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TALL ORDER - Newsletter #1

R
ECOVERY Symbol


We called the newsletter Tall Order because it seems to be a 'tall order' to solve the homeless problem in the centre of London.

Why do we think we have an answer to the problem? Who are 'we' anyway? The 'life youniversity' has no degrees or certificates - let's just say we are all qualified because 'We do know and understand". We could tell all our stories - (maybe will one day)‚ meantime we think we can help.


In the first place we are constantly researching material from recognised and ubiquitous sources.  This is about the practical and the real. In other words. . . what now?  What's to do?

Real People
Much more than a newsletter - we are finding Contributions from a number of individuals some will remain anonymous. We may get some contributions online - I doubt it though the homeless don't have a lot of bandwidth options. We have been gaining trust that we are far from 'nosey or sensation seeking'.

We have formed ideas from talking to homeless people for a number of years
so none of this is going to be academic.

Timing
Every few weeks - unless if we have great material - we will publish another issue - archiving the rest to be retrieved via the search engine.

& Content
Ollie Birchwood insists that 'Tall Order' is free from blame. Ollie wrote a book about addiction called 'The return' based on the fact that we can't see clearly in the miasma of judgement and sinking into the quicksand of blame.

We are naturally biased according to our individual calls for action - however bias and blame are distinct individual conditions. We take no stance therefore. The law is the law and justice is justice. Without blame they have to be the same thing because that's what we voted for. Rather than take sides we can state openly now - we work for light, we back what works with optimism, enthusiasm. We give all our heart and thoughts and actions to living happily while putting our good dreams to work for us and others. Mission? Nah... missionS mate.

Do our ideas benefit individuals? YES
Do they provide value for both / all participants? YES
Is it one for all and all for one? YES

It has been tested many times by famous philanthropists that a happy workforce brings greater profits. Mayor Jones of Toledo US - Titus Salt of Lancashire UK for example. Lifting blame from the work, weeding out pointless sneering from the humour, saying elegant and pleasant things about people and their ideas and actively doing good - brings the energy of simply being happy.

We don't like fence sitters - or agreement machines - you know, the me-too, I've been there, tell me about it - your're right there Ted brigade. It feels all mushy marshmallow to agree with all of it - don't we long to join something? With no blame you can pick what you want to join from your own heart. Joining is a handshake - joining in is the dance.

So that's the spirit behind Tall order newsletter.

Within this context there is a lot to pick from. We are starting somewhere with the most sensitive aspect of the homeless - addiction. Some homeless are on the street because they have been cast out for being addicts and they themselves believe that it is an illness and they can't help it.

General agreement
Certain drugs have been forbidden, in case we harm ourselves. The general approach in society has changed. 'Guidance' has gone out of the window and enforcement has taken its place. Black market suppliers and buyers alike are vilified and punished at expense to taxpayers, while ethical supply through doctors is almost impossible to obtain.

How do we treat addicts? Well if it's a social drug pretty well. Lots of what addicts like is supplied liberally. They are encouraged to consume by rules and circumstances and peers - peers by the score.   forbidden drugs are riddled with Blame and Shame.

Accepting all the facts as they are we have taken a look at some new treatments which do well when the subject wants them to.

Lets think about this, results are what? Is a good result getting Johnny back to work? treading the mill? paying taxes, buying from approved suppliers and filling in forms.  There's always another side to consider.
This is an example of 'What's to do".  There's more to life than selling the 'Big Issue' and we are going to get people to....earn doing things they like. Creating, playing, contributing and being happy.

Where the system is failing the homeless. We want to plug in the gap - address the cause and the symptom.

This is not "How to get a better handout" it's about Direct Solution.

Ollie Birchwood


SOCIAL TREATMENT
& TREATMENT CENTRES


Re-hab

More than 170 treatment centres in the UK call themselves 'rehab' or recovery centres.  Many more are taking on substance abuse, (more alchoholics) over eaters as well as workaholics and shopaholics, co-dependants, shoplifters. 2006/7, over 181,000 men and women used their services. That is an average through-put of 1000 a year per centre.  With what successes ? and what is success anyway?  Below are some types of re-hab with a look at how they do what they do, and possibly why.

The PROMIS Recovery Centre

Promis, a large country house with a proper driveway hosts a family as they see it. They use whatever energy that arises out of NO TV to promote a community where they play games.  They want to play them it's not a lesson or anything like that. 12 steps provides a foundation for the structure and meetings.  Also there are plenty of events to look forward to - apart from family visits which are lightened somewhat by the atmosphere provided by friendly and rather understanding people who care for their guest patients.

