tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28374787773228913652012-01-29T08:36:40.783-07:00Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.comBlogger741100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-49184867086412276342010-04-02T20:24:00.004-06:002010-04-02T20:45:01.189-06:00

I've re-vamped my eCourse on Addicton and Recovery information and it will be fully ready to go next week (by April 8th 2010). Topics within the eCourse are quite basic over 5 consecutive days and include information on why some people end up using drugs, how addiction really works (*tip - it's a complex thing), how to identify a drug addiction problem, details on safe detoxing, and important

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-705297189630645792010-01-25T22:47:00.002-07:002010-01-25T23:25:54.067-07:00

I've just been reading a report on a case study involving MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or Ecstasy) use in a man only known as "Mr. A" from the U.K.Now, the report isn't that new - it's from 2006 - but it still contains some extremely frightening information on the drug, Ecstasy, and its possible long-term effects.The case study involves a man in England who quit using the drug after

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-66121398981985094012009-12-19T10:41:00.007-07:002010-01-08T20:19:05.718-07:00

I apologize for the delay in announcing that the eCourse offered in the sidebar is not available right now. I'm acquiring some different webspace over the holidays (the old site is gone) and will arrange to place the lesson mailers on the new space. The lessons should be available early in the New Year.Thank you for your patience.teeray~~

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-5624824510185423022008-07-10T14:41:00.004-06:002009-03-24T19:26:12.093-06:00

Well, it's Stampede time again in Calgary! This meansThe booze is flowing freely. Not to mention all the GAMBLING that comes along with midway games at The Calgary Exhibition and Stampede.A few tips if you're trying to stay clean and sober during the Stampede 10 days of festivities:* Check in with (clean) friends often - to jog the 'accountability' part of you* Don't be afraid to break certain

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-72214684219690492862008-06-08T16:50:00.005-06:002008-06-08T17:07:59.948-06:00

I was needing some 'comic relief'Here are some jokes I found when I searched online for some comedic 'distractions' in my life.You may or may not find these 'cute' but I like 'em!1. An Alabama State trooper stops a guy in a pick-up truck over on route I-90. The officer asks the driver, "Got any ID?"The driver responds,"ID 'bout what?":)2. A couple of tourists were driving through Louisiana until

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-3340394886049235842008-03-15T17:35:00.005-06:002008-03-15T18:04:46.691-06:00

St. Patrick's Day is almost upon us!A lot of people, Irish or not, celebrate this special day by having a few drinks.What's more - pubs and restaurants put colouring into the beer to make it GREEN, the obvious colour dedicated to St. Patrick's Day items.On St. Patrick's Day, once it fully rrrrrrrrolls around, I will be having a couple of cups of Green Tea, instead of Green-spiked alcoholic

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-38469719791039723342008-02-23T17:56:00.004-07:002008-02-23T18:25:51.363-07:00

According to the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition),Addiction is recognized by 3 basic stages:1. Preoccupation/Anticipation2. Binge/Intoxication3. Withdrawal/Negative effectThe following characteristics are typical of each stage:1. Preoccupation/Anticipation:Cravings (sometimes constant) and preoccupation with acquiring drugs/alcohol2. Binge/Intoxication:Using

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-86401941768871608202008-01-22T19:12:00.000-07:002008-01-22T19:28:07.951-07:00

I was browsing around YouTube and found that a fan of the TV show, Intervention has put together a series of clips from the show.There are some graphic clips, so if you're worried about being affected by these, move along......the clips are just over 5 minutes long...by about the 3 minute mark, the images aren't quite as graphic and involve scenes of the addict being brought to a counselling room

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-69741579732217465012007-12-25T04:00:00.000-07:002007-12-25T04:01:33.232-07:00

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.It covers:The best blogging techniques.How to get traffic to your blog.How to turn your blog into money.I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-46900294759795326532007-12-22T10:35:00.000-07:002007-12-22T11:34:15.758-07:00

