Dopeless HOPE Fiends's topics - tribe.net

Gratitude List

fugitive247 — Sat, 19 Mar 2005 19:53:29 GMT

This will surely become one of the longest threads in this Tribe. It would be way cool if each member posts at least a few things for which they are grateful even when just visiting this Tribe to read.

So, what are you grateful for today?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
1) my recovery
2) my family
3) good health
4) decent home
5) full fridge & pantry
6) coffee
7) laughter...

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 246 replies

Seattle C&S Buddhists?

Jen — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:31:17 GMT

I just started my sobriety (2 days!), and I'm really hoping to connect with some people who are combining meditation with AA, because I need both! I'm in West Seattle.

Namaste!

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 0 replies

Who is sitting next to you?

Autumn — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 16:10:13 GMT

Happy Holiday's Everyone,

I received this letter the other day and thought I would share it with you all due to the holiday season and how many newcomers find themselves in the rooms for the first time at this time of the year.

I hope you find it as meaningful as I did.
Who is sitting next to you...

(Author unknown, March 1991)

I know who you are. You are "X" who attends the ABC Meeting at the XYZ
Club where N.A.'s meet in Anywhere, U.S.A.

I saw you there the other night at the eight o'clock meeting. I don't
know how long you've been clean, but I know you've been coming around
for a while because you spoke to a lot of people who knew you. I
wasn't one of them.

You don't know who I am. I wandered into your meeting place alone the
other night, a stranger in a strange town. I got a cup of coffee, and
sat down by myself. You didn't speak to me.

Oh, you saw me. You glanced my way, but you didn't recognize me, so
you quickly averted your eyes and sought out a familiar face. I sat
there through the meeting.

It was okay, a slightly different format but basically the same kind
of meeting as the one I go to at home.

The topic was gratitude. You and your friends spoke about how much
N.A. means to you. You talked about the camaraderie in your meeting
place. You said how much the people there had helped you when you
first came through the door how they extended the hand of friendship
to make you feel welcome, and asked you to come back. And I wondered
where they had gone, those nice people who made your entrance so
welcoming and so comfortable.

You talked about how the newcomer is the life blood of N.A. I agree,
but I didn't say so. In fact, I didn't share in your meeting. I signed
my name in the book that was passed around, but the chairperson didn't
refer to it. He only called on those people in the room whom he knew.
So who am I? You don't know, because you didn't bother to find out.
Although yours was a closed meeting, you didn't even ask if I
belonged there.

It might have been my first meeting. I could have been full of fear
and distrust, knowing N.A. wouldn't work any better than anything else
I'd tried, and I would have left convinced that I was right. I might
have been suicidal, grasping at one last straw, hoping someone would
reach out and pull me from the pit of loathing and self-pity from
which, by myself, I could find no escape.

I might have been a student with a tape recorder in my pocket,
assigned to write a paper on how N.A. works - someone who shouldn't
have been permitted to sit there at all but could have been directed
to an open meeting to learn what I needed to know.

Or I could have been sent by the courts, wanting to know more, but
afraid to ask. It happens that I was none of the above.

I was just an ordinary addict with a few years of clean living in N.A.
who was traveling and was in need of a meeting.

My only problem that night was that I'd been alone with my own mind
too long. I just needed to touch base with my N.A. family. I know
from past experience that I could have walked into your meeting place
smiling, stuck out my hand to the first person I saw and said, "Hi. My
name is - . I'm an addict from - ."If I'd felt like doing that, I
probably would have been warmly welcomed. You would have asked me if I
knew Old So-and-so from my state, or you might have shared a part of
your drug-a-log that occurred in my part of the country. Why didn't I?
I was hungry, lonely, and tired.

The only thing missing was angry, but three out of four isn't a good
place for me to be.

So I sat silently through your meeting, and when it was over I watched
enviously as all of you gathered in small groups, talking to one
another the same way we do in my home town.

You and some of your friends were planning a meeting after the meeting
at a nearby coffee shop. By this time I had been silent too long to
reach out to you. I stopped by the bulletin board to read the notices
there, kind of hanging around without being too obvious, hoping you
might ask if I wanted to join you, but you didn't.

As I walked slowly across the parking lot to my car with the
out-of-state license plates you looked my way again. Our eyes met
briefly and I mustered a smile. Again, you looked away. I buckled my
seat belt, started the car, and drove to the motel where I was
staying.

As I lay in my bed waiting for sleep to come, I made a gratitude list.
You were on it, along with your friends at the meeting place. I knew
that you were there for me, and that I needed you far more than you
needed me. I knew that if I had needed help, and had asked for it, you
would have gladly given it.

But I wondered . . . what if I hadn't been able to ask?

I know who you are.....Do you remember me?

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 3 replies

6mos

Scooter — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 00:11:07 GMT

Just wanted to stop by...it has been a while. I wanted to let everyone know that I just picked up my 6mo. chip. I am working the most through 1rst than I ever have and actually studying it well enough to understand it. So that I can actually apply the spiritual principles to my life. I am learning that when things get rough and they have to go find those spritual priciples pick out the ones that I am not using and apply them. The problems don't go away however, they are not as overwhelming. All I really need to know is that I don't have to use no matter what. That 3 foot drop I've been hearing about for the last 4yrs finally happened to me. WOW!! Thank you to the Dopeless hope fiends for listening!!

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 10 replies

Winter Gathering

Autumn — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:52:31 GMT

There is a winter gathering event today in Martinez given by the activities committee of Contra Costa, It starts at 5 for stuff for the kids and then followed by a speaker meeting and dance which starts at 8. Come get a birthday chip if you are celebrating a clean date. The directions are on the contra costa na website.

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 0 replies

Giving Back

Autumn — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:25:40 GMT

Service has always been a big part of my recovery and it continues to get stronger with each day that I stay clean. However, one of the things I have always wanted to do was bring a meeting into the womens jail. So finally when I had two years clean I started to go to the H&I sub-committee meeting in my area.
Yesterday, I was the speaker at a womens adult detention center. It was AWESOME, to give back what has been and is still so freely given to me. I connected so well with these women because I too had had my first NA meeting in a womens detention center.
It truly is the best feeling to share and connect with other women in the program.
Thank you I am so grateful to be part of this program.

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 2 replies

my heart hurts

Scooter — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:49:33 GMT

It seems that when everyone finally finds comfort in a situation, it doesn't matter what it is, something else has to happen. It's enevitable!!

