business model was followed to promote Oxycontin. Since the opioid epidemic became front and center there have been fines leveled at Perdue Pharma. Many top execs have resigned or have been fired, but it is worth noting that a member of the Sackler family was at the head of the corporation until the investigations started. The company has had fines levied in the neighborhood of $630 million for miss branding of addictive properties.
With the public outcry and demand for something to be done, most pharmacuticals are pulling back in this country. But big business will not be thwarted, now Perdue Pharma is now targeting other countries. Believe it or not, they are using the exact same business model they used in this country in the '90's and early 2000 and promoting Oxy as being less addictive than it is.
If I hear more I will update this piece.
Have a great day!
Get involved!
Katie
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Washington Journal
The other morning while I could not sleep, I stumbled upon the Washington Journal that airs at 5 am to 8 am, my time. I watched three interviews one of which was about opioids. I actually found all three interviews to be interesting so thought I would give a brief report on things that stuck out to me. Understand I am in no way an expert and am only reporting on what was said during the interview. I encourage you all to fact check, but please lets not go into alternative facts.
How the Govt. spends your tax dollars.
The Govt. spends approximately 1/5 the budget on defense, 1/5 for social security, and 1/5 for some sort of healthcare, i.e. Medicare, Medicaid, etc.
Did any of you know that under the Congressional Budget there is a fund to pay claimants who accuse members of congress of sexual harassment? Paid for with our tax money...Hmmm I wonder how many other types of funding that is happening under the taxpayers radar? As far as I am concerned the offending congress person can pay their own fine or settlement.
Payroll taxes are 6.2% fica paid by both employee and employer, Medicare is 1.54 paid by both employee and employer, and unemployment tax being paid by employer. I think the employer should pay for unemployment since I could not get unemployment if I quit my job, even if the boss is a jackass. I have to be fired or laid off to qualify for unemployment.
Corporate taxes are about 9% of the Federal Income.
SALT
The loss of this deduction has the potential to be very problematic for State and Local governments. When tax increases are put onto the ballot, if these deductions are taken away, it may be difficult for local govts. to raise taxes for state and local improvements. Impacted by lack of funds could be education, infrastructure, water and wastewater facilities, elderly care...home health, meals, Senior Centers, Health Depts., City and County Workers wages and pensions. Those are just a few off the top of my head.
Now to the Tax Bills being debated in Congress.
This tax bill is nothing more than the trickle down economics that Reagan gave us in the 80's and was given to him by the Heritage Foundation and it has failed every time it has been tried. The 1.5 trillion that it will add to the deficit has actually been shown that it will add more to the deficit, but if the Republicans say that, the bill will trashed because of procedural processes that state that a bill cannot raise the deficit more than 1.5 trillion dollars. Some would have you believe that the increase in jobs will off set the deficit. Now I ask you, can you run your finances based upon the idea that things might get better...I might get a raise...no we the people have to deal in realities of what our financial ability is, not what we hope for.
The CFPB or Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
This was envisioned by Elizabeth Warren in 2007. Passed in a much bigger form in Dodd- Frank and given absolute power with little or no oversight. No one can fire the head of the agency. So this is the history and I have heard the rules and regulations in Dodd - Frank described as a fence on the prairie. Every where you see a fence post, that is a regulation and in between are the ways around the regulation. That was Elizabeth Warren's take on it several years ago.
The reason I found this so fascinating was Wells Fargo. The big flap was employees opening and closing accounts for clients, without their knowledge for bonuses. Now the CFPB examined Wells Fargo records and found nothing amiss. The LA Times broke the story and the LA City Attorney's office is the entity that investigated Wells Fargo for 2 years and ultimately found and prosecuted violations. At the time of the news conference the CFPB was present and acted like it was involved in the investigation but it was not.
We do need an agency like this to monitor financial institutes and their practices but we do need it to function properly.
How the Govt. spends your tax dollars.
The Govt. spends approximately 1/5 the budget on defense, 1/5 for social security, and 1/5 for some sort of healthcare, i.e. Medicare, Medicaid, etc.
Did any of you know that under the Congressional Budget there is a fund to pay claimants who accuse members of congress of sexual harassment? Paid for with our tax money...Hmmm I wonder how many other types of funding that is happening under the taxpayers radar? As far as I am concerned the offending congress person can pay their own fine or settlement.
Payroll taxes are 6.2% fica paid by both employee and employer, Medicare is 1.54 paid by both employee and employer, and unemployment tax being paid by employer. I think the employer should pay for unemployment since I could not get unemployment if I quit my job, even if the boss is a jackass. I have to be fired or laid off to qualify for unemployment.
Corporate taxes are about 9% of the Federal Income.
SALT
The loss of this deduction has the potential to be very problematic for State and Local governments. When tax increases are put onto the ballot, if these deductions are taken away, it may be difficult for local govts. to raise taxes for state and local improvements. Impacted by lack of funds could be education, infrastructure, water and wastewater facilities, elderly care...home health, meals, Senior Centers, Health Depts., City and County Workers wages and pensions. Those are just a few off the top of my head.
Now to the Tax Bills being debated in Congress.
This tax bill is nothing more than the trickle down economics that Reagan gave us in the 80's and was given to him by the Heritage Foundation and it has failed every time it has been tried. The 1.5 trillion that it will add to the deficit has actually been shown that it will add more to the deficit, but if the Republicans say that, the bill will trashed because of procedural processes that state that a bill cannot raise the deficit more than 1.5 trillion dollars. Some would have you believe that the increase in jobs will off set the deficit. Now I ask you, can you run your finances based upon the idea that things might get better...I might get a raise...no we the people have to deal in realities of what our financial ability is, not what we hope for.
The CFPB or Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
This was envisioned by Elizabeth Warren in 2007. Passed in a much bigger form in Dodd- Frank and given absolute power with little or no oversight. No one can fire the head of the agency. So this is the history and I have heard the rules and regulations in Dodd - Frank described as a fence on the prairie. Every where you see a fence post, that is a regulation and in between are the ways around the regulation. That was Elizabeth Warren's take on it several years ago.
The reason I found this so fascinating was Wells Fargo. The big flap was employees opening and closing accounts for clients, without their knowledge for bonuses. Now the CFPB examined Wells Fargo records and found nothing amiss. The LA Times broke the story and the LA City Attorney's office is the entity that investigated Wells Fargo for 2 years and ultimately found and prosecuted violations. At the time of the news conference the CFPB was present and acted like it was involved in the investigation but it was not.
We do need an agency like this to monitor financial institutes and their practices but we do need it to function properly.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Yesterday was a beautiful day it was in the high 60's and today it is in the high 20's and spitting snow. What a difference a day makes. Honestly I'm not sure if the dogs are going to get their walkies today. Max is by his heater...the one that was my birthday present and Maxy claimed, after he chewed on one corner when he was a puppy. The pups also go and crawl in bed with Dad in the mornings.
A couple of days ago I saw a post on facebook that I did find a bit funny, it was a line-up of what looked to be addicts. Now I know that mug shots are a matter of public record, I've had my son-in-laws posted on my facebook feed. My more compassionate friends will call me to let me know he's been arrested again and not post to my page, so when I do get one, I delete it. I know my grandchildren live in the area and know what is going on, but I want don't want their dads mug shot on my page. I am their grandmother and with that comes a bit of protecting them on my part. So back to the mug shots. The initial comments were funny and one guy did look like Bevis from Bevis and Butthead, but comments got nasty and were egged on by the mob mentality. As a parent of an addict, a. my children were not the result of an incestuous relationship, b. neither myself or my husband have used heroin or meth, c. if that had been my child in that line-up, I would have been destroyed by some of the comments. The other thing that stood out to me, is that the reason I got this feed was knowing someone who commented on it. Now this person has a sister whos family is dealing with addiction and mental illness. All I could think was what a special kind of ASS would do that to his sister. Did this person think his sister wouldn't see it, if I caught it, I'm sure she did, since she keeps a closer eye on his feed than I do, and that is a special kind of stupid. I know the type, they look at the opioid epidemic as a hand out for losers, this could never impact their family. Well I'm here to tell you it can and when they start as adults, there is very little you can do.
