(This Article Appeared in the Volume 18, Issue 2 edition of Steps For Recovery)
NATIONAL INFORMATION AND HELP RESOURCES
12 Step Web: 12stepsoberliving.com Email: Joellisa12step@aol.com.
Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization: (310) 534-1815, www.adultchildren.org.
ACA (Adult Child of Alcoholic or Dysfunctional Family) Phone Bridge Meeting Info Line, Toll Free: 877-783-7703 (877-STEPS-03). Web:
adultchildren.org. Contact Lisa at 818-445-9901
ADP California Dept. of Alcohol and Drug Programs (800) 879-2772. www.adp.ca.gov
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, 475 Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10115, (212) 870-3400. www.aa.org
American Council for Phoenix House Drug Education www.acde.org (800) 488-DRUG (3784)
Bilingual Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence, (800) 548-2722 (24 Hour).
California Rehab Guide: Free On-Line Rehab Directory - www.calrehabguide.com
Child Protection Helpline, (800) 540-4000 (24 Hour).
National Substance Abuse Treatment Referral Hotline (800) 662-HELP (4357)
Cocaine Anonymous World Service Offices, (310) 216- 4444. www.ca.org
Codependents for friends and family of Sex Addicts, (COSA) (763) 537-6904, www.cosarecovery.org
County of Los Angeles Department of Mental Health (800) 854-7771, has complete listing of mental health providers at www.dmh.co.la.ca.us/providers/allprov.htm
Domestic Violence National (SAFE): (800) 799-7233 Crisis Hotline Bilingual 24 hr.
Families Anonymous (800) 736-9805 www.familiesanonymous.org
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) National Office (781) 932-6300. www.foodaddicts.org
HHS The U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, (877) 696-6775, www.dhhs.gov
IVDARS Recovery Centers, (free referrals) 800-870-2281. www.inlandrecovery.org
Jason Foundation A Youth Suicide Prevention Program (888) 881-2323, www.jasonfoundation.com
Literacy Hotline (800) 707-7323
Love Addicts Anonymous www.Loveaddicts.org
Marijuana Anonymous (800) 766-6779.
Nar-Anon Family Groups (800) 477-6291 www.nar-anon.org
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Headquarters, (All NCADDs provide help & info and other alcohol/drug related services). www.ncadd.org
NCADI National Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Information, (800) 729-6686. www.ncadi.samhsa.gov
NCH National Coalition for the Homeless (202) 462- 4822, www.nationalhomeless.org
Nicotine Anonymous (877) TRY-NICA (879-6422)
Problem Gambling 24-Hour Help Line (Calif.) (800) Gambler or (800) 522-4700.
RAINN Hotline National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Rape Hotline (24 Hours) (800) 585-6231. www.elawe.org
Runaway Hotine (800) RUN-AWAY www.1800runaway.org
Sex Addicts Anonymous (800) 477-8191 www.saa-recovery.org
L.A. & SURROUNDING COUNTY RESOURCE GUIDE
AA Los Angeles (323) 936-4343.
AA Los Angeles (Spanish) (323) 750-2038.
AA Meetings/Ala-non: Temple City (626) 286-9975.
Alcoholics Anonymous (SGV) Central Office (626) 914-1861.
Adult Children of Alcoholics South Bay (310) 320- 3931. www.adultchildren.org
Addicts for Christ Los Angeles (310) 452-4328. www.addictsforchrist.org
www.AddictionSearch.com: Resources & Information.
Al-Anon/Alateen LA County (818) 760-7122.
Al-Anon/Alateen Spanish, LA County, (562) 948-2190.
Alcoholics Anonymous Central Office (818) 988-3001.
Alcoholics Anonymous Santa Clarita Valley Central Office: (661) 250-9922, www.scv-aa.org.
Anorexia & Bulimia - Overeaters Anonymous: (626) 335-3355. Inland Empire
Artists Meeting of Debtors Anonymous www.SoCalDA.org 310-822-7250.
AVYFS, Antelope Valley Youth And Family Services (661) 949-1069.
CCBCDC: California Certification Board of Chemical Dependency Counselors (562) 624-1111. www.CaliforniaCertificationBoard.org
CAARR California Association of Addiction Recovery Resources (916) 338-9460, www.caarr.org
CADCA Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of American (800) 54-CADCA.
CCPG California Council on Problem Gambling www.calproblemgambling.org (800) 522-4700.
Center for Living and Learning Job Search Preparation Program (888) 266-1919. Van Nuys. www.center4living.lle.org
Cocaine Anonymous World Service Office (310) 559- 5833. www.ca.org.
Clutterers Anonymous (310) 281-6064.
Cocaine Anonymous of the SFV, (818) 760-8402
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) Los Angeles (323) 969-4995.
Compulsive Eaters Anonymous: (562) 942-8161.
Compulsive Eaters Anonymous: (818) 503-7484. www.valleyhow.org
Crystal Meth-Anonymous (213) 488-4455.
Crystal Meth-Anonymous Temple City (626) 286-9975.
Divorce Anonymous (SHARE) (310) 305-8878.
Double Trouble in Recovery (SHARE) (310) 305-8878.
Dual Diagnosis 12-Step Study Thursdays, (310) 305-8878.
Emotional Health Anonymous (SGV) (626) 287-6260.
Emotions Anonymous Info Line (323) 589-3768.
Emotions Anonymous (SFV) (818) 377-4341.
Eternal Grace: Christian Recovery Ministry (818) 769-7627.
Fear of Success Anonymous: FOSA. (818) 628-6873.
Food Addicts Anonymous www.foodaddictsanonymous.org
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) (800) 600-6028. Meeting info at www.foodaddicts.org
Friends helping Friends Inc: Homeless, No Money, We can help - Sober Living. (323) 293-9778.
Homeless Shelter for women Sunshine Mission, (213) 747-7419 www.sunshinemission.org
Gay & Lesbian Alcoholics Alcoholism Recovery Support www.gayalcoholics.com
Gay Treatment of drug alcohol abuse depression mental illness or anxiety. (323) 671-1600. www.AlternativesInc.com
Homeless Health Care Los Angeles www.hhcla.org, (213) 381-0515
INFO LINE community service referrals, shelter, food, medical, (800) 339-6993 or simply dial 211.
Latino Family Alcohol & Drug Abuse (323) 722-4529 www.chcada.org
Life Recovery: 12 Step-Christian Ministry, (310) 463- 4945. www.12steppin2jesus.com.
MADD Mother Against Drunk Drivers, (916) 921-6233.
Marijuana Anonymous Los Angeles (323) 964-2370.
Marijuana Anonymous Van Nuys (818) 759-9194.
Marijuana Anonymous Inland Empire (626) 583-9582.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Fernando Valley Chapter, Free Meetings (818) 994-6747
Narcotics Anonymous Southern California Regional Office (626) 359-0084.
Narcotics Anonymous (818) 773-9999.
Narcotics Anonymous Greater Hollywood AreaHelpline (323) 850-1624
Narcotics Anonymous of the SFV (818) 997-3822.
Narcotics Anonymous (West Valley) (818) 787-9706.
Narcotics Anonymous Westside (310) 390-0279.
Narcotics Anonymous, Temple City, (626) 286-9975.
Nicotine Anonymous (800) 642-0666
Obsessive Compulsive Support Group (SHARE) (310) 305-8878.
Overeaters Anonymous-Beach Cities (310) 374- 8533.
Overeaters Anonymous LA Intergroup (323) 653-7652. www.oalaig.org
Overeaters Anonymous 24 Hour (323) 653-7499.
Overeaters Anonymous - SFV Intergroup (818) 342-2222.
Overeaters Anonymous San Gabriel Valley Intergroup (626) 335-3355.
Overeaters Anonymous South Bay (562) 493-9030.
Pasadena Mental Health Center-Low fee counseling www.pmhc.org, (626) 798-0907 1495 Lake Ave. Pasadena
Pills Anonymous www.pillsanonymous.com
Parenting and Anger Management classes offered in Long Beach and Rosemead. Individual,Family, group, couples counseling. Court mandates
accepted. Call Dr. Williams (562) 290-7331.
Problem Gambling 24-hour Help (800) 322-8748 (CA only) (760) 320-0234.
Rageaholics Anonymous (310) 877-9899. Ask for Tom
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic Los Angeles (323) 664-5525 or www.rfbdla.org
Recovery, Inc. Nervous Symptoms, Fears, Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, OCD (323) 651-2170.
Recovering CouplesAnon. www.Recovering-Couples.org
The Salvation Army Adult Rehab Center, 21375 Roscoe Blvd., Canoga Park, (818) 883-6321.
Salvation Army Long Beach Adult Rehabilitation Center. Men’s residential faith based program. No Cost to Participants,1370 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, CA, 562-218-2355.
Secular Organization For Sobriety (323) 666-4295.
www.SerenityQuest.org promoting healing & growth.
Sex Addicts Anonymous (213) 896-2964.
Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous (323) 957-4881.
Sexaholics Anonymous (SA) (310) 491-8845.
Sexual Compulsive Anonymous (310) 859-5585.
Sexual Recovery Anonymous (323) 850-8565.
S-Anon (Friends and Families of Sex Addicts) (818) 973-2235 or http://sanonsocal.org
SHARE For all other self-help groups (310) 305-8878.
Sober Living Network (310) 396-5270.
Survivors of Incest Anonymous (562) 630-6844. www.siawso.org
The Other Bar: free. 12 step based peer recovery network for lawyers and law students with substance abuse problems 800-222-0767; otherbar.org
The Sober Living Network referral service (800) 799-2084.
Workaholics Anonymous (310) 358-6587.
Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous Los Angeles County. www.LACYPAA.org
ORANGE /VENTURA COUNTY
2-1-1- Orange County, referrals for alcohol/drug,shelters for homeless, food, domestic violence, child abuse. Call 211 or 888-600-4357. www.211oc.org
Adult Children of Alcoholics (714) 549-5733.
Alcohol/Drug Education Prevention Team (ADEPT),(714) 834-4058.
AA Central Office (562) 595-7831. www.oc-aa.org
AA Satalite Office Mission Viejo, (949) 582-2697.
AA Central Office of Camarillo, (805) 495-1111.
Al-Anon (714)748-1113.
ASH (Alcoholic Services for Homosexuals) (714) 534-5820 (24 Hour).
Battered Women’s Helpline (714) 891-8121.
CODA (Co-dependents Anonymous), (714) 573-0174.
Family Alcohol/Drug Counseling Center, (805) 988-1031.
HER PLACE: Paths to Recovery for Women: Non-Profit Counseling and Groups, Laguna Hills (949) 707-5111.
Hispanic Alcoholism Services, (714) 531-4624.
Marijuana Anonymous, (714) 999-9409.
Narcotics Anonymous Hotline, (805) 641-0451.
New Beginnings Fellowship Center Sober Club- 12- Step (714) 839-5501.
Overcomers Outreach (Christian 12-Step Support group) (800) 310-3001.
Overeaters Anonymous (714) 953-0900.
Rape Crisis Hotline, (714) 957-2737.
Recovery Solutions: (714) 542-3581.
SPIN: Serving People In Need, Non-profit. Assists homeless or low-income newly recovering alcoholics & addicts, with housing, transportation, medical, clothing, dental, job search, education, etc. (714) 751-1101. www.spinoc.org
SAN BERNARDINO & RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Alcoholics Anonymous (909) 825-4700.
Alcoholics Anonymous, Temecula (951) 695-1535.
Narcotics Anonymous Southern California RegionalOffice (626) 359-0084.
Narcotics Anonymous Helpline (800) 397-2333.
Narcotics Anonymous Helpline (909) 370-3568.
Narcotics Anonymous 24 hr. Helpline (909) 584-7115.
Narcotics Anonymous Desert Empire (760) 255-2045.
Narcotics Anonymous Barstow (760) 346-5800.
Narcotics Anonymous Southwest (951) 652-5326.
Salvation Army Adult Rehab (909) 889-9605.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Adult Children of Alcoholics (619) 287-7782.
Alcoholics Anonymous Central Office (619) 265-8762.
Al-Anon (619) 296-2666.
Children of the Night (800) 551-1300.
Co-Dependents Anonymous, meetings (619) 222-1244.
Compulsive Eaters Anonymous HOW (619) 543-8961.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) Hotline (866) 239-2911.
Narcotics Anonymous Central Office (619) 584-1007.
Nicotine Anonymous (619) 682-7092.
Rape Crisis (858) 272-1767.
San Diego City Help, non-profit support group for persons with herpes. (619) 491-1194.
Salvation Army Rehab Center, (619) 239-4037.
Sex Addicts Anonymous (760) 736-0644.
Sexaholics Anonymous (858) 495-2446.
Suicide/Crisis Intervention (800) 479-3339.
ARIZONA
Alcoholics Anonymous, (602) 264-1341; East (480) 834-9033; West (623) 937-7770.
Cocaine Anonymous, (602) 279-3838.
Domestic Violence Shelter: (800) 799-7739 or (602)263-8900.
E.D.A.(Eating Disorders Anonymous) www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org
Gamblers Anonymous (602) 266-9784.
Gam-anon (480) 893-2729 or (480) 598-1226
Narcotics Anonymous, Meeting info. (480) 897-4636, www.arizona-na.org
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug
Dependence, 4201 N. 16th St., Suite 140, Phoenix 85016, (602) 264-6214.
Overeaters Anonymous (602) 234-1195.
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM & DRUG DEPENDENCE WWW.NCADD.ORG
NCADD San Gabriel & Pomona Valleys, (626) 331-5316.
NCAAD of Pasadena, (626) 795-9127.
NCAAD of Sacramento, (916) 922-9217
NCADD of South Bay Area, (310) 328-1460.
NCADD of Long Beach, (562) 426-8262.
NCADD of Santa Clarita Valley (6661.253.9400 .
NCADD of the San Fernando Valley, (818) 997-0414
NCADD of Orange County (949) 770-0847.
NCADD of San Diego (619) 553-8173.
NCAAD of San Francisco, (415) 296-9900.
NCAAD of San Jose (408) 292-7292.
NCAAD of Santa Barbara, (805) 963-1433
NCAAD of Tulare, (559) 688-2994
INFORMATION & REFERRAL SERVICES
AIM HealthCare Foundation, physical & emotional needs of those who work in adult entertainment (818) 981-5681.
Battered Women/Children Hotline, (818) 887-6589.
Because I Love You, Nationally Known Parent And
Teen Support Group. (818) 882-4881or www.bily.org
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Information (626) 793-7350.
San Fernando Valley Counseling Center, affordable mental health services (818) 341-1111.
Jason Foundation A Youth Suicide Prevention Program (888) 881-2323, www.jasonfoundation.com
Suicide Prevention 24Hour Assessment Center (800) SUICIDE (784-2433).
Suicide Prevention Center (877) 727-4747
The Council of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) Drop-In Center (805) 962-6195, www.cadasb.org
DISABILITY SERVICES
Job Accommodation Centers, Toll Free 1-800-526- 7234 (voice & TDD).
RIDE INFO Paratransit Referral Service, transportation voucher program, (800) 431-7882.
Social Security & Medicare Eligibility, Info (800) 772-1213, TDD (800) 288-7185.
FOOD AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, Info on General Relief, Aid to Families w/Dependent Children (AFDC), Food Stamps, MediCal and other forms for financial assistance, (213) 744-6623.
INFO LINE of Los Angeles, referrals to emergency food programs and emergency housing. (800) 339-6993 Also 211 (24 Hour). TDD (800) 660-4026.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
24 Hour INFO Line Burbank/Glendale (818) 956-1100,
San Fernando Valley (818) 501-4447
HEP C / HIV / AIDS INFORMATION
California HIV/AIDS Hotline (800) 367-2437.Spanish (800) 400-7432.
Friends of AIDS Foundation (310) 401-4755. Referrals to HIV/AIDS programs and services in Los Angeles County.
National AIDS Hotline, (800) CDCINFO. (800) 344- SIDA (Spanish), (800) AIDS-TTY (TTD/TTY for deaf)
REACH (risk reduction education and community health) FREE HIV Prevention education and testing for HIV, HEP B&C and Syphilis. Referrals for substance abuse-etc., HIV+ or HIV- people in need. (866) 33-REACH, (714) 834-7926.
On-Line Resources for Hep C: www.hepcsource.com www.hepcstraightup.com • www.hepatitusc.org • www.hepatitusfree.com • www.hepnet.com • www.hepcnet.com
12 Step & Big Book Study (Hep C): www.hcvanonymous.org
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
BURBANK SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH: Christ-centered recovery program. Leaders needed now! Contact LaVivas for more info. (818) 848-7051, outreach@burbanksda.com
PRO-CARE HOSPICE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS to work with Patients and their families and to provide support to those facing a life-limiting illness. Linda Martinez at (818) 895- 8000. Sara Berman Rabbi/Chaplin
SHARE! the Self-Help And Recovery Exchange, a project of the Emotional Health Assoc, a CA. non-profit organization, is looking for volunteers. Bi-lingual English/Spanish helpful. Call Alison Douglas Mon.-Thurs. 10am-5pm (310) 305-8878.