I've lost many people in my life. In most cases I can pull up my boot straps and move on. When my mom was taken, I didn't cry, I had no emotion. I learned how to stuff it. It took me 14 years to process that loss. I've lost my Granny,stuffed, 2 uncles, stuffed, Big Joe, stuffed, Randy, stuffed, my best friend's (of 19 years) mom who was the closest thing I had for a mom for a very long time, had to be strong for the family, stuffed, Chad, stuffed, I know there's more. I can't stuff anymore......

What am I trying to say. My best friend just recently posted a blog about risks. Taking them, or not taking them.

Do I allow myself to continue to grow attached to people knowing that there is a certainty that they too will go away? Well, I suppose life would be pretty boring if I lived that way. Maybe not boring but pointless. I mean what's life without love and loss.

So, I get this news about my best friends older sister (who I've also known for 19 years) and she has this cancer. She's been given a life expectancy. A very short one at that. My emotions have gotten the best of me. At some points I can't function at work, driving or interacting with friends. I wondered why.

With all of the loss that I have had previously you think I would be okay just stuff it. But I'm not. It's not something that one can get accustomed to. I didn't realize how much of an impact that this person has had on my life. Why does it take something tradgic to make me look at something, someone, or myself for that matter? My heart hurts more than words can say. All of that loss that I stuffed has just exposed itself. All of that hurt finally comes out.

In life so far, there is nothing that I have done that I have regretted. The chances that I have taken at some points were like playing russian roulette. With everything that I have done, every loss that I have faced, every obstacle that has been put in my path, even my addiction, I know this, everything, absolutely everything happens for a reason. There is nothing that life has handed me that I haven't learned something from. These things have allowed me to grow.

I've put my emotions on the front lines to allow them to be looked at, stomped on, laughed at, discouraged, and in some cases, embraced. Go for it.....

So, this is it in a nutshell, this is what I have learned in 27 years. Life is not something to be taken for granted. It can be pulled at any moment, I have no control over this. Risks are meant to be taken, I can't sit back and just let life happen without participating, (I tried that it's just becomes more work for me later). I take risks in loving people and the biggest risk, allowing them to love me. Sure, it may hurt, however think of the rewards in allowing this to happen.

If you need someone to know something, tell them, don't wait for the RIGHT TIME. It doesn't matter if people think you're crazy. If you think someone is doing a good job, tell them. If you think that someone is good looking, tell them. If you think someone is a good parent, tell them. I have never understood why people are so quick to jump on someone when they are fucking something up but never have the time to call the Burger King manager and tell them how wonderful their service was today. Just something to think about. IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE, TELL THEM. Sometimes people need to hear these things. You would be amazed what happens when you think about someone and you just call them, listen to the re-action. I guarentee they probably needed someone to call and tell them that someone was thinking about them or maybe they were thinking about you and were just saying, "oh, I'll call tomorrow!"

Those things that most people call coincidences, um, they are not coincidences, those are things that let you know that you're on the right track. Same thing with that De Ja Vu thing. Always just do the next right thing and the next right thing will happen. Oh yeah, and when thinking about the future becomes too overwhelming, you can start with today and breathe.

I'm sure this was nothing but a bunch of babble....that's okay....it needed to be put out there for someone else to sort out. So if you can figure this out for me let me know!!

So, I need everyone to know before they leave, I LOVE YOU!!!

Much love and respect,

Scooter

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 3 replies

Drug Dreams

aj2feathers — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:27:00 GMT

Last night I had a drug dream. It was the first one in a long time. But I wasn't using the drugs just involved with people who were. In the dream they sold my money and car, it was a good reminder of what it was like, and how I never want it to be again.

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 7 replies

NO MATTER WHAT

Scooter — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 18:36:20 GMT

I encourage you to come and tell us your NO MATTER WHATS. I know everyone has them. Experience, strength, hope, faith, love, PERSERVERANCE. The theme of the NCCNA convention was a great inspiration to me and to many others. I would like for everyone to be a part of that!! The name of the new tribe is NO MATTER WHAT!!

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 2 replies

HELLO DOPELESS HOPE FIENDS!!!!!!!!!!!

Scooter — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 03:22:10 GMT

Just wanted to drop by and thank you guys for all of your support when I went out. Wanted to let you know that I just picked up my 1yr chip on the18th. Would like for some of you to come find my on myspce so I can network with more recovery family outside of my little town. Thank you again for all the love.

Much love and respect,
Scooter

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 6 replies

Buddhist AA/NA

anastajah — Thu, 29 Dec 2005 00:40:56 GMT

Here are some fundamental characteristics of human development that lead to resilience, vitality, inner stability, and peace of mind:

We move from reliance on external authority to an internal center of resonance & wisdom based on observation, experimentation, and experience.
We bring fascination, curiosity, and interest to all aspects of our lives & to relationships. We are comfortable with differences, and are able to reflect on our own feelings, thoughts, and emotional reactions.
We take personal responsibility for our internal experience - we realize we create our own feelings of anger, contempt, and judgments with our demands that situations & people be different than they are. We cease blaming or making up excuses & reasons for our problems.
We see situations & people as they truly are & make our decisions based on current reality, not our hopes that people will change.
We become increasingly able to attune & resonate with our internal world - including our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. This ability to go deeply within ourselves decreases our need for either disassociation or external stimulation to relieve emptiness & boredom.
We realize that we are not our "minds," we are not all the teachings that have been put there. We exist beyond these teaching as essence.
We develop the will to do the things we know will help us feel stronger, healthier, more alive, and connected to others.
We develop the ability to self-soothe & calm ourselves when we are alone or with other people.
Our living becomes more congruent with our beliefs.
Our relationships become more authentic, trusting, open, and valued.
We are able to give & receive care, friendship, and support.
We accept the ever-changing nature of all life. The challenge of empowerment.
We affirm we have the power to take charge of our lives & stop being dependent on substances or other people for our self-esteem & security.
Alternative: We admit we were out of control with/powerless over _________ yet have the power to take charge of our lives & stop being dependent on substances or other people for our self-esteem & security.
We come to believe that we have the ability to develop our inner resources through a process of learning, exploration, daily practice, diligence, self reflection, and supportive relationships with others. (This is a new version of this step)
We make a decision to become our authentic selves & trust in the healing power of the truth.
We examine our beliefs, addictions, and dependent behavior in the context of living in a hierarchal, patriarchal culture.
We share with another person all the things inside of us for which we feel shame & guilt.
We affirm & enjoy our strengths, talents, and creativity.
We become willing to let go of guilt, shame, and any behavior that keeps us from accepting ourselves & others.
We make a list of people we have harmed & people who have harmed us, and take steps to clear out negative feelings by making amends & sharing our grievances in a respectful way.
We express love & gratitude to others, and increasingly appreciate the wonder of life & the blessings we do have.
We continue to trust our reality & daily affirm that we see what we see, we know what we know & we feel what we feel.
We promptly acknowledge mistakes & make amends when appropriate, but we do not say we are sorry for things we have not done & we do not cover up, analyze, or take responsibility for the shortcomings of others.
We seek out situations, jobs, and people who affirm our intelligence, perceptions, and self-worth & avoid situations or people who are hurtful, harmful, or demeaning to us.
We take steps to heal our physical bodies, organize our lives, reduce stress, and have fun.
We seek to find our inward calling, and develop the will & wisdom to follow it.
We accept that change, loss, death, and re-birth are part of the natural flow of life.
We grow in awareness that we are interrelated with all living things, and we contribute to restoring peace & balance on the planet.
This is active meditation, not medication with endless meetings for life that are depressing and disempowering. Without knowing this particular technique, I started to do something similar. Then, when I went to AA just for fun, I was so sad to see that people had to admit to being powerless to get to the first step. I never took that 1st step, I ran! I dosed myself with nutrition, love, silence, self sourcing. I quit sugar, caffeine, smoking all with ease. Not to mention my unmentionable ellicit illegal drug taking for like 16 years! And alcohol. I later found this, which is a more empowering 12 step for Buddhists.
BODHI'S BUDDHIST NON-THEISTIC 12 STEPS:

