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WELCOME TO
THE Recovery Radio FLASH! |
Week of March 2, 2006 |
Welcome...to the
FLASH! This weekly e-newsletter will keep you informed of what's
new at Recovery
Radio Show...and
at Recovery Media, Inc., our affiliated service corporation. We
are dedicated to taking the hope of RECOVERY to you, your
family, and to all persons afflicted with- or affected by - THE
DISEASE OF ADDICTION. There IS a better way....
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1.
THIS WEEK'S SHOW–
March 4, 2006
Part V and Conclusion of our Special February Series: Sex
Addiction- Understanding, Accepting, Healing
An Evening with the
Master: Patrick Carnes, PhD, C.A.S.- Pioneering Founder of Sex
Addiction Therapy
Special Guest: Patrick Carnes, PhD, C.A.S., Authority on
Addiction and Recovery Issues; Executive Director, Gentle Path
program, Pine Grove Behavioral Center, Hattiesburg, MS
http://www.sexhelp.com/
 IN our
first four weeks of this series, we defined Sex Addiction (a
"behavioral" addiction that damages lives and families in a
manner no different from addiction to drugs or alcohol),
examined the recent explosion of Internet Pornography (the
"crack cocaine of sex addiction"), looked deeply within
ourselves to better understand the backdrop and contributing
factors to Sex Addiction ("trauma" and a family history of
co-occurring addictions), and finally, learned that healing
can occur through sharing and overcoming shame in one of the
five currently-existing 12-Step recovery groups for Sex
Addiction.
Sex addiction is at its core shame-based, making it without
question THE most difficult addiction to admit to and to talk
about openly. Paradoxically, sex addiction is NOT about sex!!
It is about controlling and manipulating others. Many sex
addicts will say that it's not the end-act that gives them
their euphoric "high"; it is the "hunt", the strategizing, the
anticipation, the mental processes through which they go in
their pursuit of the next "ultimate" sexual encounter.
This final and concluding week of our Sex Addiction series we
will be joined by THE MASTER; Dr. Patrick Carnes. He is widely
acknowledged to be the pioneering founder of the discipline of
Sex Addiction therapy. His accomplishments, publications and
professional recognitions are almost too numerous to list. His
seminal 1983 book, “Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual
Addiction” was the starting point for our country’s coming to
grips with Sex Addiction. But even after nearly 25 years, Sex
Addiction remains very much “under the shadows” still.
Dr. Carnes was awarded the distinguished Lifetime Achievement
Award of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health
(SASH). Each year, SASH (formerly known as NCSAC) bestows a
“Carnes Award” to deserving researchers and clinicians who
have made outstanding contributions to the field of sexual
medicine. He also was awarded the 2000 Counselor of the Year
Award by AzAADAC in recognition of his contributions to the
field of addictions treatment.
In addition, Dr. Carnes is recognized as one of the foremost
clinical researchers in the broad field of addictions; he is
Chairperson, American Foundation for Addictions Research and a
founder and leader of the Society for the Advancement of
Sexual Health (SASH). Currently he is involved in a
fascinating project in the Canadian province of Alberta to
sculpt the world's most extensive and comprehensive societal
approach for dealing with the disease of addiction in all of
its many manifestations, including drugs and alcohol.
This week, along with Dr. Carnes, we will “put it all
together”, and will explore the phenomenon of cross
addictions- in particular, how Sex Addiction so often
co-exists with drug, alcohol, or other behavioral addictions.
A very curious issue that is seen time and again in recovering
drug and alcohol addicts is the emergence of Sex Addiction,
or, so-called “Thirteenth-Stepping”. Why is this so? What can
be done about it?? What SHOULD be done about it???
Dr. Carnes will also discuss what's new in the area of
addictions research, and will take YOUR question on anything
related to the topic of Sex Addiction- or addiction in
general. This is YOUR unique opportunity to dialogue with the
Master!!!
Don’t miss this exciting and highly informative show! Live!!
This Saturday night, March 4th, 6 – 8P Pacific Time on 99.5 FM
KKLA Los Angeles and 10 other cities…and…streaming on the web.
Our show call-in number is 888/995-5552 for your questions and
comments. Remember….. RECOVERY WORKS!!!
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2.
COMING IN MARCH: BACK TO
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL!!!