One of the hardest times of year for people to stay sober is during the Christmas season. It's the biggest holiday of the year, with no doubts, and people 'full of good cheer' tend to:* Take more time off since 2 stat holidays are in close succession (New Year's added)* Feel obligated, through media ads, commercials, etc., to be 'in the spirit' of Xmas* Spend more money at this time of year*

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-35633321466242466632007-12-08T10:22:00.000-07:002007-12-08T10:30:14.929-07:00

The latest comment was not in English, so I had it tranlated (from Portuguese to English) as follows:Oi, I found its blog for google is well interesting I liked this post. It would like to speak on the CresceNet. The CresceNet is a dialed supplier of InterNet that remunerates its users for the hardwired time. Accurately this that you read, is paying you to connect. The paid supplier 20 cents for

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-37103816051319544852007-12-03T16:29:00.000-07:002007-12-03T16:49:52.148-07:00

I've finally found it! One of the DUMMIES books - all on addictions and recovery!Though I've never been totally diligent about searching for this title in books stores, I've kept my eye open for it everytime I see a 'Dummies Series' display in bookstores.Finally, I just did a search online and "Addiction and Recovery For Dummies" showed right up within seconds!And then a did a search from within

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-29520640021032322682007-10-07T23:28:00.000-06:002007-10-07T23:53:53.909-06:00

A lot of people either won't talk about Sex Addiction or they don't believe it is a problem like other addictions.Many people imagine that 'sex addicts' are just those who are pedophiles or people who have very strange sexual fantasies and preferences. Some sexual fantasies aren't mixed up with addiction at all - they're just not for everyone.Perhaps the problem lies partially in the topic of SEX

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-81427784756299015362007-09-09T04:22:00.000-06:002007-11-29T14:25:57.604-07:00

If you need to get in touch with me, the best place to track me down is at the Yuwie Social Site.Just log in and search for 'teeray' - send me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.This is the best way to reach me until my Website is completed. I'm still ironing out a few kinks in my website, but once it is up and running smoothly, you'll have a permanent contact spot where you

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-56182375825888256492007-09-08T14:41:00.000-06:002007-12-03T17:35:10.461-07:00

In the early stages of sobriety, several people (including an addictions counsellor) told me to think of sobriety in this way:"Just think - you only have ONE THING TO CHANGE about your life and self.....That one thing is:EVERYTHING."Obviously, this seemed an insurmountable task - to change EVERYTHING about myself and in my life. But thinking about this phrase actually helped me in untold ways,

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-90416726977971614052007-08-28T23:23:00.000-06:002007-09-08T20:34:51.535-06:00

Well, if there is such a thing as 'Virtual Relapse,' then I am over it and back on track now. I actually DID READ some of those articles about Scotch, Scotch Whiskey, etc.YUK!I was reading these and remembering how AWFUL that stuff tastes and worse - how AWFUL it smells! I couldn't believe the way that the liquor was being described in the articles.Unfortunately, some people are LOOKING for those

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-5230678005726726502007-08-20T19:51:00.000-06:002007-11-29T14:27:01.253-07:00

I bought Scotch inadvertently and without getting drunk - Haha!Don't worry - it's NOT what you're thinking!What is a 'Pack' of Scotch, you ask?That's what I was asking, too, but I really did purchase a pack of Scotch about 2 days ago. I never got around to opening the Scotch until about an hour ago and I am really finding this funny.I purchased an info-pack of articles and lessons online the

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-30549712229037282922007-08-03T19:51:00.000-06:002007-12-03T17:28:30.888-07:00

Drug Addiction StatisticsSome people don’t like learning about certain statistics, however, numbers are very important when considering the topic of addiction. Statistics can help us identify problem areas involving addictions, particular drugs in question, and numbers can help us better understand what exactly is going on with drug addiction in a particular location.For instance, according to a

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-4990972045337506482007-08-02T20:25:00.000-06:002007-09-08T20:37:20.099-06:00