Monday, March 31, 2014
The Underground Publication Steps For Recovery
(This Article Appeared in the Volume 18, Issue 2 edition of Steps For Recovery)
This isn’t a mainstream publication. You won’t find it at Seven Eleven, in grocery stores, at the library or in the bookstores. It is not meant to be everywhere. We are underground. You will find us at meetings and in places where people are looking for help to combat their addictions.
We need your help to get this publication into the hands of those that need it. We have filing cabinets filled with letters thanking us for the information that has connected with those seeking a better - addiction free life. When they need information we need all of you to put this newspaper in front of them. Leave it behind as a subtle suggestion. You never know when they might pick it up and read something that will connect at a time when they are open to change.
The newspaper can be recycled. It can be passed around to those that want to read the articles and many of them never lose their relevance. Once you have read it, don’t throw it away, pass it on. Keep this information being passed throughout the community.
I would like to enlist all of your help for our project to eradicate addiction. We would like to publish this newspaper in 60 cities throughout America. If you know of someone that would be a great publisher in Southern California, please get them in contact with us. We would like to have 10 editions in the Southern California area first and then we want to reach out to Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
The purpose of the Steps publication is to provide information to those in recovery so that they stay the course and to help those get on the path to recovery that have become open to making a change.
Additionally, we would like to video tape a million stories of addiction that we can post on-line for kids to be able to understand fully the choice they are making when they choose a life of addiction. We want you to tell them first hand why they shouldn’t embark upon the path.
We are also working on the demand side of addiction by lobbying for Congress, the President and local government officials to seal the border and curtail the amount of drugs coming into America.
Our plan also calls for a number of PSAs about addiction to help kids make positive choices. We plan on raising money to get those PSAs aired.
I know how many people roll their eyes when we say the words: Eradicate Addiction. Nobody expects that addiction will disappear overnight. The fact is that if we are able to have any effect at all our efforts will have been worth the effort.
We can’t do it alone. We need your help.
This isn’t a mainstream publication. You won’t find it at Seven Eleven, in grocery stores, at the library or in the bookstores. It is not meant to be everywhere. We are underground. You will find us at meetings and in places where people are looking for help to combat their addictions.
We need your help to get this publication into the hands of those that need it. We have filing cabinets filled with letters thanking us for the information that has connected with those seeking a better - addiction free life. When they need information we need all of you to put this newspaper in front of them. Leave it behind as a subtle suggestion. You never know when they might pick it up and read something that will connect at a time when they are open to change.
The newspaper can be recycled. It can be passed around to those that want to read the articles and many of them never lose their relevance. Once you have read it, don’t throw it away, pass it on. Keep this information being passed throughout the community.
I would like to enlist all of your help for our project to eradicate addiction. We would like to publish this newspaper in 60 cities throughout America. If you know of someone that would be a great publisher in Southern California, please get them in contact with us. We would like to have 10 editions in the Southern California area first and then we want to reach out to Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
The purpose of the Steps publication is to provide information to those in recovery so that they stay the course and to help those get on the path to recovery that have become open to making a change.
Additionally, we would like to video tape a million stories of addiction that we can post on-line for kids to be able to understand fully the choice they are making when they choose a life of addiction. We want you to tell them first hand why they shouldn’t embark upon the path.
We are also working on the demand side of addiction by lobbying for Congress, the President and local government officials to seal the border and curtail the amount of drugs coming into America.
Our plan also calls for a number of PSAs about addiction to help kids make positive choices. We plan on raising money to get those PSAs aired.
I know how many people roll their eyes when we say the words: Eradicate Addiction. Nobody expects that addiction will disappear overnight. The fact is that if we are able to have any effect at all our efforts will have been worth the effort.
We can’t do it alone. We need your help.
Fast Food As Addictive As Heroin, Study Confirms
(This Article Appeared in the Volume 18, Issue 2 edition of Steps For Recovery)
The latest study, published March 28 in “Nature Neuroscience”, likened the affects of high-fat, high-calorie food to those of cocaine or heroin, in animals at least.
The researchers showed that the pleasure-center in rats brains were overstimulated from the fast food similar to an addict’s cocaine binge. Eventually, the pleasure centers became so overloaded that rats needed more and more food to feel normal, according to Paul H. Kenny, an associate professor of molecular therapeutics at the Scripps Research Institute.
Throughout the study, Kenny and his co-author studied three groups of lab rats for 40 days. The first group ate healthy food. The second ate a limited amount of junk food. The third group, however, was allowed to gorge on high-fat, high-calorie foods and became obese.
The startling side effect? The brains of the obese rats changed.
“The body adapts remarkably well to change -- and that’s the problem,” Kenny said in a Press Release: “When the animal overstimulates its brain pleasure centers with highly palatable food, the systems adapt by decreasing their activity. However, now the animal requires constant stimulation from palatable food to avoid entering a persistent state of negative reward”.
During the study, the rats lost complete control over the ability to regulate whether they were hungry, often eating despite electric shocks. When the obese rats were put on a healthy diet, they refused to eat, starving themselves for two weeks.
In another study, researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City showed that feeding rats a diet high in saturated fat, calories and sugar -- which is the typical make-up for a fast-food menu item -- lowered the rats ability to respond to leptin, a hormone that helps regulate eating behavior by controlling how full one feels.
As rats grew fatter, the amount of leptin in their bodies increased signaling that they were dangerously close to starvation. They continued to overeat and gain weight.
Those who yo-yo diet face similar problems than those going through withdrawal do, Boston University researchers proved last year. According to Pietro Cottone, an assistant professor in the Laboratory of Addictive Disorders at BU, dieters seek out foods to avoid the negative feelings that they experience if they are deprived of their favorite comfort foods.
“These findings confirm what we and many others have suspected,” Kenny said, “that over-consumption of highly pleasurable food triggers addiction-like neuroadaptive responses in brain reward circuitries, driving the development of compulsive eating.
“Common mechanisms may therefore underlie obesity and drug addiction.”
The latest study, published March 28 in “Nature Neuroscience”, likened the affects of high-fat, high-calorie food to those of cocaine or heroin, in animals at least.
The researchers showed that the pleasure-center in rats brains were overstimulated from the fast food similar to an addict’s cocaine binge. Eventually, the pleasure centers became so overloaded that rats needed more and more food to feel normal, according to Paul H. Kenny, an associate professor of molecular therapeutics at the Scripps Research Institute.
Throughout the study, Kenny and his co-author studied three groups of lab rats for 40 days. The first group ate healthy food. The second ate a limited amount of junk food. The third group, however, was allowed to gorge on high-fat, high-calorie foods and became obese.
The startling side effect? The brains of the obese rats changed.
“The body adapts remarkably well to change -- and that’s the problem,” Kenny said in a Press Release: “When the animal overstimulates its brain pleasure centers with highly palatable food, the systems adapt by decreasing their activity. However, now the animal requires constant stimulation from palatable food to avoid entering a persistent state of negative reward”.
During the study, the rats lost complete control over the ability to regulate whether they were hungry, often eating despite electric shocks. When the obese rats were put on a healthy diet, they refused to eat, starving themselves for two weeks.
In another study, researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City showed that feeding rats a diet high in saturated fat, calories and sugar -- which is the typical make-up for a fast-food menu item -- lowered the rats ability to respond to leptin, a hormone that helps regulate eating behavior by controlling how full one feels.
As rats grew fatter, the amount of leptin in their bodies increased signaling that they were dangerously close to starvation. They continued to overeat and gain weight.
Those who yo-yo diet face similar problems than those going through withdrawal do, Boston University researchers proved last year. According to Pietro Cottone, an assistant professor in the Laboratory of Addictive Disorders at BU, dieters seek out foods to avoid the negative feelings that they experience if they are deprived of their favorite comfort foods.
“These findings confirm what we and many others have suspected,” Kenny said, “that over-consumption of highly pleasurable food triggers addiction-like neuroadaptive responses in brain reward circuitries, driving the development of compulsive eating.
“Common mechanisms may therefore underlie obesity and drug addiction.”
WHAT IS ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY?
(This Article Appeared in the Volume 18, Issue 2 edition of Steps For Recovery)
The most common pets used are dogs and cats, but fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses and other farm animals are also used. Some programs take the animals directly to the patients; others take those with behavioral issues out of their normal surroundings and introduces them to a farm setting.
Dogs and cats in particular, however, go through a screening process to ensure that the animal has the right temperament and obedience training before being introduced into a therapeutic environment.
The Effect of Animals
While science still works to explain how animals affect a person’s emotions and health, psychologists have learned the following:
1) Animals foster and teach empathy. People are able to relate to animals because an animal’s world and perspective of the world is really simple. Their moods are easier to read than humans.
2) Animals draw those with mental illness or low self-esteem issues out of themselves by encouraging them to focus on someone or something other than themselves.
3) Animals bring out a nurturing instinct. Normally this ability is learned from parents, but even those who did not have a nurturing upbringing can learn to nurture from caring for an animal.
4) Animals foster an emotionally safe, non-threatening communication between a client and their therapist. The impression is given that the therapist can be trusted because the animal trusts him or her.
5) Animals accept people as they are. They don’t base their affection on looks or money or possessions. An animal’s affection is unconditional and they do not play head games.
6) Animals are a source of entertainment. Anyone who has watched a dog romp with a ball or a cat play with a ball of yarn or laser pointer or other pet interactions can make people laugh.
7) Animals make people feel good.
8) Animals provide mental stimulation through increased communication with others, memories and entertainment. Animals brighten the atmosphere and decrease people’s feelings of isolation or alienation.
9) Studies have shown that animals actually decrease heart rates and blood pressure.
10) Studies have also shown that animal owners live healthier, longer lives than non-pet owners.
Animals have been shown to have calming effects on children with learning disorders and encourage learning, social interaction with other children, and attention.
Clearly, more research is necessary to figure out exactly why animals have such an impact on our lives, but it doesn’t take a scientist to tell us that animals can positively affect many lives in ways that we would never have thought possible.
The most common pets used are dogs and cats, but fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses and other farm animals are also used. Some programs take the animals directly to the patients; others take those with behavioral issues out of their normal surroundings and introduces them to a farm setting.
Dogs and cats in particular, however, go through a screening process to ensure that the animal has the right temperament and obedience training before being introduced into a therapeutic environment.
The Effect of Animals
While science still works to explain how animals affect a person’s emotions and health, psychologists have learned the following:
1) Animals foster and teach empathy. People are able to relate to animals because an animal’s world and perspective of the world is really simple. Their moods are easier to read than humans.
2) Animals draw those with mental illness or low self-esteem issues out of themselves by encouraging them to focus on someone or something other than themselves.
3) Animals bring out a nurturing instinct. Normally this ability is learned from parents, but even those who did not have a nurturing upbringing can learn to nurture from caring for an animal.
4) Animals foster an emotionally safe, non-threatening communication between a client and their therapist. The impression is given that the therapist can be trusted because the animal trusts him or her.
5) Animals accept people as they are. They don’t base their affection on looks or money or possessions. An animal’s affection is unconditional and they do not play head games.
6) Animals are a source of entertainment. Anyone who has watched a dog romp with a ball or a cat play with a ball of yarn or laser pointer or other pet interactions can make people laugh.
7) Animals make people feel good.
8) Animals provide mental stimulation through increased communication with others, memories and entertainment. Animals brighten the atmosphere and decrease people’s feelings of isolation or alienation.
9) Studies have shown that animals actually decrease heart rates and blood pressure.
10) Studies have also shown that animal owners live healthier, longer lives than non-pet owners.
Animals have been shown to have calming effects on children with learning disorders and encourage learning, social interaction with other children, and attention.
Clearly, more research is necessary to figure out exactly why animals have such an impact on our lives, but it doesn’t take a scientist to tell us that animals can positively affect many lives in ways that we would never have thought possible.
Animal Assisted Therapy an Option for Addiction Counseling
(This Article Appeared in the Volume 18, Issue 2 edition of Steps For Recovery)
There is a saying that a dog is a man’s best friend. According to Rachel Howard, if a friend can be someone you can turn to when you need to talk, that saying very well could be true. To test that theory, she and the Cherokee Nation are trying it out as a way to help adolescents combat drug and alcohol addiction.
Howard is an alcohol and drug counselor for the Cherokee Nation Jack Brown Center, an adolescent co-educational facility that provides treatment for chemical dependency in a residential setting to Native American youth. Howard and her dog, Lulu, work with youth at the center helping them overcome not only their addictions, but other issues as well.
“Animals are non-judgmental,” Howard said. “They want you to feel better. Petting and talking to animals help the kids open up. Their attitudes seem to be lighter and we usually get a better response during our counseling session.”
Lulu, a one-year-old English bulldog, is not just an ordinary dog, however. She, too, had to go through special training to be a part of the animal-assisted therapy program. She received her certification in Kansas City, Mo., in November of 2009 and is registered through the Delta Society, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance human health and well-being through positive interactions with animals.
Howard said during a counseling session, Lulu serves as a comforting presence and will come to the patient and lay by them.
“She will get on the floor and lay as close to the patient as she can get, especially if they are upset,” Howard said. “Often, the kids will begin talking to her as if the counselor isn’t there at all. It’s hard for them to stay angry about something if she is looking at you. She really helps the kids with anger issues.”
Howard said many different types of animals are used in therapy, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and other small animals. Animal-assisted therapy has been used since the 1800s when doctors noticed patients seemed to heal better and more quickly when animals were close by. Animals are now used for different types of therapy, including physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Both the kids and center staff members seem to be in better spirits when Lulu is on-site. The staff often keeps treats on hand to offer when Lulu comes by to visit.
“She’s almost as good for the staff as she is the kids,” Howard said jokingly.
Director of Cherokee Nation Jack Brown Center Darren Dry said that to his knowledge, there was not another treatment center in Oklahoma or any other residential treatment center for Native American youth that offered this type of program.
“This type of program is new for us,” Dry said. “I’m excited for our clients to have another resource to help them. I hope this is something we can expand in the future.”
Dry continued by saying animals often feel compassion for those suffering or who are less fortunate, and that many of the animals used in this type of program come from local humane societies.
“Often, someone gave up on them, too, and that is how many of our kids feel,” Dry said. “It helps instill the compassion component in our clients.”
There is a saying that a dog is a man’s best friend. According to Rachel Howard, if a friend can be someone you can turn to when you need to talk, that saying very well could be true. To test that theory, she and the Cherokee Nation are trying it out as a way to help adolescents combat drug and alcohol addiction.
Howard is an alcohol and drug counselor for the Cherokee Nation Jack Brown Center, an adolescent co-educational facility that provides treatment for chemical dependency in a residential setting to Native American youth. Howard and her dog, Lulu, work with youth at the center helping them overcome not only their addictions, but other issues as well.
“Animals are non-judgmental,” Howard said. “They want you to feel better. Petting and talking to animals help the kids open up. Their attitudes seem to be lighter and we usually get a better response during our counseling session.”
Lulu, a one-year-old English bulldog, is not just an ordinary dog, however. She, too, had to go through special training to be a part of the animal-assisted therapy program. She received her certification in Kansas City, Mo., in November of 2009 and is registered through the Delta Society, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance human health and well-being through positive interactions with animals.
Howard said during a counseling session, Lulu serves as a comforting presence and will come to the patient and lay by them.
“She will get on the floor and lay as close to the patient as she can get, especially if they are upset,” Howard said. “Often, the kids will begin talking to her as if the counselor isn’t there at all. It’s hard for them to stay angry about something if she is looking at you. She really helps the kids with anger issues.”
Howard said many different types of animals are used in therapy, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and other small animals. Animal-assisted therapy has been used since the 1800s when doctors noticed patients seemed to heal better and more quickly when animals were close by. Animals are now used for different types of therapy, including physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Both the kids and center staff members seem to be in better spirits when Lulu is on-site. The staff often keeps treats on hand to offer when Lulu comes by to visit.
“She’s almost as good for the staff as she is the kids,” Howard said jokingly.
Director of Cherokee Nation Jack Brown Center Darren Dry said that to his knowledge, there was not another treatment center in Oklahoma or any other residential treatment center for Native American youth that offered this type of program.
“This type of program is new for us,” Dry said. “I’m excited for our clients to have another resource to help them. I hope this is something we can expand in the future.”
Dry continued by saying animals often feel compassion for those suffering or who are less fortunate, and that many of the animals used in this type of program come from local humane societies.
“Often, someone gave up on them, too, and that is how many of our kids feel,” Dry said. “It helps instill the compassion component in our clients.”
Comorbidity: Addiction and Other Mental Illness
Is Drug Addiction a Mental Illness?
Yes, because addiction changes the brain in fundamental ways, disturbing a person’s normal hierarchy of needs and desires and substituting new priorities connected with procuring and using the drug. The resulting compulsive behaviors that override the ability to control impulses despite the consequences are similar to hallmarks of other mental illnesses.
Addiction changes the brain, disturbing the normal hierarchy of needs and desire In fact, the DSM, which is the definitive resource of diagnostic criteria for all mental disorders, includes criteria for drug use disorders, distinguishing between two types: drug abuse and drug dependence. Drug dependence is synonymous with addiction.
By comparison, the criteria for drug abuse hinge on the harmful consequences of repeated use but do not include the compulsive use, tolerance (i.e., needing higher doses to achieve the same effect), or withdrawal (i.e., symptoms that occur when use is stopped) that can be signs of addiction
How Common Are Comorbid Drug Use and Other Mental Disorders?
