April 2010 - 12 Step Gazette
April 2010 - 12 Step Gazette
April 2010 - 12 Step Gazette
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Volume Issue # 20 1 Issue <strong>12</strong> August <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> 2009 Page Page 2 2To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Volume 1 Issue <strong>12</strong> August 2009 Page 15Issue # 20 <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> Page 3Finding a Good Balance in RecoveryAfter we have been clean and sober for a nice period of time (let'ssay 6 months), a common problem starts to develop for most of us - howto keep a balance between recovery and our family or work life. If youthink this isn't a problem for YOU - just wait...you'll see. Before we getinto some of the details of this dilemma, let's take a look at the most famouscase I can think of; that of the founder of AA, the one and onlyBill Wilson. The story goes that after he had been sober for a while andAA was 'up and running", his wife Lois said this great line; "You werenever around when you were drinking and now you're sober and you'restill never around!" For anyone who has a family (whether their spouseis or isn't in recovery), this quote should be framed and hung in the livingroom. The story continues that Lois Wilson started Al-Anon (itself aworld wide fellowship) to find other spouses of alcoholics who werehaving similiar problems. So that little story and related issues of howto juggle all the ingredients of a recovery lifestyle are whatmotivated us to try and address "how to achieve a healthybalance in our lives".The first challenge we probably come up against is howmany meetings to make in a week (do you know the oldjoke we used to tell? Not enough meetings makes, "oneWEAK"!). Where were we? How many meetings in aweek? How about one more than you think you need! Oursponsors probably have said that quote. For the purposeof actually answering some questions that are being raised in this article,let's say enough that you feel connected ("plugged in"). We usually needto ask some people in recovery for advice on this - if we trust our own"still broken" thinking, we could be in trouble. We should keep in mind,however, that if we build a really strong foundation in recovery (makingtons of meetings and friends the first year and getting involved in a homegroup and the <strong>12</strong> steps), we could ease up a little and maybe spend sometime with our family or work some overtime to help solidify our job security.This whole concept of balance is a touchy subject. I used to go toconventions years ago where they always had workshops on how to determineif you have a good balance or not. One thing that always usedto come up (and that still applies) is that service work in the fellowshipis not only aimed at helping a newcomer. Nor should the "others" in thephrase 'helping others' be totally limited to <strong>12</strong> step members. We needto reach out to our family also - spend time with THEM. This becomesespecially important if we're going to be working the 8th and 9th steps- making amends. There is no better way to show our remorse at the waywe treated certain people than to actually spend some time with them.One thing that always seems to happen to us in recovery is that wewind up getting "heavier into" the side of the balance sheet that we likemore. For example, if we love meetings and hanging out with peoplein the fellowship we are probably going to overdo it sometimes. It'snatural to lean towards doing what we love especially when we can justifyit by saying; "Well I need to be totally involved - I don't want to relapse!"That's fine if we're not short-changing other areas of our lives.But if we are we need to take a look at it. Sometimes the total oppositeis true. Many people in recovery aren't that thrilled about meetings orgetting involved in 'the program'. They have forced themselves to do itbut they would rather stay home with their spouse or kids and kick backand watch a basketball game. Or sometimes in an even worse case scenario,they choose to relax after work by themselves and watch television.This can often be dangerous for recovering people.It's okay for us to take care of ourselves (quiet time is important),but we must remember that 'an addict alone is inbad company'! Or here's another famous problem: we startto make money again. I know a heck of a lot of independentcontractors who have gotten clean and sober, becamedependable and productive and couldn't pull themselvesoff of a job at 7:00 pm to get ready for a meeting. Once weget clean the tendency to make up for lost time (and wages)is strong. Plus we are obssessive and compulsive people. Once we getinto ANYTHING it's hard to pull ourselves away from it. So what DOwe do ? How do we know WHAT is a good balance? Once we knowwhat a good balance is, how do we achieve that? Good questions! Let'stry to answer them...First of all, we hopefully have learned