After dedicating a full month to a single topic (Sex Addiction),
we will return in March to our core focus: drugs and alcohol.
Sex Addiction is a subject that has remained well behind drugs,
alcohol, and other behavioral addictions in terms of public
understanding and acceptance, and we felt that a “full monty”
approach was warranted. Now it’s time to get back to good old
drugs and alcohol!!! .
Intervention: "Forcing" the Addict into Treatment
Saturday, March 11, 2006
 On
March 11th, we will be joined by Ken Seeley, CNDAI,
Founder of
Intervention 911 (or, "i911"). i911 is a firm of
professional interventionists whose sole function is to
facilitate surrounding an active addict with their loved ones in
a planned effort to "force" the addict into treatment for their
addiction.
Of course, no one can force an addict to do anything!!! What
they really do is to use their considerable bag of professional
and personal tools to assist the family and loved ones in a
planned and organized "intervention" An intervention is
essentially a family meeting where the loved ones explain to the
addict in loving terms what he/she (the addict) has done to
them, and to set firm boundaries and specific terms for the
addict from that point forward. The goal is always to get the
active addict into a formal drug and alcohol treatment program.
Ken is truly a pioneer in his field; his uncanny abilities have
landed him a recurring role as an interventionist on
A&E's "INTERVENTION"
TV program. He has also been featured on CBS's Early Show
program where he led the intervention on two on-air
interventions on that program. He and his firm are the preferred
interventionists for the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, CA.
We have found at Recovery Radio that most of our listeners who
have problem addicts on their hands have absolutely NO IDEA what
the next move might be. How do I get my
husband/wife/son/daughter into treatment??? The answer is to do
an intervention.
Most addicts will not hit their own bottom and come to their own
realization that their life is in ruins and that they need help
("hopeless demoralization") . Most addicts who eventually find
recovery do so because of pressure placed on them by loved ones.
A planned intervention conducted by a professional is by far the
most effective way to do this. At Recovery Radio we always
suggest this technique as "the next move" for callers and
listeners who contact us for advice.
Ken Seeley and
i911 are THE largest and one of the oldest intervention
firms in the nation. We are pleased to have Ken as our guest
next Saturday night, March 11th.
Suboxone: At Last: Hope for the Heroin and Prescription
Opiate Addict
Saturday, March 18, 2006
 Opiate
addicts historically have had few good options for assisting
them with "kicking smack". Methadone maintenance was once
thought to be society's answer to the scourges of heroin
addiction. In fact, all that methadone does for most opiate
addicts is to help them out during times when they cannot get
their hands on heroin. Most heroin addicts continue to use
heroin, and even those who don't tend to remain on methadone for
the rest of their lives because it is so unpleasant off of which
to detox.
Of all opiate addicts, the largest majority today are addicted
to prescription pain medications such as Vicodin, Percodan,
Oxycontin, and a host of others. In fact, addiction to
prescription opiates is no different from addiction to heroin
except in terms of the specific drug used. Many prescription
drug addicts become addicted only after some type of painful
medical problem, after which they find that they "love" the
feeling caused by the opiates.
Suboxone (TM) is a newer drug combination (buprenorphine plus
naloxone) which can be used in two ways to help opiate addicts:
1) to more gently detox off of opiates (a historically
horrendous detox; ask any opiate addict who has "kicked" cold
turkey!!), and, 2) To serve as a "maintenance" drug, much like
methadone, but with a much safer and more effective medication
profile, ie, less side effects and few if any adverse effects.
In distinction to methadone, it will NOT get you "high".
On March 18th we will discuss Suboxone in deeper detail than
during any prior show. We have found that whenever we have
mentioned this very useful drug on-air in our discussions with
callers, our call-board literally "lights up" with many callers
who want more information about Suboxone. Given the huge number
of prescription opiate addicts today, Suboxone will likely be
considered a true "savior" for that large and growing group of
addicts.
 We
will be joined on March 18th by Tim Lepak, founder of the
National Association for
Advocates of Buprenorphine Treatment (NAABT) (www.naabt.org).
A couple of years ago Tim was exposed to a friend who was an
opiate addict and whose life was miraculously improved only
after receiving Suboxone treatment. In seeking more information
about that wondrous drug he found quickly that many barriers
still existed to bringing useful information to opiate addicts
and potential users of that medication. NAABT was the result.
