Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Milkman's Reflections in Recovery: Milkman's Reflections - Aug 11 - The Complainer
Milkman's Reflections in Recovery: Milkman's Reflections - Aug 11 - The Complainer: "It sure is easy to complain about things, especially other people. It's easy to see faults in others but they say what you see you don't lik..."
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Milkman's Reflections in Recovery: Milkman's Reflections - Aug 10 - What do we care
Milkman's Reflections in Recovery: Milkman's Reflections - Aug 10 - What do we care: "What do we care Going back in my archives I came across this post from another member and it also rings true for me as so many of them did..."
Milkman's Reflections in Recovery: Milkman's Reflections - Aug 9 - Substitutes
Milkman's Reflections in Recovery: Milkman's Reflections - Aug 9 - Substitutes: "This was a post from one of our members from 2007 but it hits home, as what this man says was true for me also. My subsitute from my addicti..."
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Is addiction a brain disorder?
Is addiction a brain disorder?
Jill Stark
June 19, 2011Illustration: Matt Golding
Researchers at Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre are using transcranial magnetic stimulation to study brain patterns of former addicts and detect changes that amplify the desire for booze.
The technology detects activity in the frontal region of the brain, thought to play a part in decision making and addictive behaviour. The non-invasive method sends magnetic pulses through a coil on the patient's head and delivers a gentle electric current that fires up nerve cells in the brain. The brain patterns are then monitored for reactions.
''There have been maybe four studies in the world which have used a similar technique,'' said chief investigator Jodie Feil. ''But they've just given people alcohol, but not necessarily anyone with a history of addiction, to see if that changes their neural activity. Our study group is people who have detoxified.''
The study involves 30 people who have been sober for at least six months, and 30 in a control group with no history of alcoholism. While receiving magnetic stimulation the brain's responses are measured and compared. Six people have already taken part, with promising results.
''We've already seen some differences which have been quite interesting and that shows that there is a biological aspect to addiction,'' Ms Feil said. ''It suggests that for someone who does have an addiction, if these circuitries [in their brain] aren't working as well, the actual ability to stop drinking is harder than for someone who has this circuitry functioning properly.
''If you're making a wrong decision the brain has functions to step in and stop you. We think the research will show that these kinds of brakes aren't as strong in an addicted brain.''
Will, who did not want his full name used, has taken part in the trial two years after he quit drinking and went into rehab. The 41-year-old engineer started as a social drinker but his addiction escalated and he was drinking 18 beers a day. ''You just got to a point where you've hit the lowest you can go. You're at a fork in the road and you turn left and you die or you turn right and you live. I had to make some severe choices and get some help.''
Researchers believe if the results show clear differences in the brain's neural pathways it could highlight the need for cognitive therapy to help alcoholics develop ways to make better decisions.
For more information on the trial call 9076 6564 or email j.feil@alfred.org.au
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/national/is-addiction-a-brain-disorder-20110618-1g9ar.html#ixzz1Plrj07sr
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Dangerous Cocktail: Energy Drinks + Alcohol
Dangerous Cocktail: Energy Drinks + Alcohol
Mixing Booze With Energy Drinks Triples Risk of Getting Drunk
College-age drinkers who swill alcoholic energy-drink cocktails are three times more likely than alcohol-only drinkers to leave a bar drunk.
What's more, those imbibing energy cocktails are four times more likely to attempt drunken driving, find University of Florida researchers Dennis Thombs, PhD, and colleagues. (Click link to read more)
Mixing Booze With Energy Drinks Triples Risk of Getting Drunk
College-age drinkers who swill alcoholic energy-drink cocktails are three times more likely than alcohol-only drinkers to leave a bar drunk.
What's more, those imbibing energy cocktails are four times more likely to attempt drunken driving, find University of Florida researchers Dennis Thombs, PhD, and colleagues. (Click link to read more)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
I Can't - We Can
February 6
I Can't - We Can
"We had convinced ourselves that we could make it alone and proceeded to live life on that basis. The results were disastrous and, in the end, each of us had to admit that self-sufficiency was a lie"
Basic Text p. 59
"I can't, but we can." This simple but profound truth applies initially to our first need as NA members: Together, we can stay clean, but when we isolate ourselves, we're in bad company. To recover, we need the support of other addicts.
Self-sufficiency impedes more than just our ability to stay clean. With or without drugs, living on self-will inevitably leads to disaster. We depend on other people for everything from goods and services to love and companionship, yet self-will puts us in constant conflict with those very people. To live a fulfilling life, we need harmony with others.