a little bit about being honestwith ourselves. We might lie to our sponsors and family members sometimes,but deep inside we know the REAL deal! If we're not making asmany meetings as we need - we know it. If we're working too hard orgetting obssessed with making money - we know it. If we're hiding outin meetings because we don't feel like facing some of the tough realitiesof our lives - we know that too. So if we feel we might be "off balancein juggling the ingredients of a healthy recovery lifestyle" (that's amouthful), we need to do what we have learned - admit we're having aproblem and ask for help. In this area of our lives we might need onlya little tweak here or an adjustment there and we may find it's not thatdifficult to achieve a workable, comfortable balance.To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Volume Issue # 20 1 Issue <strong>12</strong> August <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> 2009 Page Page 4 4yourself trying to appear fancier than usual. You arrive early, sitdown and the meeting begins. Then, you come to the sudden realizationthat you miss the personalities you collide with like atombombs on a daily basis! Even the ones you don’t like, you miss notliking them! After this odd occasion, you go home to sleep it off andthe next day find yourself back in the same familiar chair, relievedthat no matter what meeting you would have gone to, there’s no placeIf you think making different meetings one night a week in churchbasements is difficult, try recovering in a clubhouse to test whereyou are with your program. When I first arrived, I didn’t know if Iwas seen as new more by the literal definition or by my outlandishbehavior. By the time I reached my third coin, I had half the roomcheering me on to say whatever was on my mind and the other halfhoping I’d get a mating call from the other end of the Earth. ‘PrinciplesBefore Personalities’ wasn’t just a tradition I saw on a wall orheard at meetings; it soon became a power phrase I’d chant to myselflike a crazy person! Imagine walking into the same room filled withpersonalities I not only mingled with on Monday’s, but also Tuesday’s,Wednesday’s, Thursday’s, Friday’s and let’s not forget aboutthe weekends we spend together too! All that was missing was a halfdecent bed and I may have grabbed my toothbrush and just sleptthere!Of course, anyone that shares my experience with this particulartopic knows exactly what I am talking about! Even funnier, anyonethat can relate to what I’m saying gets to a point where they realizeit’s time to get brave and try to make another meeting outside theirclubhouse. So, you plan the occasion like a date with someone exceptthe date is with yourself. How romantic! You shower up and findlike home.I’m sure one day I’ll get brave again and slowly evolve outsidemy habitat. In the meantime, I have to say honestly, that where I recoverthere’s no comparison for the good I receive versus the personalitiesthat continuously challenge me. It’s where I feel proud towelcome the newcomer who seeks the safety of a home that’s alwaysopen to those with nothing better to do except get well and makemeetings from early in the morning until exhausted. I consider myselflucky compared to the rest of the world that doesn’t share thesame luxury I have worked so hard to complain about. I guess it’sjust the self-centered part of me that brought me to my knees to beginwith. Then again, at least I have a center to be myself in.To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact:215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Volume Issue # 20 1 Issue <strong>12</strong> August <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> 2009 Page Page 5 9<strong>Gazette</strong>’s Humor Page<strong>April</strong>’s Theme - Program Humor; Let’s Laugh at OurselvesI was having trouble with paranoia so I decided to seek help . I calledthe Paranoids Anonymous helpline to find out where some meetingswere - the guy answering the phones WAS AFRAID TO TELL ME! ☻After years of success in A.A. I began having issues with gambling somy sponsor said, "Why not try Gamblers Anonymous". Then I couldn'tstop eating - someone suggested O.A. (Overeaters Anonymous). Finally,after I checked out a Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous meeting, I hadto stop - this was crazy - I was working 48 STEPS! ☻ Stories of denial----fromhoodwinked spouses---reported to AA intergroup office:"One irate woman called the other day and said, 'How long does it taketo join your club anyway? My husband has been trying to get in formonths, and he keeps telling me you're full--- his name is STILL on thewaiting list!? " ☻ When a codependent is on their deathbed they see"somebody else's" life flash by before their eyes! ☻ How many addicts/alcoholicsdoes it take to change a light bulb? One. They just holdthe bulb and the world revolves around them! ☻ Definition of the infamous13th step (hitting on a newcomer): 1st step plus the <strong>12</strong>th step -My life is unmanageable and I want to share it with you! ☻ Did youhear there's a <strong>12</strong> step program for family members of people who talktoo much? It's called On and On An-on! ☻ My friend was going to starta <strong>12</strong> step program for people who have a problem with stealing. I said,"You don't have to...Kleptomania? You can just 'take something' for it!"