TAKE ACTION TO END INSURANCE DISCRIMINATION Sign our petition today! Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (BCBS-FL) recently terminated addiction and mental health service providers and is seeking new contracts at substantially reduced rates through its affiliate New Directions Behavioral Health. There have been many complaints about how these changes are affecting the ability of people in Florida to get the help they need.
What is a "Gratitude Cruise"? It the trademarked name of a "sober cruise" which is a fellowship vacation created by Snow E. Piccolo in 2001 when she launched her travel company for those in recovery. Her site says it all, www.sobercelebrations.com. Gratitude Cruises was created as Snow makes sure a parrallel universe operates anonymously on ships where the word "sober" is never mentioned. Keynote Speakers, 12 Step Meetings, 24 Hour Fellowship Station, AlAnon meetings, Group Shore Excursions are available on cruises.
Snow is Travel Professional & Concierge Host with a passion for service, world wide travel and fellowship. Her gratitude for 37 years of sobriety infuses every trip with a unique Joie de vivre. She treats everyone like a treasured family member. An artist, poet, photographer, architectural designer who has created and managed large projects for leaders of industry from concept to opening night, now handles everything from flights to travel insurance for FEMA employees. No detail is ever left unaddressed long before guests even think to ask the question.
Here is an excerpt from her travel notes after a recent fellowship cruise from Venice to the Greek Isles:
"There are two times that define a particular dimension of reality in my life; the first 35 years before I experienced crème brulee and the years that follow. Explaining the last 10 days on islands in Italy & Greece with a band of adventurous recovering alcoholics is like trying to explain the experience of having crème brulee. The silky richness of it rolls around your mouth and brain like the siren's song that seduced the sailors into the glistening Aegean sea at dusk; there is a smooth yolk texture that slips under your tongue like the egg tempera wood covered in gold leaf by ancient artists in Byzantine paintings, and while the dessert is similar to a religious experience, it can't compare to whispering the Serenity Prayer with people who have been raised from the dead inside St. Mark's Basilica where the saint himself is buried. Crème brulee, Venice and Santorini have a lot in common for me this week. The last day at sea I actually got to serve several sober people on their first cruise their very first crème brulee at a jazz brunch at Le Bistro Cafe. It doesn't get any better than that for me!"
Her 11th Annual Halloween Gratitude Cruise in October on the largest ship in the world promises tobe a blast with the Group Costume Theme of the "Flying Elvises". 2013 trips: Sober Sisters Weekend at Sea; Sober Arabian Nights to Dubai; 12 Step History Cruise to Bermuda with Clancy; 5 Nights A Taste of Ireland; Mediterranean Gratitude; Alaska Glaciers Pre AlAnon Convention, Vancouver, BC.
We believe that compassion is a circle of care in which clients, peers, families and professionals join hands. Healing takes place within that circle. Our culture is strong in building external family systems and supports. Clients, alumni and our staff come together to celebrate the joys of living a sober and clean lifestyle. This means when treatment ends our relationship doesn't. As long as you remain committed to recovery, come back whenever you need us.
Total Recovery Now is grounded in the unshakable conviction that individuals, families and communities can recover from the diseases of alcoholism and addiction in all their forms when immersed in a compassionate yet disciplined environment that combines known medical models with innovative, dignified teaching methods leading to self-fulfillment, gainful employment and responsible social participation.
Recovery is a process that works best nested in a community of others committed to recovery. Take the message home and let the ripple effect bring new life to all our communities! Building a strong foundation is vital for long-term sobriety. Total Recovery Now would like to encourage you to participate in our aftercare and alumni programs.
Join the celebrations we'll continue to have. Join our recovery family for festivities like holiday ceremonies and annual awards that celebrate client and alumni milestones-whether it's a marriage, a job or a new addition to your family.
Call for more information call us at (561) 822.3620
This is an Escorted Land Tour Day 1, April 14: Leave the USA Day 2, April 15:Dublin & Merry Ploughboy Pub
Start at Dublin Airport with a group transfer to your hotel between 7-12 noon. At 2:00 pm, join a local guide for a tour of ancient and modern Dublin. Drive through the main streets to see historic building such as Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is housed; the evocative figures of the Famine Memorial; and rows of Georgian house with gally-painted doorways. Stop at Dublin Castle for a guided tour through the elegant State Apartments, which are filled with elaborate Waterford Crystal chandeliers and portraits of prominent Irish leaders. Return to your hotel for a gettogether with your tour group. In the evening go to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for a great dinner of Irish specialties and a lively show with popular Irish songs and intricate step dancing.
Note: This is a group of Sober people going with fellowship
May is National Mental Health Month... and we are celebrating with a variety of activities to improve our health and wellness through mind body wellness. Through decades of research and experience, we know that people can reduce the negative effects of stress and improve their overall health by adhering to some simple practices like yoga, meditation and mindfulness. We will have classes all month so you can learn and practice these important techniques. We are also teaching special strategies for children to reduce stress and anxiety (May 9th). Be sure and join us for our Resource Fair on May 17th and our special lunch and learn on Nutrition and Herbal Remedies on May 29th.