Addiction and Alcoholism are two terms for the same affliction. Alcohol is simply a 'drug of choice.'Things you'll need to think about in order to overcome addiction:* Understand what addiction is* Understand that there are 'stages' in both addiction and in recovery* Addiction Treatment - understand that some personal cases require specific treatment, not according to the addiction but according

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-70736277325257374582007-08-01T10:02:00.000-06:002007-09-08T20:39:34.937-06:00

Causes of Drug AddictionWhy do some people still choose to use drugs when drugs are so obviously bad for you? The causes of drug addiction are as varied as the number of drugs available for use – both legally and illegally. There is no one cause for drug addiction just like there is no consistent profile of a drug user.People who have a history of drug use or abuse in their families are at risk

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-84249136147643906662007-07-23T14:24:00.000-06:002007-12-03T17:09:25.713-07:00

Addiction To Prescription DrugsThe Number of people addicted to prescription drugs is an ever-growing problem in North America. People originally receive prescription drugs to combat pain in most instances. Once they become accustomed to taking a pill to relieve various pains, they often and quite easily become addicted before they even realize what’s happening.Doctors write prescriptions for

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-65992380567507223342007-07-20T16:45:00.000-06:002007-12-03T16:54:45.955-07:00

Do you think Homer Simpson is a Chronic Alcoholic?I do.I worry about Homer Simpson a lot! Even when I don't get to watch The Simpsons Show very often, I'm pretty sure that Homer has got a can of Duff Beer in his hand and is drinking, burping and acting like quinessential Homer.Truly, I had to stop watching the show for a while during my early recovery because Homer Simpson really does have Duff

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-23895719787430149372007-07-20T16:30:00.000-06:002007-09-08T20:42:34.657-06:00

THE SIMPSONS MOVIE - Contest runs until July 27 2007!Here's the Contest Form For The Simpsons Movie Contest(don't worry - the link opens in a new window)Okay - this is not related to addiction or recovery but I wanted to post it on my blog anyway because I Like The Simpsons - and a lot of people do, too. Plus, it's my blog and I can put what I want on it.There's a The Simpson's Movie CONTEST

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-53172571854088732032007-07-15T13:11:00.000-06:002007-09-08T20:43:17.449-06:00

Tonight is THE BIG NIGHT at The Calgary Stampede!! All the events will be finished up in the early evening, winners and losers will be determined and thenCalgary will GO CRAZY with partying!!A friend of mine who works as a volunteer at a phone-in crisis centre in the city recently told me that she's expecting to put in very regular time at the centre this following week. A lot of people will have

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-3188533910095786682007-07-11T04:37:00.000-06:002007-09-08T20:43:59.020-06:00

You can read Micky's post on his own blog, I have provided the link...(psst it's in the title)I thought I should deal with this comment directly as a full blog post because it's a really excellent comment...Here's the comment (I'm putting it here 'cos half the time people don't notice the comments section)Here's what Micky said:""A recent copy of Reader's Digest has a couple of articles on

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-8354258133955068052007-07-04T06:16:00.000-06:002007-09-08T20:44:36.761-06:00

Okay, so TOMORROW the Calgary Stampede will KICK OFF.....yeeeeee haaawe!It starts Friday - but - the grounds and midway will open for "Sneak A Peek" tomorrow and every Calgarian knows what this means...UTTER CRAZINESS IN CALGARY - for about two full weeks. Yeah I know the Stampede only lasts 10 days...but people started partyin' several days ago - and they'll continue until a couple of days past

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-5584600914842521622007-07-02T19:42:00.000-06:002007-07-23T16:05:57.143-06:00

I just did a quick Google Search on 'David Hasslehoff' paired with the word 'Drunk.'There were 668, 000 results that turned up, and the first two links are both YOU TUBE links straight to the video of Mr. Hasslehoff in his drunken state. The videos are from two different users who are members of You Tube, but there are (of course) links from thousands of other sites, too. Sites such as: 'ifilm'