I see that the Donald has declared opioid addiction as a National Health Crisis. It's nice to see that the government has finally caught up. The people that are shown on documentaries are not from the economically depressed areas, they are people from middle America. Please undersand, I have to believe that rich or poor, all citizens are worth saving and that as "a nation" we truly believe that. None of us are going to travel this road perfectly...hell, I punched my kid in the stomach when coming in high on heroin; not one of my finest moments, but we do have to be some what civil to each other. Those of us on the front lines will tell you it can be hell some days. My attitudes have changed the more I have learned...funny how that works. I would ask those wo would post to something like the site I mentioned before, ask yourself, how would I feel if one of those pictured was a family member of mine, how would those remarks make me feel if so, and I know this person to be a Christian and so my next question to ask yourself, would God approve of this hurtful kind of humor?
I would ask for prayers for my young grandson, he is in a crisis and could sure use them.
Thanks
Katie
A couple of days ago I saw a post on facebook that I did find a bit funny, it was a line-up of what looked to be addicts. Now I know that mug shots are a matter of public record, I've had my son-in-laws posted on my facebook feed. My more compassionate friends will call me to let me know he's been arrested again and not post to my page, so when I do get one, I delete it. I know my grandchildren live in the area and know what is going on, but I want don't want their dads mug shot on my page. I am their grandmother and with that comes a bit of protecting them on my part. So back to the mug shots. The initial comments were funny and one guy did look like Bevis from Bevis and Butthead, but comments got nasty and were egged on by the mob mentality. As a parent of an addict, a. my children were not the result of an incestuous relationship, b. neither myself or my husband have used heroin or meth, c. if that had been my child in that line-up, I would have been destroyed by some of the comments. The other thing that stood out to me, is that the reason I got this feed was knowing someone who commented on it. Now this person has a sister whos family is dealing with addiction and mental illness. All I could think was what a special kind of ASS would do that to his sister. Did this person think his sister wouldn't see it, if I caught it, I'm sure she did, since she keeps a closer eye on his feed than I do, and that is a special kind of stupid. I know the type, they look at the opioid epidemic as a hand out for losers, this could never impact their family. Well I'm here to tell you it can and when they start as adults, there is very little you can do.
I see that the Donald has declared opioid addiction as a National Health Crisis. It's nice to see that the government has finally caught up. The people that are shown on documentaries are not from the economically depressed areas, they are people from middle America. Please undersand, I have to believe that rich or poor, all citizens are worth saving and that as "a nation" we truly believe that. None of us are going to travel this road perfectly...hell, I punched my kid in the stomach when coming in high on heroin; not one of my finest moments, but we do have to be some what civil to each other. Those of us on the front lines will tell you it can be hell some days. My attitudes have changed the more I have learned...funny how that works. I would ask those wo would post to something like the site I mentioned before, ask yourself, how would I feel if one of those pictured was a family member of mine, how would those remarks make me feel if so, and I know this person to be a Christian and so my next question to ask yourself, would God approve of this hurtful kind of humor?
I would ask for prayers for my young grandson, he is in a crisis and could sure use them.
Thanks
Katie
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
So my hubby had a dental cleaning yesterday and we left the big dog so she could get into all of the house. She knocked my cookbook off the counter, chewed the cap off my new nail file, chewed on my spongy nail file, got into the trash by my hubby's recliner and ate part of a paper plate that had pecan pie residue on it, and knocked my recliner over. The house actually looked pretty good...those of you who have raised a big dog will understand that last comment.
After a long day I watched some no-brainer TV. There was a commercial about a guy in a woman's yoga class, passes gas, and hopes no one will know who did it. The ending of, "...put less boom in the room" caught my attention and now I can't remember the product name. And, I swear one of the next commercials was these big brown rice looking things on the floor and it opens the pantry door to a guy dressed in a mouse suit. Before you think I'm getting sanctimonious, of course I laughed. I did think Good Lord.
I think back to my Granny and what she would think. This is the lady who was incensed when my mother used the word, "fart" in a Scrabble game. And, yes, it is a word because we had to look it up then and there in the Oxford dictionary. This morning I woke up to Donald Trump and Sen. Corker going at it again. I can hardly believe the things that Sen. Corker said in a live interview and again on his way to a GOP luncheon at the White House. One of the talking heads didn't think even Sen. Chuck Schumer would go that far in criticizing Donald Trump. My Granny would be laughing; good, bad, or otherwise, in my family, we got our sense of humor from her. Though she was a Democrat through and through, at her core, she would have been pretty upset at the political division and that we have taken it too far.
Trump is also touting his border wall and how it will put a stop to opioids coming into this country. Sanjay Gupta did a segment that highlighted how opioids are coming into this country and it is through all points of entry. There is a piece that showed how cartel held areas are planting poppies instead of marijuana now. I think we can safely count that as a consequence of the War On Drugs. It might be worth noting here that fentanyl is coming from China and not Mexico. Not only is fentanyl 100 times stronger than heroin they are developing stronger doses all the time. They have some called elephant tranquilizer.
When communism took over in China, their way of dealing with drug addicts was to execute them publically. Now they are shipping this poison all over the world. Interestingly enough, the countries with more stringent drug laws are their target buyers. Pease check your news and keep them accountable. Become a better citizen, get informed, and make your voice heard.
Thanks
Katie
Remember I have chose not to use family names on this site.
After a long day I watched some no-brainer TV. There was a commercial about a guy in a woman's yoga class, passes gas, and hopes no one will know who did it. The ending of, "...put less boom in the room" caught my attention and now I can't remember the product name. And, I swear one of the next commercials was these big brown rice looking things on the floor and it opens the pantry door to a guy dressed in a mouse suit. Before you think I'm getting sanctimonious, of course I laughed. I did think Good Lord.
I think back to my Granny and what she would think. This is the lady who was incensed when my mother used the word, "fart" in a Scrabble game. And, yes, it is a word because we had to look it up then and there in the Oxford dictionary. This morning I woke up to Donald Trump and Sen. Corker going at it again. I can hardly believe the things that Sen. Corker said in a live interview and again on his way to a GOP luncheon at the White House. One of the talking heads didn't think even Sen. Chuck Schumer would go that far in criticizing Donald Trump. My Granny would be laughing; good, bad, or otherwise, in my family, we got our sense of humor from her. Though she was a Democrat through and through, at her core, she would have been pretty upset at the political division and that we have taken it too far.
Trump is also touting his border wall and how it will put a stop to opioids coming into this country. Sanjay Gupta did a segment that highlighted how opioids are coming into this country and it is through all points of entry. There is a piece that showed how cartel held areas are planting poppies instead of marijuana now. I think we can safely count that as a consequence of the War On Drugs. It might be worth noting here that fentanyl is coming from China and not Mexico. Not only is fentanyl 100 times stronger than heroin they are developing stronger doses all the time. They have some called elephant tranquilizer.
When communism took over in China, their way of dealing with drug addicts was to execute them publically. Now they are shipping this poison all over the world. Interestingly enough, the countries with more stringent drug laws are their target buyers. Pease check your news and keep them accountable. Become a better citizen, get informed, and make your voice heard.
Thanks
Katie
Remember I have chose not to use family names on this site.
Friday, October 20, 2017
Lists of Representatives and Senators
Maybe this will help you guys with your congress calling, or writing. This is a full list of Representatives and Senators. I plan to write to mine and send a copy to all offices. Maybe there will be a staffer in one of the offices that will bring this to their attention.
https://www.house.gov/representatives/
https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/
Thanks
Katie
https://www.house.gov/representatives/
https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/
Thanks
Katie
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Competing With the Sound Bytes of the Day
The other day when I watched the news it was all about the opioid epidemic, of course that all revolved around the Drug Czar appointment fiasco. The following day it was about the President and how he dealt with Gold Star families, the Attorney General testified before the Senate committee investigating Russian collusion, and the President reversed his stand on the healthcare subsides for insurance companies. That got me to thinking: "How do we compete with the sound bytes when we want treatment for addiction?"