☻ What's the difference between an alcoholic and a drug addict? Intough times an alcoholic WILL steal your wallet. An addict will alsosteal that same wallet but then "help you look for it!" ☻ Any compilationof jokes on <strong>12</strong> step programs has to include at least one "walkedinto a bar" joke...since we are addicts, here's three! 1) A snake walksinto a bar and orders 2 double shots of whiskey. The bartender says, "Ican't serve you - you can't hold your liquor!" 2) A guy walks into abar with a piece of asphalt tucked underneath his arm. Bartender says,"What can I get you?" The man says, "A shot of Jack Daniels and onefor the road!" 3) A piece of bacon and a couple of eggs walk into a bar.Bartender says, "Sorry - we don't serve breakfast here!" ☻ How is thegame show "Jeopardy" like an AA or NA beginners meeting? Theyboth have all the answers before they even get to the questions! ☻ Adrunk goes in a bar and asks for a shot of Jim Beam. The bartenderpours it and the drunk pushes it aside and asks for another shot of JimBeam. The bartender pours it and the drunk drinks it. The bartendersays, "I watched what you did and I don't understand why you pushedthe first one away and drank the second one!" The drunk stated," I'vebeen going to those AA Meetings, and they said WHATEVER YOUDO, DON'T TAKE THAT FIRST DRINK!!!" ☻ There's this jugglerwho's driving on the way to a job when he gets pulled over by a copfor speeding. The cop sees three bowling pins on the seat next to himand asks him what they're for. The juggler proceeds to take the bowlingpins out of the car and begins juggling hoping the policeman will beentertained and won't give him a ticket. Then a recovering alcoholicdrives by with his wife. Upon seeing the juggler standing in front ofthe cop juggling, the recovering alcoholic says, "Man, I'm sure glad Istopped drinking - Look what they're making you do now for a sobrietytest!" ☻ And finally, the comedian Mitch Hedberg (may he rest inpeace) had some great addiction jokes - here are a few; Waffles weredefinitely created by a food addict. They're like pancakes with syruptraps! - I saw this wino, he was eating grapes. I was like, "Dude, youhave to wait a while!" - Alcoholism and addiction are the only diseasesthat your family yells at you for having and threatens you not to relapse!To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Issue # 20 August <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> 2009 Page Page 6 6MONTHLY HOROSCOPES - APRIL <strong>2010</strong>AriesAn energetic month is in store for you, dear Aries. You are getting back on your feet.You want to have fun, and you might find you're pouring a lot of energy into yourhobbies, children, and recreation in <strong>April</strong>. Romance moves forward, and you're ready totake the initiative when it comes to matters of the heart. Around the 14th, you're getting afresh new start. After the 18th, it's time to be prudent and to review your budget rather thanspend. Follow the dictates of your heart this month.TaurusThis month, you are coming across as quite charming, but introspective nevertheless,dear Taurus. Work matters go especially well. Job seekers will find goodprospects. Romance finds you, but after the 18th, hesitancy is likely. You might end up sayingall the wrong things without intending to, so be careful when choosing words to expressyourself. You're getting domestic conditions sorted out and have many projects going onthe home front. You have the energy now to improve your living conditions. Around the FullMoon on the 28th, a partnership needs attention.GeminiYou are more in touch with friends and dreaming up new goals in <strong>April</strong>, dearGemini. Take advantage of the cooperative mood around you. After the 18th,however, you may be a little introspective as you review your plans. There can befrustrating delays, particularly on the job now, and especially around the 28th. Don'ttake any communications for granted. After the 25th, romance comes easily. You aregetting all the attention you need, but it won't be until mid-May before you are clear onwhat it is you want.CancerYour career is certainly picking up pace in <strong>April</strong>, dear Cancer. You are clearer aboutyour goals and work matters are straightforward. Others are recognizing your talentsand abilities, so it's a good time to get yourself noticed. Your drive to improve your financesis great this month. Motivation that you lacked in recent months is returning. Loveis friendly and understanding this