1. We admitted our addictive craving over alcohol, and recognised its consequences in our lives.
2. Came to believe that a power other than self could restore us to wholeness.
3. Made a decision to go for refuge to this other power as we understood it.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to ourselves and another human being the exact moral nature of our past.
6. Became entirely ready to work at transforming ourselves.
7. With the assistance of others and our own firm resolve, we transformed unskilful aspects of ourselves and cultivated positive ones.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed.
9. Made direct amends to such people where possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. In addition, made a conscientious effort to forgive all those who harmed us.
10. Continue to maintain awareness of our actions and motives, and when we acted unskilfuly promptly admitted it.
11. Engaged through the practise of meditation to improve our conscious contact with our true selves, and seeking that beyond self. Also used prayer as a means to cultivate postive attitudes and states of mind.
12. Having gained spiritual insight as a result of these steps, we practise these principles in all areas of our lives, and make this message available to others in need of recovery\

The 12 Steps of Liberation
>>>>>Said another way:

1. The truth of suffering. We experienced the truth of our addictions – our lives
were unmanageable suffering.

2. The truth of the origin of suffering. We admit that we craved for and grasped
onto addictions as our refuge.

3. The truth of the end of suffering. We came to see that complete cessation of
craving and clinging at addictions is necessary.

4. The truth of the path. We made a decision to follow the way of liberation and
to take refuge in our wakefulness, our truth, and our fellowship.

5. Right view. We made a searching and fearless review of our life. We are
willing to acknowledge and proclaim our truth to ourselves, another human
being and the community.

6. Right thought. We are mindful that we create the causes for suffering and
liberation. Our goodness is indestructible.

7. Right speech. We purify, confess and ask for forgiveness straightforwardly
and without judgment. We are willing to forgive others.

8. Right action. We make a list of all persons we harm and are willing and able
to actively make amends to them all, unless to do so would be harmful.

9. Right livelihood. We simplify our lives, realizing we are all interconnected.
We select a vocation that supports our recovery.

10. Right effort. We realize that continuing to follow this path, no matter what, is
joyful effort.

11. Right mindfulness. Through prayer, meditation and action we will follow the
path of kindness, being mindful moment by moment.

12. Right concentration. Open to the spirit of awakening as a result of these steps,
we will carry this message to all people suffering with addictions.

We move from reliance on external authority to an internal center of resonance & wisdom based on observation, experimentation, and experience.
We bring fascination, curiosity, and interest to all aspects of our lives & to relationships. We are comfortable with differences, and are able to reflect on our own feelings, thoughts, and emotional reactions.
We take personal responsibility for our internal experience - we realize we create our own feelings of anger, contempt, and judgments with our demands that situations & people be different than they are. We cease blaming or making up excuses & reasons for our problems.
We see situations & people as they truly are & make our decisions based on current reality, not our hopes that people will change.
We become increasingly able to attune & resonate with our internal world - including our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. This ability to go deeply within ourselves decreases our need for either disassociation or external stimulation to relieve emptiness & boredom.
We realize that we are not our "minds," we are not all the teachings that have been put there. We exist beyond these teaching as essence.
We develop the will to do the things we know will help us feel stronger, healthier, more alive, and connected to others.
We develop the ability to self-soothe & calm ourselves when we are alone or with other people.
Our living becomes more congruent with our beliefs.
Our relationships become more authentic, trusting, open, and valued.
We are able to give & receive care, friendship, and support.
We accept the ever-changing nature of all life. The challenge of empowerment.

And I also like the Native medicine wheel way. That really puts it into perspective! I think that having these substance abuse problems actually enhanced my life.

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 14 replies

We've stayed clean through...

fugitive247 — Wed, 06 Apr 2005 15:52:13 GMT

This is sure to be an incredibly powerful & inspirational thread. Here members of our Tribe can share and discuss the challenges we've overcome during our recovery. Some of us face ongoing and/or recurrent conditions (health, career, parenting, etc.) It's all relevant here. Want to know how someone got through a particular situation? Ask! If enough people have encountered similar things, dedicated topics can be added. When posting to this topic, please be sure to include your clean date, thanks!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Clean Date: June 11, 1995

I've stayed clean through...

bipolar disorder & PTSD (ongoing)
homelessness
financial crises
geographic relocation & numerous moves
deaths of loved ones
institutionalizations
a miscarriage
2 emergency C-sections followed by 2 post-op infections
extreme religious predjudice
raising 2 special needs children (ongoing)
2 totaled cars
the 2004 hurricane season
bogus/unfounded DFC reports (several times)
marital issues...

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 6 replies

I'm a drunk, and I'd also happen to do all of your dope if I got the chance, so I qualify

farewell and be well :^D — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 07:45:58 GMT

I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Daniel J. Thanks to a power greater than myself and the program and fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, I have been able not to drink or use drugs, one day at a time for almost 7,000 days -- that's a little over nineteen years. I am very active in AA, but I am abstinent from all mind-altering recreational substances. I'm very pro NA and CA and CMA. I just happened to get sober in AA. I work with addicts of all stripes.