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-75320867355053466752007-06-25T00:20:00.000-06:002007-06-25T00:21:21.795-06:00

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.~ Theodore Roosevelt

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-2462922903008067472007-06-15T15:52:00.000-06:002007-07-17T23:13:22.792-06:00

Here is a quiz I found.I scored a 65% on this quiz. By answering all of the questions honestly, even though I have been clean and sober for over 3 years, I STILL SCORED A 65!!Alcohol Abuse Screening QuizHere's my result:Your score is 65%. According to the Office of Health Care Programs, Johns Hopkins University Hospital, developers of this screening quiz, if you answered as few as 3 of these

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-76529915480138294582007-06-06T13:01:00.000-06:002007-07-17T23:11:19.145-06:00

SIMPLE APPROACH TO THE 12 STEPSStep 1: There's a power that will kill me.Step 2: There's a Power that wants me to live.Step 3: Which do I want? (If you want to die, stop here.If you want to live, go on.)Step 4: Using examples from your own life, understand thatselfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear controlyour actions.Step 5: Tell all your private embarrassing secrets toanother person.Step

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-58768269748844818142007-06-05T22:12:00.000-06:002007-07-17T23:09:48.952-06:00

I just wanted to add something interesting to the blog. Something light that might appeal to all, so I'm posting this 'old' horoscope blurb that a friend sent me by email. I just thought it connected to the blog a bit because some of the signs are decribed as 'addictive.'Judge for yourself...Below are true descriptions of zodiac signs, with traits from a book written 35 years ago by astrologist

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-3361257162421933372007-06-01T22:44:00.000-06:002007-07-17T23:08:20.191-06:00

From Chapter 5 "How It Works:"(are you familiar with this part?)"Many of us exclaimed, "What an order! I can't go through with it." Do not be discouraged. No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these principles. We are not saints. The point is, that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines. The principles we have set down are guides to progress. We claim

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-50882957391608189622007-05-27T12:07:00.000-06:002007-07-17T23:05:35.521-06:00

Working can be a way of avoiding issues, creating barriers between the people that we're in relationships with, a way of escaping other details of life, in general - in the same way that substances like drugs and alcohol can be used for avoidance, blocking relationships, erecting barriers, and denying life's other details, too.Here, like with 'shop-a-holics,' we are focused on the 'behaviors' of

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-34112726126757557682007-05-27T02:29:00.001-06:002007-07-17T23:02:18.085-06:00

Your Theme Song is Soak Up The Sun by Sheryl Crow"I've got no one to blameFor every time I feel lameI'm looking up"You're laid back, optimistic, and very togetherLike the sun, people feel warm and comfortable around youWhat's Your Theme Song?Your 2005 Song IsMr. Brightside by The Killers"It started out with a kissHow did it end up like thisIt was only a kiss, it was only a kiss"Let's just say

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-63249078257834002672007-05-27T02:29:00.000-06:002007-07-17T23:01:07.502-06:00

Your Theme Song is Soak Up The Sun by Sheryl Crow"I've got no one to blameFor every time I feel lameI'm looking up"You're laid back, optimistic, and very togetherLike the sun, people feel warm and comfortable around youWhat's Your Theme Song?

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-83593357748452523742007-05-25T00:53:00.000-06:002007-07-17T22:59:20.993-06:00

(Joking - but some of this is NOT funny - some of it is how an active alcoholic or addict actually thinks, on occasion! Or, rather - some of these are the jokes that alcoholics will go ahead and brush off - just so they can continue to see drinking as a funny endeavor...I hope it doesn't offend - hope some of it makes you LAUGH)YOU MAY HAVE A DRINKING PROBLEM IF:* You lose arguments with

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-82664243769808299302007-05-25T00:49:00.000-06:002007-07-17T22:56:39.573-06:00