month. It's an excellent period in your life to mend anychallenged friendships, and for joining a group or association that helps you to feel part ofa team.Leo<strong>April</strong> is an especially strong month for personal energy, confidence, and motivationfor you, dear Leo. Others are naturally letting you take the lead now, and you'regladly taking on the role. You are setting your sights high this month, not afraid to go afterwhat you want. Others are really taking note of you on the job, and relations are strongwith co-workers and those in authority. Dress for success. Still, after the 18th, there can besome troubling delays or communication snafus when it comes to your career.VirgoYour inner world is especially active and rich this month, dear Virgo, as you findmuch motivation to work behind the scenes or to work on projects in relative solitude.Your mood in love is mostly adventurous, and your charm is quite natural now. Amore positive and forward-looking attitude wins you many admirers now. Tying up looseends and clearing out unnecessary clutter are themes in <strong>April</strong>. After the 18th, some delaysare likely. It's a strong period, however, for sorting out finances, and especially debts.LibraThis is a very strong month for close relationships, dear Libra, even ifit's not the most energetic of periods on a personal level. A partnermay need extra attention, but is happily very straightforward and your relationshipis certainly clearer than it has been in recent months. Balancing intimacyand friendship is the goal now, and you are likely to succeed. Friendships areespecially rewarding and motivating. <strong>April</strong> is an excellent period for networkingof all kinds. Some of you are taking a friendship to an entirely new level.ScorpioYour career is receiving strong energy this month, dear Scorpio. It's pickingup pace, and professional matters become clearer and more straightforward.You are feeling re-motivated after some confusion and lack of enthusiasm inrecent months. Keeping your nose to the grindstone is a good idea now, althoughyou tend to want to take the lead. Relationships are easygoing and satisfying. Afterthe 18th, however, saying what you mean to a special someone could prove difficult,even if your intentions are grand. Special attention to a loved one is in orderaround the 28th.SagittariusThe first few weeks of <strong>April</strong> are strong for taking a break from the rigors ofdaily life, dear Sagittarius. You are feeling especially playful, energetic, andexpressive this month, and it's time to have some fun. Freedom to do as youplease is a driving factor in all that you do now. After some months of questioningyour overall faith in life, you are feeling strong and committed to a cause. Relationson the job are good, although after the 18th, communication problems or other irksomedelays are likely.CapricornYour charm is easy this month, dear Capricorn, particularly in the first twoweeks of the month. You have a winning smile and you easily impress otherswith a more easygoing and playful approach to life. <strong>April</strong>'s energy is strong forromance, although after the 18th, there may be some confusion encountered surroundingdates, desires, and other communications. Family matters are smootherand living conditions clearer than they have been in recent months. It's a good timeto find the energy to sort out finances, and especially debts, taxes, and sharedproperty.AquariusRelationships become much clearer for you in <strong>April</strong>, dear Aquarius. Communicationis refreshingly direct in the first two weeks of the month, and althoughrelationships are not without their challenges, you benefit from increasedclarity and the feeling that you know what you, and a partner, want from your partnership.Students benefit from more enthusiasm and motivation now. <strong>April</strong> is abusy month for tending to the little but important details of daily life, includingcatching up on emails, paperwork, and errands. Special care with communicationswith family is necessary after the 18th.Pisces<strong>April</strong> should be a prosperous month for work and finances, dearPisces. You are feeling especially motivated to accomplish a lot of projectsor tasks now. The enthusiasm you may have found lacking in recentmonths is returning with great power. It's amazing how much more you canproduce when you are feeling the inner spark. It's an excellent period for productivityon all levels, even if the lure of chit chat with friends is strong. Afterthe 18th, choose your words with care, as the potential for misunderstandingswith a partner runs high now.To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Volume Issue # 20 1 Issue <strong>12</strong> August <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> 2009 Page 713MeditationsandMotivationsExperience, Strength, Hope and (Dare We Say) AdviceI pray that no emotional upset will hinder God's power in my life. Ipray that I may keep a calm spirit and a steady heart. ☼ It’s easier tospeak of love, than to practice it. This month I will take a risk and practicewhat I preach.