Other addicts and others in our communities are not the only ones we depend on. Power is not a human attribute, yet we need power to live. We find it in a Power greater than ourselves which provides the guidance and strength we lack on our own. When we pretend to be self-sufficient, we isolate ourselves from the one source of power sufficient to effectively guide us through life: our Higher Power.
Self-sufficiency doesn't work. We need other addicts; we need other people; and, to live fully, we need a Power greater than our own.
Just for today: I will seek the support of other recovering addicts, harmony with others in my community, and the care of my Higher Power. I can't, but we can.
pg. 38
I Can't - We Can
"We had convinced ourselves that we could make it alone and proceeded to live life on that basis. The results were disastrous and, in the end, each of us had to admit that self-sufficiency was a lie"
Basic Text p. 59
"I can't, but we can." This simple but profound truth applies initially to our first need as NA members: Together, we can stay clean, but when we isolate ourselves, we're in bad company. To recover, we need the support of other addicts.
Self-sufficiency impedes more than just our ability to stay clean. With or without drugs, living on self-will inevitably leads to disaster. We depend on other people for everything from goods and services to love and companionship, yet self-will puts us in constant conflict with those very people. To live a fulfilling life, we need harmony with others.
Other addicts and others in our communities are not the only ones we depend on. Power is not a human attribute, yet we need power to live. We find it in a Power greater than ourselves which provides the guidance and strength we lack on our own. When we pretend to be self-sufficient, we isolate ourselves from the one source of power sufficient to effectively guide us through life: our Higher Power.
Self-sufficiency doesn't work. We need other addicts; we need other people; and, to live fully, we need a Power greater than our own.
Just for today: I will seek the support of other recovering addicts, harmony with others in my community, and the care of my Higher Power. I can't, but we can.
pg. 38
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Calm AFTER the storm
Got out for some "alone" time after the rain storm. This is around the corner from the old Alano Club that I frequented when it was open. I miss it these days. I did a short video while I was there and talked a little bit about reaching out and "touching someone". I thought I was talking and shooting the video the first time for about 5 min., but had the settings wrong, so I redid it from memory which isn't too good, lol, but I think if you listen to it, you'll get the idea of the message.
Mike
Mike
Online recovery for Me
Online recovery groups have been a major part of my life since January 29, 2004. I started my first site (group) on MSN Groups. MSN made it fairly easy to develop a site and I, and many others were very disappointed when they closed them down.
Since that time, I have taken several classes in web design, and developed my own, on my own domain. I learned the basics on MSN and a lot more with the classes I took. There is so much to learn in web design, that at times it can be confusing and overwhelming. At age 64, the capacity to retain what I learn has dwindled somewhat, and it can even be confusing at times. But, I will keep doing what has been most satisfying to me these last 7 years…… providing recovery sites to folks in recovery, and hopefully will help some of them retain their new lives clean and sober for another 24. I know it has had a major impact on my own sobriety, and I’ll keep on, keeping on. Hope you will join with us in recovery and support. Help others and yourself in the process.
Milkman Mike
Since that time, I have taken several classes in web design, and developed my own, on my own domain. I learned the basics on MSN and a lot more with the classes I took. There is so much to learn in web design, that at times it can be confusing and overwhelming. At age 64, the capacity to retain what I learn has dwindled somewhat, and it can even be confusing at times. But, I will keep doing what has been most satisfying to me these last 7 years…… providing recovery sites to folks in recovery, and hopefully will help some of them retain their new lives clean and sober for another 24. I know it has had a major impact on my own sobriety, and I’ll keep on, keeping on. Hope you will join with us in recovery and support. Help others and yourself in the process.
Milkman Mike
DO YOU JUST BELONG?
ARE YOU AN ACTIVE MEMBER,
THE KIND THAT WOULD BE MISSED
OR ARE YOU JUST CONTENTED
THAT YOUR NAME IS ON THE LIST?
THE KIND THAT WOULD BE MISSED
OR ARE YOU JUST CONTENTED
THAT YOUR NAME IS ON THE LIST?
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Doging my walk
Thought I'd try our the video part of our camera and see what happens. Below is the result, with a lot of whining from me, lol.
Monday, January 24, 2011
January 25 - NA JFT - An Added Gift
January 25
An Added Gift
" We see it happening among us every day This miraculous turnabout is evidence of a spiritual awakening."
