Kids and Pain Killers

One in five teenagers will try prescription medication, and they could be your. Check out Dr. Barry Ramo's story on KOAT

If you are a mom or dad, you need to read this! There is a drug epidemic happening right in your neighborhood, maybe even in your house.

In the past few months I have seen an alarming increase in the number of teens that I am seeing that are either abusing or addicted to painkillers like Oxycodone. These are not down and out kids, but teens from upscale neighborhoods. Parents need to become more aware of the dangerous medications that may be in their home

The Partnership for a Drug Free America has some no non-sense tips that you can use to keep and eye out for your kids and their friends.

If you find out that your child is abusing other's prescrition medication see your doctor and get professional help.

The book of Psalms and Recovery

In my day to day work I am a Professional Counselor who works with men, women, and teenagers. In a given week I will work with twenty-five to thirty hurting folks. From time to time someone who is struggling with a compulsive/addictive behavior will ask about giving their life over to the care of God.
Psalm 61:1-8 talks about this very thing. I would encourage you to give it a read.
The idea or thought of turning over our will can and our thoughts to God can be very attractive. When we give in to our compulsions and dependencies, we surrender ourselves to another power. When that happens we are giving up our own personal power and surrendering it to whatever compulsive behavior we fall into. When you feel overwhelmed and give into some addictive or compulsive behavior you actually feel better and may even feel relieved, for a short while. That is what happens when your focus is the compulsive or addictive behaviors that you may be using to help you cope with life.
Now, here is some good news which comes from this passage.
We can take steps to change our focus and turn our life over to God instead of reverting to the hiding places of the past. The apostle Paul said, "Don't be drunk with wine, because it will run your life. Instead let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. (Ephesians 5:18).
When we are overwhelmed and in need of some type of escape, we have a new place to turn. In this piece of Scripture Kind David declared, "The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you O Lord, have never abandoned anyone who searches for you (Psalm 9:9-10).
David also wrote, "From the ends of the earth, I will cry to you for help, for my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me." (Psalm 61:2-3).
I hope these words give you some encouragement.

Muder by Family Comments

I met Kent Whitaker last year and had the chance to visit with him about his book Murder by Family. He writes about God's help in choosing to help him process forgiveness toward his son who murdered his brother and mother.
Kent just finished being the feature on Oprah. He did an outstanding job talking about the power of forgiveness.
I strongly recommend picking up Murder by Family
John