Many people who regularly abuse drugs are also diagnosed with mental disorders and vice versa. The high prevalence of this comorbidity has been documented in multiple national population surveys since the 1980s. Data show that persons diagnosed with mood or anxiety disorders are about twice as likely to suffer also from a drug use disorder (abuse or dependence) compared with respondents in general. The same is true for those diagnosed with an antisocial syndrome, such as antisocial personality or conduct disorder. Similarly, persons diagnosed with drug disorders are roughly twice as likely to suffer also from mood and anxiety disorders.
”Overlapping Conditions— Shared Vulnerability”).
Gender is also a factor in the specific patterns of observed comorbidities. For example, the overall rates of abuse and dependence for most drugs tend to be higher among males than females. Further, males are more likely to suffer from antisocial personality disorder, while women have higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders, all of which are risk factors for substance abuse.
Why Do Drug Use Disorders Often Co-Occur
With Other Mental Illnesses?
The high prevalence of comorbidity between drug use disorders and other mental illnesses does not mean that one caused the other, even if one appeared first. In fact, establishing causality or directionality is difficult for several reasons. Diagnosis of a mental disorder may not occur until symptoms have progressed to a specified level (per DSM); however, subclinical symptoms may also prompt drug use, and imperfect recollections of when drug use or abuse started can create confusion as to which came first. Still, three scenarios deserve consideration:
1. Drugs of abuse can cause abusers to experience one or more symptoms of another mental illness. The increased risk of psychosis in some marijuana abusers has been offered as evidence for this possibility.
2. Mental illnesses can lead to drug abuse. Individuals with overt, mild, or even subclinical mental disorders may abuse drugs as a form of selfmedication. For example, the use of tobacco products by patients with schizophrenia is believed to lessen the symptoms of the disease and improve cognition.
3. Both drug use disorders and other mental illnesses are caused by overlapping factors such as underlying brain deficits, genetic vulnerabilities, and/or early exposure to stress or trauma. All three scenarios probably contribute, in varying degrees, to how and whether specific comorbidities manifest themselves.
Common Factors Overlapping Genetic Vulnerabilities.
A particularly active area of comorbidity research involves the search for genes that might predispose individuals to develop both addiction and other mental illnesses, or to have a greater risk of a second disorder occurring after the first appears. It is estimated that 40–60 percent of an individual’s vulnerability to addiction is attributable to genetics; most of this vulnerability arises from complex interactions among multiple genes and from genetic interactions with environmental influences. In some instances, a gene product may act directly, as when a protein influences how a person responds to a drug (e.g., whether the drug experience is pleasurable or not) or how long a drug remains in the body. But genes can also act indirectly by altering how an individual responds to stress or by increasing the likelihood of risk-taking and novelty-seeking behaviors, which could influence the development of drug use disorders and other mental illnesses. Several regions of the human genome have been linked to increased risk of both drug use disorders and mental illness, including associations with greater vulnerability to adolescent drug dependence and conduct disorders.
Involvement of Similar Brain Regions.
Some areas of the brain are affected by both drug use disorders and other mental illnesses. For example, the circuits in the brain that use the neurotransmitter dopamine—a chemical that carries messages from one neuron to another—are typically affected by addictive substances and may also be involved in depression, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders.
Indeed, some antidepressants and essentially all antipsychotic medications directly target the regulation of dopamine in this system, whereas others may have indirect effects. Importantly, dopamine pathways have also been implicated in the way in which stress can increase vulnerability to drug addiction. Stress is also a known risk factor for a range of mental disorders and therefore provides one likely common neurobiological link between the disease processes of addiction and those of other mental disorders.
The overlap of brain areas involved in both drug use disorders and other mental illnesses suggests that brain changes stemming from one may affect the other. For example, drug abuse that precedes the first symptoms of a mental illness may produce changes in brain structure and function that kindle an underlying propensity to develop that mental illness. If the mental disorder develops first, associated changes in brain activity may increase the vulnerability to abusing substances by enhancing their positive effects, reducing awareness of their negative effects,or alleviating the unpleasant effects associated with the mental disorder or the medication used to treat it.
The Influence of Developmental Stage Adolescence—A Vulnerable Time.
Although drug abuse and addiction can happen at any time during a person’s life, drug usetypically starts in adolescence, a period when the first signs of mental illness commonly appear. It is therefore not surprising that comorbid disorders can already be seen among youth. Significant changes in the brain occur during adolescence, which may enhance vulnerability to drug use and the development of addiction and other mental disorders. Drugs of abuse affect brain circuits involved in learning and memory, reward, decision making, and behavioral control, all of which are still maturing into early adulthood. Thus, understanding the long-term impact of early drug exposure is a critical area of comorbidity research.
Early Occurrence Increases Later Risk. Strong evidence has emerged showing early drug use to be a risk factor for later substance abuse problems; additional findings suggest that it may also be a risk factor for the later occurrence of other mental illnesses. However, this link is not necessarily a simple one and may hinge upongenetic vulnerability, psychosocial experiences, and/or general environmental influences. A 2005 study highlights this complexity, the high rate of comorbidity between drug abuse and addiction and other mental disorders argues for a comprehensive approach to intervention that identifies and evaluates each disorder concurrently, providing treatment as needed with the finding that frequent marijuana use during adolescence can increase the risk of psychosis in adulthood, but only in individuals who carry a particular gene variant . It is also true that having a mental disorder in childhood or adolescence can increase the risk of later drug abuse problems, as frequently occurs with conduct disorder and untreated attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This presents a challenge when treating children with ADHD, since effective treatment often involves prescribing stimulant medications with abuse potential. This issue has generated strong interest from the research community, and although the results are not yet conclusive, most studies suggest that ADHD medications do not increase the risk of drug abuse among children with ADHD. Regardless of how comorbidity develops, it is common in youth as well as adults. Given the high prevalence of comorbid mental disorders and their likely adverse impact on substance abuse treatment outcomes, drug abuse programs for adolescents should include screening and, as needed, treatment for comorbid mental disorders.
How Can Comorbidity Be Diagnosed?
The high rate of comorbidity between drug use disorders and other mental illnesses argues for a comprehensive approach to intervention that identifies and evaluates each concurrently, providing treatment as needed. The needed approach calls for broad assessment tools that are less likely to result in a missed diagnosis. Accordingly, patients entering treatment for psychiatric illnesses should also be screened for substance use disorders and vice versa.
Accurate diagnosis is complicated, however, by the similarities between drug-related symptoms such as withdrawal and those of potentially comorbid mental disorders. Thus, when people who abuse drugs enter treatment, it may be necessary to observe them after a period of abstinence in order to distinguish between the effects of substance intoxication or withdrawal and the symptoms of comorbid mental disorders.
This practice would allow for a more accurate diagnosis and more targeted treatment.
How Should Comorbid Conditions Be Treated?
A fundamental principle emerging from scientific research is the need to treat comorbid conditions concurrently—which can be a difficult proposition. Patients who have both a drug use disorder and another mental illness often exhibit symptoms that are more persistent, severe, and resistant to treatment compared with patients who have either disorder alone. Nevertheless, steady progress is being made through research on new and existing treatment options for comorbidity and through health services research on implementation of appropriate screening and treatment within a variety of settings, including criminal justice systems.
Medications
Effective medications exist for treating opioid, alcohol, and nicotine addiction and for alleviating the symptoms of many other mental disorders, yet most have not been well studied in comorbid populations. Some medications may benefit multiple problems. For example, evidence suggests that bupropion (trade names: Wellbutrin, Zyban), approved for treating depression and nicotine dependence, might also help reduce craving and use of the drug methamphetamine. Clearly, more research is needed to fully understand and assess the actions of combined or dually effective medications.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral treatment (alone or in combination with medications) is the cornerstone to successful outcomes for many individuals with drug use disorders or other mental illnesses. And while behavior therapies continue to be evaluated for use in comorbid populations, several strategies have shown promise for treating specific comorbid conditions. Most clinicians and researchers agree that broad spectrum diagnosis and concurrent therapy will lead to more positive outcomes for patients with comorbid conditions. Preliminary findings support this notion, but research is needed to identify the most effective therapies (especially studies focused on adolescents)
Examples of Promising Behavioral Therapies for Patients with Comorbid Conditions AdultsTherapeutic Communities (TCs)
TCs focus on the “resocialization” of the individual and use broad-based community programs as active components of treatment. TCs are particularly well suited to deal with criminal justice inmates, individuals with vocational deficits, women who need special protections from harsh social environments, vulnerable or neglected youth, and homeless individuals. In addition, some evidence suggests the utility of incorporating TCs for adolescents who have been in treatment for substance abuse and related problems.
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
ACT programs integrate the behavioral treatment of other severe mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, and co-occurring substance use disorders. ACT is differentiated from other forms of case management through factors such as a smaller caseload size, team management, outreach emphasis, a highly individualized approach, and an assertive approach to maintaining contact with patients.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is designed specifically to reduce self-harm behaviors (such as selfmutilation and suicidal attempts, thoughts, or urges) and drug abuse It is one of the few treatments that is effective for individuals who meet the criteria for borderline personality disorder.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a behavioral treatment for some anxiety disorders (phobias, PTSD) that involves repeated exposure to or confrontation with a feared situation, object, traumatic event, or memory. This exposure can be real, visualized, or simulated, and always is contained in a controlled therapeutic environment. The goal is to desensitize patients to the triggering stimuli and help them learn to cope, eventually reducing or even eliminating symptoms. Several studies suggest that exposure therapy may be helpful for individuals with comorbid PTSD and cocaine addiction, although retention in treatment is difficult.
Integrated Group Therapy (IGT)
IGT is a new treatment developed specifically for patients with bipolar disorder and drug addiction, designed to address both problems simultaneously.
AdolescentsMultisystemic Therapy (MST)
MST targets key factors (attitudes, family, peer pressure, school and neighborhood culture) associated with serious antisocial behavior in children and adolescents who abuse drugs.
Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT)
BSFT targets family interactions that are thought to maintain or exacerbate adolescent drug abuse and other cooccurring problem behaviors. These problem behaviors include conduct problems at home and at school, oppositional behavior, delinquency, associating with antisocial peers, aggressive and violent behavior, and risky sexual behaviors.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is designed to modify harmful beliefs and maladaptive behaviors. CBT is the most effective psychotherapy for children and adolescents with anxiety and mood disorders, and also shows strong efficacy for substance abusers. (CBT is also effective for adult populations suffering from drug use disorders and a range of other psychiatric problems.)
Yes, because addiction changes the brain in fundamental ways, disturbing a person’s normal hierarchy of needs and desires and substituting new priorities connected with procuring and using the drug. The resulting compulsive behaviors that override the ability to control impulses despite the consequences are similar to hallmarks of other mental illnesses.
Addiction changes the brain, disturbing the normal hierarchy of needs and desire In fact, the DSM, which is the definitive resource of diagnostic criteria for all mental disorders, includes criteria for drug use disorders, distinguishing between two types: drug abuse and drug dependence. Drug dependence is synonymous with addiction.
By comparison, the criteria for drug abuse hinge on the harmful consequences of repeated use but do not include the compulsive use, tolerance (i.e., needing higher doses to achieve the same effect), or withdrawal (i.e., symptoms that occur when use is stopped) that can be signs of addiction
How Common Are Comorbid Drug Use and Other Mental Disorders?
Many people who regularly abuse drugs are also diagnosed with mental disorders and vice versa. The high prevalence of this comorbidity has been documented in multiple national population surveys since the 1980s. Data show that persons diagnosed with mood or anxiety disorders are about twice as likely to suffer also from a drug use disorder (abuse or dependence) compared with respondents in general. The same is true for those diagnosed with an antisocial syndrome, such as antisocial personality or conduct disorder. Similarly, persons diagnosed with drug disorders are roughly twice as likely to suffer also from mood and anxiety disorders.
”Overlapping Conditions— Shared Vulnerability”).
Gender is also a factor in the specific patterns of observed comorbidities. For example, the overall rates of abuse and dependence for most drugs tend to be higher among males than females. Further, males are more likely to suffer from antisocial personality disorder, while women have higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders, all of which are risk factors for substance abuse.
Why Do Drug Use Disorders Often Co-Occur
With Other Mental Illnesses?
The high prevalence of comorbidity between drug use disorders and other mental illnesses does not mean that one caused the other, even if one appeared first. In fact, establishing causality or directionality is difficult for several reasons. Diagnosis of a mental disorder may not occur until symptoms have progressed to a specified level (per DSM); however, subclinical symptoms may also prompt drug use, and imperfect recollections of when drug use or abuse started can create confusion as to which came first. Still, three scenarios deserve consideration:
1. Drugs of abuse can cause abusers to experience one or more symptoms of another mental illness. The increased risk of psychosis in some marijuana abusers has been offered as evidence for this possibility.
2. Mental illnesses can lead to drug abuse. Individuals with overt, mild, or even subclinical mental disorders may abuse drugs as a form of selfmedication. For example, the use of tobacco products by patients with schizophrenia is believed to lessen the symptoms of the disease and improve cognition.
3. Both drug use disorders and other mental illnesses are caused by overlapping factors such as underlying brain deficits, genetic vulnerabilities, and/or early exposure to stress or trauma. All three scenarios probably contribute, in varying degrees, to how and whether specific comorbidities manifest themselves.
Common Factors Overlapping Genetic Vulnerabilities.
A particularly active area of comorbidity research involves the search for genes that might predispose individuals to develop both addiction and other mental illnesses, or to have a greater risk of a second disorder occurring after the first appears. It is estimated that 40–60 percent of an individual’s vulnerability to addiction is attributable to genetics; most of this vulnerability arises from complex interactions among multiple genes and from genetic interactions with environmental influences. In some instances, a gene product may act directly, as when a protein influences how a person responds to a drug (e.g., whether the drug experience is pleasurable or not) or how long a drug remains in the body. But genes can also act indirectly by altering how an individual responds to stress or by increasing the likelihood of risk-taking and novelty-seeking behaviors, which could influence the development of drug use disorders and other mental illnesses. Several regions of the human genome have been linked to increased risk of both drug use disorders and mental illness, including associations with greater vulnerability to adolescent drug dependence and conduct disorders.
Involvement of Similar Brain Regions.
Some areas of the brain are affected by both drug use disorders and other mental illnesses. For example, the circuits in the brain that use the neurotransmitter dopamine—a chemical that carries messages from one neuron to another—are typically affected by addictive substances and may also be involved in depression, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders.
Indeed, some antidepressants and essentially all antipsychotic medications directly target the regulation of dopamine in this system, whereas others may have indirect effects. Importantly, dopamine pathways have also been implicated in the way in which stress can increase vulnerability to drug addiction. Stress is also a known risk factor for a range of mental disorders and therefore provides one likely common neurobiological link between the disease processes of addiction and those of other mental disorders.
The overlap of brain areas involved in both drug use disorders and other mental illnesses suggests that brain changes stemming from one may affect the other. For example, drug abuse that precedes the first symptoms of a mental illness may produce changes in brain structure and function that kindle an underlying propensity to develop that mental illness. If the mental disorder develops first, associated changes in brain activity may increase the vulnerability to abusing substances by enhancing their positive effects, reducing awareness of their negative effects,or alleviating the unpleasant effects associated with the mental disorder or the medication used to treat it.
The Influence of Developmental Stage Adolescence—A Vulnerable Time.
Although drug abuse and addiction can happen at any time during a person’s life, drug usetypically starts in adolescence, a period when the first signs of mental illness commonly appear. It is therefore not surprising that comorbid disorders can already be seen among youth. Significant changes in the brain occur during adolescence, which may enhance vulnerability to drug use and the development of addiction and other mental disorders. Drugs of abuse affect brain circuits involved in learning and memory, reward, decision making, and behavioral control, all of which are still maturing into early adulthood. Thus, understanding the long-term impact of early drug exposure is a critical area of comorbidity research.
Early Occurrence Increases Later Risk. Strong evidence has emerged showing early drug use to be a risk factor for later substance abuse problems; additional findings suggest that it may also be a risk factor for the later occurrence of other mental illnesses. However, this link is not necessarily a simple one and may hinge upongenetic vulnerability, psychosocial experiences, and/or general environmental influences. A 2005 study highlights this complexity, the high rate of comorbidity between drug abuse and addiction and other mental disorders argues for a comprehensive approach to intervention that identifies and evaluates each disorder concurrently, providing treatment as needed with the finding that frequent marijuana use during adolescence can increase the risk of psychosis in adulthood, but only in individuals who carry a particular gene variant . It is also true that having a mental disorder in childhood or adolescence can increase the risk of later drug abuse problems, as frequently occurs with conduct disorder and untreated attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This presents a challenge when treating children with ADHD, since effective treatment often involves prescribing stimulant medications with abuse potential. This issue has generated strong interest from the research community, and although the results are not yet conclusive, most studies suggest that ADHD medications do not increase the risk of drug abuse among children with ADHD. Regardless of how comorbidity develops, it is common in youth as well as adults. Given the high prevalence of comorbid mental disorders and their likely adverse impact on substance abuse treatment outcomes, drug abuse programs for adolescents should include screening and, as needed, treatment for comorbid mental disorders.
How Can Comorbidity Be Diagnosed?