An Added Gift
" We see it happening among us every day This miraculous turnabout is evidence of a spiritual awakening."
Sunday, January 23, 2011
January 24 - NA - JFT - From Isolation To Connection
January 24
From Isolation To Connection
" Our disease isolated us... Hostile, resentful, self-centered, and self-seeking, we cut ourselves off from the outside world."
Basic Text p. 3-4
Addiction is an isolating disease, closing us off from society, family, and self. We hid. We lied. We scorned the lives we saw others living, surely beyond our grasp. Worst of all, we told ourselves there was nothing wrong with us, even though we knew we were desperately ill. Our connection with the world, and with reality itself, was severed. Our lives lost meaning, and we withdrew further and further from reality.
The NA program is designed especially for people like us. It helps reconnect us to the life we were meant to live, drawing us out of our isolation. We stop lying to ourselves about our condition; we admit our powerlessness and the unmanageability of our lives. We develop faith that our lives can improve, that recovery is possible, and that happiness is not permanently beyond our grasp. We get honest; we stop hiding; we "show up and tell the truth&quto; no matter what. And as we do, we establish the ties that connect our individual lives to the larger life around us.
We addicts need not live lives of isolation. The Twelve Steps can restore our connection to life and living-if we work them.
Just for today: I am a part of the life around me. I will practice my program to strengthen my connection to my world.
pg. 24
From Isolation To Connection
" Our disease isolated us... Hostile, resentful, self-centered, and self-seeking, we cut ourselves off from the outside world."
Basic Text p. 3-4
Addiction is an isolating disease, closing us off from society, family, and self. We hid. We lied. We scorned the lives we saw others living, surely beyond our grasp. Worst of all, we told ourselves there was nothing wrong with us, even though we knew we were desperately ill. Our connection with the world, and with reality itself, was severed. Our lives lost meaning, and we withdrew further and further from reality.
The NA program is designed especially for people like us. It helps reconnect us to the life we were meant to live, drawing us out of our isolation. We stop lying to ourselves about our condition; we admit our powerlessness and the unmanageability of our lives. We develop faith that our lives can improve, that recovery is possible, and that happiness is not permanently beyond our grasp. We get honest; we stop hiding; we "show up and tell the truth&quto; no matter what. And as we do, we establish the ties that connect our individual lives to the larger life around us.
We addicts need not live lives of isolation. The Twelve Steps can restore our connection to life and living-if we work them.
Just for today: I am a part of the life around me. I will practice my program to strengthen my connection to my world.
pg. 24
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Daily Reflections - Jan. 23 - Having Fun Yet?
Daily Reflections
HAVING FUN YET?
. . . we aren't a glum lot. If newcomers could see no
joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn't want it. We
absolutely insist on enjoying life. We try not to
indulge in cynicism over the state of the nations, nor
do we carry the world's troubles on our shoulders.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS , p. 132
When my own house is in order, I find the different
parts of my life are more manageable. Stripped from
the guilt and remorse that clocked my drinking years,
I am free to assume my proper role in the universe,
but this condition requires maintenance. I should stop
and ask myself, Am I having fun yet? If I find
answering that question difficult or painful, perhaps
I'm taking myself too seriously - and finding it
difficult to admit that I've strayed from my practice
of working the program to keep my house in order. I
think the pain I experience is one way my Higher Power
has to get my attention, coaxing me to take stock of
my performance. The slight time and effort it takes to
work the program - a spot-check inventory, for example,
or the making of amends, whatever is appropriate - are
well worth the effort.
HAVING FUN YET?
. . . we aren't a glum lot. If newcomers could see no
joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn't want it. We
absolutely insist on enjoying life. We try not to
indulge in cynicism over the state of the nations, nor
do we carry the world's troubles on our shoulders.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS , p. 132
When my own house is in order, I find the different
parts of my life are more manageable. Stripped from
the guilt and remorse that clocked my drinking years,
I am free to assume my proper role in the universe,
but this condition requires maintenance. I should stop
and ask myself, Am I having fun yet? If I find
answering that question difficult or painful, perhaps
I'm taking myself too seriously - and finding it
difficult to admit that I've strayed from my practice
of working the program to keep my house in order. I
think the pain I experience is one way my Higher Power
has to get my attention, coaxing me to take stock of
my performance. The slight time and effort it takes to
work the program - a spot-check inventory, for example,
or the making of amends, whatever is appropriate - are
well worth the effort.