☼ Music and laughter wash our soulfrom the dust of everyday life. ☼ The more we know, theless we should feel like we know. ☼ The more talent wehave the less we need to advertise it. ☼ Regret for wastedtime is more wasted time. ☼ There can be no happinessif the things we believe in are different from the thingswe do. ☼Be kind to one another because most of us arefighting a hard battle. ☼ Live your life in the manner thatyou would like your kids to live theirs. ☼ Be less curiousabout people and more curious about ideas. ☼ Behindevery great achievement is a dreamer. ☼ Behold the turtle.He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.☼ Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Givingup is what makes it permanent. ☼ Better to write foryourself and have no public, than to write for the publicand have no self. ☼ A closed mouth cannot be fed. ☼ Agem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfectedwithout trials. ☼ A gentle answer turns away anger - those samewords spoken harshly stir up anger. ☼ A good deal of trouble has beencaused in the world by too much intelligence and too little wisdom. ☼A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances but rathera person with a certain set of attitudes. ☼ A good sense of humor helpsus overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerate theunpleasant, overcome the unexpected and outlast the unbearable. ☼ Aperson is better off starving to death then killing himself and everybodyaround him in the search for food. ☼ A man has three names: the namehe inherits, the name his parents give him, and the name he makes forhimself. ☼ A man may conquer a million men in battle but one who conquershimself is, indeed, the greatest of warriors. ☼ A man who wantsto lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd. So let us not seekthe applause until our mission is complete. ☼ A pint of example is worth“Acceptance”From The Big Book of A.A.And acceptance is the answer toall my problems today. When I amdisturbed, it is because I find someperson, place, thing, or situation –some fact of my life unacceptableto me, and I can find no serenityuntil I accept that person, place,thing, or situation as being exactlythe way it is supposed to be at thismoment. Nothing, absolutely nothing,happens in God’s world bymistake. Until I could accept myalcoholism, I could not stay sober;unless I accept life completely onlife’s terms, I could not be happy.a gallon of advice. ☼ A reputation may be repaired, but people alwayskeep their eyes on the place where the crack is. So don't be afraid toacknowledge the crack. ☼ A sharp tongue sometimes cuts its ownthroat. ☼ A smile is the lighting system of the face andthe heating system of the heart. ☼ A teacher affectseternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.So let's all go out there this month and be teachers. ☼A winner is someone who recognizes his God-giventalents, works his tail off to develop them into skillsand uses these skills to accomplish his goals. Or atleast try to! ☼ Age is a question of mind over matter.If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. ☼ Amateurs at lifewait for inspiration. The rest of us (professionals) justget up and go to work or a meeting. ☼ An expert is aperson who has made all the mistakes that can bemade and learned from at least half of them. ☼MONTHLY MOTIVATION:Think And Feel - (By Ralph Marston)You can think and you can feel. You can reason andyou can abandon all reason. You can understand logicand you can appreciate beauty. You can find great value in a mathematicalformula and also in the chorus of crickets on a summer night. Doyou understand the limitless possibilities that arise from such a potentcombination? Can you feel the power that lives within your spirit?When your thoughts and your feelings support and encourage and amplifyeach other, truly great things happen. When your creativity is enabledby discipline, and when your thoughts are energized by passion,nothing is out of reach. If your thoughts stray too far from your purpose,you can feel your way back. If your feelings keep you stuck inone place, you can think your way out. You are one, and yet you canthink as well as feel. Continue to more fully experience the wholenessof that miraculous contradiction, and you'll know that it is no contradictionat all.Copyright 2009 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. www.dailymotivator.comTo Place To Sponsor an AD or orCalendar Place an Listing AD Contact: Contact: 215-317-8774 or or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Issue # 20 August <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> 2009 Page Page 8 8To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Volume 1 Issue <strong>12</strong> August 2009 Page 18Issue # 