Couple of ladies go into town for the day to do some shopping. They meet up later in the liquor store. Hey Mary, how ya doing? says Cathy. Oh, pretty good says Mary, I just got a case of beer for Johnny. Wow, says Cathy, Good trade!An extremely modest man was in the hospital for a series of tests, the last of which had left his bodily systems extremely upset. Upon making several false alarm trips

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-75877146667620126112007-05-25T00:46:00.000-06:002007-07-17T22:55:03.507-06:00

I'm not feeling very serious lately. Well, I'm cranky, actually...About my recovery 'Yes-serious'About things in general 'No' - no serious allowed.I've had a bad week, so I started looking up jokes to cheer myself up.I'm cranky because - a drunk neighbor nearly burned down our apartments last Saturday when he passed out with food in the oven, so I have had my fill of 'serious' this week. To boot,

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-87592727190472091632007-05-25T00:44:00.000-06:002007-07-17T22:53:12.289-06:00

Just Joking HereLOLRead!Rarely have we seen a person fail who has completed their aftercare.Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not learn ournumerous slogans, and go to 90 meetings in 90 days. They are usuallymen and women who are constitutionally incapable of forming meaningfulrelationships in treatment centers. There are such unfortunates.They are not at fault; their

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-525640437759836672007-05-22T10:25:00.000-06:002007-07-17T22:52:22.916-06:00

Some statments about alcoholism and addiction.Can you tell what things are true and which are myth?1. Beer is not as intoxicating as "hard liquor". 2. Alcohol, a depressant drug, slows down reaction time and affects judgement. The effects of alcohol (and any other drug) depends not only on the amount consumed, but also on a number of other factors such as, the past drinking experience of the user

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-25017094746927181942007-05-19T14:09:00.000-06:002007-07-17T22:51:41.436-06:00

Code Amber was created in 1996 after an Arlington Texas child, Amber Hagerman was kidnapped while riding her bicycle. Amber was brutally murdered, and Arlington Texas residents were outraged, calling for more exposure, appealing to Dallas Texas radio stations - to start broadcasting these 'special alerts' more promptly and massively so that situations like the murder of Amber Hagerman could be

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-49851944344736368222007-05-17T19:12:00.000-06:002007-07-17T22:50:23.295-06:00

Women For Sobriety's "New Life" program is for those who would like something in addition to 12 Step programs or who would like some guiding principles instead of a 12 Step program.WFS is a self-help program that adheres to 13 main principles/statements and accompanying affirmations:1. I have a life-threatening problem that once had me.Affirmation: I now take charge of my life. I accept the

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-65661336016779611062007-05-12T00:20:00.000-06:002007-07-17T22:40:40.489-06:00

Here's an interesting Anti-Drug Video from the 1950'sIt's a little CHEESY but was probably a pretty shocking view in its time!It's about 10 minutes long...Allow the video to load fully so it runs smoothlyIt's mainly about Heroin addiction

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-86710830766184732212007-05-06T18:19:00.000-06:002007-07-17T22:48:49.584-06:00

SMART Recovery is a program that concentrates on 4 main areas of Recovery(S.mart M.anagement A.nd R.ecovery T.raining - SMART!)1. Enhancing and Maintaining Motivation to Abstain2. Coping with Urges3. Problem Solving (the management of thoughts, feelings and behaviors)4. Lifestyle Balance (Balancing short and long term satisfaction) Smart Recovery facilitators teach how to deal with the above four

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-59931054731911630342007-05-06T16:16:00.000-06:002007-07-17T22:47:14.728-06:00

A survey conducted by the University of Michigan, with funding from NIDA (National Institute on Druge Abuse) says that drug use in teens is continuing a decline that began about a decade ago.*thumbsup* Good news, eh?Though alcohol and illicit drug use is down, the research still turned up a reasonably high level of prescription drug abuse in teens, so it has been suggested that the area of