While many of us are watching the television, with a deer in the headlights look on our face, the President thinks it would be a good idea to frack south of Yellowstone. Not to sure fracking any where near a super volcano is a good idea. CHIPS failed to get re-newed...last I heard. North Korea threatens nuclear war "at any moment." I do have to admit that I find all the late night humor. But while we are caught up in this side show, real things are being done/not done. These things are having an impact, or are going to impact the citizens in several sectors of our lives. The insurance market is unsure, mining may impact salmon spawning grounds in Alaska, our standing on the world stage, can the world trust us as their ally?
I am old enough to remember the fight over testing the blood supply for HIV. In a televised meeting one CDC worker got up and demanded to know, how many people have to die before it becomes cost effective to test the blood supply. Treatment for mental illness and drug addiction seems to be going down a similar path. I remember in the beginning HIV was considered a homosexual disease and many people believed that it was only what they deserved...they were going against God. The LGBT community really had to fight for research, of course that was after they had the fight over who was going to get credit for isolating the virus. So, it seems no matter how many changes, the more things stay the same. By that I mean that we are in for a fight to get things done.
I would urge all of you who have been impacted by drug addiction to call your congressman or woman and tell them as much of your story as you feel comfortable with. I was involved in a town hall meeting with my two senators. They did take my call and I got a very positive response from both of them. I do agree we need more pain killers that are non-addictive, but when I asked for a commitment to insist that insurance companies cover higher cost medications that deal with a medical issue but is not a narcotic, well that was a bridge too far I think. Unfortunately, that is what insurance companies are doing, it seems that the narcotics are cheaper, if not as affective. So, we can take one issue at a time, with all of us working together we can eat this whale of a problem. Maybe if we break it down we can be heard loudly and clearly.
Katie
While many of us are watching the television, with a deer in the headlights look on our face, the President thinks it would be a good idea to frack south of Yellowstone. Not to sure fracking any where near a super volcano is a good idea. CHIPS failed to get re-newed...last I heard. North Korea threatens nuclear war "at any moment." I do have to admit that I find all the late night humor. But while we are caught up in this side show, real things are being done/not done. These things are having an impact, or are going to impact the citizens in several sectors of our lives. The insurance market is unsure, mining may impact salmon spawning grounds in Alaska, our standing on the world stage, can the world trust us as their ally?
I am old enough to remember the fight over testing the blood supply for HIV. In a televised meeting one CDC worker got up and demanded to know, how many people have to die before it becomes cost effective to test the blood supply. Treatment for mental illness and drug addiction seems to be going down a similar path. I remember in the beginning HIV was considered a homosexual disease and many people believed that it was only what they deserved...they were going against God. The LGBT community really had to fight for research, of course that was after they had the fight over who was going to get credit for isolating the virus. So, it seems no matter how many changes, the more things stay the same. By that I mean that we are in for a fight to get things done.
I would urge all of you who have been impacted by drug addiction to call your congressman or woman and tell them as much of your story as you feel comfortable with. I was involved in a town hall meeting with my two senators. They did take my call and I got a very positive response from both of them. I do agree we need more pain killers that are non-addictive, but when I asked for a commitment to insist that insurance companies cover higher cost medications that deal with a medical issue but is not a narcotic, well that was a bridge too far I think. Unfortunately, that is what insurance companies are doing, it seems that the narcotics are cheaper, if not as affective. So, we can take one issue at a time, with all of us working together we can eat this whale of a problem. Maybe if we break it down we can be heard loudly and clearly.
Katie
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Public Opinion
If we have learned anything with this last candidate for the Drug Czar, public opinion will sway this President. Granted, it takes a lot of out cry from us, but we can make a difference. It also highlights the problems with Corporations and their financial contributions to candidates running for office. The three Senators that crafted this bill all got six digit campaign contributions from big pharma. The debate in Congress, from what I understand from a Congressman who gave an interview this morning, the main issue that was discussed to promote the bill dealt with end of life issues and making sure cancer patients got the opioid medications they needed. Well if that is the case, they shouldn't have issue with DEA inspecting shipping containers, but the bill limits those inspections.
Please, please, please, keep informed on the facts and let your voice be heard!!!
As I said in my last blog, that I will be doing some things so I am announcing that I will be joining the Democratic Party. I have to admit that I used to try to vote my conscience, but the Republicans have got way too conservative and, in my opinion, only care about business. I mean if a corporation can be considered a person and campaign contributions are considered "free speech" they can drown out the voice of average citizens with money to the campaign.. I have read the Wyoming Democratic Party Platform for 2016 and agree with the majority of it. Interestingly it begins with the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.
"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States of America."
Now in our history when there was an outbreak of disease, the government stepped in to help people impacted by it, medicines were the commons during those times. This was evident during the Typhus, influenza, and polio outbreaks. I encourage all of you to look up how our government dealt with these issues. I really don't see addiction as being any different. I won't sit here and say we always did it perfectly, but it would be worth studying and improve upon what we have done in the past. To me, that falls into the category of "general Welfare."
I do not plan to run for office, but I don't deal in absolutes so we will see what the future brings. I do want to bring the ideas of needle exchanges and methadone programs. I am for legalizing marijuana for now; ultimately bring other drugs into that category and following Portugal's plan for combating drug addiction. Again, in my opinion and I have a lot of those, we should look to the rest of the world and see what is working and of course what isn't. If we tax the marijuana industry we can pay for those programs as well as education for addicts to learn a skill if they don't have one.
So if there is anyone who thinks the way I do, then lets band together, lets raise our voices and drown out the voices of those who would try and detour our efforts.
Thanks
Katie
Please, please, please, keep informed on the facts and let your voice be heard!!!
As I said in my last blog, that I will be doing some things so I am announcing that I will be joining the Democratic Party. I have to admit that I used to try to vote my conscience, but the Republicans have got way too conservative and, in my opinion, only care about business. I mean if a corporation can be considered a person and campaign contributions are considered "free speech" they can drown out the voice of average citizens with money to the campaign.. I have read the Wyoming Democratic Party Platform for 2016 and agree with the majority of it. Interestingly it begins with the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.
"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States of America."
Now in our history when there was an outbreak of disease, the government stepped in to help people impacted by it, medicines were the commons during those times. This was evident during the Typhus, influenza, and polio outbreaks. I encourage all of you to look up how our government dealt with these issues. I really don't see addiction as being any different. I won't sit here and say we always did it perfectly, but it would be worth studying and improve upon what we have done in the past. To me, that falls into the category of "general Welfare."
I do not plan to run for office, but I don't deal in absolutes so we will see what the future brings. I do want to bring the ideas of needle exchanges and methadone programs. I am for legalizing marijuana for now; ultimately bring other drugs into that category and following Portugal's plan for combating drug addiction. Again, in my opinion and I have a lot of those, we should look to the rest of the world and see what is working and of course what isn't. If we tax the marijuana industry we can pay for those programs as well as education for addicts to learn a skill if they don't have one.
So if there is anyone who thinks the way I do, then lets band together, lets raise our voices and drown out the voices of those who would try and detour our efforts.
Thanks
Katie
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Back After Summer Vacation
As you can see, I didn't make it on here much this summer. My hubby did end up getting back surgery, also so did my dog Max. He had to have a ligament replaced...my poor guys. I also tried a garden but it got hailed on after I put up a fence to keep the deer out. After the hail storm my plants looked pretty bad and if that wasn't bad enough, a gopher moved in and that was the end of the garden.
We sat through Harvey, waiting to hear from our child that went through it. After the "I'm OK" I haven't heard back since I won't send money. I did contact a friend and told them not to give money but if they needed something, get it and I would pay them back. My friend came up from Houston and was worried about her home. The house did fine thankfully but it did take a bit to get her a bus home.