Mark your calendars for all of these events! You can enjoy all of the events in May for $75 or come to each one separately (Members $10, Non-Members $15) Lunch is included in all Lunch and Learn events. Parking is plentiful and free. Click on the titles of the events below to learn more and to sign up on line. Or call us for more information 561-832-3755. Register online at www.mhapbc.org
Join us during May for Mindful Movement to Reduce Stress. Yoga with expert instructor M'Lisse Ramsey. All experience levels welcome. (Juice served after each session.) Come to one or come to all sessions in May. $10 per class
Audience: Parents, Mentors, and others who care about children
Children can Learn Stress Reduction too! Presenters: Sari Sack Terrusa, MS, LMHC and the Yoga Gangsters Learn how to help children calm anxiety and stress in this Lunch and Learn at the Mental Health Association Learning Center on May 9th from 12-2:00. May is Mental Health month and what better way to address mental health and wellness than to teach parents, mentors, and others who work with children new strategies they can use to help chidlren lower anxiety and reduce stress, which can be harmful to their health and reduce their productivity in school. 2 CEUs available to licensed mental health professionals.
Audience: General Public and Behavioral Health Providers
Everyone is welcome to drop by for this resource fair. FREE Basic Needs Screening (insurance, cash assistance, food stamps and more) FREE Mental Health Screening (depression, anxiety, substance abuse and more) Referrals to local mental health providers Learn more about services provided in Palm Beach County (local service providers will be available to answer your questions).
PROVIDERS: if you would like a table at this event, please contact Val at 561-832-3755.
Be Merge training will be provided in person at MHA. We invite physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and all who work in primary care to take this important training to assist with the integration of mental health and substance abuse recognition, diagnosis, management, and referral into the primary care practice. This event is targeted to Physicians and Nurse Practitioners. Others are welcome if space is available. CEUs and CMEs avaliable.
At this Lunch and Learn, you will learn how easy it is to learn the basics of Meditation. Our teacher, Mimi Kearns, L.M.T., C.Y.I., L.E. was trained in the American Yoga Academy in the Chopra Center. She says: "You can have all the money in the world; but without your health... you have nothing."
Healthy eating plays a critical role in your ability to deal with stress and anxiety. Proper nutrition and supplements all play a role in energy, mental concentration, and emotional stability. Stress may weaken your immune system and increase your body's need for certain nutrients. Come and have a healthy lunch and learn from Karen Kramser, M.S. Dietetics & Nutrition Candidate at Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University. A balanced diet will help you stay focused, alert, energetic, and healthy.
Debbie Sherrick...
Most of the people that come to me in my work are wanting to make changes in their lives. It may be in their weight, their health, setting boundaries and becoming more empowered in their relationships and life, letting go of self-defeating behaviors and victim mentality. Whatever it is, it involves taking a risk to get out of the comfort zone of how they have been living and thinking to make these lifestyle changes.
Sometimes, the good stuff can scare us. Change, even good change, can be frightening. In reality, the good changes can be scarier than the way we have been living. Its familiar ways of eating, being sedentary, playing victim, creating drama, being miserable. Sometimes we have to "Act as If", until the new behaviors feel comfortable. Our old ways and sabotaging behaviors are always calling us back at first because they feel familiar and safe.
At the core of codependency is fear. Fear of letting go, fear of letting the good in, fear of risks, fear of failure, fear of not being good enough, fear of others rejection, fear of not being approved of, fear of setting healthy boundaries, fear of success, on and on.
Fear keeps us stuck. It keeps us from action and taking risks. Even healthy ones! Staying the same is predictable. We know what to expect. It may not be what we want, but at least we know what to expect.
Sound familiar? When working with others, I find, as in my own journey, that it is the consistent baby steps that work. Its not the pace, but that we stay on that journey. Implementing the GAP (Goal Action Plan) with them helps. Creating a daily action plan to improve your well being each day is crucial. It may be practicing saying No. Or removing sugar or soda from your diet. Letting go of negative friends, going for a 15 min. walk, etc. Any change towards health and happiness is "letting the good in".
We handle the good stuff the same way we have handled the old ways. One day at a time. Once we start implementing some healthier behaviors and taking some risks to get the life we want, before we know it, we are living our dream!
Just for today God, help me to let go of my need to stay in pain and crises, or fear, or overweight and unhealthy, or to be a victim of life. Help me to move quickly through everyday problems and know that you created me to be healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Help me to work as hard at bringing in the good as I have worked at accepting being unhealthy.
"I wish above all things, that you would prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers." John 3
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP; Bowen, Chawla and Marlatt, 2010) is a novel treatment approach developed at the Addictive Behaviors Research Center at the University of Washington, for individuals in recovery for addictive behaviors.
