Friends of Recovery - Vermont is a grassroots advocacy and education organization. We help spread the word about the value of long-term recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. |
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E-Newsletter November 2009 |
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by Mark Helijas
not just the tale
but in the telling without pretense or persona
we heard him tell our stories nodding our agreement
insane and incongruent our denial and desperation
he told our tales
precisely and with humor
lost his mother to a driver as a child of only twelve and his grieving father lost himself to drink
in the moment of his anguish we knew the path he'd taken heard the depth of gratitude awareness and his vision
an honest recollection
of his trials and denials his knowing
not admitting to himself
he asked for help but
did not hear the answers needed help but could not let it in
two days without a bottle his form of medication and rage bred hypertension
filled the cuff
over-compensate with trails of dangerous and tough he hid his fears and feelings for what would others think
tender caring males
were and are not valued in this jostling culture where winners take it all
humbly and sincerely he spoke our tales of drinking to quell voices in our heads and the feeling in our souls
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| Greetings! |
Knowledge is power! At this time of economic crisis in the State of Vermont, access to timely and pertinent information is key to successful advocacy. As you are reading this, across the Agency of Human Services, departments are looking at cutting 8% of their budgets (translating into 20% of Medicaid supported services) this year! These anticipated cuts at VT Department of Health, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs, and the VT Department of Mental Health will have a devastating effect on our treatment provider system where they will be forced to cuts jobs and services to Vermonters in need.
Here's what you need to know. According to a recent report issued by CASA (Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University) in May 2009, federal, state and local governments spend almost half a trillion dollars every year -- almost 11 percent of their total budgets -- as a result of alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse and addiction. The worst part is that, for federal and state spending, about 95% of that money is spent "Shoveling Up" the mess (burden) created by a failure to provide enough money for prevention and treatment.
Read Full Report
That's right. In Vermont, out of every dollar our state government spent on substance misuse in 2005 (the latest data available), 95 cents pays for the enormous burden of this problem on health care, criminal justice, child welfare, education, and other programs. And only 2 cents were invested in prevention, treatment and recovery programs that could reduce many of these costs -- and save lives.
In Vermont, $485,869,000 was spent on the BURDEN of substance misuse (18.4 % of the total state budget) in 2005.
Only 2% ($11,895,600) of the total ($538,712.600) was spent on treatment and prevention!
This huge waste of money is hidden in many different budgets, so most of our elected officials don't have a clue about how much alcohol, tobacco and other drugs really cost taxpayers, and how little governments spend to effectively address the problem. Maybe if they knew, that prevention, treatment and recovery works they might do something. You can tell them. Get involved by contacting your elected officials and state leaders and share this information with them.
Now more than ever, we need your voice! Join us on March 19th at the State House for Recovery Day and our Annual Meeting that afternoon at the Capitol Plaza. Please consider supporting FOR-VT by becoming a 2010 individual, family or organizational member.
Thank you for your continued support!
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Patty McCarthy
FOR-VT Director |
| Veteran's Day Observance - November 11, 2009 |
Vermont Vet-to-Vet offers peer-to-peer support to veterans of all eras. Peers offer each other an understanding that comes from having experienced a similar situation or problem. Current meetings are being held in Barre, Middlebury, St. Johnsbury, E. Calais, Rutland, St. Albans, Springfield, and White River Jct. For specific times and locations please Call 1 (877) 485-4534 for more info or visit www.vtvettovet.org
The Military, Family, and Community Network (MFCNetwork) of VT
The MFCNetwork of VT exists to help veterans and their family members following deployment. Our goal is to increase awareness of:
Issues that service members and their families face after time spent in a war zone
Services and resources that exist to vets & their families in need
We want to make sure anyone who serves in the military can access the services that they need by assuring that community providers are aware of the issues and resources that exist. We want to increase the networking and communication across the region. http://www.vtmfcn.org/
War Vets Fighting Addiction
They were prepared for war. They were prepared to die for their country. But Fort Carson soldiers say they weren't prepared to come home and fight a different battle -- addiction to illegal drugs. Read Full Article | |
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| FOR-VT Volunteer Opportunities call for more information |
FOR-VT Regional Chapter Members- facilitate focus groups, discussion groups and other educational activities in your region. Training and peer support provided.
Recovery Speakers- join the FOR-VT Speaker Bureau; training provided on advocacy, media and message development.
Event Support- help with promoting events, posting and distributing notices, set-up and clean-up, registration; staff exhibit tables at conferences. |
| Support and Recovery Programs |
Peer Support at Recovery Community Centers
Helping people find, maintain, and enhance their recovery experience through peer support, sober recreation, and educational opportunities Visit the VT Recvoery Center Network website at www.vtrecoverynetwork.org for a complete list of locations in Vermont. __________________________________________________________________________
The Turning Point Center of Central Vermont is starting a Teen Social.
Monday, November 2nd 7-9 p.m. This substance free program is being run by Norwich University Students. There will be air hockey, video games, cooking, ping pong, billiards, snacks and beverages. For more information contact Debora Hertz at 4797373.