The high rate of comorbidity between drug use disorders and other mental illnesses argues for a comprehensive approach to intervention that identifies and evaluates each concurrently, providing treatment as needed. The needed approach calls for broad assessment tools that are less likely to result in a missed diagnosis. Accordingly, patients entering treatment for psychiatric illnesses should also be screened for substance use disorders and vice versa.
Accurate diagnosis is complicated, however, by the similarities between drug-related symptoms such as withdrawal and those of potentially comorbid mental disorders. Thus, when people who abuse drugs enter treatment, it may be necessary to observe them after a period of abstinence in order to distinguish between the effects of substance intoxication or withdrawal and the symptoms of comorbid mental disorders.
This practice would allow for a more accurate diagnosis and more targeted treatment.
How Should Comorbid Conditions Be Treated?
A fundamental principle emerging from scientific research is the need to treat comorbid conditions concurrently—which can be a difficult proposition. Patients who have both a drug use disorder and another mental illness often exhibit symptoms that are more persistent, severe, and resistant to treatment compared with patients who have either disorder alone. Nevertheless, steady progress is being made through research on new and existing treatment options for comorbidity and through health services research on implementation of appropriate screening and treatment within a variety of settings, including criminal justice systems.
Medications
Effective medications exist for treating opioid, alcohol, and nicotine addiction and for alleviating the symptoms of many other mental disorders, yet most have not been well studied in comorbid populations. Some medications may benefit multiple problems. For example, evidence suggests that bupropion (trade names: Wellbutrin, Zyban), approved for treating depression and nicotine dependence, might also help reduce craving and use of the drug methamphetamine. Clearly, more research is needed to fully understand and assess the actions of combined or dually effective medications.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral treatment (alone or in combination with medications) is the cornerstone to successful outcomes for many individuals with drug use disorders or other mental illnesses. And while behavior therapies continue to be evaluated for use in comorbid populations, several strategies have shown promise for treating specific comorbid conditions. Most clinicians and researchers agree that broad spectrum diagnosis and concurrent therapy will lead to more positive outcomes for patients with comorbid conditions. Preliminary findings support this notion, but research is needed to identify the most effective therapies (especially studies focused on adolescents)
Examples of Promising Behavioral Therapies for Patients with Comorbid Conditions AdultsTherapeutic Communities (TCs)
TCs focus on the “resocialization” of the individual and use broad-based community programs as active components of treatment. TCs are particularly well suited to deal with criminal justice inmates, individuals with vocational deficits, women who need special protections from harsh social environments, vulnerable or neglected youth, and homeless individuals. In addition, some evidence suggests the utility of incorporating TCs for adolescents who have been in treatment for substance abuse and related problems.
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
ACT programs integrate the behavioral treatment of other severe mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, and co-occurring substance use disorders. ACT is differentiated from other forms of case management through factors such as a smaller caseload size, team management, outreach emphasis, a highly individualized approach, and an assertive approach to maintaining contact with patients.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is designed specifically to reduce self-harm behaviors (such as selfmutilation and suicidal attempts, thoughts, or urges) and drug abuse It is one of the few treatments that is effective for individuals who meet the criteria for borderline personality disorder.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a behavioral treatment for some anxiety disorders (phobias, PTSD) that involves repeated exposure to or confrontation with a feared situation, object, traumatic event, or memory. This exposure can be real, visualized, or simulated, and always is contained in a controlled therapeutic environment. The goal is to desensitize patients to the triggering stimuli and help them learn to cope, eventually reducing or even eliminating symptoms. Several studies suggest that exposure therapy may be helpful for individuals with comorbid PTSD and cocaine addiction, although retention in treatment is difficult.
Integrated Group Therapy (IGT)
IGT is a new treatment developed specifically for patients with bipolar disorder and drug addiction, designed to address both problems simultaneously.
AdolescentsMultisystemic Therapy (MST)
MST targets key factors (attitudes, family, peer pressure, school and neighborhood culture) associated with serious antisocial behavior in children and adolescents who abuse drugs.
Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT)
BSFT targets family interactions that are thought to maintain or exacerbate adolescent drug abuse and other cooccurring problem behaviors. These problem behaviors include conduct problems at home and at school, oppositional behavior, delinquency, associating with antisocial peers, aggressive and violent behavior, and risky sexual behaviors.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is designed to modify harmful beliefs and maladaptive behaviors. CBT is the most effective psychotherapy for children and adolescents with anxiety and mood disorders, and also shows strong efficacy for substance abusers. (CBT is also effective for adult populations suffering from drug use disorders and a range of other psychiatric problems.)
How a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center Can Help Fight Addiction By Matt Brindisi
When someone is going through drug addiction as well as depression, it can be quite a convincing disaster if they don’t get the help that they need. They will deteriorate psychologically, physically, mentally and spiritually. Both depression and drug addiction has its own symptoms that get in the way of someone’s capability to efficiently function as normally as possible. The person not only is affected by both symptoms of the illnesses, but also each symptom interacts with the other causing the situation to appear worse than it already is. Due to the extent of the illness through its interaction, the person may have relapses after going through treatment at dual diagnosis treatment centers because of the challenges it brings. The illnesses might aggravate each other and because of that, it is more than likely that the person will experience relapse. There are occasions when the overlapping of these symptoms cause the diagnosis to be difficult because it is masked by the appearance of something else or the therapist did not know or see it coming. This is why a therapist has to have all the facts when the person enters the dual diagnosis treatment centers. Without the right information, the therapist is not able to administer the correct treatment plan and one of those addictions will go unnoticed or untreated. A doctor or well trained psychiatrist will be able to diagnose any mental problems that the addict may be having. It is significant that if you believe that a person that you are acquainted with has problems with drug or alcohol addiction and is also showing symptoms of mental illness, then the person needs to be appropriately assessed, reviewed and treated. To know the signs and symptoms to look for in someone who is abusing alcohol or drugs, you should enlist these features: • Sudden changes in their normal work pattern, low attendance in school, low grades, undisciplined, and disorganized • Angry outburst and bad temper tantrums • Isolation • Don’t want to take responsibility for actions • Bad hygiene and appearance • Change in personality and attitude • Influenced by friends and drug addicts • Borrowing cash • Stealing and lying The symptoms and signs of mental illness to look for in a friend or family member are: • Hallucination • Bipolar disorder • Anxiety • Depression • Eating disorders • Schizophrenia You should be aware that the signs of mental illness in a drug addict vary when it comes to a person who is suffering only from mental illness. Dual diagnosis treatment centers have proven that there are other issues that arise from having two types of addictions. The person will have problems with the family as well as personal problems in relationships. They will be socially withdrawn from the public. Financial issues will arise as well as employment problems. Behavior and attitude will change. Some people will end up being homeless and in need of medical services. Professionals at many dual diagnosis treatment centers have realized that most people end up in their situation because of various reasons that sometimes cannot be explained.
Classified Ads From Steps For Recovery
(This originally appeared in the Volume 17, Issue 2 edition of Steps For Recovery)
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Phone: 818-998-8972
PROBLEM SOLVING
HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM? For a serious answer send your problem and $10 to: Third Opinion, 8306 Wilshire Bl., #109, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
COUNSELING • GROUPS • SERVICES
(2)“VIP OUTPATIENT DRUG & ALCOHOL TREATMENT CENTER ” Located In San Fernando Valley“ Licensed and certified by the State of California , County of Los Angeles and Prop 36 Court approved. We offer services in 1 on 1 Treatment and group counseling. We accept private pay, Medi-Cal, Prop 36 and Most Private Insurance. We offer a free assessment and consultation; for more information call (818) 734-2761 Mon-Fri 9:00am–6:00pm. After hours and weekends call (818) 961-6155 and one of our counselors will be available to speak with you. “Sober Living Referrals Also Available”.
The Alcohol & Drug Counseling Studies program at InterCoast is designed to teach you all of the necessary skills to enter into a rewarding career as a substance abuse counselor
1.877.CAREERS WWW.INTERCOAST.EDU
COUNSELING AND CONSULTING SERVICES by Mary Cook, M.A., R.A.S., covering a wide variety of recovery issues. 33 years of experience. Office at 333 W. 6th St., Ste. 208, San Pedro, CA Phone: 310-517-0825 Website: WWW.MARYCOOKMA.COM Transcendent Life Coach
EXPERIENCE WELLNESS & ABUNDANCE IN SOBRIETY. Get the help the need, wherever you’re at. Therapist/Coach 20 yrs. experience. Certified & Insured. Master’s Degree. Call for free consultation: 310-623-2035 or email: craig_duro@yahoo.com.
RECEIVE FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT for meth, cocaine or alcohol addict ion. Our Los Angeles based non-prof - i t can give you access to innovat ive, effect ive care. Learn how to a p p l y a t www. e n d d e p e n d e n c e . o r g o r Ema i l : in f o@e n d d e p e n d e n c e . o r g .
FRIDAY NIGHTS @ CELEBRATE RECOVERY: 6PM FREE. The purpose of Celebrate Recovery (CR) is to fellowship & celebrate God’s healing power in our lives through Christ-centered 12 Steps. CR is for anyone with a hurt, habit or hang-up who wants the freedom the creates peace, serenity, joy and most importantly, a stronger personal relationship with God & others. Starts with dinner at 6PM. Childcare avail/48 hour notice. Burbank S e v e n t h - d a y A d v e n t i s t C h u r c h 710 S.GlenoaksBlvd. (818)848–7051. w w w . b u r b a n k C R . b l o g s p o t . c o m
PARENTING & ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES offered in Long Beach & Rosemead. Individual, Family, Group,, Couples Counseling. Court mandates accepted. Call Dr. Williams:(562) 290-7331.
RECOVERY GROUPS STARTING FOUNTAIN VALLEY Woman’s Co-Dependency Group Mon. 6:30–8:30 p.m.Men’s Sex Addiction Group Tues. 7–9 p.m. Low cost counseling available. ACA, Relationship issues. (714) 376-1341.
RIVER SOURCE 12 STEP HOLISTIC Affordable 30 day in house treatment for Addictions. Call (480) 827-0322 www.theriversource.org.
HELP WANTED
ACTIVE SOLUTIONS TREATMENT & RECOVERY CENTERS New adult out-patient program located in Encino seeking several staff positions. FT/PT. Higher Degree/Licensure encouraged. If in recovery, 3 years clean/sober preferred. Contact: M. Goldie @ activesolutionscenters@gmail.com
ALCOHOL & DRUG PROGRAM OC NEEDS COUNSELORS , O f f i c e S t a f f . H o u s e M a n a g e r s (male/female) and Drivers (Class B). Not on Parole or probation please. Contact Ellen (714) 547-2096 or email: J N e uma n n@c o r n e r s t o n e s o c a l . c om
DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT CENTER: in Laguna Beach is looking for Resident Aid and Medication Administrator for all shifts. Please call (949) 313-5245 if interested.
JOIN OUR OUTSTANDING TEAM OF FACULTY: If you are a CADC II and have the love and desire to teach others how to become wonderful caring substance abuse counselors, contact InterCoast today. We hve full-time and part-time positions. Weekend, evening, morning, and alternative shift schedules are now available. Email your resume to gbrown@intercoast.edu or call 818.727.1212
LIVE-IN MANAGER OPPORTUNITY for gorgeous, brand new, women’s sober living home in Venice, CA. 8 bed capacity. (310) 313-6448. www.nelrosehouse.com
SOBER LIVING
(1) AAA Independence COED SOBER LIVING 350 for 1st month or 110 week. second month top bunk is $400 or $110 wk, bottom bunk $450 all at once or by the week is $125 a week 5 bedrooms 4 1/2 Baths Computer, wifi, close to Metrolink, Buses, 5 AA meetings nearby on site manager call STEVEN D. @ 818-564-1186 add: www.stevenbiltz.com for pictures MOVE IN TODAY!
(3)”BEST PRICE IN TOWN MOVE IN SPECIAL” FREE ONE week of 1st month. $375 Moves you in! 2nd change sober living “One Man Helping Another” Locations: Canoga Park, North Hollywood , Van Nuys. Call: John (818) 590-0111.
12 STEP SOBER LIVING Beautiful home for women with Children for one year. Mothers have own room with children (2 max) Under 7 years of age. Family-style Living. Meetings every night. $450 contribution – call 310-390-0800
12 STEP SOBRIETY CENTRAL MEN’S SOBER LIVING One of the few “Quality” mellow homes. Centrally located in Van Nuys on busline. Premium cable, DSL & more! 550 monthly, 150 weekly. Call Joey 818-326-6499. www.sobrieitycentral- soberliving.net.
12 STEP SOBER LIVING FOR MEN SUNLAND Beautiful clean house, structured, includes everything except the bulk of your food. Near all, $125 wk. Call Lisa/Joel 818.445.9901
(19) LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTH BAY AREA: Progress House sober living environments: Accommodations ranging from semi-private to dormitory style. Flexible payment schedules are available. www.progresshouse.com or Call (310) 543-1212.
A SAFE PLACE: MENS LUXURY SOBER LIVING at an affordable price. Sherman Oaks, CA. Each room has private bathroom, full size beds and flat screen TV. Food included. Please see our ad on page 9. (818) 590-4886, www.ASafePlaceToLive.com.
A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: Luxurious Women’s sober living home located in beautiful Northridge. All amenities. 8 bedroom 6 bathroom, large back yard, swimming pool, BBQ, computer w/wireless internet throughout house, free local & long distance phone, large gourmet kitchen, big screen TV & pool table. We get involved with all 12 step functions as enjoying is part of our recovery. L i n d a ( 8 1 8 ) 7 2 0 - 7 0 7 5 . V i s i t o u r w e b s i t e www.ASt e p I n T h eRi g h tDi r e c t i o n . c om.
A MIRACLE TERRACE Upscale Sober Living for Men and Women: in the heart of Los Angeles. Shared and private rooms available. Call (323) 931-0848 or toll free (866) 908-6888. www.MiracleTerrace.com.
A WORK IN PROGRESS: Quality Sober living for Women. Great Neighborhood in Chatsworth. Comfortable Settings in a Home Environment. Call Now Get First Week FREE. Call Liz Sanchez (818) 633-1719.
ANGELS WAY SOBER LIVING FOR MEN & WOMEN : Centrally located near PCC College, Buses and the Metro in Pasadena, CA. We offer wireless internet, computer room w/printer, cable t.v., phone w/unlimted long distance, washer/dryer. Call (626)808-3488.
BASSET HOUSE: SOBER LIVING FOR MEN IN N.Hollywood. Laundry, Satellite TV, Central Air & more. Call Beverly (818)271-0809 -.$125.00 a week.
BALBOA HORIZONS ADDICTION RECOVERY SERVICES FOR WOMEN: Holistic Extended Care. with activities such as yoga, massage therapy, beach volleyball, biking and more. Our integrated social interventions include group therapy, individual therapies as well as a core 12 step approach to recovery. Treatment Center for Women who are serious about staying sober. (866) 316-4012, (949) 675-3406.
BIG BEAR “THE COTTAGES for men and the new “Temple House” for women is a sober living facility committed to providing a safe, clean and healthy sober environment for men and women in all phases of recovery from alcoholism and/or drug addiction. The beautiful housing is walking distance to lake, meetings and employment. We offer TV, internet, BBQ, free washer/dryer, horse shoes, weight lifting and all mountain outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, skiing and snowboarding. 350/month or 100/wk. www.sober.com/sites/thecottages.aspx. Call: Jim: 909-725-7540 or Ron: 562-537-0548
BIRD’S NEST SOBER LIVING: Homes in Van Nuys, Reseda & Canoga Park, Sober Living For Men, Approved by Courts, Probation & Parole Offices, 1-2-3 & 4 Man Rooms (some w/private baths), No bunk beds, No overcrowding, No Deposit Required, No Contracts to Sign, Free Phone & Laundry, Big Screen TV w/cable, Pool, Jacuzzi, B.B.Q.’s, $490 Per Month, $130 Per Week. (818) 993-5115 ask for Bird or Mike.
BONNIE’S HOUSE provides co-ed sober living at an affordable price, only $450 a month. A comfortable and safe environment located near shopping and transportation in the North Hills/GranadaHills area. Cable TV, air conditioning and much more. Joe B (818) 903-2484 or Call manager (818) 497-0970.
BURBANK MEN’S SOBER LIVING 2 MAN ROOMS. No deposit. Clean house/Nice neighborhood near Burbank Group. Laundry facilities, utilities and cable included. $150.00 weekly. Call today 818-445-9901.
BURBANK: THE VALLEY LODGE. Southern California’s oldest men’s Sober Living Home. Conveniently located in a safe neighborhood. Bed and Meals $125. per week. (818) 843-9270.
BYRAM HOUSE, Men’s Sober Independent Living Located in North Glendale. We accept Dually-Diagnosed Clients. Low Rates, Large Rooms, Close to Meetings, One Blk from shopping &major buses. Call: (818) 265-1262 - Leave message with best time to call.
CHANDLER LODGE A MEN’S CLEAN & SOBER LIVING Community since 1960. 11455 Chandler Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601. 818-766-4534 www.chandlerlodge.org.
COME HOME TO CROSSROADS: 12-Step Recovery Home Clean & Safe , Freshly Painted, Near all Major Transportation, Central Air/Heat, Brand new beds, Fresh new linens & pillows, Computer, Access, hd TV& DVD Begin your new life at Crossroads. Call Renato (818) 429-9467 or (818) 708-7565 Winnetka, California 91306.