The program is designed to bring practices of mindful awareness to individuals suffering from the addictive trappings of the mind. MBRP practices are intended to foster increased awareness of triggers, habitual patterns, and "automatic" reactions that seem to control many of our lives. These practices cultivate the ability to pause, observe present experience, and bring awareness to the range of choices before each of us in every moment. Ultimately, we are working towards freedom from deeply ingrained and often catastrophic habits.
Similar to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for depression, MBRP is designed as an aftercare program integrating mindfulness practices and principles with cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention. In our experience, MBRP is best suited to individuals who have undergone initial treatment and wish to maintain their treatment gains and develop a lifestyle that supports their well-being and recovery.
The primary goals of MBRP are:
1. Develop awareness of personal triggers and habitual reactions, and learn ways to create a pause in this seemingly automatic process.
2. Change our relationship to discomfort, learning to recognize challenging emotional and physical experiences and responding to them in skillful ways.
3. Foster a nonjudgmental, compassionate approach toward ourselves and our experiences.
4. Build a lifestyle that supports both mindfulness practice and recovery.
Life can be celebrated in the most memorable, tasteful and outrageously fun way without any alcohol. There is a great feeling of comfort while on a sober vacation knowing there are others close by in recovery who also want to live a "happy, joyous and free" life wherever they are in the world.
Women's Recovery Network is a not for profit organization geared to focus on Women's Recovery and Wellness issues. Helping women in recovery by providing information, education, referral, and networking. Our mission is to inform you and your families of the valuable services, resources and assist women to connect with gender specific organizations and supportive recovery events. Overall it is our desire to help promote and empower women to maintain a healthy productive lifestyle. Assisting women to achieve their personal and professional goals through information, education, referral, and networking. Advertise with Women's Recovery Network!
There are several advertisement slots available at a very affordable price. We have a very aggressive webmaster who has a proven record in website visibility and marketing.
In addition, please feel free to also submit articles for our editor's approval. Submitting women's recovery related articles is an excellent way to showcase your program and educate the community while receiving FREE advertisement.
Interested in Advertising with Women's Recovery Network? Email Silvernail Consultant Services or give us a call at 561-642-3103
Banner Advertisement Introductory Offer
$75per mo
3 months at $200.00 6 months at $400.00
Networking for Exposure
In the counseling industry, one of the most powerful ways to build your business image is networking. Your client referral source can be derived from varied sources, particularly community networks - it is very important that as entrepreneurs you recognize the power of networking.
Following are some suggestions that can be helpful:
Write an article for our newsletter, if accepted the article can promote your business to an audience of over 3,000!
Contact SCS Services....for Corporate Coaching and allow us to help you build your business.
Add your agency info to our referral list. Dr Silvernail often receives phone calls for services and refer's to local, state and National businesses frequently.
Upcoming Events
August 1-5 56th Florida State Convention "Always Be There" Location: Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort Palm Harbor. Phone: 727-942-2000 (convention room rates available). Speakers, workshop, marathon meetings, and a full Al-Anon family groups program! Visit website for more info: www.56.flstateconvention.com.
November 9-11 Southeast Regional Forum "Sunlight of the Spirit" - Hosted by: Area 15. Location: Boca Raton Marriott. Visit website for more info: www.area15aa.org.
Summer Camp Scholarship Program Accepting Applications for Summer 2012
The Summer Camp Scholarship Program provides a full scholarship, including all fees, for children (5 to 14) to attend day camp during the summer. The program is available to families with incomes below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. Eligible families may choose from participating camps. Applications will be accepted by appointment only from Feb. 17- March 30 at the following Palm Beach County Human Services Office locations:
North County Office 1440 Martin Luther King Blvd Riviera Beach, Fl. 33404 Phone: 561?845?4644
South County Office 225 South Congress Ave. Delray Beach, Fl. 33444 Phone: 561?274?3130
West County Office 38754 State Road 80 Belle Glade, FL. 33430 Phone: 561?996?1630
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
To download applications or for additional information, please click here.
For more information, call 1 (866) 728?1427. To view the flyer, please click here.
GHB: A Club Drug To Watch
Abused by people who attend a variety of all-night parties sometimes called "raves.". This publication can be accessed electronically through the Internet at www.samhsa.gov
What is SPICE Can we detect it in toxicology labs?
Many drug courts are experiencing a significant and disturbing surge in client's use of synthetic cannabinoids. In many areas of the country "herbal incense" can be legally purchased and smoked with impunity due to the lack of specific drug detection methods. Products such as Spice and K2 have been widely reported as producing many of the same physiological effects as marijuana. Without laws to control its distribution and insufficient detection methods, courts face a significant challenge in addressing the problem of synthetic cannabinoids.
It the trademarked name of a "sober cruise" which is a fellowship vacation created by Snow E. Piccolo in 2001 when she launched her travel company for those in recovery. 
We believe that compassion is a circle of care in which clients, peers, families and professionals join hands. Healing takes place within that circle. Our culture is strong in building external family systems and supports. Clients, alumni and our staff come together to celebrate the joys of living a sober and clean lifestyle. This means when treatment ends our relationship doesn't. As long as you remain committed to recovery, come back whenever you need us.
North County Office