We did get some fishing in...mainly me. We caught quite a few and have them in the freezer. My husband is amazed that I have gotten into fishing so much. He got me a new fishing rod and reel for my birthday, 3 months early haha. Hopefully we can go fishing more next summer.
After the post of using the arts to help with stress, I have started on some painting. When I get done with something, I will post some pictures...if I can get someone to help me with that. I'm beginning to feel like the old couple on the ad that they give all electronics to the grandkids to get it to work. There are several craft projects going on and hope to have them finished this winter.
So with this said, I am hoping to get some things going after the 1st of the year. In my area I hope to get a fundraiser going to help folks with treatment. There are a few things that I want to get straight before I start i.e. taxes and the like. I'm thinking something like change to change lives or dimes for drug addiction. Any way I will let you all know how it goes. I have also decided not to use GoFundMe because of the money they take out to shift money. From where I sit, we need every penny we can get.
My prayers are with you all.
We sat through Harvey, waiting to hear from our child that went through it. After the "I'm OK" I haven't heard back since I won't send money. I did contact a friend and told them not to give money but if they needed something, get it and I would pay them back. My friend came up from Houston and was worried about her home. The house did fine thankfully but it did take a bit to get her a bus home.
We did get some fishing in...mainly me. We caught quite a few and have them in the freezer. My husband is amazed that I have gotten into fishing so much. He got me a new fishing rod and reel for my birthday, 3 months early haha. Hopefully we can go fishing more next summer.
After the post of using the arts to help with stress, I have started on some painting. When I get done with something, I will post some pictures...if I can get someone to help me with that. I'm beginning to feel like the old couple on the ad that they give all electronics to the grandkids to get it to work. There are several craft projects going on and hope to have them finished this winter.
So with this said, I am hoping to get some things going after the 1st of the year. In my area I hope to get a fundraiser going to help folks with treatment. There are a few things that I want to get straight before I start i.e. taxes and the like. I'm thinking something like change to change lives or dimes for drug addiction. Any way I will let you all know how it goes. I have also decided not to use GoFundMe because of the money they take out to shift money. From where I sit, we need every penny we can get.
My prayers are with you all.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Summer in Northern States
Well trying to get on here once a week isn't happening. Summer in the northern states are so short that most people get outside and stay there. Which is what is happening at my house too. Between walking the dogs yard and garden work, I am pooped when I come in at night. Half the time I have forgotten I have to cook supper and think oh crap what do I fix now that everything is frozen.
On a good note, hobby's ticker is OK, the arm they can't fix and today we find out if hubby has back surgery.
My daughter went back to her husband and back to pills that I know of. My son doesn't want to hear from us unless we are sick or something like that. Not sure how I feel about that. On one hand, he will have to build a network of friends and build his own life without worrying about how we feel about it. On the other I feel like if he doesn't want to be a part of my life and accept me warts and all then to heck with it. So in all fairness, I can't say that I am resolved to this but will follow the rules set down by him as long as he follows them.
I hope everyone is having a safe and happy summer.
On a good note, hobby's ticker is OK, the arm they can't fix and today we find out if hubby has back surgery.
My daughter went back to her husband and back to pills that I know of. My son doesn't want to hear from us unless we are sick or something like that. Not sure how I feel about that. On one hand, he will have to build a network of friends and build his own life without worrying about how we feel about it. On the other I feel like if he doesn't want to be a part of my life and accept me warts and all then to heck with it. So in all fairness, I can't say that I am resolved to this but will follow the rules set down by him as long as he follows them.
I hope everyone is having a safe and happy summer.
Friday, May 26, 2017
Patience
My son called me today and in the course of the conversation, my son called into question my dependability. Now at my age I can forget, for a day but it never caused late fees or any other repercussions. To be honest I have been making lists of things to do for several years. That is why I set the day to do things a couple of days in advance in case life or my memory get in the way.
My initial reaction was to get a little pissy, but then it crash landed on my head. I have my son, alive, to get pissy with. He is doing pretty good all things considered. I am proud of him, but if you read one of the previous posts, it's waiting for the other shoe to fall and praying to our higher power that it doesn't.
I would like to tell addicts that as far down in their addiction they went, so did their families. There are days that I am taking it one minute at a time. Some days are pretty stable, then others are a rollercoaster ride, then some are a combination of both.. It isn't so much as to what happens, but the emotional reactions to what happens. There have literally been days where I was so proud one minute and ready to reach through the phone and shake the shit out of one of my kids the next.
Other emotions range from fear for your child to sorrow that they are walking this path and as adults there is very little I can do. Thoughts run through your head what can I do, what should I do as a parent and finally what should I do as a responsible citizen. Yes, I have turned my son in. In all honesty I cannot claim it was tough love. I was trying to get him off the street. As my kids would say, "that's messed up."
The only thing I hope we can accomplish upon recovery is to remember the times we all got frustrated, angry, or hurt but we were still there in the end. We all made it, maybe a little battered and bruised but in tact and a family. The only way I know to get there is to try and be patient with my kids and husband. Keep up with my quiet time so I can process information. I am currently going to be doing the yard work and a garden.
During all the outside time, the dogs love it. This gives me time to work on their obedience and boundaries. Since all the yard work and things, I hope to post at least on Friday's. That is a day I have given myself permission to take the day for me...somewhat anyway.
Sincerely
Love and Prayers to you all
Katie
My initial reaction was to get a little pissy, but then it crash landed on my head. I have my son, alive, to get pissy with. He is doing pretty good all things considered. I am proud of him, but if you read one of the previous posts, it's waiting for the other shoe to fall and praying to our higher power that it doesn't.
I would like to tell addicts that as far down in their addiction they went, so did their families. There are days that I am taking it one minute at a time. Some days are pretty stable, then others are a rollercoaster ride, then some are a combination of both.. It isn't so much as to what happens, but the emotional reactions to what happens. There have literally been days where I was so proud one minute and ready to reach through the phone and shake the shit out of one of my kids the next.
Other emotions range from fear for your child to sorrow that they are walking this path and as adults there is very little I can do. Thoughts run through your head what can I do, what should I do as a parent and finally what should I do as a responsible citizen. Yes, I have turned my son in. In all honesty I cannot claim it was tough love. I was trying to get him off the street. As my kids would say, "that's messed up."
The only thing I hope we can accomplish upon recovery is to remember the times we all got frustrated, angry, or hurt but we were still there in the end. We all made it, maybe a little battered and bruised but in tact and a family. The only way I know to get there is to try and be patient with my kids and husband. Keep up with my quiet time so I can process information. I am currently going to be doing the yard work and a garden.
During all the outside time, the dogs love it. This gives me time to work on their obedience and boundaries. Since all the yard work and things, I hope to post at least on Friday's. That is a day I have given myself permission to take the day for me...somewhat anyway.
Sincerely
Love and Prayers to you all
Katie
Monday, May 22, 2017
Meanwhile Back at the Farm
Well it looks like my husband will have to have 2 surgeries. One on his back and one on his shoulder. There were a lot of other things that we had planned on doing...this wasn't one of them. Unfortunately, one of the surgeries will be slow recovery time. It seems like if it's not one thing it's ten others sometimes.
My children continue to be in my prayers. I pray the higher power will open their hearts and give them the strength they need for success. Understand I am no theocrat and in no way judgmental in who or what you believe in. I'm just happy if you have something to believe in. As their mom, I always celebrate their victories and am devastated if they fail. I don't always voice my joy, I admit I am waiting for the other shoe to fall, for things to go terribly wrong again. My reactions to failure have ranged from tears to anger, and even snide comments by me. Through it all I can only say for any certainty that I am evolving as a person. I will continue to have successes and my own failures and I hope my kids can bear with me. My love never diminished, my belief in your ability to beat this addiction never waivered, but my trust in you has been crumbled and will take time to rebuild.