I hope that this doesn't put any of you off. I'm here for you anyway if you need me!

I am a hopeless dope fiend, so: I attend a meeting every day, work the 12 steps on a continuous basis, work with three sponsees and a number of newcomers, have a sponsor who has a sponsor, and I do my best to keep the Big Book a working part of my conscious mind. I read it a lot, and I love going to Big Book study meetings. I love the Founders, and I think how hard they had to work to carry the message so that the hand of AA was there for me when I was ready to take it. I take this program very seriously because I have seen hundreds of times where this progressive and inevitably fatal disease takes us. To be doomed to an alcoholic death or to live on a spiritual basis are not always easy alternatives to face, I know; so I work very diligently with newcomers and other addicts. It's been my great privilege to have had the wonderful AAs in my life who have taught me everything that this hopeless, helpless addict has needed to know about my life. And I still am loving every day of my sobriety, good and bad.

I look forward to getting to know you better. HOW, Dan

PS: please check out my sober spiritual blog, Vajra Surfers @ vajrasurfers.blogspot.com/

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 0 replies

my healing tribe art project needs your comments

bragitta — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 18:22:42 GMT

I am creating a healing art experiment on my tribe page
where I create a piece of art work and ask a question
and then depending on the comments and response it gets
will inspire future art pieces and questions

so
please hop on over to my tribe page
and leave a comment or 2 (or 3)
even become a new friend to this art experiment of mine

thanks
bragitta

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 0 replies

Being healthy.

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 07:24:09 GMT

Being vegetarian is to be health. You may chat and make vegetarian friends and exchange idea with them at
http://hunger4love.bravehost.com/index.html

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 0 replies

thanks for being

matty-matt — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 02:32:18 GMT

recovery is new for me. perhaps you've already read my rants on n.a or friends of bill. i appreciate the existence of these tribes. can't believe i read the gratitude list in full. just wanted to voice my gratitude for just being...

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 3 replies

anyone know anything about NYE???

dejableu — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 08:49:00 GMT

hey out there i'm looking for something to do for NYE!! i wanna dance and be merry without all the drugs sooo please respond soon!!

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 0 replies

Hi, new here, how's it going?

Pigeon — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 20:06:56 GMT

Just joined this thing, thought I would say hi!

www.pigeonhole.wordpress.com

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 1 reply

My anniversary!

brokendownangel — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 14:09:05 GMT

Hello everybody! I know I havent stopped in for awhile but I thought I would let everybody know that I recently celebrated my 1 yr drug free anniversary on 12/10/06. I havent been to a meeting in about a month due to my job and family issues but I have made it one year and hopefully next 12/10 I will be celebrating 2 yrs. But for now I take it one day at a time.

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 2 replies

Hello family

Scooter — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 17:57:02 GMT

What an awesome fellowship I am a part of. I just finished reading the 3rd tradition in the Basic Text and in the It work how and why. I am so proud of myself. I just wanted to share what I got from it or what I have become more aware of. The third tradition talks about I'm sure you all know our only requirement for membership......THE DESIRE.......to stop using. Not the final decision to or the promise that no one can promise. I have learned more recently that I do in fact have a disease. I am not exempt from its grasp for any reason I am just like everyone else I can now more closely relate to the newcomer. As a result of thinking and believing that I was in fact exempt. I am me it will never happen to me. Well it did. What a humbling experience to get my 30day chip. What a humbling experience to sit during the birthday countdown at the campout and watch all of my 3 yr buddies stand while I sit and think about what I did. Poopie!!!! I have a DESIRE today more than ever to participate in my recovery. I am excited that I get to start over. The butt kicking machine's battery is dying as is the lie.
I am glad that I am me today. I am greatful that I have been given a reason to look at who I am at a greater measure. I am even more greatful that I get to be a member of this fellowship solely based on my DESIRE to sop using. I wasn't turned down for membership my second time around because I had bad credit.
What an awesome feeling it is to sit and talk with someone who is going through it whether they have 1 month or 18 years and be able to say its not worth it.
I am proud to be a member of this fellowhip. Thanks for letting me babble babble!

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 4 replies

New to the Tribe

Puhbare — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 06:57:59 GMT

Hi Everyone!

I am new here , just signed up, I had an issue with Crystal and I am some what clean now.. I say some what because I still have the urge to use from time to time. I suppose that will always be lurking over me. I started using 17 years ago, then I got married to a sailor and had to clean up fast, was clean for 14 years til the divorce, .. needess to say I started again when I met my current BF, He is locked up now and I am clean, but what I am unsure of is how to make him realize this is not the life for us. How do I help him??

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 4 replies

Hello... new here... do I change my clean date?

Lauri — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 16:27:47 GMT

Hi my name is Lauri, I'm an addict. My clean date is 12.25.02 - coming up on 4 years! But it sort of feels like a lie because it took me so long to start really working the program honestly. I think I spent the first 18 months trying to save face. When I received my 18 month chip they asked me how I did it and I said "luck". I think that was the first completely honest thing I'd ever shared at a meeting. Not that it was easy staying clean. I went to alot of meetings - especially when I was stressed out, I stopped hanging w/ using buddies, I started socializing w/ women in the program, and my H.P. carried me A LONG WAY.

Ex: Right before I'd gotten clean I had hidden some paraphenalia, then right as I was getting clean I was moving so everything got packed up. After the dust settled I still had some boxes I hadn't unpacked yet and I hadn't come across it so I knew it was in the house. (One of the things I had done to try to manage my addiction was hide my stash from myself and it became a treasure hunt game for me to find it). I didn't search for it but I knew it was there. I talked to people in the program and planned on destroying it when I did come across it. One day a woman from the program was over and I went searching for a book, I didn't find the book because when I opened the first box that paraphenalia rolled out onto the floor. It was so hard to destroy this... there was so much resin in it I wouldn't have even had to scrape it to get high. If that woman wasn't there I don't think I would've returned to N.A. Hindesight is 20/20... H.P. at work there!

Anyway, it took me over a year to learn how to be honest enough with MYSELF to work the program. So do I shave 1.5 years off my clean date? But I love my clean date being Xmas. It IS such an enormous gift. To both me and my family.

Thanks!

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 4 replies

It's a "WE" Program

gingerwatch — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 17:05:48 GMT

Hello there, maybe some of the people with several years clean in NA can give some input on this one. I'm an addict with five years in recovery - almost six. I have a sponsor, a home group, I have sponsees. I work steps. I do service at my home group and at Area. But I'm not really feeling the "we" of the we program.

