laughter...

...really is good medicine


it starts with a smile
and is attracting to others.

laughter benefits us and those around us

the positive reinforcement can even
make light of the more serious issues.

we have all seen and heard doom &
gloom "energy vampires", in the rooms
and also in our lives.

our mental health is boosted as laughter
reduces anger, sadness and anxiety.

every aspect of our lives is positively
affected...
relationships, child rearing, employment
and social functions.

it is important to be able to laugh at
ourselves, find humor in situations
that formerly frustrated us.

some great advice;
take yourself less seriously,
and don't sweat the small stuff.

behavior modification

getting to the root causes of why we
abuse substances.

the first step of the process is to
identify certain triggers or life
situations that result in the reliance
on drugs or alcohol to cope.

part of the reinforcement of the use,
is the memory of the initial dulling or
numbing effect.
gradually we develop tolerance and
may begin to use more.
this is a major factor in the cycle
of addiction.

examining the life experiences and
stresses underlying the escape behaviors,
allows us to address the issues in a
positive and constructive manner.

the methods may vary from person
to person; what is important is the
willingness to seek help and get to
the bottom of our root causes of
abusing substances.

consider the advice given to the
overweight person...

"it's not what you're eating,
it's what's eating you"

latest drinking antics

from About.com/Alcoholism;
more consequences for various
folks in the spotlight and public eye...

Charlie Sheen's Wife Checks Into Rehab
Several media outlets and gossip websites have reported that Brooke Mueller, wife of actor Charlie Sheen, has checked herself into a Malibu rehab center to get treatment for alcohol and crack addiction. Mueller and Sheen were involved in a drunken dispute in Colorado at Christmas that resulted in Sheen's arrest.

Jayson Williams' Alcohol Level More Than Twice Limit
Prosecutors said former NBA star Jayson Williams had a blood-alcohol level of .19 when he crashed his Mercedes SUV into a tree and put his head through the windshield. Williams has entered a plea of not guilty to driving across four lanes of traffic to crash into the Manhattan tree.

Redskins' Byron Westbrook Arrested for DUI
Washington Redskins cornerback Byron Westbrook, brother of Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook, has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in Maryland. Police arrested Westbrook after his vehicle crossed the center line and he failed several sobriety tests.

'Deadliest Catch' TV Star Arrested on DUI
Reality TV star Jake Harris, son of the late "Deadliest Catch" boat captain Phil Harris, was arrested by Washington state troopers and charged with DUI. Harris was stopped for driving erratically on Interstate 5, had a suspended license, failed field sobriety tests and refused a breath test, according to police reports.

Former Michigan Speaker Accused of Drunken Driving
After witnesses reported seeing a drunken man park his car and stagger into a store, police arrested former speaker of the Michigan House Craig DeRoche. Police said DeRoche, who recorded a .249 blood-alcohol level, was so drunk he could not stand up by himself.

Woman Sentenced to Prison for 4th DUI
A Nebraska woman who had a blood alcohol content of .295 has been sentenced to eight years in prison for her fourth drunken driving conviction since 2007. Tina Grundmann, 36, requested probation from the judge saying that she was seeking treatment for alcoholis

Monday quotes

Our life is frittered away by details... Simplify, simplify. ----Henry David Thoreau


The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly. ---Buddha


Past thoughts = Current reality, Change your current thoughts to create a new reality.


When you find yourself stressed, ask yourself one question: Will this matter in 5 years from now? If yes, then do something about the situation. If no, then let it go." ---Catherine Pulsifer


Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there. ---Will Rogers


Life is like walking through snow. Every step shows.
Jess Lair

There won't be a better tomorrow if you can't move on from today.


Unknown Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens. ---- Jimi Hendrix


As long as you don't forgive, who and whatever it is will occupy a rent-free space in your mind.
Isabelle Holland

It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all. ----Laura Ingalls Wilder


Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely. ----~ Karen Kaiser Clark


Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.
Paul Boese

carpe diem

time brings change in so many ways

each day unfolds a myriad of trials,
questions, joys and sorrow
no way to predict or forecast tomorrow

the moment may be fleeting,
but it is our reality

outlook is key for the daily grind
be it family, work or school
the ups and downs complete
with the surprises we find

the sun will set, we can be sure
did we do our best?
teach, learn and keep our word

a new tomorrow, another chance
am I grateful, hopeful and learning
from the bygone day?

not fretting the future, it will unfold
accept the challenge; secure and serene
whatever our stance.

DSM-V

even Time magazine is watching the
latest revisions to DSM-V ;
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

3. Address the problem of including certain minor addiction disorders (caffeine intoxication) but excluding others (compulsive gambling).
These are relatively infrequent diagnoses, but they seem highly capricious. Isn't compulsive gambling a sign of a bigger problem? Isn't caffeine intoxication usually an accident? That's one reason the whole category of "substance-related disorders" has chipped away at the authority of the DSM. The new DSM would rationalize the system. There are no plans to change the diagnostic criteria of "caffeine intoxication" (essentially, drinking so much coffee or Red Bull that you go nuts, at least temporarily), but the APA is considering whether "non-substance addictions" like compulsive gambling, shopping and eating are related to traditional substance abuse — and, if so, how. Also, it has proposed re-titling the category of substance-related disorders to "Addiction and Related Disorders." No decisions have been made, but this research process is promising and long overdue.

there appears to be some dissension as to what constitutes an addictive behavior;

yet those addictions that generate the most income for doctors, rehabs and drug companies

always seem to get the label "disease" .

substance abuse in the news

never a shortage of folks of all ages, careers or social status getting into
trouble due to drinking & drugging. whether it's harm to themselves or
others, substance abusers continue to weave a path of destruction
through all elements of society...