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-33127367777129075512007-05-04T08:38:00.000-06:002007-07-17T22:45:37.067-06:00

Hey People!I don't know if you ever receive these - or how many 'mailing lists' you're on - but I just received almost a DOZEN 'spam-mail' surveys in the past day.ALL of this spam pertains to surveys wanting to know my preferences for certain alcoholic beverages! All stuff I cannot drink.Haha!Darn - now that I am sober and recovering, I am not going to win the following prizes:* a 1.5Gig MP3

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-86084469690505365122007-05-02T19:28:00.000-06:002007-07-17T22:44:46.144-06:00

Alcoholic and Crackhead Spiders beware! We KNOW what you're up to - we're on to you bigtime!I am trying to track down whoever it was that engineered that Spiders On Drugs video! lolI want to enlist that person to help make 'Anti-Drug' videos especially for my blog.If anyone out there has a lead on who actually did that, let me know.'Til then - please continue to pray for the Crack Spider's Bytch!

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-2358404122509396022007-05-02T18:55:00.000-06:002007-07-17T22:31:39.329-06:00

I decided recently to start posting some common 'Daily' messages that can be found in 12-Step Literature.Since I read literature about addictions from more than one 12-Step organization, I already realized that sometimes I'll post from 'Daily Reflections' material, sometimes from other recovery sources, so just be aware that 'Daily Dose' could be from N.A., G.A., A.A., M.A., or any other recovery

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-14902947106150120572007-05-01T20:39:00.000-06:002007-06-15T15:48:36.130-06:00

This ROX!Watch Very Closely.Someone needs to help these poor Arachnids. (Alcoholic and Crack Addict Spiders OHNO!)

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-91739784201937358732007-04-29T05:39:00.000-06:002007-04-29T05:42:57.654-06:00

DAILY REFLECTION FOR APRIL 29"GROUP AUTONOMY"Some may think that we have carried the principle ofgroup autonomy to extremes. For example, in itsoriginal "long form," Tradition Four declares: "Anytwo or three gathered together for sobriety may callthemselves an A.A. group, provided that as a groupthey have no other affiliation" . . . But this ultra-liberty is not so risky as it looks.A.A. COMES OF

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-62896718741601231922007-04-28T15:16:00.000-06:002007-04-28T15:20:02.805-06:00

AA Thought for the DayApril 28, 2007RewardsThe rewards of sobriety are bountifuland as progressive as the disease they counteract.Certainly among these rewards for meare the release from the prison of uniqueness,and the realization that participation in the AA way of lifeis a blessing and a privilege beyond estimate-- a blessing to live a life free from the pain and degradationof drinking and

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-2628832744782839972007-04-22T00:33:00.000-06:002007-06-15T15:46:12.358-06:00

I found a site called "Addiction Science Network" that has graphics showing what happens in the brain when someone uses Heroin or Cocaine.Addiction Science Network - A Biological Basis of AddictionThe first animation shows an example of 'normal' dopamine activity in the brain. A second example is given afterward to show - again with animations - how dopamine activity is changed when drugs are

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-31154459661374403072007-04-14T02:40:00.000-06:002007-04-24T10:22:52.817-06:00

"O Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace!Where there is hatred, let me sow love;Where there is injury, pardon;Where there is discord, harmony;Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light, and Where there is sorrow, joy. Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-15386649246292927482007-04-14T02:24:00.000-06:002007-04-24T10:24:33.433-06:00

Lord, keep me from the habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.Release me from the craving to straighten out everybody's affairs.Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details - give me wings to get to the point.I ask for the grace to listen to the tales of others pains.Help me to endure them in patience.But seal my lips on my own aches and pains -

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-63776904480600282452007-04-14T01:05:00.000-06:002007-04-27T09:06:53.072-06:00

The following old parable illustrates the importance of staying in the "solution" rather than focusing to strongly on the problem.An older Cherokee man is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he says to the boy. "It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.One is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, selfishness, arrogance, self pity, guilt,