Wit's End Support Groups
If your adolescent or young adult is using alcohol, marijuana or other drugs, you need support. Join other family members for this open support group. A licensed alcohol and drug counselor will be present to provide professional support and education. There are no fees or registration and the group is confidential. New groups are starting in St. Albans and Bennington. Call Friends of Recovery-VT toll free (800) 769-2798 for more info or to get involved in your area. Other area meetings are listed below:
Barre: Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Turning Point Club of Central VT 489, North Main St. (across from Allen Lumber) (802) 479-7373
Rutland: Tuesdays 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Grace Congregational Church (basement), West St. (Business Route 4) (802) 786-5876
St. Johnsbury: Mondays 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Kingdom Recovery Center, 297 Summer St., (802) 751-8520
White River Junction: Mondays 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Turning Point Club, 200 Olcott Park (Wilder, VT) (802) 295-5206 |
| Other Events and Training |
Evidence-Based Happiness Skills for People Suffering from Co-Occurring Disorders
November 6, 2009, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Lunch on your own. Location: HowardCetner, Pine/Flynn, Burlignton, Lowere level confernce rooms. Presenter: Anthony Quintilliani, Ph.D, LADC.. $50 per person; 5 CEU's. Sponsored by the VT Addications Academy on Co-Occurring Disorders. Email Dr. A. R. Quintiliani at anthonyq@howardcenter.org for registration forms.
Addictions and Adolescents
November 9, 2009, Montpelier. Sponsored by the VT Addiction Professionals Association. Visit www.vapavt.org for more information.
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) of Vermont is proud to present their 26th Annual Conference, November 6 -7, 2009 at the Capital Plaza Hotel, 100 State Street, in Montpelier, Vermont. For further information, please call NAMI-VT toll free at (800) 639-6480 or visit the website at www.namivt.org
Opioids, Cocaine and Nicotine: Pharmacology, neurobiology, epidemiology, treatment and research
November 19, 2009, Colchester. Sponsored by the VT Addiction Professionals Association. Visit www.vapavt.org for more information. Clinical Supervision
December 7, 2009, Colchester. Sponsored by the VT Addiction Professionals Association. Visit www.vapavt.org for more information.
Enhancing Collaborative Work Environments for Clinical Staff Working with Co-Occurring Disorders
December 11, 2009, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Lunch on your own. Location: HowardCetner, Pine/Flynn, Burlignton, Lowere level confernce rooms. Presenter: Anthony Quintilliani, Ph.D, LADC.. $50 per person; 5 CEU's. Sponsored by the VT Addications Academy on Co-Occurring Disorders. Email Dr. A. R. Quintiliani at anthonyq@howardcenter.org for registration forms.
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Brown University Distance Learning Program Upcoming Courses
Introduction to Ethics: Managing Ethical Dilemmas and Risk-Management Issues This course will focus on three key topics 1) ethical dilemmas encountered by substance abuse professionals 2) ethical decision-making strategies 3) risk management (pertaining to informed consent, conflicts of interest, etc.). This course will begin on November 16, 2009 and will run for 4 weeks (two hours per week).
Advanced Group Substance Abuse Counseling Skills: Working with Difficult Populations Practical examples of treatment intervention applications that match the specific needs of special group populations will be presented. This course will begin on November 23, 2009 and will run for 4 weeks (two hours per week).
Living Life on Life's Terms: Integrating Spirituality Into the Therapeutic Process with Addicted Adults This course will explore some of the latest thinking on the value of spiritual beliefs and practices in the recovery process and how the addictions counselor can integrate a spiritual focus into treatment without pushing a particular religion or set of beliefs on the client. This course will begin on December 21, 2009 and will run for 4 weeks (two hours per week).
For additional information, as well as links to the registration pages for each course, please go to the link below and read the Official Course Announcement.
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| Special Interest |
Pennsylvania Recovery Community Organization (PRO-ACT) featured on the front page of the New York Times.
Battling Addiction With Those Who Know It Best
By ERIK ECKHOLM
Published: October 22, 2009
PHILADELPHIA - As a teenager, Keith Garrett was desperate to be accepted by the guys on the corner. His first arrest for shoplifting was a point of pride with the gang, he recalled, and using heroin, cocaine and alcohol was natural. Like many others in his group, he ended up addicted and scrounging to survive in abandoned houses.
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Friends of Recovery - Vermont is committed to bringing awareness to long-term recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Our public awareness activities and education events are designed to provide opportunities for meaningful involvement of the recovery community, their friends, family and allies, by increasing knowledge, skills and the ability to advocate effectively.
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ONLY $25 Per Year |
Your annual membership contribution helps us build a strong, independent and visible recovery community organization in Vermont. Join today!
2010 Membership Rates:
$25 individual, $50 family, $100 organization
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| Mail your tax deductible donation to: FOR-VT PO Box 1202, Montpelier, VT 05601
Please include your name, address, phone number and email address. |
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