From About.com/Alcoholism-

Recovery Advocate Rep. Patrick Kennedy to Step Down
U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, a leading advocate for alcohol and drug prevention and treatment issues in Congress, has decided not to seek re-election, citing the death of his father and the need for a new direction. "Going forward I will continue many of the fights we waged together, particularly on behalf of those suffering from depression, addiction, autism and post-traumatic stress disorder," Kennedy said.

Former Attorney Sentenced for Selling Ecstasy
A former Wyoming attorney and his wife have been convicted of selling ecstasy near an elementary school. Robert W. Ingram, 39, and his wife were given suspended five-year sentences under the state's first-offender law.

Booze Thief Flees Into Wrong Building
If you are planning to steal from the liquor store, it might pay to plan your escape route in advance. Wyoming police said that a 26-year-old man who stole a bottle of Schnapps from a local store tried to get away by hiding in a nearby building. The problem was the building where he tried to hide was the police station.

Rip Torn Heading to Rehab After Arrest
Police said that actor Rip Torn was so drunk that he thought he was at home, taking off his hat and boots and leaving them by the door. The problem was the 78-year-old actor was armed and inside a local bank. His attorney said Torn is getting treatment at a New York rehab center.

Leif Garrett Faces Heroin Charge
Former teen idol Leif Garrett was arrested at a Los Angeles Metrolink station and charged with possession of heroin. Garrett, 48, has a long history of substance abuse problems dating back to the 1990s. He was ordered into a treatment program in 2004.

Drugs, Alcohol Cited in Death of Jay Reatard
Alcohol and cocaine contributed to the death of punk rocker Jay Reatard, a medical examiner has determined. The 29-year-old musician, whose real name is Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr., was found dead at his Memphis home Jan. 13.

Pneumonia, Drugs Killed Brittany Murphy
Actress Brittany Murphy died from pneumonia, but anemia and prescription drugs played a role in her death, the Los Angeles coroner's office has ruled. The coroner did not specify which drugs were in the 32-year-old's system, but said she was the victim of "multiple drug intoxication."

consider the possibilities

some of possible stages of alcoholism;
due to genetics, family life, stress factors
and other considerations, it is up to the
individual to choose when to stop the spiral


social drinking

moderate use


heavy



dependence


jails

institutions death

Monday quotes

To be loved, be lovable.

- Ovid

Relate with others, but relate with yourself also. Love others, but love yourself also. Go out! - the world is beautiful, adventurous; it is a challenge, it enriches. Go out fearlessly - there is nothing to lose, there is everything to gain.

- Osho

Never raise your hand to your children -- it leaves your mid-section unprotected.

- Robert Orben

You can't turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again.

I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.

If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up.

- J.M. Power

Know how to listen and you will profit even from those who talk badly.

- Plutarch

You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call "Failure" is not the falling down, but the staying down.

- Mary Pickford

Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.

- John Petit-Senn

Deep listening from the heart is one half of true communication. Speaking from the heart is the other half.

- Sara Paddison

I wish you enough...

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger...

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.

thinking back

once a boy from the middle of the city
never wanting, a stable home, not seeking pity

shy and seeking approval, striving to make
friends.

going through the motions, never achieving
the desired ends

unable to let loose and have fun,
always the good boy, following the rules,
doing what needed to be done.

along came some hope in a bottle,
like magic, the shyness was history
I was funny and engaging, no
longer a mystery.

we lasted so long...
never thought it would end
in time my elixir would lie,
was no longer my friend.

it's hard to let go of the good
times we had
but you left me so lonely and sad

time to say farewell-
we've had our ups and downs
all the smiles have turned to frowns

this is the real me, accept who i am
by leaving you behind, i can
finally be free.

good news for us coffee drinkers

article from emedicinehealth.com

By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Health News

Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD

Jan. 27, 2010 -- A coffee break after an important meeting or class may be just the thing your brain needs to digest new information and improve memory.

A new study suggests that resting while awake aids in memory consolidation and improves memory recall, much like getting a good night's sleep has been shown to do.

"Taking a coffee break after class can actually help you retain that information you just learned," researcher Lila Davachi, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at the Center for Neural Science at New York University, says in a news release. "Your brain wants you to tune out other tasks so you can tune in to what you just learned."

there has been much controversy and change of opinion

over the risks and benefits of coffee consumption.

every few years another illness is associated with coffee.

compared to our former drink of choice, coffee is much

more helpful than harmful.

know of anyone crashing a car, fighting, missing work

or getting cirrhosis from too many cups of joe?

in the sports world, caffeine has long been considered

an ergogenic aid. athletes were found to be capable

of competing longer before exhaustion, and even

showed increased concentration.

my dad has consumed 6 to 8 cups a day since

the age of 20...he turns 88 this year!

it's been said "all it takes to have a meeting

is 2 people, a coffee pot, and a resentment."