Sincerely
Katie
My children continue to be in my prayers. I pray the higher power will open their hearts and give them the strength they need for success. Understand I am no theocrat and in no way judgmental in who or what you believe in. I'm just happy if you have something to believe in. As their mom, I always celebrate their victories and am devastated if they fail. I don't always voice my joy, I admit I am waiting for the other shoe to fall, for things to go terribly wrong again. My reactions to failure have ranged from tears to anger, and even snide comments by me. Through it all I can only say for any certainty that I am evolving as a person. I will continue to have successes and my own failures and I hope my kids can bear with me. My love never diminished, my belief in your ability to beat this addiction never waivered, but my trust in you has been crumbled and will take time to rebuild.
Sincerely
Katie
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Today
Today both of my children are doing a treatment of sorts. With my 1st child, I have not heard from her in several months. She called and is 3 weeks off heroin as of last night she was having some emotional issues. She wanted to get off the phone to get herself under control. I still haven't heard back from her and I can tell you that I am more than a little worried.
At his point in her recovery, I don't know if I should continue to call or give her space to breathe. Last evening she asked me to tell her that I loved her. Well, I can assure you I do love her. The only thing we wish for her is a safe place and people around her who love and uplift her. She has that from what I understand. There is a friend and they are working together to get off heroin.
The process of getting off heroin is pretty brutal and she is taking Saboxin (I have no idea if that is spelled right). Seizures are the worst. So at this point I have no idea if she is having a medical issue or if she has relapsed or just needs time to reflect on what is going on. If she has relapsed, I still love my daughter and will be there for her when she calls.
No, I can't give money because of the trust issues between us. But, I can be there to listen. Right now I don't really think we can talk about some things; I feel that there is some emotional healing that she needs before w can go there. Mind you I have no idea if I'm correct in that feeling. It just makes sense to me that she would need to feel stronger emotionally to deal with her feelings.
My son is in an outpatient treatment program, actually I think he is dealing with more mental health issues than addiction. I mean it's all interconnected, but he hasn't used anything in about 2 months. He has an apartment and job he enjoys. It is my sincere hope that he will use this time to deal with triggers and how to cope with them. We talk, actually he has been calling his dad more. But I will listen to him if he needs to talk.
My kids mean the world to me and I pray everyday that their lives will get better. If it does, it will be due to their hard work.
Sincerely,
Katie
At his point in her recovery, I don't know if I should continue to call or give her space to breathe. Last evening she asked me to tell her that I loved her. Well, I can assure you I do love her. The only thing we wish for her is a safe place and people around her who love and uplift her. She has that from what I understand. There is a friend and they are working together to get off heroin.
The process of getting off heroin is pretty brutal and she is taking Saboxin (I have no idea if that is spelled right). Seizures are the worst. So at this point I have no idea if she is having a medical issue or if she has relapsed or just needs time to reflect on what is going on. If she has relapsed, I still love my daughter and will be there for her when she calls.
No, I can't give money because of the trust issues between us. But, I can be there to listen. Right now I don't really think we can talk about some things; I feel that there is some emotional healing that she needs before w can go there. Mind you I have no idea if I'm correct in that feeling. It just makes sense to me that she would need to feel stronger emotionally to deal with her feelings.
My son is in an outpatient treatment program, actually I think he is dealing with more mental health issues than addiction. I mean it's all interconnected, but he hasn't used anything in about 2 months. He has an apartment and job he enjoys. It is my sincere hope that he will use this time to deal with triggers and how to cope with them. We talk, actually he has been calling his dad more. But I will listen to him if he needs to talk.
My kids mean the world to me and I pray everyday that their lives will get better. If it does, it will be due to their hard work.
Sincerely,
Katie
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Communication
I have been thinking about this blog and how much to share. One of the last posts talked about my relationship with my husband. After much consideration, I have decided that so much of what we experience shape how we react to one another. There are days when I am not fit company for man nor beast and he has those days too. Then when you have addiction issues crop up, it can't help but impact your other relationships.
One day several years ago now, my husband and I were at odds with each other. He finally blurted out that many years before that I had told our child that they didn't have to listen to him. Well that isn't exactly what I said. I said that they didn't have to listen to him, BUT be prepared to be in trouble all the time. Of course that child was living at home and in school, but that and several other miss queues and we now are each others witnesses, i.e. we may not choose to talk but we do listen to the conversations.
Communication is a huge issue. There have been times when I have been so upset with my husband, and the last paragraph shows that my husband has felt the same, that I could have choked him. When your child is calling with another creative reason to get money, or they are in jail, it's kind of hard to hear what is being said with so many voices floating around in your mind. Just from my own experience, I can't talk it through right in the moment, I need time to process. My husband and I have talked about our differing needs. I won't at we get it right all the time but it is working much better.
One day several years ago now, my husband and I were at odds with each other. He finally blurted out that many years before that I had told our child that they didn't have to listen to him. Well that isn't exactly what I said. I said that they didn't have to listen to him, BUT be prepared to be in trouble all the time. Of course that child was living at home and in school, but that and several other miss queues and we now are each others witnesses, i.e. we may not choose to talk but we do listen to the conversations.
Communication is a huge issue. There have been times when I have been so upset with my husband, and the last paragraph shows that my husband has felt the same, that I could have choked him. When your child is calling with another creative reason to get money, or they are in jail, it's kind of hard to hear what is being said with so many voices floating around in your mind. Just from my own experience, I can't talk it through right in the moment, I need time to process. My husband and I have talked about our differing needs. I won't at we get it right all the time but it is working much better.
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Find Some Joy Today
Well I got confirmation that some of my worst fears were happening with my oldest child. I was prepared for a phone call that hasn't happened yet. At the same time there is a difference between suspecting something is true and knowing it to be fact. I suppose it is a form of denial. There is also a certain amount of depression that goes with it. At this point the remedy is more playing with the dogs and I have my granddaughter with me.
One thing I have learned on this journey, is to take the joy where you can get it. My granddaughter is so fun, we are setting up a playhouse. At night we take a spa, last night we used a mud mask...she is 4, almost 5. Her manners are coming along wonderfully. Yesterday evening, she needed to interrupt a conversation and remembered to say excuse me...YES! After our spa we get into bed and watch Rugrats. No, we don't always get to bed on time...OK rarely do we get to bed on time, but we shut it down by 10:30. We have also come up with my super-duper margaritas for 4 and 5 year olds. The sauce is Sprite mixed half and half with the margarita mix. I hope it's a no-brainer, but, NO Tequila.
There are sounds of waking up from the bedroom. That means breakfast soon. I hope you all can find some joy today.
Katie
One thing I have learned on this journey, is to take the joy where you can get it. My granddaughter is so fun, we are setting up a playhouse. At night we take a spa, last night we used a mud mask...she is 4, almost 5. Her manners are coming along wonderfully. Yesterday evening, she needed to interrupt a conversation and remembered to say excuse me...YES! After our spa we get into bed and watch Rugrats. No, we don't always get to bed on time...OK rarely do we get to bed on time, but we shut it down by 10:30. We have also come up with my super-duper margaritas for 4 and 5 year olds. The sauce is Sprite mixed half and half with the margarita mix. I hope it's a no-brainer, but, NO Tequila.
There are sounds of waking up from the bedroom. That means breakfast soon. I hope you all can find some joy today.
Katie
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Life Goes On And/Or Stepping Back
Then:
I got interrupted trying to spend time with my husband. I'm going to have to be blunt with him. Poor things has a chronic medical issue and doesn't handle stress very well. And even if he weren't disabled, we would have to still try to work on our relationship. I nee my alone time too. I can process things much faster this way. I get tired easily and the stress doesn't help.
No word from one child. The other, in treatment, called and was pretty shitty on the phone. That child wasn't going to call us again. That lasted until the next morning and again that evening. The call was a bit more cordial. I am choosing to let my husband handle the phone calls. I just let him know that I am at my BS limit.