COMMUNITY SOBER LIVING UPSCALE SAN FERNANDO Valley Resource and Referral Service Sober Family Housing. Co-Ed, Children & Couples Welcome, $500-900/Monthly. Heated Pool, Steam Room/Sauna Basketball & Tennis Courts, Semi-Private Rooms, Single Beds, Quality Fresh Meals, Wireless Hi-Speed Internet, State of the Art Computers, Free Long Distance, Cable in Every Room with All Movies, Court Appearances Included. Free Attorney Consultation, DCFS, All Courts, Prop 36. Parole Approved Musicians/Lawyers Assistance Funding Authorized. Probation, 12 Step AA/NA/CA Meetings On Site Fun Sober Act ivi t ies. Helpline (818) 893-4365. www.CommunitySoberLiving.org.
GLENDALE ADVENTIST ALCOHOL & DRUG SERVICES: provides acute and sub-acute detoxification, residential treatment and outpatient services for individuals with dependencies. Outpatient group therapy, multi-family therapy, couples counseling & codependency group. State licensed/certified & accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Call (818)242-3116. www. g l e n d a l e a d v e n t i s t . c om
H.O.W. HOUSE: A structured sober living home for men in a quiet residential Whittier neighborhood. Comfortable 2 man rooms. Close to public transportation and two shopping malls.$550 per month.www.howhouse.org. Call (562) 777-1222.
IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR RECOVERY SO ARE WE: Progress House management cares about your road in recovery. Flexible payment schedules are available. www.progresshouse.com or Call (310) 543-1212.
JOYFUL SOLUTION Coed structured sober living. Cottage style individual homes 4 people per house brand new beds two people per room. Complete kitchens. Cable ready. Wireless High-speed internet access. Laundry facilities, basic utilities included. Near transportation, and colleges and universities and AA meetings. Addiction Therapists referrals, meditation and 12 step meetings onsite. Onsite drug and alcohol testing. Substance abuse and relapse prevention. 24/7 staff available. Restaurants and shopping close by. Parking available. Must be serious and committed to your recovery. Nice area of Long Beach close to hospitals and substance Abuse treatment centers. $700.00 per month and up. Private rooms available, private houses available. Fees varied. Call manager at 562-500-5151.
LIVE IN A BEAUTIFUL STATE OF THE ART: Victorian stylehouse minutes from Downtown LA. 100% drug/alcohol free environment. Fees start at $425 a month and include a fully stocked kitchen, cable TV, laundry room, and basic utilities. Close to Metro/MTA. Phone/cable ready rooms. Computer lab,Wheelchair Accessible, Supportive services-24 hr staff, 12 step house meetings. Letters for court and probation officers, etc. provided. Call the number below and ask for the manager. Phone: (213) 383-8890, Fax: (213) 383-8808, Email:thathouse@peopleinprogress.org
MAGNOLIA PLACE SOBER LIVING: Safe and Structured Sober Living for Women, Beautiful & Serene. 12 Step Meetings, Meditation, Family Night, Peer & House Meetings, All Amenities, Wholesome & Nutritious Meals Included, Management on Premises, Qualified & Caring Staff, Random Alcohol/Drug Testing, Centrally Located, A/C, Satellite TV, Internet, Phone & Voice Mail, Laundry Facilities. $1650. per month. Call: Jamie A. Foley, CADC II (310) 903-3630, Los Angeles, CA. www.magnoliaplacesoberliving.com.
MEN’S SOBER LIVING: Progress House: Highgrove Facility, 2 men to a room. Torrance Hollywood Riviera area. Minutes to the beach. www.progresshouse.com or Call (310) 543-1212.
NELROSE HOUSE: Gorgeous brand-new sober living house just blocks away from Venice beach, 8 women capacity. Supportive staff on site daily. Contact Mary (310) 313-6448.
New Vistas Sober Living in Mar Vista. We are a co-ed,12 step based, structured sober living at an affordable $1000 per month for a luxurious home with semi private rooms. A newly remodeled kitchen, large flat screen TV, beautiful fenced in furnished deck with a separate patio and fireplace, Wi-fi access, washer and dryer. Our goal is to help residents heal physically emotionally and spiritually with in house 12 step AA weekly meetings, UA testing, and on site managers. Visit us on the web at www.newvistasoberling.com. Please contact us at 310-391-6100 or call Julia Gindi CCDC 310-801-8586
OXFORD HOUSE SOBER LIVING FOR MEN & WOMEN: Single or double occupancy, full kitchen, on site free laundry, phone, cable TV. Near stores, shopping, public transportation & 12-step meetings. Located in Private Pasadena neighborhood. Single occupancy $700, Double $650 per month. Call Daniel (626) 216- 0979.
PRIMARY PURPOSE SUBSTANCE-FREE LIVING: Separate men and women’s homes. Van Nuys, Valley Glen and new location for men in North Hollywood (Cri-Help neighborhood). Close to meetings and transportation (orange and red lines). Clean,cozy, and well maintained. Come visit us! (818) 612-1439 Website:www.primarypurposehomes.com.
RECOVERY ZONE (North Hills & Van Nuys) Quality SoberLiving For Men. Cable TV, online computers, gym, food, legalhelp and more. Call toll free 1-866-RU ZONED.
RUTH’S HOUSE SAFE SOBER ENVIRONMENT: Supportseight residents. House is clean and ready for move in with newbeds. Serious inquiries contact Lisa at (818) 317-8417 or Tamar(310) 936-8172.
SERENE CENTER LONG BEACH–TRANSITIONAL SOBERLIVING: 38 bed transitional sober living community for adultmales located 1/2 mile for the beach and 1 mile south of downtownLong Beach. A new facility with first class accommodationsand amenities including a gymnasium, learning center, computerlab, high-speed internet access, meditation garden, communitycenter and more. Only two men per shared bathroom. Soberliving is adjacent to outpatient counseling office.Facility is staffed24 hours a day. Must be referred by an addiction professional orsponsor. $700/month sober living, $1350/month transitional livingwith counseling. www.serenecenter.com. Telephone(866)973-7364.
S O B E R L I V I N G F O R M E N SATICOY House Near Burbank, North Hollywood, Studios andTransportation. Single and Multiple Rooms open, $500 to$650. Under New Management with Recovery in Mind – JOHNNY B., Substance Testing, HouseMeetings, Internet, HD TV, free phone, & laundry onsite. Sun Valley, California (818) 983-1830
SOBER LIVING FOR WOMEN BEDS AVAILABLE. $110/week.Provide own food. Vesper House, 6301 Cahuenga Blvd. NorthHollywood, CA. Call Charlotte at (818) 769-3057. Charlottea1956@yahoo.com
SOLUTIONS FOR WOMEN. Beautiful home in North Hills. Freecable, washer/dryer & phone (long distance). $600/month.Call Eddie Jones (818) 317-6947 – 8842 Woodley Ave, North Hills, CA 91343
THE HOPE HOUSE FOR WOMEN, a clean and sober live-infacility in Reseda since 1989, will help you build a 12 step supportsystem you can use your entire life. Call (818)-882-6923.
Vision House, Redondo Beach. NEW safe, clean women’s sober living near the beach. Large double & private rooms. Internet, Large yard, Laundry, near 12 Step Meetings, buses. 310.963.8186
WOMEN’S SOBER LIVING PROGRESS HOUSE: Lilly HouseFacility, female sober living. Very spacious with large bedroomsand baths. www.progresshouse.com or Call (310) 543-1212.
WOMEN FOR SOBRIETY CENTER INC: Is a centrally locatedSober Living House providing a safe & supportive environmentfor women and women with children at affordable prices. 12-steps of recovery, some single rooms available. Call us at (323)733-4481 or (323) 842-9966.
WOMEN’S RECOVERY HOME NIGHT MANAGER WANTED Women Only! Great opportunity to help women in their recovery and save money doing it. Live in night manager wanted to run Women’s Recovery Home in the San Fernando Valley. Must be on premises from 6pm to 6am m-f with weekends off. Position includes room and board and the ability to work a day time job. Must have 2+ yrs sober and willing to take addiction study classes if necessary. You will oversee and enforce program structure and house rules.email to: lindae@womensodyssey.org
Phone: 818-998-8972
PROBLEM SOLVING
HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM? For a serious answer send your problem and $10 to: Third Opinion, 8306 Wilshire Bl., #109, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
COUNSELING • GROUPS • SERVICES
(2)“VIP OUTPATIENT DRUG & ALCOHOL TREATMENT CENTER ” Located In San Fernando Valley“ Licensed and certified by the State of California , County of Los Angeles and Prop 36 Court approved. We offer services in 1 on 1 Treatment and group counseling. We accept private pay, Medi-Cal, Prop 36 and Most Private Insurance. We offer a free assessment and consultation; for more information call (818) 734-2761 Mon-Fri 9:00am–6:00pm. After hours and weekends call (818) 961-6155 and one of our counselors will be available to speak with you. “Sober Living Referrals Also Available”.
The Alcohol & Drug Counseling Studies program at InterCoast is designed to teach you all of the necessary skills to enter into a rewarding career as a substance abuse counselor
1.877.CAREERS WWW.INTERCOAST.EDU
COUNSELING AND CONSULTING SERVICES by Mary Cook, M.A., R.A.S., covering a wide variety of recovery issues. 33 years of experience. Office at 333 W. 6th St., Ste. 208, San Pedro, CA Phone: 310-517-0825 Website: WWW.MARYCOOKMA.COM Transcendent Life Coach
EXPERIENCE WELLNESS & ABUNDANCE IN SOBRIETY. Get the help the need, wherever you’re at. Therapist/Coach 20 yrs. experience. Certified & Insured. Master’s Degree. Call for free consultation: 310-623-2035 or email: craig_duro@yahoo.com.
RECEIVE FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT for meth, cocaine or alcohol addict ion. Our Los Angeles based non-prof - i t can give you access to innovat ive, effect ive care. Learn how to a p p l y a t www. e n d d e p e n d e n c e . o r g o r Ema i l : in f o@e n d d e p e n d e n c e . o r g .
FRIDAY NIGHTS @ CELEBRATE RECOVERY: 6PM FREE. The purpose of Celebrate Recovery (CR) is to fellowship & celebrate God’s healing power in our lives through Christ-centered 12 Steps. CR is for anyone with a hurt, habit or hang-up who wants the freedom the creates peace, serenity, joy and most importantly, a stronger personal relationship with God & others. Starts with dinner at 6PM. Childcare avail/48 hour notice. Burbank S e v e n t h - d a y A d v e n t i s t C h u r c h 710 S.GlenoaksBlvd. (818)848–7051. w w w . b u r b a n k C R . b l o g s p o t . c o m
PARENTING & ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES offered in Long Beach & Rosemead. Individual, Family, Group,, Couples Counseling. Court mandates accepted. Call Dr. Williams:(562) 290-7331.
RECOVERY GROUPS STARTING FOUNTAIN VALLEY Woman’s Co-Dependency Group Mon. 6:30–8:30 p.m.Men’s Sex Addiction Group Tues. 7–9 p.m. Low cost counseling available. ACA, Relationship issues. (714) 376-1341.
RIVER SOURCE 12 STEP HOLISTIC Affordable 30 day in house treatment for Addictions. Call (480) 827-0322 www.theriversource.org.
HELP WANTED
ACTIVE SOLUTIONS TREATMENT & RECOVERY CENTERS New adult out-patient program located in Encino seeking several staff positions. FT/PT. Higher Degree/Licensure encouraged. If in recovery, 3 years clean/sober preferred. Contact: M. Goldie @ activesolutionscenters@gmail.com
ALCOHOL & DRUG PROGRAM OC NEEDS COUNSELORS , O f f i c e S t a f f . H o u s e M a n a g e r s (male/female) and Drivers (Class B). Not on Parole or probation please. Contact Ellen (714) 547-2096 or email: J N e uma n n@c o r n e r s t o n e s o c a l . c om
DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT CENTER: in Laguna Beach is looking for Resident Aid and Medication Administrator for all shifts. Please call (949) 313-5245 if interested.
JOIN OUR OUTSTANDING TEAM OF FACULTY: If you are a CADC II and have the love and desire to teach others how to become wonderful caring substance abuse counselors, contact InterCoast today. We hve full-time and part-time positions. Weekend, evening, morning, and alternative shift schedules are now available. Email your resume to gbrown@intercoast.edu or call 818.727.1212
LIVE-IN MANAGER OPPORTUNITY for gorgeous, brand new, women’s sober living home in Venice, CA. 8 bed capacity. (310) 313-6448. www.nelrosehouse.com
SOBER LIVING
(1) AAA Independence COED SOBER LIVING 350 for 1st month or 110 week. second month top bunk is $400 or $110 wk, bottom bunk $450 all at once or by the week is $125 a week 5 bedrooms 4 1/2 Baths Computer, wifi, close to Metrolink, Buses, 5 AA meetings nearby on site manager call STEVEN D. @ 818-564-1186 add: www.stevenbiltz.com for pictures MOVE IN TODAY!
(3)”BEST PRICE IN TOWN MOVE IN SPECIAL” FREE ONE week of 1st month. $375 Moves you in! 2nd change sober living “One Man Helping Another” Locations: Canoga Park, North Hollywood , Van Nuys. Call: John (818) 590-0111.
12 STEP SOBER LIVING Beautiful home for women with Children for one year. Mothers have own room with children (2 max) Under 7 years of age. Family-style Living. Meetings every night. $450 contribution – call 310-390-0800
12 STEP SOBRIETY CENTRAL MEN’S SOBER LIVING One of the few “Quality” mellow homes. Centrally located in Van Nuys on busline. Premium cable, DSL & more! 550 monthly, 150 weekly. Call Joey 818-326-6499. www.sobrieitycentral- soberliving.net.
12 STEP SOBER LIVING FOR MEN SUNLAND Beautiful clean house, structured, includes everything except the bulk of your food. Near all, $125 wk. Call Lisa/Joel 818.445.9901
(19) LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTH BAY AREA: Progress House sober living environments: Accommodations ranging from semi-private to dormitory style. Flexible payment schedules are available. www.progresshouse.com or Call (310) 543-1212.
A SAFE PLACE: MENS LUXURY SOBER LIVING at an affordable price. Sherman Oaks, CA. Each room has private bathroom, full size beds and flat screen TV. Food included. Please see our ad on page 9. (818) 590-4886, www.ASafePlaceToLive.com.
A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: Luxurious Women’s sober living home located in beautiful Northridge. All amenities. 8 bedroom 6 bathroom, large back yard, swimming pool, BBQ, computer w/wireless internet throughout house, free local & long distance phone, large gourmet kitchen, big screen TV & pool table. We get involved with all 12 step functions as enjoying is part of our recovery. L i n d a ( 8 1 8 ) 7 2 0 - 7 0 7 5 . V i s i t o u r w e b s i t e www.ASt e p I n T h eRi g h tDi r e c t i o n . c om.
A MIRACLE TERRACE Upscale Sober Living for Men and Women: in the heart of Los Angeles. Shared and private rooms available. Call (323) 931-0848 or toll free (866) 908-6888. www.MiracleTerrace.com.
A WORK IN PROGRESS: Quality Sober living for Women. Great Neighborhood in Chatsworth. Comfortable Settings in a Home Environment. Call Now Get First Week FREE. Call Liz Sanchez (818) 633-1719.
ANGELS WAY SOBER LIVING FOR MEN & WOMEN : Centrally located near PCC College, Buses and the Metro in Pasadena, CA. We offer wireless internet, computer room w/printer, cable t.v., phone w/unlimted long distance, washer/dryer. Call (626)808-3488.
BASSET HOUSE: SOBER LIVING FOR MEN IN N.Hollywood. Laundry, Satellite TV, Central Air & more. Call Beverly (818)271-0809 -.$125.00 a week.
BALBOA HORIZONS ADDICTION RECOVERY SERVICES FOR WOMEN: Holistic Extended Care. with activities such as yoga, massage therapy, beach volleyball, biking and more. Our integrated social interventions include group therapy, individual therapies as well as a core 12 step approach to recovery. Treatment Center for Women who are serious about staying sober. (866) 316-4012, (949) 675-3406.
BIG BEAR “THE COTTAGES for men and the new “Temple House” for women is a sober living facility committed to providing a safe, clean and healthy sober environment for men and women in all phases of recovery from alcoholism and/or drug addiction. The beautiful housing is walking distance to lake, meetings and employment. We offer TV, internet, BBQ, free washer/dryer, horse shoes, weight lifting and all mountain outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, skiing and snowboarding. 350/month or 100/wk. www.sober.com/sites/thecottages.aspx. Call: Jim: 909-725-7540 or Ron: 562-537-0548
BIRD’S NEST SOBER LIVING: Homes in Van Nuys, Reseda & Canoga Park, Sober Living For Men, Approved by Courts, Probation & Parole Offices, 1-2-3 & 4 Man Rooms (some w/private baths), No bunk beds, No overcrowding, No Deposit Required, No Contracts to Sign, Free Phone & Laundry, Big Screen TV w/cable, Pool, Jacuzzi, B.B.Q.’s, $490 Per Month, $130 Per Week. (818) 993-5115 ask for Bird or Mike.