I share what's going on with me with my husband, who is in the program, or with my sponsor. When I share at a meeting, which is maybe a couple of times a month, no one ever comes up to me and says "I could identify with what you shared" or anything at all indicating that they heard me share. It's like I'm invisible/inaudible. Why bother sharing? I mean, I know a lot of people DON'T want feedback when they share, but it would be nice to feel like I'm connecting.

At my home group, I am the woman with the most time. The other women who are home group members or who attend the meeting frequently want to tell me all about what's going on with them. I'm a good listener. Dangerous in N.A., to be a good listener, isn't it! I have had to tell people who want to go on and on "at" me that I can't do it anymore! But for the most part I listen, and share my experience if there's a place to jump in, or give input if they ask, which is rare. I have planned picnics for our home group that went great. I have invited people out for coffee after the meeting with the group and I've attended a few NA events. I go to the Area meeting every month.

But nobody ever asks how I am. Nobody knows what goes on with me, or who I am. I don't feel anyone really knows me. It's not that I have some great drama I need help with, if I did I'd go to my sponsor. I have the priviledge of getting some of that serenity that using the tools gives us. But I'm not feeling a connection with other NA members personally.

When I first moved to this area, I had three years clean and nobody reached out to me or made any effort to get to know me. All of the effort was on my part. When I shared about that in a meeting, someone said "It's so sad that some of us are still looking for something outside ourselves to make ourselves feel good." I know we do try to void-fill, so I've always just considered my desire to be "known" by other addicts an act of void filling. I have lived in this Area almost three years, and I know many people in recovery and talk to lots of addcits, but it usually has to do with what they can get from me, or with me listening to them. IThis is fine because I know I must give back, I know that's what this is all about.

If I do find myself with a problem and just can't keep dumping on my sponsor or my husband, I contact one of two or three women I've known over the years. I admire their recovery and I call or email them. We have built trust that way, and they have helped me. But if they never contact me. If they don't hear from me for months, I will not receive a phone call or email from them. It's not a two way street in other words. I'm grateful for their support when I ask for it, and I let them know that. But if I stopped coming to NA I don't think they would attempt to contact me. That worries me, because it's not what I would consider a support network. I guess my support network is my sponsor & my husband.

My husband says I shouldn't be bothered by any of this. He says we can't necessarily meet all our needs with NA. He says that the "we" program thing means we recovery all together, not that we feel validated or make friends or feel a one-on-one connection. I just wanted to know what some of the people with several years in NA thought.

Thanks,

Ginger R.

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 21 replies

So far so good

shaun — Wed, 11 Jan 2006 04:01:44 GMT

I am very new to recovery and so far it has been really good. I got a sponsor about two weeks ago and that is really helping just because it is someone i can talk to about all kinds of shit. this is the first time i have ever tried NA/AA for recovery and not just on my own. i have been hanging out with clean people more and more everyday and that is really sweet, i have need that for a long time. i know there is still alot of shit to come and it scares the shit out of me, but i try to remember some of the sayings like "just for today". that one is my favorite. "life on life's terms" that one sucks because it is true but just keeping that in mind does help a little. writing this stuff helps me to think too and sometimes i just gotta do it. if anyone can relate or has advise let me know i'd love to hear it.
Thanks
later
shaun

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 8 replies

5 year desert?

Teressa — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 01:54:26 GMT

Hello, my name is Teressa, and I'm a recovering addict. New to Tribe, but SO HAPPY I found this place.

I've got five and a half years clean this month, and have been hitting something that I've heard as the "five year desert." At least, I think that's what this is. I've really been feeling the need to go back and review my recovery, to get back to the basics, I mean, really hardcore lately. It's been a couple of years since my using days have really come up (the staying clean part is now very easy - it's the living part that's difficult!) in my memory, but lately, they are.

I am not thinking of using. But for some reason, I'm really feeling the need to process (re-process?) my early recovery. Basics. Something. I heard one other woman at a meeting say once that around 5 years (roughly the time it takes for a brain to fully process an event) you hit a strange stretch.

Can anyone hop in here and clarify what's going on? I am not thinking of using, have no using friends. I do NOT attend meetings anymore, however, and lately, I've been really feeling the urge to go to a few. I've been feeling the urge to talk to people about my early recovery, about how I got HERE today, about what that felt like, what it took, what it is today.

What's changed?

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 0 replies

what do you do instead of........?

gypsydaze — Sun, 15 Jan 2006 20:21:11 GMT

we are all in this journey together. what do you do that helps you stay on the path of recovery?
i am an active member of AA, i have found a higher power and use it every second, i listen to music that soothes my soul, i write, both prose and songs. i have taught myself guitar and how to write music. i stay occupied.

there are other things i want to do more of like exercise and lose weight. but those will come as i heal in recovery (18 mo.) i take each day as it comes and work a little bit harder at loving myself.

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 10 replies

Hi! I'm new to the tribe!

Andrea — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 00:12:30 GMT

Hi Everyone! Well I'm new...just to give u a brief history about me: I'm a recovering crack addict/pot smoker, I will have 3 months clean on the 23rd of April and I'm in outpatient treatment right now. Also, I live in West palm Beach.
Anyway, I've read some of the posts and I'm anxious to hear from some of you. Thanks!

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 1 reply

I'm back...

brokendownangel — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 19:47:24 GMT

I know I probably wasnt missed but thats o.k. I started going back to NA meetings,for right now just one a week. My oldest daughter doesnt understand why and she probably never will.But I've got almost 4 mos.(again) and I figure at least one a week will help me keep my head in the right place. I havent checked in with any of my tribe.net groups for quite awhile,but I am alive well,drug free and looking for a new job...BlessedBe

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 1 reply

For some Reason......

AutumnsAttic — Sun, 19 Feb 2006 21:22:43 GMT

...and i know it's just my stupid head talking to me, telling me i want to get high. im coming up on 5 months clean. Every part of my sane mind knows it's my disease of addiction telling me that i miss being high. and i usually talk about stuff bothering me all the time at meetings, but for some reason i can't get this one out, not outloud anyway. so i figured i better at least start by writting it. telling on myself somewhere. not keeping it locked up in my head where it could manifest into something. the sick part <well all of its sick....> is its not even my drug of choice. but i guess thats never how it starts..... but thats how it will end. because it always does, and its always worse. so much worse. it started by me wanting to smoke bud.... because i really do miss that high.... and that would be ok for a while. <im trying to play the tape here> but then i know that i will find that as always the bud won't leave me high enough, because nothing ever does. right?? so i'll convince myself to "just add a few opiates" just a few pills.... but there aren't just a few. there are handfulls.... and then there are needles....then there are overdoses. then theres what?? looseing everything........again? myself? my kids? my self respect? i might not be so lucky this time.... i think im talking myself out of that feeling. im thinking i shouldn't post this....but im still going to, because i need to still be accountable out loud somewhere with my thoughts.
.......i really hate this disease.... but i am glad for the knowlege to fight it.