They keep in touch very fluently with their alumni or past clients and have probably many stories of re-re-hab and ongoing support. They are long term faithful not drawing away because of no answers from their invitations and the news.

The founder Robert Lefever, his wife Margaret and his son Robin are the family who run Promis and are active in the field of addiction psychology. They are qualified both academically and by experience as a family.
Phone (UK) 01304 841700    
Email enquiries@promis.co.uk


The Brookside Institute

There is a growing trend in treatment centres to provide a non 12 Step approach to the patient.  Brookside's Recovery protocol is one of them.

Brookside say:
"We now know that addiction is a medical disease‚ a disease which affects a person‚ brain functions, behavior and health. Brookside Institute offers the only treatment protocol that combines the latest in neuroscience (brain), cognitive behavioral therapy and medicine to treat addiction and co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis)."


Other Treatment Programs (compared with Brookside)

Treats substance abuse as a brain-based disease, one that requires medical, neurological and behavioral treatment
View addiction as a moral failing or illness attributed to a physical allergy that creates uncontrollable cravings coupled with psychological obsession

Access to the latest discoveries to treat addiction and co-occurring disorders: Brookside Institute neuralscience
Do not have facilities or staff dedicated to innovations in neuroscience

Treats co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis) such as ADHD, ADD, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic disorders and bipolar as part of a comprehensive treatment protocol
Do not treat co-occurring disorders or use single psychiatric professionals instead of an integrated treatment team.

Uses individual and group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) conducted by licensed, Masters level therapists
Rely on support groups (AA meetings) conducted by  peers or limited therapy sessions conducted by unlicensed counselors

Uses addiction medications (i.e. Suboxone, Naltrexone, etc.) to ease discomfort from cravings during withdrawal and other psychiatric medications where indicated for treatment of co-occurring disorders
Do not use addiction medications and do not offer medication management for co-occurring disorders

Uses the latest in brainwave analysis (rEEG) and other breakthroughs in neuroscience
Do not use any diagnosis or treatment that target the focus of the disease‚ the brain in current thinking.

Requires a multi-disciplinary team trained in the treatment of both addictive disorders and mental health issues that includes psychiatrists, Physicians, neurologists, licensed Masters level therapists and nurses
Do not provide the same type of care or credentialed staff; most use unlicensed counselors often ex addicts thought to provide encouragement, for the majority of their program







A Recovery Protocol - Drug and alcohol addiction

Brookside Institute is spearheading a new era of addiction treatment programs that include breakthroughs in neuroscience (brainwave analysis), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),

NeuroScience Center
The Center is dedicated to providing skilled personnel and recent discoveries in science. After assessment, treatment begins with a state-of-the-art brainwave analysis, (EEG - Electroencephalogram), that identifies areas of the brain which are not functioning at capacity. Their approach is non-invasive. Neuroscience can even  eliminate the need for medication for addiction and/or co-occurring disorders.
 
This includes access to innovative, non-medication alternatives such as Neurofeedback and Magno-EEG Resonant Therapy (MERT), a new way to assess brain response and function. The rEEG (referenced Electroencephalogram) uses years of medication studies to help us quickly identify those medications that will best treat the individual disorders if medication is recommended.

Addiction Medications
Drug addicts (incl heroin & prescription drugs), experience high relapse rates, sometimes subject taking enough to put themselves in hospital.

[After an increasing 'NO!' to methadone], the latest FDA approved medications include buprenorphine (Suboxone) to ease withdrawal symptoms and Naltrexone, for anti-craving; this can help alcohol dependency and other addiction disorders. A short time on naltrexone can provide a long enough break for patients to learn to stay off their elixir. It is possible now to take these medications once a month instead of every day. [Implants are now available]

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Medication aids assist in long-term recovery that is highly successful. CBT teaches how to identify and alter destructive thought patterns and behaviors. Also to discover and identify different ways of behaving. Lifestyles and habits attached to addiction require major changes in the thought processes as well as behavior. This is aided with guidance such as CBT.

Patients receive individual and group therapy sessions conducted by a staff of licensed Masters level therapists none of whom are counselors.

Adjunctive Therapy
To counteract addiction and destructive co-occurring disorders, a wide range of adjunctive therapies are introduced, such as relapse prevention, psychodrama, creative expression, meditation and communication, techniques that can be integrated throughout a lifetime. Good nutrition and exercise  are key aspects to physical fitness which is are at the core of a healthy and happy existence.