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-56074583440765537042007-04-12T17:18:00.000-06:002007-04-27T08:50:10.840-06:00

If anyone is interested - the article about humour and alcoholics is called:"Theory of mind, humour processing and executive functioning in alcoholism."A short summary of the research is given at the above link.Other information if you're interested in finding the entire report yourself:Published in the following journalAddictionVolume 102 Issue 2 Page 232 - February 2007J. Uekermann, S. Channon,

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-41701082553461060642007-04-12T14:22:00.000-06:002007-04-27T08:55:56.598-06:00

Alright, so the dreaded (and dumb, in my opinion) joke is past.*whew*Back to the study:The German study conducted to determine differences in how recovering addicts/alcoholics differ from 'healthy' people regarding 'HUMOUR' - basically tells us thatRecovering addicts often have trouble with processing 'humourous' material!(Sometimes) Addicts Can't Take A Joke.(Sometimes) Addicts Don't 'Get' Jokes

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-87236449477711975032007-04-12T12:58:00.000-06:002007-04-27T08:54:39.663-06:00

Okay, here's the sample joke from the German study:It was Mother's Day. Anna and her brother had told their mother to stay in bed that morning. She read her book and looked forward to breakfast. After a long wait she finally went downstairs. Anna and her brother were both eating at the table.Choice of 4 punchlines:a) Anna said: "Hi mum, we didn't expect you to be awake so early."b) Anna picked up

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-4947778197927751962007-04-12T11:03:00.000-06:002007-04-27T08:52:49.096-06:00

You might not guess what one of the most important things is, when considering 'cleaning up' and maintaining clean recovery...Nope - it's not the sponsor. A sponsor is important...but what do you do when your sponsor is temporarily unavailable...?Nope - it's not meetings. Meetings are important...but what do you do when you're in trouble during REAL LIFE SITUATIONS and you can't dash out from a '

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-35446742693038407392007-04-12T10:46:00.000-06:002007-04-12T10:51:40.872-06:00

1. I decided I could handle any emotional problems if other people would just quit trying to run my life.2. I firmly believe that there is no greater power than myself and anyone who says differently is insane.3. I made a decision to remove my will and my life from God, who didn't understand me anyway.4. I made a searching and thorough moral inventory of everyone I know, so they couldn't fool me

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-44220396214069354382007-04-12T10:41:00.000-06:002007-04-27T08:16:18.725-06:00

1. I declared that I had complete and total control over my drug use and that I can completely manage my life and still use drugs. 2. Came to know that I needed no one and that drugs would help me maintain my happiness and sanity 3. Made a decision to harness the benefits (as I understand them) of any substance I chose to use. 4.Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of all others. 5.

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-66747775369934344312007-04-12T01:47:00.000-06:002007-04-12T03:41:40.628-06:00

The Medicine Wheel embraces the Four Directions, Four Grandfathers, Four Elements (fire, earth, water, air), Four Winds, Four Peoples (races of those in the human family - of black, white, red and yellow). We the people have four aspects to our nature, four major realms of human existence.North - the physical realmEast - the realm of knowledge & enlightenmentSouth - the spiritual realmWest - the

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-51134136161236142532007-04-11T02:10:00.000-06:002007-04-27T08:10:57.965-06:00

The Pigs In Space "Clean Time Calculator" says that I have been 'clean' for:1195 DaysCheck out the 'Clean Time Generator' links at the right.I placed a few links there - just in case one of them is 'down for maintenance' at some point when somebody really, really REALLY needs to check out their number of 'clean time' days!Apparently, according to the "Recovery Greetings" cleantime calculator,

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-44277428415296131362007-04-11T00:55:00.000-06:002007-04-27T08:01:23.872-06:00

Those who don't drink but who are around active alcoholics often develop behaviors and attitudes that make their situation or their relationship with the active alcoholic worse. Even though non-drinkers are not at fault and every 'drinker' makes his or her own choices on the matter of whether they drink or not, non-drinkers often need some support.Answer either yes or no to each of the following