BONNIE’S HOUSE provides co-ed sober living at an affordable price, only $450 a month. A comfortable and safe environment located near shopping and transportation in the North Hills/GranadaHills area. Cable TV, air conditioning and much more. Joe B (818) 903-2484 or Call manager (818) 497-0970.
BURBANK MEN’S SOBER LIVING 2 MAN ROOMS. No deposit. Clean house/Nice neighborhood near Burbank Group. Laundry facilities, utilities and cable included. $150.00 weekly. Call today 818-445-9901.
BURBANK: THE VALLEY LODGE. Southern California’s oldest men’s Sober Living Home. Conveniently located in a safe neighborhood. Bed and Meals $125. per week. (818) 843-9270.
BYRAM HOUSE, Men’s Sober Independent Living Located in North Glendale. We accept Dually-Diagnosed Clients. Low Rates, Large Rooms, Close to Meetings, One Blk from shopping &major buses. Call: (818) 265-1262 - Leave message with best time to call.
CHANDLER LODGE A MEN’S CLEAN & SOBER LIVING Community since 1960. 11455 Chandler Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601. 818-766-4534 www.chandlerlodge.org.
COME HOME TO CROSSROADS: 12-Step Recovery Home Clean & Safe , Freshly Painted, Near all Major Transportation, Central Air/Heat, Brand new beds, Fresh new linens & pillows, Computer, Access, hd TV& DVD Begin your new life at Crossroads. Call Renato (818) 429-9467 or (818) 708-7565 Winnetka, California 91306.
COMMUNITY SOBER LIVING UPSCALE SAN FERNANDO Valley Resource and Referral Service Sober Family Housing. Co-Ed, Children & Couples Welcome, $500-900/Monthly. Heated Pool, Steam Room/Sauna Basketball & Tennis Courts, Semi-Private Rooms, Single Beds, Quality Fresh Meals, Wireless Hi-Speed Internet, State of the Art Computers, Free Long Distance, Cable in Every Room with All Movies, Court Appearances Included. Free Attorney Consultation, DCFS, All Courts, Prop 36. Parole Approved Musicians/Lawyers Assistance Funding Authorized. Probation, 12 Step AA/NA/CA Meetings On Site Fun Sober Act ivi t ies. Helpline (818) 893-4365. www.CommunitySoberLiving.org.
GLENDALE ADVENTIST ALCOHOL & DRUG SERVICES: provides acute and sub-acute detoxification, residential treatment and outpatient services for individuals with dependencies. Outpatient group therapy, multi-family therapy, couples counseling & codependency group. State licensed/certified & accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Call (818)242-3116. www. g l e n d a l e a d v e n t i s t . c om
H.O.W. HOUSE: A structured sober living home for men in a quiet residential Whittier neighborhood. Comfortable 2 man rooms. Close to public transportation and two shopping malls.$550 per month.www.howhouse.org. Call (562) 777-1222.
IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR RECOVERY SO ARE WE: Progress House management cares about your road in recovery. Flexible payment schedules are available. www.progresshouse.com or Call (310) 543-1212.
JOYFUL SOLUTION Coed structured sober living. Cottage style individual homes 4 people per house brand new beds two people per room. Complete kitchens. Cable ready. Wireless High-speed internet access. Laundry facilities, basic utilities included. Near transportation, and colleges and universities and AA meetings. Addiction Therapists referrals, meditation and 12 step meetings onsite. Onsite drug and alcohol testing. Substance abuse and relapse prevention. 24/7 staff available. Restaurants and shopping close by. Parking available. Must be serious and committed to your recovery. Nice area of Long Beach close to hospitals and substance Abuse treatment centers. $700.00 per month and up. Private rooms available, private houses available. Fees varied. Call manager at 562-500-5151.
LIVE IN A BEAUTIFUL STATE OF THE ART: Victorian stylehouse minutes from Downtown LA. 100% drug/alcohol free environment. Fees start at $425 a month and include a fully stocked kitchen, cable TV, laundry room, and basic utilities. Close to Metro/MTA. Phone/cable ready rooms. Computer lab,Wheelchair Accessible, Supportive services-24 hr staff, 12 step house meetings. Letters for court and probation officers, etc. provided. Call the number below and ask for the manager. Phone: (213) 383-8890, Fax: (213) 383-8808, Email:thathouse@peopleinprogress.org
MAGNOLIA PLACE SOBER LIVING: Safe and Structured Sober Living for Women, Beautiful & Serene. 12 Step Meetings, Meditation, Family Night, Peer & House Meetings, All Amenities, Wholesome & Nutritious Meals Included, Management on Premises, Qualified & Caring Staff, Random Alcohol/Drug Testing, Centrally Located, A/C, Satellite TV, Internet, Phone & Voice Mail, Laundry Facilities. $1650. per month. Call: Jamie A. Foley, CADC II (310) 903-3630, Los Angeles, CA. www.magnoliaplacesoberliving.com.
MEN’S SOBER LIVING: Progress House: Highgrove Facility, 2 men to a room. Torrance Hollywood Riviera area. Minutes to the beach. www.progresshouse.com or Call (310) 543-1212.
NELROSE HOUSE: Gorgeous brand-new sober living house just blocks away from Venice beach, 8 women capacity. Supportive staff on site daily. Contact Mary (310) 313-6448.
New Vistas Sober Living in Mar Vista. We are a co-ed,12 step based, structured sober living at an affordable $1000 per month for a luxurious home with semi private rooms. A newly remodeled kitchen, large flat screen TV, beautiful fenced in furnished deck with a separate patio and fireplace, Wi-fi access, washer and dryer. Our goal is to help residents heal physically emotionally and spiritually with in house 12 step AA weekly meetings, UA testing, and on site managers. Visit us on the web at www.newvistasoberling.com. Please contact us at 310-391-6100 or call Julia Gindi CCDC 310-801-8586
OXFORD HOUSE SOBER LIVING FOR MEN & WOMEN: Single or double occupancy, full kitchen, on site free laundry, phone, cable TV. Near stores, shopping, public transportation & 12-step meetings. Located in Private Pasadena neighborhood. Single occupancy $700, Double $650 per month. Call Daniel (626) 216- 0979.
PRIMARY PURPOSE SUBSTANCE-FREE LIVING: Separate men and women’s homes. Van Nuys, Valley Glen and new location for men in North Hollywood (Cri-Help neighborhood). Close to meetings and transportation (orange and red lines). Clean,cozy, and well maintained. Come visit us! (818) 612-1439 Website:www.primarypurposehomes.com.
RECOVERY ZONE (North Hills & Van Nuys) Quality SoberLiving For Men. Cable TV, online computers, gym, food, legalhelp and more. Call toll free 1-866-RU ZONED.
RUTH’S HOUSE SAFE SOBER ENVIRONMENT: Supportseight residents. House is clean and ready for move in with newbeds. Serious inquiries contact Lisa at (818) 317-8417 or Tamar(310) 936-8172.
SERENE CENTER LONG BEACH–TRANSITIONAL SOBERLIVING: 38 bed transitional sober living community for adultmales located 1/2 mile for the beach and 1 mile south of downtownLong Beach. A new facility with first class accommodationsand amenities including a gymnasium, learning center, computerlab, high-speed internet access, meditation garden, communitycenter and more. Only two men per shared bathroom. Soberliving is adjacent to outpatient counseling office.Facility is staffed24 hours a day. Must be referred by an addiction professional orsponsor. $700/month sober living, $1350/month transitional livingwith counseling. www.serenecenter.com. Telephone(866)973-7364.
S O B E R L I V I N G F O R M E N SATICOY House Near Burbank, North Hollywood, Studios andTransportation. Single and Multiple Rooms open, $500 to$650. Under New Management with Recovery in Mind – JOHNNY B., Substance Testing, HouseMeetings, Internet, HD TV, free phone, & laundry onsite. Sun Valley, California (818) 983-1830
SOBER LIVING FOR WOMEN BEDS AVAILABLE. $110/week.Provide own food. Vesper House, 6301 Cahuenga Blvd. NorthHollywood, CA. Call Charlotte at (818) 769-3057. Charlottea1956@yahoo.com
SOLUTIONS FOR WOMEN. Beautiful home in North Hills. Freecable, washer/dryer & phone (long distance). $600/month.Call Eddie Jones (818) 317-6947 – 8842 Woodley Ave, North Hills, CA 91343
THE HOPE HOUSE FOR WOMEN, a clean and sober live-infacility in Reseda since 1989, will help you build a 12 step supportsystem you can use your entire life. Call (818)-882-6923.
Vision House, Redondo Beach. NEW safe, clean women’s sober living near the beach. Large double & private rooms. Internet, Large yard, Laundry, near 12 Step Meetings, buses. 310.963.8186
WOMEN’S SOBER LIVING PROGRESS HOUSE: Lilly HouseFacility, female sober living. Very spacious with large bedroomsand baths. www.progresshouse.com or Call (310) 543-1212.
WOMEN FOR SOBRIETY CENTER INC: Is a centrally locatedSober Living House providing a safe & supportive environmentfor women and women with children at affordable prices. 12-steps of recovery, some single rooms available. Call us at (323)733-4481 or (323) 842-9966.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Love Buzz - When Love Fails
(This article originally appeared in the Feb 8th, 2011 edition of the Century City News)
By Anita De Francesco, MA
Relationship Specialist
So you’re looking for the love of your life and you want it to last forever! Now that you’re in this mess for the last year and you discover this relationship is going nowhere and nowhere soon for that matter. It is as if you exist for each other’s time here on earth. Wasting time as some may call it and others may call it growing in time. Well you know that is exactly what we are all doing but sometimes we like to carve out the differences and make each part of our life have meaning, a concern and purpose. Imagine we are all just zombies roaming the earth like a pack of animals and finding and identifying ourselves through the relationships we make.
So now you may have to end this relationship because it doesn’t meet your expectations. You are about to face pain, sorrow, regret, sadness and more. So what do you do now? End it and find someone else or take the time to understand your choices and patterns that you are webbed into. I have been in so many relationships and have grown and learned from every one of them. Some were just for fun and others had more meaning and others I wanted to keep forever. The number one thing to know before going into a relationship is that they do end. Love is a wandering willow, as easy as we get it that is how easy it can get lost. The idea with love is to keep it focused. To keep it focused you must be clear of your insecurities and go beyond all that to find the true meaning of yourself and then love will become more focused. Connecting with someone is to teach you about yourself so that when the right one comes along you are ready. I meet people who dated one or two people and got married and have no real social relationship or sex skills at all and need to be taught. With dating one should put a time on where, when and who you spend it with, because you don’t want to find yourself going past what your clock may be. In other words taking the time to choose the right person. Having the determination that you want to be with this partner then it could never fail. This takes commitment. Pain, sacrifices and disappointments are always going to be a part of love but we need to learn bravery of the heart.
Going a little deeper here with love and relationships; who says that they have to go anywhere. Enjoying each other for who you are and the time that you are given together is also a choice. It is now a time to let go of the expectations and enjoy the moments for what they are. Relationships teach us growth of the soul and spirit.
Love fails for many reasons but a big one is communication. Love dies because we haven’t yet learned how to replenish its source. It dies of blindness, illness and wounds. It fails because of weariness, struggle, and withering. Saying what you wanted to say but couldn’t and saying it from your full being rather than halfway. When you get into the relationship open your eyes and see if it is two or one sided. This is one of the first things to look for. Think about why and what attracted you to this person in the first place. If it was physical in nature then that is what you get and that is not a bad thing but rather an honest thing. But if you looked beyond the physical then there may be something there. You need to establish this territory and you need to be patient. Being patient can mean not rushing into the bedroom, taking the moments and breathing and spacing each other’s interactions. Relationships should involve looking after the interactions of each other about caring and sharing and about affection. There is a certain amount of satisfaction and gratification that go with all this. If you want to sustain and hold onto the relationship here are some tips:
• Take a relationship inventory every 4 weeks. This means assess what you have done and where you think it is going. Make a list of all the good and bad things you like so far.
• Imagine for a moment where you would be if you and this partner lasted and would you like that place. Now be honest with yourself here.
• Every 3 weeks take out the time with your partner for a night of communication about each other. Discuss things and find out where each other is.
• Notice any red flags. Even if you don’t want to see them then write them down on a piece of paper and put them in a drawer for later. Just writing them will help your emotions to acknowledge this later.
• Before going in know what it is that you want, and know how much time you have for this investment.
• Take dating steps and structure and strategize every relationship. There are the sex ones, the casual ones and then the ones to bring home to mom. But mostly honor and love each and every one of them for what they bring you today even if it is the booty call. The honoring and respecting everyone will bring you integrity and pureness and true love. Honor your sluts.
• Understand the misleading moments and arguing. Have the confidence to hail the moment.
• Carve out the time to learn your partner. Pick the date nights that are for fun and sex and then pick those other nights that are for learning more about each other’s mind and then when you get home make some written notes about what you learned
• Another cool thing to do is to share a journal together. For example when you go places you each write a page about how the evening went and you close the book and don’t read it until later. One of you will have to take the responsibility of holding and bringing the journal out on the meeting times. This writing together can teach you so much about yourself.
Isn’t that what it’s all about; the learning of the self. So then how could love fail, it could only get better.
Do you feel stuck and in a rut, depressed or anxious or overall sluggish? I practice Reichian, Gestalt, somatic movement, and counseling/bodywork integrative therapies which involves focused breathing to help stimulate the emotions thus re-patterning the nervous system. I help you to focus on the negative voices and thoughts that create the stress and to resolve those unwanted interruptions that get in the way of your life process. Those stiff armored muscles that block sensation and energy flow will eventually soften.
The rage sitting in the muscles will unfold allowing more feelings of pleasure, more creativeness, freeing blocked energies and sexual dysfunction. Modern society has forced the human character to live in unnatural ways holding back basic needs and instincts. This process of breathing deeply sends messages to the brain which is an effective way to release anger, to let go of baggage, and to feel more alive and trusting thus living in a higher self esteem.
Anita De Francesco, M.A.
www.tantrawisdom.com
info@tantrawisdom.com
310-210-1464
By Anita De Francesco, MA
Relationship Specialist
So you’re looking for the love of your life and you want it to last forever! Now that you’re in this mess for the last year and you discover this relationship is going nowhere and nowhere soon for that matter. It is as if you exist for each other’s time here on earth. Wasting time as some may call it and others may call it growing in time. Well you know that is exactly what we are all doing but sometimes we like to carve out the differences and make each part of our life have meaning, a concern and purpose. Imagine we are all just zombies roaming the earth like a pack of animals and finding and identifying ourselves through the relationships we make.
So now you may have to end this relationship because it doesn’t meet your expectations. You are about to face pain, sorrow, regret, sadness and more. So what do you do now? End it and find someone else or take the time to understand your choices and patterns that you are webbed into. I have been in so many relationships and have grown and learned from every one of them. Some were just for fun and others had more meaning and others I wanted to keep forever. The number one thing to know before going into a relationship is that they do end. Love is a wandering willow, as easy as we get it that is how easy it can get lost. The idea with love is to keep it focused. To keep it focused you must be clear of your insecurities and go beyond all that to find the true meaning of yourself and then love will become more focused. Connecting with someone is to teach you about yourself so that when the right one comes along you are ready. I meet people who dated one or two people and got married and have no real social relationship or sex skills at all and need to be taught. With dating one should put a time on where, when and who you spend it with, because you don’t want to find yourself going past what your clock may be. In other words taking the time to choose the right person. Having the determination that you want to be with this partner then it could never fail. This takes commitment. Pain, sacrifices and disappointments are always going to be a part of love but we need to learn bravery of the heart.
Going a little deeper here with love and relationships; who says that they have to go anywhere. Enjoying each other for who you are and the time that you are given together is also a choice. It is now a time to let go of the expectations and enjoy the moments for what they are. Relationships teach us growth of the soul and spirit.
Love fails for many reasons but a big one is communication. Love dies because we haven’t yet learned how to replenish its source. It dies of blindness, illness and wounds. It fails because of weariness, struggle, and withering. Saying what you wanted to say but couldn’t and saying it from your full being rather than halfway. When you get into the relationship open your eyes and see if it is two or one sided. This is one of the first things to look for. Think about why and what attracted you to this person in the first place. If it was physical in nature then that is what you get and that is not a bad thing but rather an honest thing. But if you looked beyond the physical then there may be something there. You need to establish this territory and you need to be patient. Being patient can mean not rushing into the bedroom, taking the moments and breathing and spacing each other’s interactions. Relationships should involve looking after the interactions of each other about caring and sharing and about affection. There is a certain amount of satisfaction and gratification that go with all this. If you want to sustain and hold onto the relationship here are some tips:
• Take a relationship inventory every 4 weeks. This means assess what you have done and where you think it is going. Make a list of all the good and bad things you like so far.
• Imagine for a moment where you would be if you and this partner lasted and would you like that place. Now be honest with yourself here.
• Every 3 weeks take out the time with your partner for a night of communication about each other. Discuss things and find out where each other is.
• Notice any red flags. Even if you don’t want to see them then write them down on a piece of paper and put them in a drawer for later. Just writing them will help your emotions to acknowledge this later.
• Before going in know what it is that you want, and know how much time you have for this investment.