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 6 replies

Hi Everyone

Marie — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 03:44:29 GMT

I've decided to be hopeful and joined this tribe. Think it will work?

Bev

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 9 replies

me tooo!!!!!!!!

patrick — Mon, 20 Feb 2006 04:59:23 GMT

i'm new to tribe and glad to find the same kind of people (in recovery)

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 1 reply

Women In Recovery

xtinemac — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 06:55:10 GMT

Hello ladies,
This is a newer tribe for the ladies in recovery. It is called, simply, Women in Recovery. Of course we love men but sometimes you might wanna share something and get support from your recovering lady friends. Check it out!

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 1 reply

Not drunk

rvr_rat66 — Sat, 24 Dec 2005 06:30:19 GMT

First Christmas in awhile that I'm not all drunk and stoned. Unfortunatly my drug use(injectable cocaine) left me with Hep C. My liver wont take the drinking or drugs anymore.

My drinking days are over. I did lots of weired drugs when I was drunk.

I really need to be a hope fiend. Yep- lots of hope is what I need!

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 6 replies

Sober Celebrations

GiNA — Mon, 26 Dec 2005 19:33:24 GMT

I wish you all the best for the holidays and every day. This has been a sober christmas for me as well and I am thankful. Blessings and my full support for you all.

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 1 reply

Sponsorship

gingerwatch — Tue, 03 May 2005 21:26:20 GMT

Hello, I'm Ginger, clean addict in NA. I have almost five years clean. I have only been sponsoring other people for a little over a year. Nobody ever talks about how hard it is to BE the sponsor! People complain or praise various aspects of USING a sponsor - what about BEING one?

I have sponsored maybe ten women now - I'd say half of them went back out. Two came back and have started over. My sponsor tells me to give them assignments, like read "Who is and Addict" and let's talk about it. They never seem to do any of these assignments though!

I've worked step one in the workbook with three of them. Two of those went back out, one is now on step 2. I want to be the kind of sponsor who works steps with sponsees, not the "buddy" kind of sponsor who okee-dokes their bad choices.

Anyway, that's where I'm at today. Right now I have about four sponsees who are actually calling me regularly. I love 'em.

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 28 replies

My tribe...

madballdan — Mon, 28 Mar 2005 21:50:43 GMT

drugaddicts.tribe.net

Hi everyone!!!
My clean date is September 29, 2003.
Quit Smoking Cigs-January 24, 2005

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 2 replies

YAY!!

GiNA — Mon, 19 Sep 2005 17:22:41 GMT

Hi my name is Gina and I am a dopeless hope fiend.......

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 6 replies

hola

GiNA — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 22:14:00 GMT

Okay I haven't been in the tribe in a while and decided to stop in. I just now noticed that this is a tribe for recovering addicts. I myself am not recovering from anything except my finacial losses over this past summer.....yikes!

When I joined I thought it was a group for stoners, damn silly I know. But congrats to you all who are clean and sober and staying that way! I fully support you all!!

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 1 reply

new to this tribe

Sat, 10 Sep 2005 04:09:44 GMT

Hi everyone!! So glad to have found a "clean" tribe. I am truely a dopeless hope fiend! I am grateful to be alive! Hope to post more later.

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 2 replies

Who's Sitting Next To You?

fugitive247 — Fri, 18 Mar 2005 07:37:16 GMT

A friend of mine emailed this to me earlier. Dang, I wish I could give proper credit to whomever wrote this piece. It's truly powerful...
=========================
Who's Sitting Next To You?
March 1991

I know who you are. You are "X" who attends the ABC Meeting
at the XYZ Club where N.A.'s meet in Anywhere, U.S.A.

I saw you there the other night at the eight o'clock meeting. I don't know how long you've been clean, but I know you've been coming around for a while because you spoke to a lot of people who knew you. I wasn't one of them.

You don't know who I am. I wandered into your meeting place alone the other night, a stranger in a strange town. I got a cup of coffee, and sat down by myself. You didn't speak to me.

Oh, you saw me. You glanced my way, but you didn't recognize me, so you quickly averted your eyes and sought out a familiar face. I sat there through the meeting.

It was okay, a slightly different format but basically the same kind of meeting as the one I go to at home.

The topic was gratitude. You and your friends spoke about how much N.A. means to you. You talked about the camaraderie in your
meeting place. You said how much the people there had helped you
when you first came through the door how they extended the hand
of friendship to make you feel welcome, and asked you to come back.

And I wondered where they had gone, those nice people who made
your entrance so welcoming and so comfortable.

You talked about how the newcomer is the life blood of N.A. I agree, but I didn't say so. In fact, I didn't share in your meeting. I signed my name in the book that was passed around, but the chairperson didn't refer to it. He only called on those people in the room whom he knew. So who am I? You don't know, because you didn't bother to find out. Although yours was a closed meeting, you didn't even ask if I belonged there.

It might have been my first meeting. I could have been full of fear and distrust, knowing N.A. wouldn't work any better than anything else I'd tried, and I would have left convinced that I was right. I might have been suicidal, grasping at one last straw, hoping someone would reach out and pull me from the pit of loathing and self-pity from which, by myself, I could find no escape.

I might have been a student with a tape recorder in my pocket, assigned to write a paper on how N.A. works - someone who shouldn't have been permitted to sit there at all but could have been directed to an open meeting to learn what I needed to know.

Or I could have been sent by the courts, wanting to know more, but
afraid to ask. It happens that I was none of the above.

I was just an ordinary addict with a few years of clean living in N.A. who was traveling and was in need of a meeting.

My only problem that night was that I'd been alone with my own mind too long. I just needed to touch base with my N.A. family.

I know from past experience that I could have walked into your meeting place smiling, stuck out my hand to the first person I saw and said, "Hi. My name is - . I'm an addict from - ."If I'd felt like doing that, I probably would have been warmly welcomed. You would have asked me if I knew Old So-and-so from my state, or you might have shared a part of your drug-a-log that occurred in my part of the country. Why didn't I? I was hungry, lonely, and tired. The only thing missing was angry, but three out of four isn't a good place for me to be.