Now:
This was my 1st lesson in just stepping away. It was the 1st time that I have actually had the time to process the information and go through the emotional. I do realize that the only person that was stopping me was me. Of course, many people are dealing with aged parents and young adult children. The luxury of time to process just isn't available. So we try to reason through it, but reason and common sense goes right out the window when dealing with addiction. That isn't to say that I have left my husband hanging out there on his own. We do listen to the conversation, whether or not we wish to participate. My husband and I know what the other has said and it can't be taken out of context or used as insinuations.
My husband and I do try to make time for each other. Right now it's Dr. appointments. We try to laugh at things life throws at us. I know my husband is a complete goober sometimes, but he is MY goober. Partners will understand that last comment. I actually debated whether or not to put this in the blog, but we do have other relationships that we need to nourish. It occurred to me that I'm not the only one dealing with this either and it might help someone to see my own journey with my partner too. I suppose this was my 2nd lesson for this session.
I got interrupted trying to spend time with my husband. I'm going to have to be blunt with him. Poor things has a chronic medical issue and doesn't handle stress very well. And even if he weren't disabled, we would have to still try to work on our relationship. I nee my alone time too. I can process things much faster this way. I get tired easily and the stress doesn't help.
No word from one child. The other, in treatment, called and was pretty shitty on the phone. That child wasn't going to call us again. That lasted until the next morning and again that evening. The call was a bit more cordial. I am choosing to let my husband handle the phone calls. I just let him know that I am at my BS limit.
Now:
This was my 1st lesson in just stepping away. It was the 1st time that I have actually had the time to process the information and go through the emotional. I do realize that the only person that was stopping me was me. Of course, many people are dealing with aged parents and young adult children. The luxury of time to process just isn't available. So we try to reason through it, but reason and common sense goes right out the window when dealing with addiction. That isn't to say that I have left my husband hanging out there on his own. We do listen to the conversation, whether or not we wish to participate. My husband and I know what the other has said and it can't be taken out of context or used as insinuations.
My husband and I do try to make time for each other. Right now it's Dr. appointments. We try to laugh at things life throws at us. I know my husband is a complete goober sometimes, but he is MY goober. Partners will understand that last comment. I actually debated whether or not to put this in the blog, but we do have other relationships that we need to nourish. It occurred to me that I'm not the only one dealing with this either and it might help someone to see my own journey with my partner too. I suppose this was my 2nd lesson for this session.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Down the Rabbit Hole
Then:
As it turns out, I have quite a lot to say about the kids. What does it say that I would rather go to Standing Rock and risk getting shot with a water cannon or rubber bullets or have dogs attacking me, than help my kids right now. Each one of my children are the first to criticize their siblings.
Now:
I don't feel quite so dramatic now. At the time there were so many things going on at once. Of course being critical of the other saying well I may do this but I don't do that. The this and that's just get wilder and wilder as we go down this rabbit hole. I have heard some pretty wild crap over the years.
As it turns out, I have quite a lot to say about the kids. What does it say that I would rather go to Standing Rock and risk getting shot with a water cannon or rubber bullets or have dogs attacking me, than help my kids right now. Each one of my children are the first to criticize their siblings.
Now:
I don't feel quite so dramatic now. At the time there were so many things going on at once. Of course being critical of the other saying well I may do this but I don't do that. The this and that's just get wilder and wilder as we go down this rabbit hole. I have heard some pretty wild crap over the years.
- Their kids need medical care
- Their kids need medicine
- Homelessness
- Assaulted
- Kidnapped
- They're really sick with a serious disease
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Wow, the Last Month has Been a Bitch
Then:
I got to thinking and I realized that I am at the end of what I can deal with. After years of dealing with this shit, I can't do this anymore. They say that God or your higher power never gives you more than you can handle. I sure hope that is true because the way I feel now, it has to get better. So I am going to start journaling this whole experience. Maybe when reviewing I can see what works and what doesn't.
Both kids are addicts, one is currently in county jail and the other has relapsed for the third time. Both have children, which I worry about.
Now:
I still have some of the same anxieties. I wonder how this plays out in the mind of the addict. Understand I don't mean any disrespect, I truly want to learn. My kids call me hippie and tree hugger, and, yes, I am. But I do want to try to understand from someone who has walked in those shoes. I have my own demons and I do understand the ,"AWWW to hell with it," attitude.
I got to thinking and I realized that I am at the end of what I can deal with. After years of dealing with this shit, I can't do this anymore. They say that God or your higher power never gives you more than you can handle. I sure hope that is true because the way I feel now, it has to get better. So I am going to start journaling this whole experience. Maybe when reviewing I can see what works and what doesn't.
Both kids are addicts, one is currently in county jail and the other has relapsed for the third time. Both have children, which I worry about.
Now:
I still have some of the same anxieties. I wonder how this plays out in the mind of the addict. Understand I don't mean any disrespect, I truly want to learn. My kids call me hippie and tree hugger, and, yes, I am. But I do want to try to understand from someone who has walked in those shoes. I have my own demons and I do understand the ,"AWWW to hell with it," attitude.
Why Post to This Blog
I asked myself, "Why would people confide things on my blog or even participate?" After a bit I decided to open up more on the blog. I will be posting some of my older journaling. My goal is to show what my journey was like and how I felt at the time. Understand that I will not be sharing names or extremely sensitive information. I would recommend that any potential comments refrain as well. There will be posts on how I have changed my views or not and try to explain how I got here.
My political opinions or groups that I support are just that, MINE.
Let me be perfectly clear that my posts will be edited so that the posts only reflect my opinion. I will do my best to filter out any assumed opinions or how others felt. The only person I can represent is myself and do not presume to know what is going on in someone else's mind. Public assumptions can lead to feelings of accusation and I feel would inhibit true communication.
It is my hope that we can all talk to each other in a positive manner. And, I do reserve the right to block those who seek to be disruptive or disrespectful. If you think I'm stupid, then tell me why.
Sincerely,
Katie
My political opinions or groups that I support are just that, MINE.
Let me be perfectly clear that my posts will be edited so that the posts only reflect my opinion. I will do my best to filter out any assumed opinions or how others felt. The only person I can represent is myself and do not presume to know what is going on in someone else's mind. Public assumptions can lead to feelings of accusation and I feel would inhibit true communication.
It is my hope that we can all talk to each other in a positive manner. And, I do reserve the right to block those who seek to be disruptive or disrespectful. If you think I'm stupid, then tell me why.
Sincerely,
Katie
Thursday, March 30, 2017
I found this website for low cost treatment programs. It lists facilities all across the country. The cost is between 2 to 5K.
http://interventionamerica.org/Inpatient_Rehab/
This website is for families to research what treatment facility would suit them best and also a guide of questions to ask your doctor.
https://www.drugabuse.gov/patients-families
http://interventionamerica.org/Inpatient_Rehab/
This website is for families to research what treatment facility would suit them best and also a guide of questions to ask your doctor.
https://www.drugabuse.gov/patients-families
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Addiction: Learning to Forget.
I got this video from this site:
http://www.nature.com/nature/outlook/addiction/#video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7Dsg1ZObFo
This talks about relapses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V_n3KZpmis
Stop Enabling
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLrm4f51I5o
How to let go
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRRaXaz-lXc
Thursday, March 23, 2017
For Profit Prison Systems
For profit prisons are not working for our country. First, the clothing has to be bought through their commissary system. From what I understand that is a company started and owned by Bob Barker, yes, I'm outing Bob. The problem is that the clothing doesn't last and costs much more than what you can buy it retail. If I bought something that only lasted 3 months I dang sure wouldn't buy anything from them again. Our prisoners don't have that choice. Now if that isn't the behavior Bob Barker condones, then he needs to step in and get better quality goods. I am giving him a chance to fix that problem.
Second, the medical care in the for profit prisons are lacking. There is no differentiating between a violent criminal, drug addicts, or individuals with mental illness. Everyone is lumped in together. There are very few programs to help inmates to better their lives. Why would you want a person to gain control over their lives if it meant they wouldn't come back like a revolving door. I mean there aren't many classes to help inmates get treatment for mental illness or addiction.