• Take dating steps and structure and strategize every relationship. There are the sex ones, the casual ones and then the ones to bring home to mom. But mostly honor and love each and every one of them for what they bring you today even if it is the booty call. The honoring and respecting everyone will bring you integrity and pureness and true love. Honor your sluts.
• Understand the misleading moments and arguing. Have the confidence to hail the moment.
• Carve out the time to learn your partner. Pick the date nights that are for fun and sex and then pick those other nights that are for learning more about each other’s mind and then when you get home make some written notes about what you learned
• Another cool thing to do is to share a journal together. For example when you go places you each write a page about how the evening went and you close the book and don’t read it until later. One of you will have to take the responsibility of holding and bringing the journal out on the meeting times. This writing together can teach you so much about yourself.
Isn’t that what it’s all about; the learning of the self. So then how could love fail, it could only get better.
Do you feel stuck and in a rut, depressed or anxious or overall sluggish? I practice Reichian, Gestalt, somatic movement, and counseling/bodywork integrative therapies which involves focused breathing to help stimulate the emotions thus re-patterning the nervous system. I help you to focus on the negative voices and thoughts that create the stress and to resolve those unwanted interruptions that get in the way of your life process. Those stiff armored muscles that block sensation and energy flow will eventually soften.
The rage sitting in the muscles will unfold allowing more feelings of pleasure, more creativeness, freeing blocked energies and sexual dysfunction. Modern society has forced the human character to live in unnatural ways holding back basic needs and instincts. This process of breathing deeply sends messages to the brain which is an effective way to release anger, to let go of baggage, and to feel more alive and trusting thus living in a higher self esteem.
Anita De Francesco, M.A.
www.tantrawisdom.com
info@tantrawisdom.com
310-210-1464
Century City Real Estate - Opportunities In 2011
(This article originally appeared in the Feb 8th, 2011 edition of the Century City News)
According to the recent recap of the 2010 California housing market by the California Association of Realtors (“C.A.R.”) , the year ahead should bring stability and opportunities. The C.A.R. report looked at median price, unsold inventory and sales as prognosticators for the market.
The analysis found that the 21% gain in median price above the February 2009 trough could be a good indication of the beginning of stability in the housing market. The C.A.R expects annual sales and median price in California to rise by 2% this year.
The report explains that the “unsold inventory index” is a good indicator of home prices. When the amount of housing inventory is below a 7 month supply, it usually leads to price appreciation. The November unsold inventory index was 6.2 months. This reflects the amount of time it would take to sell the entire current housing inventory. This number is 13% below the long-run average of 7.1 months and 63% below the recent January 2008 peak of 16.6 months.
It is a positive sign that the unsold inventory index has stayed at a healthy range throughout 2010 between 4.6 and 6.6 months. This is another indication
of the beginning of stability.
Further, sales are also doing fairly well taking historical data into consideration. Year over year sales declined almost 10% but the seasonally adjusted sales in November of last year were up 93% from the trough 3 years ago. This is 19% above the long run annual average over the last 39 years.
In addition, the percentage of distressed sales as compared to total sales declined to 41% from 46% in 2009. Although there is still a heavy volume of distressed properties, the decline supports the forecast that the housing market is heading up.
The California Association of Realtors’ outlook is consistent with the report by the UCLA Anderson School of Business which sees 2011 as a transition year of stabilization. However, there are still uncertainties in the market including shadow inventory which could impact the length of time it takes for sellers to sell their properties.
With so many instances of inflation recently from the price of gas to coffee to hamburgers (the price of the BK Whopper Junior has risen from $1 to $1.49 over the past year or so), when will housing show the same inflation? Now may be a good time to review your options.
With interest rates still at historically low rates, there are opportunities for investors, owner-users and international buyers.
To find short pays and foreclosures in your area or for a free consultation to assess your real estate options, contact Bess at 310.291.4111. Bess Hochman is a Real Estate Broker & top producer for more than 15 years. Bess is also distinguished by holding a law degree. Her high-end clientele include celebrities, attorneys, and other professionals that understand the value of a real estate broker with legal expertise and experience. A native of Beverly Hills, Bess credits her success to repeat referrals by her satisfied clients
Bess won’t let you guess. E-mail: Bess.CenturyCitynews@yahoo.com. Bess may be reached at 310.291.4111.
* The sources of information may or may not have been based on information from the combined A/Westside Multiple Listing Service as of 2-04-11. Some listings may not be available as of publication.
c. 2011 Bess Hochman
---------------------------
“Bess is a master negotiator!” says Michael Donaldson, attorney & author of Negotiating For Dummies
Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.
According to the recent recap of the 2010 California housing market by the California Association of Realtors (“C.A.R.”) , the year ahead should bring stability and opportunities. The C.A.R. report looked at median price, unsold inventory and sales as prognosticators for the market.
The analysis found that the 21% gain in median price above the February 2009 trough could be a good indication of the beginning of stability in the housing market. The C.A.R expects annual sales and median price in California to rise by 2% this year.
The report explains that the “unsold inventory index” is a good indicator of home prices. When the amount of housing inventory is below a 7 month supply, it usually leads to price appreciation. The November unsold inventory index was 6.2 months. This reflects the amount of time it would take to sell the entire current housing inventory. This number is 13% below the long-run average of 7.1 months and 63% below the recent January 2008 peak of 16.6 months.
It is a positive sign that the unsold inventory index has stayed at a healthy range throughout 2010 between 4.6 and 6.6 months. This is another indication
of the beginning of stability.
Further, sales are also doing fairly well taking historical data into consideration. Year over year sales declined almost 10% but the seasonally adjusted sales in November of last year were up 93% from the trough 3 years ago. This is 19% above the long run annual average over the last 39 years.
In addition, the percentage of distressed sales as compared to total sales declined to 41% from 46% in 2009. Although there is still a heavy volume of distressed properties, the decline supports the forecast that the housing market is heading up.
The California Association of Realtors’ outlook is consistent with the report by the UCLA Anderson School of Business which sees 2011 as a transition year of stabilization. However, there are still uncertainties in the market including shadow inventory which could impact the length of time it takes for sellers to sell their properties.
With so many instances of inflation recently from the price of gas to coffee to hamburgers (the price of the BK Whopper Junior has risen from $1 to $1.49 over the past year or so), when will housing show the same inflation? Now may be a good time to review your options.
With interest rates still at historically low rates, there are opportunities for investors, owner-users and international buyers.
To find short pays and foreclosures in your area or for a free consultation to assess your real estate options, contact Bess at 310.291.4111. Bess Hochman is a Real Estate Broker & top producer for more than 15 years. Bess is also distinguished by holding a law degree. Her high-end clientele include celebrities, attorneys, and other professionals that understand the value of a real estate broker with legal expertise and experience. A native of Beverly Hills, Bess credits her success to repeat referrals by her satisfied clients
Bess won’t let you guess. E-mail: Bess.CenturyCitynews@yahoo.com. Bess may be reached at 310.291.4111.
* The sources of information may or may not have been based on information from the combined A/Westside Multiple Listing Service as of 2-04-11. Some listings may not be available as of publication.
c. 2011 Bess Hochman
---------------------------
“Bess is a master negotiator!” says Michael Donaldson, attorney & author of Negotiating For Dummies
Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.
Google Local Tips
Local search is essential to small businesses – especially professional services like Attorneys. When someone searches for a lawyer on Google, trends show that they are looking more for a lawyer in their city or metro area rather than search State-Wide. When Google changed their map algorithm to Google Places, it focused specifically on Local Search & enabled businesses to communicate with customers as well as supplement their Google profile information to include hours of operation, photos, videos, coupons and product offerings. We assume Google is serving maps more than 1 billion times a month.
How do you take advantage of Google Local? First of all - List your business in Google Places. Despite being free, I am always surprised & shocked at 1) SEO Companies who are NOT optimizing for Google Places & 2) SEO Companies that charge to optimize for Google Places. Optimizing for local should be a staple of good SEO. If you’re not on Page 1 locally, your SEO company is not doing an efficient job of SEO.
If you’re doing it yourself, Google provides a number of training videos to explore the features, including tools like tracking of actions (meaning how many times users showed interest in your business listing). It also shows information on maps, driving directions or direct clicks, as well as impressions (how many times users saw your business listing as a local search result). Ratings and references are important too, but we’ll get to that later in the article.
While Google Places is important, don’t forget to register at:
* http://local.yahoo.com/
* http://www.bing.com/local/
Next step - Verify Your Business: If you’re not sure if you’re in the maps or not - simply search for your firm name. Just to be sure, include the city or county you are supposed to be listed in.
If you are not listed, have your SEO Company or you fix it. For example, if you’re a tax attorney in Beverly Hills, search for “tax attorney Beverly Hills.” Here, the top local results show (just below Google’s paid search results) as well as a local map on the right, hovering over more paid listings.
If you see your local result, make sure it has been verified or not. If an arrow points to “Business owner,” it means it needs verification. If you don’t see your local listing, create your own.
Google pulls the data on this result (address, phone number) from some of the larger business aggregators like infoUSA or AVVO for lawyers, and attempts to match it up correctly. However, that data could be wrong. If that’s the case, it is important for you to take corrective measures. When you verify your business information in local search results, it helps insure that the information others see is correct. Again, you’d be surprised how many lawyers or other business owners don’t even do this.
Select your categories: When registering, make sure to assign your business to the listed categories that best describe it. You can add up to five categories, and if you’re a lawyer, I would take advantage of the most accurate categories. Again, I am amazed at how many Divorce Lawyers show up in the maps of Injury Lawyers. The more accurate you are, the better for your overall SEO, not just Local SEO.
Add as much information as possible, including hours, payment types, e-mail address, phone number, URL/web address, photos, videos and coupons. Fill out each field, if appropriate.
When you’re done, make videos, upload them to YouTube and link them back into your local profile on Google Places. Screen cam your PowerPoint presentations. You can include up to 10 pictures and five videos.
Get listed in Other Local Directories: Google Places is important, but so are other local business directories like Yelp and Merchant Circle. Here is a list that any good SEO Company should put you in. Again, make sure that all your information is correct, and keep the same formatting across all locations.
* Better Business Bureau
* Brownbook.net
* Citysearch.com
* judysbook.com
* Kudzu.com
* Best of the Web
* local.com
* MerchantCircle.com
* yelp.com
Get Reviews: Don’t be afraid to ask clients for reviews. Offer some kind of incentive for engagement and visits to your website or to do a review for you. Add a friendly reminder with your office invoice mailings or email newsletters asking your customers to review you and their experience. Ask for your clients to do reviews on all of the above local directories, not just Google Places.
One Important Tip: Don’t go crazy & ask all your friends to review you at once. It will put up a red flag in Google’s eyes & it will actually hurt your rankings. (See below).
Top NEGATIVE Factors to HURT your local listing at Google: There’s someone that tries to work the system & push things (I’m sure you get calls from those folks every day saying “I can get you on Page 1 of Google”). However, this latest Algorithm change proved that all the people that were manipulating & ‘spamming’ the maps before are now gone! Still, I feel it’s important to tell you what NOT to do when setting up your Google Map Listing, and what things will affect your rankings in a negative way.
Top Negative Factors
1. Negative Ratings
2. Location Keywords in Categories
3. (800) Phone Number on Website w/o Local Area Code
4. (800) As Primary Place Page Number
5. Multiple Locations on Places Landing Page
6. Multiple Place Pages w/Same Business Title
7. PO Box on Website w/o Physical Address
8. Multiple Place Pages w/Same Address
9. Hiding Address on Your Place Page
10. Multiple Place Pages w/Same Phone Number (Most Harmful)
Dave Hendricks of the Attorney Marketing Network helps firms get new clients by improving their internet presence and drive measurable leads to their business. He presents a regular Attorney Marketing / Attorney Networking Seminar locally at The Law Offices of Magana Cathcart & McCarthy. Google Adwords Certified, Dave is an Internet Marketing Consultant and has over 16 years of sales and Internet experience in the technology space (9 years within the legal market). Each month, there are literally thousands of people searching for a local attorney in all the major practice areas. Dave helps firms take advantage of that search and be found on Google, Yahoo, and Bing, using successful website design, Search Engine Optimization, Google Local, and Pay-Per-Click techniques.
Dave’s next luncheon seminar is Tuesday, February 22th at 12:00 at the Law Offices of Magana Cathcart McCarthy -- 1801 Avenue of the Stars #600, Century City.
Lunch is included, and you will receive a complimentary evaluation of your website by attending. Space is limited, so save your spot by contacting Dave directly at 818-618-2227, via email at dave@AttorneyMarketingNetwork.com , or by visiting www.attorneymarketingwebsites.com to sign up online.
Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.
How do you take advantage of Google Local? First of all - List your business in Google Places. Despite being free, I am always surprised & shocked at 1) SEO Companies who are NOT optimizing for Google Places & 2) SEO Companies that charge to optimize for Google Places. Optimizing for local should be a staple of good SEO. If you’re not on Page 1 locally, your SEO company is not doing an efficient job of SEO.
If you’re doing it yourself, Google provides a number of training videos to explore the features, including tools like tracking of actions (meaning how many times users showed interest in your business listing). It also shows information on maps, driving directions or direct clicks, as well as impressions (how many times users saw your business listing as a local search result). Ratings and references are important too, but we’ll get to that later in the article.
While Google Places is important, don’t forget to register at:
* http://local.yahoo.com/
* http://www.bing.com/local/
Next step - Verify Your Business: If you’re not sure if you’re in the maps or not - simply search for your firm name. Just to be sure, include the city or county you are supposed to be listed in.
If you are not listed, have your SEO Company or you fix it. For example, if you’re a tax attorney in Beverly Hills, search for “tax attorney Beverly Hills.” Here, the top local results show (just below Google’s paid search results) as well as a local map on the right, hovering over more paid listings.
If you see your local result, make sure it has been verified or not. If an arrow points to “Business owner,” it means it needs verification. If you don’t see your local listing, create your own.
Google pulls the data on this result (address, phone number) from some of the larger business aggregators like infoUSA or AVVO for lawyers, and attempts to match it up correctly. However, that data could be wrong. If that’s the case, it is important for you to take corrective measures. When you verify your business information in local search results, it helps insure that the information others see is correct. Again, you’d be surprised how many lawyers or other business owners don’t even do this.
Select your categories: When registering, make sure to assign your business to the listed categories that best describe it. You can add up to five categories, and if you’re a lawyer, I would take advantage of the most accurate categories. Again, I am amazed at how many Divorce Lawyers show up in the maps of Injury Lawyers. The more accurate you are, the better for your overall SEO, not just Local SEO.
Add as much information as possible, including hours, payment types, e-mail address, phone number, URL/web address, photos, videos and coupons. Fill out each field, if appropriate.
When you’re done, make videos, upload them to YouTube and link them back into your local profile on Google Places. Screen cam your PowerPoint presentations. You can include up to 10 pictures and five videos.
Get listed in Other Local Directories: Google Places is important, but so are other local business directories like Yelp and Merchant Circle. Here is a list that any good SEO Company should put you in. Again, make sure that all your information is correct, and keep the same formatting across all locations.
* Better Business Bureau
* Brownbook.net
* Citysearch.com
* judysbook.com
* Kudzu.com
* Best of the Web
* local.com
* MerchantCircle.com
* yelp.com
Get Reviews: Don’t be afraid to ask clients for reviews. Offer some kind of incentive for engagement and visits to your website or to do a review for you. Add a friendly reminder with your office invoice mailings or email newsletters asking your customers to review you and their experience. Ask for your clients to do reviews on all of the above local directories, not just Google Places.
One Important Tip: Don’t go crazy & ask all your friends to review you at once. It will put up a red flag in Google’s eyes & it will actually hurt your rankings. (See below).
Top NEGATIVE Factors to HURT your local listing at Google: There’s someone that tries to work the system & push things (I’m sure you get calls from those folks every day saying “I can get you on Page 1 of Google”). However, this latest Algorithm change proved that all the people that were manipulating & ‘spamming’ the maps before are now gone! Still, I feel it’s important to tell you what NOT to do when setting up your Google Map Listing, and what things will affect your rankings in a negative way.
Top Negative Factors
1. Negative Ratings
2. Location Keywords in Categories
3. (800) Phone Number on Website w/o Local Area Code
4. (800) As Primary Place Page Number
5. Multiple Locations on Places Landing Page
6. Multiple Place Pages w/Same Business Title
7. PO Box on Website w/o Physical Address
8. Multiple Place Pages w/Same Address
9. Hiding Address on Your Place Page
10. Multiple Place Pages w/Same Phone Number (Most Harmful)
Dave Hendricks of the Attorney Marketing Network helps firms get new clients by improving their internet presence and drive measurable leads to their business. He presents a regular Attorney Marketing / Attorney Networking Seminar locally at The Law Offices of Magana Cathcart & McCarthy. Google Adwords Certified, Dave is an Internet Marketing Consultant and has over 16 years of sales and Internet experience in the technology space (9 years within the legal market). Each month, there are literally thousands of people searching for a local attorney in all the major practice areas. Dave helps firms take advantage of that search and be found on Google, Yahoo, and Bing, using successful website design, Search Engine Optimization, Google Local, and Pay-Per-Click techniques.
Dave’s next luncheon seminar is Tuesday, February 22th at 12:00 at the Law Offices of Magana Cathcart McCarthy -- 1801 Avenue of the Stars #600, Century City.