So I sat silently through your meeting, and when it was over I watched enviously as all of you gathered in small groups, talking to one another the same way we do in my home town.

You and some of your friends were planning a meeting after the meeting at a nearby coffee shop. By this time I had been silent too long to reach out to you. I stopped by the bulletin board to read the notices there, kind of hanging around without being too obvious, hoping you might ask if I wanted to join you, but you didn't.

As I walked slowly across the parking lot to my car with the out-of-state license plates you looked my way again. Our eyes met briefly and I mustered a smile. Again, you looked away. I buckled my seat belt, started the car, and drove to the motel where I was staying.

As I lay in my bed waiting for sleep to come, I made a gratitude list. You were on it, along with your friends at the meeting place. I knew that you were there for me, and that I needed you far more than you needed me. I knew that if I had needed help, and had asked for it, you would have gladly given it. But I wondered . . . what if I hadn't been able to ask?

I know who you are.

Do you remember me?

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 8 replies

Happier Alternative Addictions

fugitive247 — Sat, 09 Jul 2005 14:58:06 GMT

Hey, folks! Found a thread on another recovery Tribe about things members do with their free time. Since we're no longer devoting all our time to seeking chemical escape, and maybe have a little spare $$$, just what do we do to fill the idle hours?

This thread could be a super way for us to share some of our interests, plus it could give folks new ideas for options worth exploring.

Personally, I prefer to call my constants "passions" rather than addictions. For the past 7 years I'd been so busy with the blessings of motherhood that it's taken quite a while to resume recreational activites. It's pretty much a no-brainer that with two munchkins, my main love of beadwork had to take a back seat. I'm happy to announce that my youngest hasn't shoved a bead up his nose in almost 2 years. ;oD

Reading has brought me much joy since I was first able to comprehend the written words on a page. Today I enjoy reading with my boys in addition to my own personal tastes. We just finished The Wizard of Oz. Bonus points for the first one to post what color Dorothy's magic slippers really were. :o)

Critters! The non-humanoid population of Casa del fugi stands current at one dog, one cat, one betta, and a recently widowed hamster. All of them are clowns on occasion- even the fish. Love doesn't divide. It multiplies.

Cooking has always been great for my mood, and is a tangible way of showing love for my family numerous times a week. Given that my 7 y/o special needs son has an accute dairy allergy, I've managed to successfully convert old favorites into versions the whole family can enjoy. Now, if only soy cheese didn't taste like crap. Even he won't eat THAT.

Greenery. This one has taken the longest to resume. Perhaps it's because it's taken my so long to painstakingly get down the discipline of caring for all the other living beings with whom I share my life. Anyway, I've graduated from a modest collection ot thriving houseplants to training my first bonsai. Even rescued a promising baby Venus Flytrap from the know-nothing garden center of my local [major retail outlet's name omitted].

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 1 reply

Dues paid up!!!

caguide — Sun, 26 Jun 2005 17:50:49 GMT

This message can apply to addicts as well as alcoholics..I am also daignosed with a psychiatric mood disorder and take my meds as prescribed...

There is an outside issue raging on the tv news regarding a famous actor and the organization he belongs to in reagrds to such things as psychiatry, treatment and meds etc. Well, after I began to get sober in AA they passed the basket for the group to pay expenses of course (self supporting) and no one told me that I got there by being "Lazy or ignorant of some type of philosophy or methodolgy" I wound up in the "rooms" (no one finds these funny liitle clubs and church basements by "accident") since I had hit bottom and wanted to stop hurting! I discovered beside the physical, I had a disease which affected me mentally and spiritually (not "religiously" religious belief or lack of it not a requirement for membership only a DESIRE to stop drinking and or using!!)
No one asked for money at the door or after the meeting..however they did suggest I take the cotton of my ears and put it in my big mouth for a while! I was told I had paid my dues during my drinking days!!! (No dues or fees)
After I was diagnosed with a disorder other than alcholism, a sponsor who was also a professional in the field of Substance Abuse and Treatment REFERRED ME to not one but 2 physician specialists, but never charged me for this service nor ordered me to take this medication or not. I realize today had I not I may have gone out of control and picked up a drink!
Without the support of AA and the people in it, not only in the US but in a foreign country as well, I doubt if I would be sitting here today typing this tome of gratitude, I probalbly would be in an institution or perhaps in jail or dead, who knows? There but for the Grace of G-d Go I.
Who cares then what some talking head says on the news, I know in my heart what is right living and right (not stinking) thinking for me..Just for Today!!!!!!

PS Read the "promises" of AA/NA etc. every day from the Big Book..it is amazing what two "drunks" with humility and a sense of humor started in 1935!

PS the "sponsor" I referred to above knew Bill W. from 1958, when this amn cane into AA till 1971 when Bill passed away...in 1959 this person told Bill he was an atheist and "different" and could not work "these Steps"..asked Bill..what can I do to stay sober? Bill thenpicked up a Big Book and signed it thus.. J--- simply "Pass it On"..Bill W. Well J--- passed it on for 29 years and died sober!

If you have a drinking/addiction problem..then you are are in the right place! KISS (keep it simple stupid)!

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 3 replies

Proposed new law

caguide — Fri, 27 May 2005 21:04:44 GMT

Note that you shall not be able to take the family member nor friend to a treatment facility or a 12 Step meeting!!!! If you do not turn them in you will b held liable as an accesory with 2 years minimum sentence. Last night on Fox News were 2 opposing viewpoints and even the conservative commentator on Fox, who is a former congressman was opposed to much of this..the pro was a blonde female ex DEA agent with glazed eyes..I cannot beleive this..that unless it involves Alcohol or Prescription Drug Abuse I could not drive a friend or relative to a meeting or rehab center in the USA! What do you all think? I am sure you all were not 100% "pure alcholics" in the past, sure I would drop a dime on someone dealing hard drugs to underage kids in a heartbeat, and IN SOME STATES VIOLENT OFFENDERS SUCH AS RAPISTS AND CHILD MOLESTERS ARE BEING LET OUT OF JAIL. "If anyone anywhere stretches out the hand for help..." I would risk jail if this law is passed to take someone I knew or loved who wanted help to meeting or rehab..would you???

Spy vs. Spy
Posted by CN Staff on May 20, 2005 at 13:42:31 PT
By Bill Piper, AlterNet
Source: AlterNet

USA -- Proposed legislation would compel people to spy on their family members and neighbors, forcing all Americans to become foot soldiers in the war on drugs.