Thirdly, it has been proven that for profit prisons are not as safe as federally run prisons. There have been incidents where inmates are forced to fight, or fights break out and guards turn their backs. Guards have been paid off so drugs can be brought in...it's just a mess and there doesn't seem to be any oversight. As a reasonable person, I know this can't be all guards in the for profit prisons, but there are enough of them to give for profit prisons a bad name. And Jeff Sessions wants to INCREASE the for profit prisons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is he just that naïve or getting a campaign contributions from these corporations? I think we need to know what his motives are.
Unfortunately the whole DOJ seems to have gone crazy. Right now I just have the for profit prison experience. I am wondering if the Federal system is just as jacked up. If so then we need to start becoming active in making change. When I sent a Christmas card to my son it was sent back twice. Once because I used a red sharpie marker to write with. The next card was sent back because it had glitter on it. To be honest, I get it, I might have been sending drugs on the red or glittery part of the card. Until this experience, I wouldn't have been that creative but I suppose others are. So if the prison is going to be that picky about a Christmas card, then I think they could use that attention to detail to stop the other stuff and develop programs to help inmates from becoming repeat offenders.
http://www.salon.com/2013/09/23/6_shocking_revelations_about_how_private_prisons_make_money_partner/
I found this article to be really informative.
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/12/05/trump-sets-private-prisons-free
This article describes how it all works.
Second, the medical care in the for profit prisons are lacking. There is no differentiating between a violent criminal, drug addicts, or individuals with mental illness. Everyone is lumped in together. There are very few programs to help inmates to better their lives. Why would you want a person to gain control over their lives if it meant they wouldn't come back like a revolving door. I mean there aren't many classes to help inmates get treatment for mental illness or addiction.
Thirdly, it has been proven that for profit prisons are not as safe as federally run prisons. There have been incidents where inmates are forced to fight, or fights break out and guards turn their backs. Guards have been paid off so drugs can be brought in...it's just a mess and there doesn't seem to be any oversight. As a reasonable person, I know this can't be all guards in the for profit prisons, but there are enough of them to give for profit prisons a bad name. And Jeff Sessions wants to INCREASE the for profit prisons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is he just that naïve or getting a campaign contributions from these corporations? I think we need to know what his motives are.
Unfortunately the whole DOJ seems to have gone crazy. Right now I just have the for profit prison experience. I am wondering if the Federal system is just as jacked up. If so then we need to start becoming active in making change. When I sent a Christmas card to my son it was sent back twice. Once because I used a red sharpie marker to write with. The next card was sent back because it had glitter on it. To be honest, I get it, I might have been sending drugs on the red or glittery part of the card. Until this experience, I wouldn't have been that creative but I suppose others are. So if the prison is going to be that picky about a Christmas card, then I think they could use that attention to detail to stop the other stuff and develop programs to help inmates from becoming repeat offenders.
http://www.salon.com/2013/09/23/6_shocking_revelations_about_how_private_prisons_make_money_partner/
I found this article to be really informative.
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/12/05/trump-sets-private-prisons-free
This article describes how it all works.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
YouTube Vidoe...Great Stuff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao8L-0nSYzg
A friend shot me this on facebook and I have heard this before but thought I would share it with the rest of you.
https://www.samhsa.gov/programs-campaigns
I found this and am currently looking into this site.
https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics
A friend shot me this on facebook and I have heard this before but thought I would share it with the rest of you.
https://www.samhsa.gov/programs-campaigns
I found this and am currently looking into this site.
https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics
Monday, March 20, 2017
Alternative Treatments
In my initial post I mentioned alternative drugs. I want to focus on Ayahauasca in this article and will be posting several sites that you can investigate. Keep in mind that I am learning right along with you all. It would be great if in your own reading you could post things that you find of interest. Unfortunately there isn't a whole lot known about this vine and it is usually administered in South America. I am NOT suggesting that we start having mass Ayahuasca parties to treat our loved ones, however, I do think that it should be researched. Now that will mean some Dr. trekking down there and learning how to make it. There are a few Drs. I know that I would pay good money to see doing that. One in particular admitted to being in the Air Force, an officer, in Germany doing field exercises and the officers burned down their tent trying to start the wood stove. The Drs.
If the research can be done, I don't see why it shouldn't be like any other drug. Even if this is something that would have to be administered in-patient to monitor vitals. There would also have to be a protocol for how to counter-act the effects, if needs be. Also from this first article, I would think they would need to learn from several of the medicine men. This would account for mild to severe reactions to the ayahausca ceremony. I suppose then it would be a matter of finding the effective median range. AND, for Gods Sake keep it out of big pharma's ability to charge 100's of thousands of dollars for it. Well, enough of my random thoughts, let me know yours. Updates will follow.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/shortcuts/2014/apr/28/ayahuasca-celebrities-usage-hallucinogenic-substance-death-british-teenager-Colombia
http://www.aya2014.com/en/2014/06/eight-myths-about-ayahuasca-debunked/
http://highexistence.com/cutting-edge-law-in-new-zealand-can-mean-the-beginning-of-cognitive-liberty-and-kickstart-the-psychedelic-renaissance/
http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2017/03/24/Prescription-weight-loss-drug-may-help-with-opioid-addiction/6301490373701/
http://www.collective-evolution.com/2017/03/22/addiction-study-shows-we-might-be-completely-wrong-about-what-causes-it/
https://www.sovhealth.com/addiction/german-scientists-developing-painkillers-without-negative-effects/
If the research can be done, I don't see why it shouldn't be like any other drug. Even if this is something that would have to be administered in-patient to monitor vitals. There would also have to be a protocol for how to counter-act the effects, if needs be. Also from this first article, I would think they would need to learn from several of the medicine men. This would account for mild to severe reactions to the ayahausca ceremony. I suppose then it would be a matter of finding the effective median range. AND, for Gods Sake keep it out of big pharma's ability to charge 100's of thousands of dollars for it. Well, enough of my random thoughts, let me know yours. Updates will follow.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/shortcuts/2014/apr/28/ayahuasca-celebrities-usage-hallucinogenic-substance-death-british-teenager-Colombia
http://www.aya2014.com/en/2014/06/eight-myths-about-ayahuasca-debunked/
http://highexistence.com/cutting-edge-law-in-new-zealand-can-mean-the-beginning-of-cognitive-liberty-and-kickstart-the-psychedelic-renaissance/
http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2017/03/24/Prescription-weight-loss-drug-may-help-with-opioid-addiction/6301490373701/
http://www.collective-evolution.com/2017/03/22/addiction-study-shows-we-might-be-completely-wrong-about-what-causes-it/
https://www.sovhealth.com/addiction/german-scientists-developing-painkillers-without-negative-effects/
Emmanuel Jal
https://www.facebook.com/EmmanuelJal/?pnref=story
I am posting this so that we can all see how much the Arts can help us overcome tragedy. I found his story and music to be an inspiration and I hope you will too.
Have a Blessed Day!
I am posting this so that we can all see how much the Arts can help us overcome tragedy. I found his story and music to be an inspiration and I hope you will too.
Have a Blessed Day!
International Day of Peace
Just a reminder that The International Day of Peace is Tuesday, March 21st. This is an annual event where cities all around the world come together for peace and ceasefire. Since so many of our veterans have problems with addiction I hope we can come together for one day and send prayers up to our Creator for peace. In addition, I would also like us to pray for justice because without justice you cannot have peace.
As with so many addicts, the issue with my son is relapsing. This weekend was a bummer. My son was to spend the weekend with his daughter. After all the goodies were gotten, she was bored and wanted go home. Of course my son was devastated. He woke up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning. At this point I'm not sure he used, I guess we will find out if they did a UA on him. It really doesn't matter since he's on probation and isn't supposed to drink. Later in the week I guess we will find out if there are to be any repercussions.