Supported in part by a non-restricted grant from
Reckitt-Benckiser, manufacturers of
Suboxone, Tim and
others establish a website and related services whose sole
purpose it is to link the opiate addict in need with the
information and physician resources he/she needs in order to
obtain the benefits of this wonderful new addiction adjunct
medication.
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3.
STRAIGHT TALK FROM THE
DOC by Dr Steve
Drugs and Sex
Series: Opiates
 Recently
I started a series on Drugs and Sex- examining the various
ways that drugs can affect sexual well-being. We began with
the most popular drug of all-Alcohol. Last week it was that
demonic drug, Methamphetamine.
This week I will talk about opiates: Heroin, morphine,
oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet, codeine, and many others.
Aside of the fact that many opiate addicts (and especially
women) become sex workers- prostitutes- to feed their drug
habits, opiate use has absolutely NO enhancing effect on sex.
It kills libido and ruins sexual health.
Opiate addicts cite the mesmerizing and seductive euphoria
that results from opiate intoxication for the reason they keep
compulsively using that drug, eventually become addicted. The
euphoria produced by opiates has been likened my many to being
“Better than sex” or, “It's the best feeling I’ve ever had”,
say others. They describe it as a mellowing, heavenly feeling.
It is like having the "ultimate lover”.
Opiates, however, invariably dull the sex drive, and addicts
soon have no interest in anything besides chasing that first
euphoric high from their opiate.
In men, testosterone levels decline over time, eventually
approaching extremely low levels. Opiates affect many parts of
the brain, including the hypothalamus, leading in a negative
hormonal cascade effect resulting in turning off testosterone
production by the testicles. Male opiate addicts suffer from
not only decreased libido, but physical sexual dysfunction and
impotence, as well.
In Women, the hormonal effects of chronic opiate use is not
quite so simple. But it is very true that female opiate
addicts, too, come to have nearly no interest in sex; only a
sole concern about their next fix. Over time, their demeanors
become flat, dull, and interested only in getting the next
“fix” in order to avoid unpleasant withdrawal.
Clearly, our own endogenous opiates, the endorphins, have an
important contribution to maintaining normal sexual behavior
and sexual health. Using heroin or other opiates invariably
alters normal sexual physiology, resulting in essentially no
sex life whatsoever.
My opinion: If you are an opiate addict…YOUR lover…will BE
your drug.
This is Dr Steve, giving it to you straight!!!
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4. THOUGHT FOR RECOVERY- by BOB MUNCK
 Each week
on our show this past year, Bob has shares his "Thought for
Recovery", a unique personal reflection meant to inspire those
of us in Recovery. This is from a man with 15 years of
personal sobriety, and with many years of recovery leadership.
He has seen and heard it all. He has sponsored hundreds of men
during that time. Bob's "Thoughts" will focus on pearls of
wisdom that all alcoholics and addicts in Recovery can use to
enhance their own Recovery. We reprint this week's Thought for
Recovery here:
FEAR IS OUR ENEMY:
 When we are
afraid, we tend to shut ourselves down. We don't reach out to
others, we don't communicate our real feelings, and the
resulting isolation becomes painful.
Then what do we do? Compulsive Addicts fight fear with self
medication. We use Alcohol, Drugs, Gambling, Sex and Anger to
drown our anxieties and hope that if we bury them deep enough
they will go away forever. Unfortunately, Sex, Drugs and Rock
n Roll partying do not make that fear or pain go away. What it
does diminish is our self-esteem. And the further we withdraw
and isolate ourselves, the more our fears will increase.
There is a way out of this vicious cycle of Addiction: It is
the way of abstinence and unconditional love. When we turn our
will and our lives over to the care of a Loving & Forgiving
God, believing that we are given just what we need each day,
our spiritual self shows us how to fight fear with the weapon
of love.
Everybody can win if we are convinced that God loves us; we
can take the risk of reflecting that love to those around us.
We can accept and love ourselves unconditionally and exactly
as we are; right now. And we can accept and love life as it
presents itself to each of us. When we are filled with the
love of God, we are not afraid to Love ourselves or others,
and we don't need to turn to our Addictions and Isolation.
Dear God,
I pray that you will Show me how to be filled with your Kind
of love that conquers all of our fear. Amen!!
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5.
MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
WITH RECOVERY RADIO
Recovery Radio Seeks
Show Sponsors
 The
Recovery Radio Show is more that just a radio show.
We are a comprehensive set of resources for addicts and their
families. Our uniqueness is that each week we reach hundreds of
thousands of addicts and their families who are still
suffering…over 500,000 people each week. We do this in many
ways, the most obvious of which is over the airwaves every
Saturday night in Los Angeles and 10 other cities,
coast-to-coast.
In addition, we will soon be publishing “California Together”,
a monthly newspaper targeted at the recovery community
throughout Southern California. We will be publishing this in
partnership with Bill and Barbara Brown, publishers of “Arizona
Together”, which periodical has been meeting the needs of
the Arizona recovery community for over 15 years. The two will
be sister publications.
We maintain one of the most popular “recovery radio” websites in
the world! Both Google and Yahoo have rated ours to be #4, and
this after only 6 months of existence! That is phenomenal, and
testimony to the fact that we are “doing something right!” Our
weekly e-newsletter, the FLASH! reaches many people each week as
well, with timely updates on what is happening with Recovery
Radio and the recovery world in general.
Future projects include an “800 HELPLINE”, the HOW Program USA
“recovery scholarships”, Fourth Step Workshops with Bob and Dr
Steve, and “The Art of Recovery- Southern California” recovery
community annual convention.
What does this all mean? It means that those organizations whose
business is related to recovery and/or recovery products have a
unique opportunity to engage- at the ground-floor level- in an
extremely effective marketing alliance with The Recovery Radio
Show.
Ours is a highly-targeted audience. We reach over 500,000 people
each week (conservative estimate). Approximately 60% of our
callers are family members or loved ones of an alcoholic or
addict who NEEDS RECOVERY. They are looking for solutions to get
their loved on into recovery. About 30% of our callers are from
addicts or alcoholics who are IN RECOVERY, and want and need
recovery-oriented products.
More so, ALL of our listeners are learning more about a
societal problem that in reality affects essentially every
single person in this nation. Addiction is by far the #1 public
health problem in the nation today, costing our society over $4
Billion/year. It is long overdue that our nation accepts
addiction for the medical disease that it is. We are doing our
part to effect that change.
If you are with a business or organization that might benefit
from a marketing relationship with Recovery Radio, please
contact us. We will be happy to discuss the many ways that you
can benefit from joining our team…and at the same time help AND
benefit from our growing fan and listener base.
CONTACT US
if you would like to explore sponsorship or marketing
opportunities with Recovery Radio Show. Toll-Free:
866.334.0471., ext. 102 (Bob), or ext. 111 (Dr Steve).
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HYTHIAM, Inc. joins us as our corporate sponsor!!!
We at the Recovery
Radio Show are pleased to announce that beginning Saturday,
October 8, 2005
HYTHIAM, Inc. joins us
as our corporate sponsor!!! A health services
management company that licenses an
exciting methamphetamine treatment protocol called "PROMETA"
(TM), Hythiam was founded in 2002 in Los Angeles.
The PROMETA (TM) protocols are currently being evaluated in a
placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical study. This radical approach
to the once dismal treatment of "speed" addiction- which likely
will revolutionize the world of addiction treatment- is
available to addicts NOW!! Hythiam also has PROMETA (TM)
protocols for cocaine and alcohol, too!! For more information,
call
(800) 700-SOBER, or visit
www.overcomeaddiction.com |
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a free, weekly update on what's going on here at RRS. We will include a
PREVIEW OF THIS WEEK"S SHOW TOPIC, and much, much more.
Forward this email to your friends and
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RECOVERY RADIO
A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
The
Recovery Radio Show is organized as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit
public benefit corporation under the IRS tax code: Our Mission
is to provide education about addiction to our fellow human
beings, and to do what we can to allow those still suffering to
get into recovery. If you, or your company, would like to make a
tax-deductible donation to the RRS, you may do so with our
profound thanks and appreciation by clicking on the link above,
or by going to the "DONATE" button on our website on the
HOME page. Or, you may call our very own Melissa Stewart at
866.334.0471 M-F between the hours of 8A - 5P.
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That's it for
this week....Join us this Saturday Night, won't you?????.....6-8
Pacific Time...on-air, or on the web.
Yours very truly, and in sobriety,
Dr Steve, Bob, and the Recovery Radio Crew |
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