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-82652201313125375992007-04-09T16:31:00.000-06:002007-04-27T03:40:14.052-06:00

I must have been ONE FORTUNATE addict when I cleaned up - and it must have been 'my time' for sure, because I understood 'The Promises' and experienced a taste of them within my first week of sobriety.Here are the Promises from pages 83 and 84 of the Alcoholics Anonymous book:“If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-10484977264368600552007-04-07T02:15:00.000-06:002007-04-27T03:38:14.453-06:00

In order to understand ANYTHING, I usually have to define what the Twelve Steps mean to me and use my own words and phrasing to make my head believe that these Twelve Steps are going to work for me.My words will be in bold.The Twelve Steps:1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable.[I admit to having no control over alcohol - that alcohol controls me. I

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-15910918927040252612007-04-07T02:13:00.000-06:002007-04-27T03:27:46.774-06:00

1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority - a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.3. The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-1959618094059878822007-04-07T02:10:00.000-06:002007-04-24T22:11:05.122-06:00

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable.2. Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-12148684651416856982007-04-06T22:10:00.000-06:002007-04-24T22:09:24.206-06:00

I'm not sure if users actually check 'comment' links, so I thought I would copy and past a comment that was recently made - because I appreciate the comment and the wonderful analogy expressed by another blogger - PLUS - I love the mythological reference used, so I want THIS front and centre!'A Discovering Alcoholic' wrote:"What Is A 12 Step Program?" It's whatever you make it.Daedalus

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-18942532270446200102007-04-06T20:56:00.000-06:002007-04-27T03:18:24.035-06:00

I'm a recovering addict. I still create CHAOS in my life, so whenever I clue in that I AM NOT IN CONTROL of certain things that I should be responsible for, I resort back to KEEPING IT SIMPLE and go back to DAMAGE CONTROL MODE.Damage:This can happen with friendshipsThis can happen with houseworkThis can happen with schoolworkThis can happen with my healthThis can happen with my sleep scheduleThis

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-37372933014136301302007-04-06T19:34:00.000-06:002007-05-01T21:00:39.212-06:00

It's a darned good thing that Bill W. was a rotten, lousy, stinkin' DRUNK...'cos once he and Doctor Bob got together and figured out how a program with 12 simple (not easy - SIMPLE - don't confuse the two!) steps could help other drunkards, alcoholism lost its POWER over a great many people. Bill W. and Doctor Bob must have known that I would be born in their same century and that by year 2004,

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-39436925788347665962007-04-06T19:12:00.000-06:002007-04-27T03:17:33.978-06:00

I've been involved with 12-Step programs for over 3 years. I've heard all kinds of definitions about what a 12 Step program is, including:"A 12-Step program is a set of principles by which a recovering addict can re-structure the unmanageablity of his or her life, brought on by his or her previous alcoholic way of life."(When I was about 1 week CLEAN and heard that one...I didn't even know that

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-21536383581281154102007-04-05T19:56:00.000-06:002007-04-27T03:10:56.574-06:00

I have other blogs on the go. If you've visited them, you'll know that I can type for a freakin' LONG TIME!Because this is the blog that may be viewed by recovering addicts, I am resolving to K I S S and post - that is, I resolve to keep my entries SHORT.I know that when I first began my journey of recovery, I couldn't string more than two sentences together, anyway - and sometimes, even THAT was

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837478777322891365.post-42552662005942471052007-04-05T19:51:00.000-06:002007-04-24T22:02:23.223-06:00

#1. K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple, Smartarse!#2. Don't Drink or 'Pick Up.'#3. Go Back to #1 if you're having trouble remembering how to live without using.#4. If you skipped #3, GO TO #2 and SIT STILL!#5. BREATHE...this, too, will come to pass.

Tracy Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528599208982204611noreply@blogger.com0