January 23 - NA JFT - Serenity Check
January 23
Serenity Check
" Lack of daily maintenance can show up in many ways."
Basic Text p. 91
Ever had a perfect stranger remark about how great the weather was, only to reply "It stinks"? When this happens, we are probably suffering from a lack of daily maintenance in our program.
In recovery, life can get pretty hectic. Maybe those added responsibilities at work have got you hopping. Maybe you haven't been to a meeting for awhile. Perhaps you've been too busy to meditate, or haven't been eating regularly or sleeping well. Whatever the reason, your serenity is slipping.
When this happens, it is crucial that we take action. We can't afford to let one "bad day"; complete with a bad attitude, slip into two days, four days, or a week. Our recovery depends on our daily maintenance program. No matter what is happening in our lives, we can't afford to neglect the principles that have saved our lives.
There are many ways to recover our serenity. We can go to a meeting, phone our sponsor, meet another recovering addict for lunch, or try to carry the message to a newcomer. We can pray. We can take a moment to ask ourselves what simple things we haven't been doing. When our attitudes head downhill, we can avert a crash with simple solutions.
Just for today: I will examine the maintenance of my daily program of recovery.
pg. 23
Serenity Check
" Lack of daily maintenance can show up in many ways."
Basic Text p. 91
Ever had a perfect stranger remark about how great the weather was, only to reply "It stinks"? When this happens, we are probably suffering from a lack of daily maintenance in our program.
In recovery, life can get pretty hectic. Maybe those added responsibilities at work have got you hopping. Maybe you haven't been to a meeting for awhile. Perhaps you've been too busy to meditate, or haven't been eating regularly or sleeping well. Whatever the reason, your serenity is slipping.
When this happens, it is crucial that we take action. We can't afford to let one "bad day"; complete with a bad attitude, slip into two days, four days, or a week. Our recovery depends on our daily maintenance program. No matter what is happening in our lives, we can't afford to neglect the principles that have saved our lives.
There are many ways to recover our serenity. We can go to a meeting, phone our sponsor, meet another recovering addict for lunch, or try to carry the message to a newcomer. We can pray. We can take a moment to ask ourselves what simple things we haven't been doing. When our attitudes head downhill, we can avert a crash with simple solutions.
Just for today: I will examine the maintenance of my daily program of recovery.
pg. 23
Weekends for Milkman
Most folks look forward to the weekend, whether they work or not. The weekends are important to us, for different reasons. Some to relax, some to go places and travel, for others to be with their families. My reasons at one time, was to have time to visit the local pub and not have to worry about getting my drinking/druging time interrupted by inconvienent things like work, family, or responsibilities. That was my life then, and ya better have watched out if ya got in my way.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Today in Milkman's Life
My days during the week are pretty repeditive these days, but I get to interact with folks from different parts of the world every day.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Circle for Recovery - Jan. Group Update
As Facebook is hard to message with links in it, I've posted my Group Update here.
----------------------------
Group Update 1-15-11
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Group Update 1-15-11
Anonymity on the web
Anonymity on the web
January 15, 2011
The subject of anonymity on the web has come up time and time again; confusing a lot of AA and NA members on what is “right” and what is “wrong” in sharing recovery on the web. The articles below give a lot of information from the respective programs. I agree and disagree with a lot of it, but still try to maintain myself in following the guidelines.
January 15, 2011
The subject of anonymity on the web has come up time and time again; confusing a lot of AA and NA members on what is “right” and what is “wrong” in sharing recovery on the web. The articles below give a lot of information from the respective programs. I agree and disagree with a lot of it, but still try to maintain myself in following the guidelines.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Human rights set out in the Declaration
Human rights set out in the Declaration
The following reproduces the articles of the Declaration which set out the specific human rights that are recognized in the Declaration.
The following reproduces the articles of the Declaration which set out the specific human rights that are recognized in the Declaration.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948 at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris. The Declaration has been translated into at least 375 languages and dialects. The Declaration arose directly from the experience of the Second World War and represents the first global expression of rights to which all human beings are entitled. It consists of 30 articles which have been elaborated in subsequent international treaties, regional human rights instruments, national constitutions and laws. The International Bill of Human Rights consists of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its two Optional Protocols. In 1966 the General Assembly adopted the two detailed Covenants, which complete the International Bill of Human Rights.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
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