Neighbors spying on neighbors? Mothers forced to turn in their sons or daughters? These are images straight out of George Orwell's 1984, or a remote totalitarian state. We don't associate them with the land of the free and the home of the brave, but that doesn't mean they couldn't happen here. A senior congressman, James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), is working quietly but efficiently to turn the entire United States population into informants--by force.

Sensenbrenner, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chairman, has introduced legislation that would essentially draft every American into the war on drugs. H.R. 1528, cynically named "Safe Access to Drug Treatment and Child Protection Act," would compel people to spy on their family members and neighbors, and even go undercover and wear a wire if needed. If a person resisted, he or she would face mandatory incarceration.
Here's how the "spy" section of the legislation works: If you "witness" certain drug offenses taking place or "learn" about them, you must report the offenses to law enforcement within 24 hours and provide "full assistance in the investigation, apprehension and prosecution" of the people involved. Failure to do so would be a crime punishable by a mandatory minimum two-year prison sentence, and a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Here are some examples of offenses you would have to report to police within 24 hours:

* You find out that your brother, who has children, recently bought a small amount of marijuana to share with his wife;

* You discover that your son gave his college roommate a marijuana joint;

* You learn that your daughter asked her boyfriend to find her some drugs, even though they're both in treatment.

In each of these cases you would have to report the relative to the police within 24 hours. Taking time to talk to your relative about treatment instead of calling the police immediately could land you in jail.

In addition to turning family member against family member, the legislation could also put many Americans in danger by forcing them to go undercover to gain evidence against strangers.

Even if the language that forces every American to become a de facto law enforcement agent is taken out, the bill would still impose draconian sentences on college students, mothers, people in drug treatment and others with substance abuse problems. If enacted, this bill will destroy lives, break up families, and waste millions of taxpayer dollars.

Despite growing opposition to mandatory minimum sentences from civil rights groups to U.S. Supreme Court Justices, the bill eliminates federal judges' ability to give sentences below the minimum recommended by federal sentencing guidelines. This creates a mandatory minimum sentence for all federal offenses, drug-related or not.

H.R. 1528 also establishes new draconian penalties for a variety of non-violent drug offenses, including:

* Five years for anyone who passes a marijuana joint at a party to someone who, at some point in his or her life, has been in drug treatment;

* Ten years for mothers with substance abuse problems who commit certain drug offenses at home (even if their children are not at home at the time);

* Five years for any person with substance abuse problems who begs a friend in drug treatment to find them some drugs.

These sentences would put non-violent drug offenders behind bars for as long as rapists, and they include none of the drug treatment touted in the bill's name.

At a time when everyone from the conservative American Enterprise Institute to the liberal Sentencing Project is slamming the war on drugs as an abject failure, Sensenbrenner is trying to escalate it, and to force all Americans to become its foot soldiers. Instead of enacting new mandatory minimums, federal policymakers should look toward the states. A growing number have reformed their drug sentencing laws, including Arizona, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New York and Texas, and they have proved it is possible to both save money and improve public safety.

Simply put, there is no way H.R. 1528 can be fixed. The only policy proposal in recent years that comes close to being as totalitarian as this bill is Operations TIPS, the Ashcroft initiative that would have encouraged -- but not required -- citizens to spy on one another. Congress rightfully rejected that initiative and they should do the same with H.R. 1528. Big Brother has no business here in America.

Bill Piper is director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance. -- www.drugpolicy.org/

Source: AlterNet (US)
Author: Bill Piper, AlterNet
Published: May 18, 2005
Copyright: 2005 Independent Media Institute
Contact: letters@alternet.org
Website: www.alternet.org/
DL: alternet.org/drugreporter/22048/

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 4 replies

na one interested in the just for today tribe?

skyedrknss — Tue, 07 Jun 2005 02:35:35 GMT

hi you beautiful dopeless fiends...i am also trying to start a recovery based tribe!hi all.....just wanted to let you know that i am trying to start a tribe for those interested in recovery based on the 12 steps and traditions of NA.....
yay...for all in recovery whatever fellowship you make your home in.....
blessings on all those trying to live the steps in their lives today....thanks for letting me share.....

this is the link up....

http://oregon.tribe.net/tribe/29d02949-2824-49ef-bd73-1778c74ea0df?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B29d02949-2824-49ef-bd73-1778c74ea0df%5D&r=10377

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 1 reply

Give a SHOUT!!!

fugitive247 — Sat, 19 Mar 2005 19:34:19 GMT

I have my prefs set to be notified when folks post, so if you would like to see this Tribe flourish- let us know you're here! Feel free to post an intro, add to the Gratitude List, start new topics, etc. Got any fave Tribes? Let us know about 'em!

Fair warning... in this Tribe everyone is expected to treat eachother with respect. It's okay and quite normal to disagree on things from time to time, but flaming is a definite no-go. Get it? Got it? Groovy! Let's play!!!

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 0 replies

Yup, we addicts are everywhere!!!

fugitive247 — Thu, 17 Mar 2005 22:37:27 GMT

This Tribe welcomes all members recovering from some form of chemical substance abuse, and is not neccesarily program specific. Clean time is grand, but we each only really have the gift of today's reprive.

posted in ***Dopeless HOPE Fiends*** - 0 replies

***Dopeless HOPE Fiends***'s topics - tribe.net

Gratitude List

Seattle C&S Buddhists?

Who is sitting next to you?

6mos

Winter Gathering

Giving Back

my heart hurts

Drug Dreams

NO MATTER WHAT

HELLO DOPELESS HOPE FIENDS!!!!!!!!!!!

Buddhist AA/NA

We've stayed clean through...

I'm a drunk, and I'd also happen to do all of your dope if I got the chance, so I qualify

my healing tribe art project needs your comments

Being healthy.

thanks for being

anyone know anything about NYE???

Hi, new here, how's it going?

My anniversary!

Hello family

New to the Tribe

Hello... new here... do I change my clean date?

It's a "WE" Program

So far so good

5 year desert?

what do you do instead of........?

Hi! I'm new to the tribe!

I'm back...

For some Reason......

Hi Everyone

me tooo!!!!!!!!

Women In Recovery

Not drunk

Sober Celebrations

Sponsorship

My tribe...

YAY!!

hola

new to this tribe

Who's Sitting Next To You?

Happier Alternative Addictions

Dues paid up!!!

Proposed new law

na one interested in the just for today tribe?

Give a SHOUT!!!

Yup, we addicts are everywhere!!!

Dopeless HOPE Fiends's topics - tribe.net