Lunch is included, and you will receive a complimentary evaluation of your website by attending. Space is limited, so save your spot by contacting Dave directly at 818-618-2227, via email at dave@AttorneyMarketingNetwork.com , or by visiting www.attorneymarketingwebsites.com to sign up online.
Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.
CENTURY CITY BAR ASSOCIATION NAMES 2011 LAWYERS OF THE YEAR
(This article originally appeared in the Feb 8th, 2011 print edition of the Century City News)
Century City, CA – The Century City Bar Association has named its 2011 “Lawyers of the Year” in five different practice areas. Awards will be given at the CCBA’s 43rd Annual Installation Banquet and Awards Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on March 1, 2011.
The honorees are:
Trust & Estates Lawyer of the Year - Leah M. Bishop, Loeb & Loeb LLP
Litigator of the Year - Carla Christofferson, O’Melveny & Myers LLP
Entertainment Lawyer of the Year - Carole E. Handler, Lathrop & Gage LLP
Intellectual Property Lawyer of the Year - James D. Nguyen, Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP
Bankruptcy Lawyer of the Year - Thomas E. Patterson, Klee, Tuchin, Bogdanoff & Stern LLP
Louis R. Dienes, President of the Century City Bar Association, expressed his enthusiasm for this year's slate of honorees, saying: “They have distinguished themselves not only as being among the most accomplished lawyers in their respective fields of expertise, but as leaders in Southern California's law and business community as well.”
Jane Shay Wald, President-Elect of the Century City Bar Association, adds: "Century City is home to some of the most sophisticated and respected attorneys in the fields of entertainment, intellectual property, high-stakes litigation, trusts & estates, and bankruptcy. This year's honorees have set examples not only for legal excellence, but for dedication to the legal community as a whole."
For more information, visit www.centurycitybar.com or contact Orit Arfa at (310) 415-2349 or orit@centurycitybar.com
About the Century City Bar Association
With more than 4,000 lawyers in Century City, the CCBA’s mission is to provide top-quality legal programming, enhance and promote the sense of community among Century City lawyers, honor Century City attorneys who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments, and provide leadership opportunities to lawyers who participate in the CCBA.
Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.
Century City, CA – The Century City Bar Association has named its 2011 “Lawyers of the Year” in five different practice areas. Awards will be given at the CCBA’s 43rd Annual Installation Banquet and Awards Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on March 1, 2011.
The honorees are:
Trust & Estates Lawyer of the Year - Leah M. Bishop, Loeb & Loeb LLP
Litigator of the Year - Carla Christofferson, O’Melveny & Myers LLP
Entertainment Lawyer of the Year - Carole E. Handler, Lathrop & Gage LLP
Intellectual Property Lawyer of the Year - James D. Nguyen, Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP
Bankruptcy Lawyer of the Year - Thomas E. Patterson, Klee, Tuchin, Bogdanoff & Stern LLP
Louis R. Dienes, President of the Century City Bar Association, expressed his enthusiasm for this year's slate of honorees, saying: “They have distinguished themselves not only as being among the most accomplished lawyers in their respective fields of expertise, but as leaders in Southern California's law and business community as well.”
Jane Shay Wald, President-Elect of the Century City Bar Association, adds: "Century City is home to some of the most sophisticated and respected attorneys in the fields of entertainment, intellectual property, high-stakes litigation, trusts & estates, and bankruptcy. This year's honorees have set examples not only for legal excellence, but for dedication to the legal community as a whole."
For more information, visit www.centurycitybar.com or contact Orit Arfa at (310) 415-2349 or orit@centurycitybar.com
About the Century City Bar Association
With more than 4,000 lawyers in Century City, the CCBA’s mission is to provide top-quality legal programming, enhance and promote the sense of community among Century City lawyers, honor Century City attorneys who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments, and provide leadership opportunities to lawyers who participate in the CCBA.
Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.
The Six Pillars of Health Management
(This article originally appeared in the February 8th, 2011 edition of the Century City News)
By Herman Kelting, PhD
Have you ever wondered about designing a life plan that gives you the most enjoyment for the remainder of your life? Of course you have! And now, I’d like to help you augment that plan with some ideas about health improvement. I’ve called the model “The Six Pillars of Health Management” because I have found that a combination of six categorical tangible and intangibles should be integrated in a manner that is unique to each of us. And while I can help with describing the six categories, only you can find, with the assistance of other professional assistance, the careful balance among the Six Pillars to promote your well being. Thus, strategic planning and risk assessment, stress and relationship management, environmental quality, and diet form complex interactions that are determinative of your achievements and happiness…and we must accomplish to be happy.
In this, my first article in The Century City News, I would like to begin by introducing each of the Six Pillars and, in future articles, provide more detailed information for each. Indeed, this material is introductory education material. It is ‘introductory’ in the sense of being inherently incomplete requiring further inquiry; but I sincerely hope that the ideas I share with you contribute to a greater awareness of health management issues, provide guidance to improve your health management plan, and permit you to evaluate better professional medical recommendations (e.g., influencing your choice of dental implant material and design).
The Six Pillars of health management are:
1. Strategic planning and risk assessment for improved health
Each day, it’s really important to review your strategic plan for the level of health you wish to have during your lifetime rather than living day-to-day with no long-term vision. Do you wish an active and robust life being professionally productive and doing the things that give you really enjoy…and are you prepared to discipline your daily actions to assure that your daily choices do not undermine your long-run goals? For example, very heavy exercise including contact sports and always eating for enjoyment may provide enjoyment when one is young, but may also promote very serious health consequences in the future. Thus, your daily application of the Six Pillars requires futuristic modeling.
Risk assessment, including both risk analysis and risk management, is an inherent part of a strategic plan. Risk analysis requires assessment of the prospective variation in benefits and injury from Six Pillar behavior, and risk management requires discipline to change behavior to reduce the variance in one’s prediction of good health and personal enjoyment. For example, the research of neuropathologist Dr. Ann Magee discovered serious long-term health problems from contact sports and risk management would suggest avoiding such sports.
In future articles, we would like to expand upon strategic planning and risk assessment because I believe they are under managed and because they drive substantially all human behavior.
2. Exercise
Exercise is a wonderful activity for personal recreation and to enhance one’s perception of well being; it’s important not only during the activity, but to raise one’s energy, focus, and vision in our personal and professional activities.
In future articles, we hope to offer some ideas on the frequency, types, and intensity of exercise and the interaction of exercise with the other Five Pillars.
3. Stress management
Stress management is as important as the food we eat because absorption of nutrients depend upon a general mood of relaxation, and that is often difficult to achieve in a world that seems to demand so much of each individual. Thus, we hope to discuss stress management techniques and show their importance to the other Five Pillars.
4. Relationship management
Our relationships are inexorably related to the other Five Pillars and particularly to our fundamental model of how we perceive others. Thus, it is crucial that one have a strategic relationship plan that results in the best possible voluntary and involuntary relationships. We must realize that it is important to live with a spirit of helpfulness and service to others and to smooth even the most difficult of relationships. Thus, we hope to offer some ideas for a relationship management model that permits one to improve their vision of others.
5. Reduction of pollution
Pollution is a major contributor to health and we hope to discuss its reduction in three general categories: (1) indoor air quality, (2) dental hygiene, and (3) a dietary plan that contributes to cleaning our drive train. Thus, for, example, I hope to discuss a few of the factors that contribute to the best in indoor air quality.
6. Diet and food supplements
A diet which complements the other Five Pillars is difficult to define because the global model of food and food supplements is amorphously large in its dynamic interaction with the other five pillars and our unique physical bodies; “dynamic” refers to daily changes in our physical attributes as we interact with food, undergo stress, have different relationships, and are exposed to environmental factors.
In future articles, I hope to discuss the causes of physical discomfort, different food groups (e.g., enzymes, fats and oils), and food supplements and show their importance to our well being.
Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.
By Herman Kelting, PhD
Have you ever wondered about designing a life plan that gives you the most enjoyment for the remainder of your life? Of course you have! And now, I’d like to help you augment that plan with some ideas about health improvement. I’ve called the model “The Six Pillars of Health Management” because I have found that a combination of six categorical tangible and intangibles should be integrated in a manner that is unique to each of us. And while I can help with describing the six categories, only you can find, with the assistance of other professional assistance, the careful balance among the Six Pillars to promote your well being. Thus, strategic planning and risk assessment, stress and relationship management, environmental quality, and diet form complex interactions that are determinative of your achievements and happiness…and we must accomplish to be happy.
In this, my first article in The Century City News, I would like to begin by introducing each of the Six Pillars and, in future articles, provide more detailed information for each. Indeed, this material is introductory education material. It is ‘introductory’ in the sense of being inherently incomplete requiring further inquiry; but I sincerely hope that the ideas I share with you contribute to a greater awareness of health management issues, provide guidance to improve your health management plan, and permit you to evaluate better professional medical recommendations (e.g., influencing your choice of dental implant material and design).
The Six Pillars of health management are:
1. Strategic planning and risk assessment for improved health
Each day, it’s really important to review your strategic plan for the level of health you wish to have during your lifetime rather than living day-to-day with no long-term vision. Do you wish an active and robust life being professionally productive and doing the things that give you really enjoy…and are you prepared to discipline your daily actions to assure that your daily choices do not undermine your long-run goals? For example, very heavy exercise including contact sports and always eating for enjoyment may provide enjoyment when one is young, but may also promote very serious health consequences in the future. Thus, your daily application of the Six Pillars requires futuristic modeling.
Risk assessment, including both risk analysis and risk management, is an inherent part of a strategic plan. Risk analysis requires assessment of the prospective variation in benefits and injury from Six Pillar behavior, and risk management requires discipline to change behavior to reduce the variance in one’s prediction of good health and personal enjoyment. For example, the research of neuropathologist Dr. Ann Magee discovered serious long-term health problems from contact sports and risk management would suggest avoiding such sports.
In future articles, we would like to expand upon strategic planning and risk assessment because I believe they are under managed and because they drive substantially all human behavior.
2. Exercise
Exercise is a wonderful activity for personal recreation and to enhance one’s perception of well being; it’s important not only during the activity, but to raise one’s energy, focus, and vision in our personal and professional activities.
In future articles, we hope to offer some ideas on the frequency, types, and intensity of exercise and the interaction of exercise with the other Five Pillars.
3. Stress management
Stress management is as important as the food we eat because absorption of nutrients depend upon a general mood of relaxation, and that is often difficult to achieve in a world that seems to demand so much of each individual. Thus, we hope to discuss stress management techniques and show their importance to the other Five Pillars.
4. Relationship management
Our relationships are inexorably related to the other Five Pillars and particularly to our fundamental model of how we perceive others. Thus, it is crucial that one have a strategic relationship plan that results in the best possible voluntary and involuntary relationships. We must realize that it is important to live with a spirit of helpfulness and service to others and to smooth even the most difficult of relationships. Thus, we hope to offer some ideas for a relationship management model that permits one to improve their vision of others.
5. Reduction of pollution
Pollution is a major contributor to health and we hope to discuss its reduction in three general categories: (1) indoor air quality, (2) dental hygiene, and (3) a dietary plan that contributes to cleaning our drive train. Thus, for, example, I hope to discuss a few of the factors that contribute to the best in indoor air quality.
6. Diet and food supplements
A diet which complements the other Five Pillars is difficult to define because the global model of food and food supplements is amorphously large in its dynamic interaction with the other five pillars and our unique physical bodies; “dynamic” refers to daily changes in our physical attributes as we interact with food, undergo stress, have different relationships, and are exposed to environmental factors.
In future articles, I hope to discuss the causes of physical discomfort, different food groups (e.g., enzymes, fats and oils), and food supplements and show their importance to our well being.
Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.
Samantha Martinez Takes The Gavel At The Century City Chamber
(This article originally appeared in the Feb 8th, 2011 print edition of the Century City News)
Samantha Martinez takes over the heavy gavel at the Century City Chamber of Commerce. Heavy because of the legacy of those that preceded her but in her hands the gavel appears to move effortlessly.
There is something happening over at the Century City Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is rising to new heights. I credit the staff, Starlyn and Amber that are dedicated to their jobs. I also credit Chamber President and CEO, Susan Bursk. The Executive Committee and the Board, too, have been proactive through a tough economy. The many council chairs and committee members have also done their part to put on interesting events and attract new membership. Samantha picks up the gavel at a time when the Chamber is firing on all cylinders. But the spirit of complacency has no place here and Samantha isn’t about to rest on Chamber Laurels.
I recently attended a retreat for the board of directors put on by the Chamber. The day began early and breakfast was provided along with really strong coffee (a must for early mornings). The discussion centered on building value for members and our role as directors of the board. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky opened the meeting calling on all of us to stay involved in Government at this critical time in the history of Los Angeles. Zev knows that Century City by definition means involvement.
I was reminded about a recent board meeting where there was a spirited discussion about endorsing a measure that was on the California ballot. Some were for the measure and some against… but more than the discussion was the process that was at play here. The myth of a rubberstamp board was dispelled, as was the myth that the chamber is the puppet of a few of the building managers. Samantha led the discussion. Samantha allowed all of the stakeholders with a dog in this fight adequate time.
Opinions from all sides of the issue were heard and the vote was taken. The result was a function of the votes: No back room deals… no coercion! This is a functional Chamber in a functional part of the city amidst so many dysfunctional companies, clubs and organizations that are in Los Angeles. The members that get so much from their Chamber Membership are those that work their membership by participating. Those that choose not to participate my not get as much out of their memberships but the opportunity to capitalize on membership’s value is available for everybody that sits at the table and the Chamber invites more to join and avail themselves of the value that is offered.
Mike Holwick is the immediate past Chairman of the Board and comes with a pedigree of three generations of involvement in Century City. Samantha is the previous Chair of the Government Affairs Council and sits at the intersection of Chamber Activities and access to Government Officials. Samantha is well versed on all of the issues that government struggles to solve and as Chairperson of the Chamber sits ready to give her opinion to officials when she is asked. They would do well to listen to the answers as they might find their struggle to overcome challenges less entangled when listening to Samantha’s voice of reason. Samantha waits patiently to allow all points of view to be heard before summing up all of those opinions into an intelligent platform that everyone somehow agrees with.
Just when you thought the Chamber had peaked and risen to the heights that limit it… you find that there is a plan in play to reach new heights never before thought to be attainable. Those who looked at Chamber Membership in the past and failed to hear the call need to revisit the value of Chamber Membership and get involved in shaping a new, more vibrant, and more important, Century City. Samantha is sure to be an important part of ushering in this new era.
Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.
Samantha Martinez takes over the heavy gavel at the Century City Chamber of Commerce. Heavy because of the legacy of those that preceded her but in her hands the gavel appears to move effortlessly.
There is something happening over at the Century City Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is rising to new heights. I credit the staff, Starlyn and Amber that are dedicated to their jobs. I also credit Chamber President and CEO, Susan Bursk. The Executive Committee and the Board, too, have been proactive through a tough economy. The many council chairs and committee members have also done their part to put on interesting events and attract new membership. Samantha picks up the gavel at a time when the Chamber is firing on all cylinders. But the spirit of complacency has no place here and Samantha isn’t about to rest on Chamber Laurels.
I recently attended a retreat for the board of directors put on by the Chamber. The day began early and breakfast was provided along with really strong coffee (a must for early mornings). The discussion centered on building value for members and our role as directors of the board. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky opened the meeting calling on all of us to stay involved in Government at this critical time in the history of Los Angeles. Zev knows that Century City by definition means involvement.
I was reminded about a recent board meeting where there was a spirited discussion about endorsing a measure that was on the California ballot. Some were for the measure and some against… but more than the discussion was the process that was at play here. The myth of a rubberstamp board was dispelled, as was the myth that the chamber is the puppet of a few of the building managers. Samantha led the discussion. Samantha allowed all of the stakeholders with a dog in this fight adequate time.
Opinions from all sides of the issue were heard and the vote was taken. The result was a function of the votes: No back room deals… no coercion! This is a functional Chamber in a functional part of the city amidst so many dysfunctional companies, clubs and organizations that are in Los Angeles. The members that get so much from their Chamber Membership are those that work their membership by participating. Those that choose not to participate my not get as much out of their memberships but the opportunity to capitalize on membership’s value is available for everybody that sits at the table and the Chamber invites more to join and avail themselves of the value that is offered.
Mike Holwick is the immediate past Chairman of the Board and comes with a pedigree of three generations of involvement in Century City. Samantha is the previous Chair of the Government Affairs Council and sits at the intersection of Chamber Activities and access to Government Officials. Samantha is well versed on all of the issues that government struggles to solve and as Chairperson of the Chamber sits ready to give her opinion to officials when she is asked. They would do well to listen to the answers as they might find their struggle to overcome challenges less entangled when listening to Samantha’s voice of reason. Samantha waits patiently to allow all points of view to be heard before summing up all of those opinions into an intelligent platform that everyone somehow agrees with.
Just when you thought the Chamber had peaked and risen to the heights that limit it… you find that there is a plan in play to reach new heights never before thought to be attainable. Those who looked at Chamber Membership in the past and failed to hear the call need to revisit the value of Chamber Membership and get involved in shaping a new, more vibrant, and more important, Century City. Samantha is sure to be an important part of ushering in this new era.
Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.
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