Contact the Brookside Center. Give them a call +1(866) 405-8787.


Practical Recovery Services

These centres are built around the premise of a 'cure' an end to damaging the self and others around in the process. Plain and simple.

They treat any kind of substance or activity addiction or obsession also using current scientifically supported treatments. They put an emphasis on the new knowledge [editors' ref Bruce Lipton] that behaviour can be changed at the level of DNA - to quote

"Although biological predisposition is important, ultimately addictive behaviour is learned, not a disease: We have the power to change it ....So set aside ideas about addiction as a disease, being an alcoholic or addict, lifelong recovery, lifelong support groups, and powerlessness, and consider an alternative."

Their delivery of treatments ranges from VIP privacy to basic luxury. They start by accepting that no two cases are alike and give 'dual' diagnosis. Their point is - not only is everyone different but causes are mostly multiple.

One person may have minimum cravings and max recidivism built in.  Another may not really be an addict and doesn't like it anyway but craves it like crazy - and can't deal with the 'pain'. What pain ? Of the several wars going on within us few are caused by the same trauma. So when you settle one score another dam good reason comes running to the fore waving a red flag.

Far from being a victim to a disease they consider patients are still well able to see the circumstances and nuances for themselves, to interpret information and make good decisions.

Call: +1(858) 453-4777  www.practicalrecovery.com for their Web brochure


Addiction Alternatives and Life Management Skills Inc

Dr Marc Kern has a scientific approach mixed with common sense and again his own life experience.  He was an alcoholic  and came to the conclusion that transcendence was a way to stop addiction being a major issue.  His own observations taught him how to drink and NOT be an alcoholic any more.

"There is a momentum to your behavioral patterns. Your harmful habits are interwoven with seemingly harmless routines. These harmless routines can actually feed and promote your addiction.

To simply commit to abstinence without examining the harmless behaviors and habits that trigger, influence, and feed your addictions is a formula for relapse.

The inner tension that can result from attempting to reverse a behavioral course without considering the structure of your behavior can be very damaging."

Kern's approach is based on the premise that people can rule their 'elixir' as he calls it, rather than it ruling people.  "I can't help it" is hardly the reason to be anti-social.  After all Addiction is only someone elses' problem when the elixir takes control. When it creates problems that affect other people and harms them. He says,

"The key to any addiction recovery program should always be evaluated on the degree of harm. Harm reduction is a common approach in other parts of the Western world".

So confident is he that he effects his methodology n programmes that do not depend on his being there.  He talks on the telephone and makes videos and seminars to download.

The main departure from the norm is his belief that you do not have to stop all at once. He does not believe in lifelong abstinence as a reality and thinks it is bound up with 'sin' and religious beliefs.

His objective is to transcend the behaviour patterns and triggers and he does this in a 'bridging process'. His Website is www.habitdoc.com. There is no phone on it but you can schedule a call in the US and Canada.

http://www.habitdoc.com/index.htm


Erkhart Tolle
Master Philosopher and Speaker

"Every addiction starts with pain and ends with pain.

Whatever the substance you are addicted to alcohol, food, legal or illegal drugs, or a person‚ you are using something or somebody to cover up your pain.

That is why, after the initial euphoria has passed, there is so much unhappiness, so much pain in intimate relationships. They do not cause pain and unhappiness. They bring out the pain and unhappiness that is already in you.

Every addiction does that. Every addiction reaches a point where it does not work for you anymore, and then you feel the pain more intensely than ever.

This is one reason why most people are always trying to escape from the present moment and are seeking some kind of salvation in the future.

The first thing that they might encounter if they focused their attention on the Now is their own pain, and this is what they fear. If they only knew how easy it is to access in the Now the power of presence that dissolves the past and its pain, the reality that dissolves the illusion.

If they only knew how close they are to their own reality,  how close to God."
© Eckhart Tolle - from The Power of Now  Published by New World Library)


REVIEW - A New Earth
Tolle's wisdom and perception is matched well by his elegance of style and beautiful speaking voice. This set of CDs is a great find. It is
a continuation of his resounding book 'The Power of Now'  Editor strongly recommends getting it - now.

http://www.oneheartbooks.com/books/
misc_titles/a_new_earth_audio.htm



We hope you found this issue of Tall Order useful and interesting. 
Please write in to Ollie Birchwood at ollie@truthdrug.info






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