I had a feeling that something was going to happen. I actually woke up in the middle of the night and knew whatever it was, it had already happened. Now in all honesty, I probably have been conditioned to it, but I hoped that I was wrong. There are people who can just turn their backs after so long; I haven't gotten there yet. Don't get me wrong if my child show up at my home in that condition, I will take them to rehab or if they get belligerent I will call the police, but that is mainly for the protection of everyone involved. At this point I would rather know. The day may come when I no longer feel that way, so please understand that I am not criticizing the family members who have had enough. It's a hard and emotional journey.
Have A Blessed Day!
As with so many addicts, the issue with my son is relapsing. This weekend was a bummer. My son was to spend the weekend with his daughter. After all the goodies were gotten, she was bored and wanted go home. Of course my son was devastated. He woke up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning. At this point I'm not sure he used, I guess we will find out if they did a UA on him. It really doesn't matter since he's on probation and isn't supposed to drink. Later in the week I guess we will find out if there are to be any repercussions.
I had a feeling that something was going to happen. I actually woke up in the middle of the night and knew whatever it was, it had already happened. Now in all honesty, I probably have been conditioned to it, but I hoped that I was wrong. There are people who can just turn their backs after so long; I haven't gotten there yet. Don't get me wrong if my child show up at my home in that condition, I will take them to rehab or if they get belligerent I will call the police, but that is mainly for the protection of everyone involved. At this point I would rather know. The day may come when I no longer feel that way, so please understand that I am not criticizing the family members who have had enough. It's a hard and emotional journey.
Have A Blessed Day!
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Culture of Resistance and Use the Arts in Treating Addiction
I recently watched a documentary called, "Culture of Resistance," by Caipirinha Productions, and has been playing on Free Speech TV. The film travels to several countries that have been war torn and shows how they are using the Arts to tell their stories. There were cartoonists, poets, all types of musicians, and obviously film makers, all with the goals of telling their history, telling of what they witnessed, telling of injustices and to promote peace. Not only are these people recording the history, they are in their communities teaching children, teaching women trades, or teaching the Culture of Resistance and what that means. The one comment that sticks in my mind was the elderly woman who counseled her country to accept love so that hate will never again enter their country. There was a man making gun guitars out of AK-47's. I would highly recommend this documentary. But while I was watching I wondered if the Arts could help in dealing with the effects of addiction. I mean if countries like Rwanda and the Congo are finding positive results, then why not.
Now I want to make it clear I am not talking about being in a psychiatric unit and making a wallet, unless you enjoy leather working. I can tell you that there is a difference between a crafting project, that you don't really want to do, and using the Arts to tell your story. No, these projects will be hard to see, read, or hear for those of us who have loved ones that are addicted, but if it is to be of any success it needs to reflect the reality of what addicts go through. At the same time the emotional trauma that the families have gone through needs to be given the same attention. That is also part of the Culture of Resistance; all people need representation if healing is to be accomplished.
So I would like to put out to the community to send us songs, stories, poems, pictures of you artwork, photographs you have taken. For those who may not feel they have talent, cooking, woodworking, and working with textiles are art forms too. Send us a recipe or a how to video. Pseudonyms are fine and you don't need to use names if writing a story. There is no deadline so no pressure there. Just send whatever you already have or start something today. Hope to see some interesting stuff
Now I want to make it clear I am not talking about being in a psychiatric unit and making a wallet, unless you enjoy leather working. I can tell you that there is a difference between a crafting project, that you don't really want to do, and using the Arts to tell your story. No, these projects will be hard to see, read, or hear for those of us who have loved ones that are addicted, but if it is to be of any success it needs to reflect the reality of what addicts go through. At the same time the emotional trauma that the families have gone through needs to be given the same attention. That is also part of the Culture of Resistance; all people need representation if healing is to be accomplished.
So I would like to put out to the community to send us songs, stories, poems, pictures of you artwork, photographs you have taken. For those who may not feel they have talent, cooking, woodworking, and working with textiles are art forms too. Send us a recipe or a how to video. Pseudonyms are fine and you don't need to use names if writing a story. There is no deadline so no pressure there. Just send whatever you already have or start something today. Hope to see some interesting stuff
Friday, March 17, 2017
Hello, my name is Katie and I am starting this blog so that we can begin a conversation about addiction. I am the mother of two addicted, thirty-something, children. After years of trying to understand and cope with it on my own, it's time to open up and try to find answers. Oh, I tried counseling, but got discouraged when my counselor almost dozed off. Recently, both of the kids went sideways and I used journaling to help ease the emotional stress. Not only did I come to understand how I felt, but why and how I needed to deal with the situation. During this time of reflection, I wondered if others might be willing to share their own experiences.
The number of individuals affected by addiction in this country is frightening, and can no longer be viewed as anything but an epidemic. So many times parents don't speak out for fear of being judged. Personally, I have been dealing with this for so long that I don't care who thinks what any more. Maybe if people do speak up we can help others to avoid some the pitfalls we fell into. As parents of addicted children, we are all in varying stages of emotional recovery. The first person we tend to blame is ourselves, no matter how many times our children and others tell us it's not our fault. I say, "as parents," but the sad reality is that addiction transcends every demographic in this country: black/white, wealthy/poor, straight/gay, and young/old. The reality is many children are having to care for their parents and younger siblings because of addiction. Grandparents are raising their grandchildren. One that I am very familiar with is not knowing for months on end where they are or if they are alive.
It is my hope that we might get recovering addicts and mental health/addiction professionals to join us in this discussion. The only way forward, that I can see, is to begin the honest, open, and probably painful conversation. Not only do we need to talk to heal but we need to listen. We must be ready to change how we treat addiction, we know that what is currently being done isn't working. Perhaps, we need to treat the whole family instead of just the addict. Please understand, I am not any kind of expert, only a parent of addicted children who would like to make a difference. My goal here is to get more answers, get more tools to help us cope, and bring this community together. Together, we will have a much louder voice and we can begin to demand results from our mental health professionals and social reform from our government.
Not only can we banned together to affect change in the legislation and the mental health community. By doing the research we can become the experts and sources of information. We cannot ignore what has and is working in other countries. If we become knowledgeable enough and strong enough politically the legislators will not be able to ignore us. Some ideas may seem progressive but I urge us all to look at the statistics and data. In the interest of transparency, I am for legalizing marijuana, for a multitude of reasons. Why not use it to treat PTSD and addiction; for those two issues often go hand in hand. There are many different non-traditional medicines, Ayahauasca or Iboga. Yes, both of these are interesting options, but I do feel that they need much more exploration. Why not set up needle exchanges in all county health departments? If we have any hope for our loved ones, then we mustn't fail them in addressing the health risks of needle sharing...are we willing to risk HEP C or AIDES?
The bottom line is, if we banned together we can find solutions. Solutions for the parent who lays awake at night wondering what can or could I have done. Solutions for the children who are having to care for addicted parents and raising their siblings. Solutions for the addict who is homeless and in need of shelter, medicines, or help with rehab. We may find that this is a series of solutions depending upon recovery stages. We must be willing to move away from failed programs and embrace new programs that do work, willing to set aside pre-conceived ideas that have been proven false, and willing to see erroneous attitudes we ourselves may have held toward addiction.
The idea behind this article is to communicate. We have been silent long enough and now is the time to break that silence, come together, discover tools to help us cope, and just perhaps get strong enough to affect legislative changes. In our own way we have all been through hell. Please let's keep this positive, if I have an idea that sucks, then tell me why it sucks...explain why you strongly disagree. This is NOT for families to hash out their issues like I have seen on social media. I realize there are many facets to addiction and no ones' story is the same and it is my sincere hope that we can deal with a good many issues on this blog. If there is a topic of interest to you please feel free to request information. If you have information please share it with us all. I will be the first to admit that I have been trying different things that haven't worked. I'm out of ideas and am at the point of, "What do I have to loose." All I do know is, if anything is going to get done, we, the people of this community will have to do it.
Sincerely
Katie
Katie
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