20 <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> Page 9Do Meeting Makers Make It?I used to hear that saying all the time when I first came to AA: "MeetingMakers Make It". I bought it for a long time. I have an ongoing problemwith my husband in that he really, really doesn't want me to go tomeetings. He wants me home with him and our son. I understand thatwant/desire. For the longest time, I didn't really address the issue, I justwent to my meetings and we would argue a little from time to time aboutmy being gone from home. I just accepted that this was the way it wasgoing to be. Well, circumstances have been such that for the past monthand a half I've only attended one or two meetings a week where I usuallyattend at least 3 a week. Well, I started getting all crazy in my head. Ikept trying to tell myself that I could do this and that I'd be okay. Howbadly I want to be that mom/wife who can stay home, help with dinnerevery night, help with homework every night. Thoughts started comingto my head telling me that I would be okay; I could probably just drinka little and be okay....after all, I wasn't as "far down the scale" as others.When I found myself starting to remotely believe my thoughts...I becameTERRIFIED! What if....what if I do take another pill or drink anotherdrink....what kind of mom would I be then. Anyway, last night wasmy home group night and it's in another town about 30-40 minutes away.My friend called me, we have been riding together in his truck for thepast 3 years, and said he had to work 3rd shift and couldn't go. I KNEWthat if I went home after work that I would find every excuse in theworld to stay home and not get back out and go to my home group. Itwas about 15 degrees and snowing and I HATE being cold. So....I founda meeting in the town where I work that started at 6 and I get off at 5. Iwent there early. It was one of the best meetings I've been to in a long,long time. I heard EVERYTHING I needed to hear and my heart is fillingup again with AA and my HP! I got to see a few lawyers that I seerunning around downtown and I got to see an old AA buddy that I hadn'tseen in 2 years or so. It was GREAT! It was a speaker/pot luck meeting.FANTASTIC! I heard at the meeting that someone would pray "God,let you be enough for me". I loved that. So, on the way home, I prayedthat prayer and asked God for the wisdom to fix this dilemma I have athome regarding meetings. Man, my heart was FULL! I got home andafter our kiddo went to bed I said "Honey, I HAVE to go to meetingsand I know you don't understand. I promise you that I would rather bethe mom that can stay home and help out nightly, but that's just not whoI am and if I could put you in my head, you'd understand". He FINALLYgets it, I think?? At least enough so that the guilt trips will stop.I guess my whole point to all of this is that I learned that meetings areVERY important no matter how much time you have in this program.I'm glad that my Higher Power stays close to me or else who knowswhat would happen to me!! I'm glad I listen to others when they shareand tell me how it's not any better "out there". I'm glad I have a headand heart full of AA and my HP.I finally, finally realize the importance of the saying "Meeting MakersMake it".Thanks for letting me share,Kym, the alcoholic from Kentucky!They say that meeting makers make it;what they mean is, “make lots of meetingsand you stay clean & sober”. We havewondered, is that true and exactly howimportant is it to make meetings?There's a certain truth that exists for me in meetings of AlcoholicsAnonymous that I haven't been able to find elsewhere. By the time I gothere, I had heard the lies for so long I believed them totally. There werethe lies about relationships, success, how life works, and even the liesabout God. I believed that it was a "dog-eat-dog world” and whoeverhad the most money and other stuff at the end was the winner.I believed that getting and staying comfortable was the number onegoal. I went to any lengths to get comfortable and sometimes, for briefperiods, it felt like I was winning, but the emptiness would always return.For thirty years I drank to fill up the emptiness. Today I realize thatit was the spirit of God that was missing from my life.Meetings for me are like cool clear water dripping into a bucket fullof muddy, dirty water. Over time the water in my bucket has becomeclearer. But there are still rocks and sticks and rusty beer cans in thebottom of my bucket. Meetings will not lift these out of my bucket,only the continuous, dynamic action of the <strong>12</strong> steps applied to my lifeone day at a time has removed some of these big chunks.Each meeting I attend has the potential of <strong>12</strong>th step work if I am focusedon what I'm bringing to the meeting rather than getting what Ithink I need. If I'm sitting in a meeting condemning, resentful, and judgmental,I'm not much help to anyone else. But I must keep coming backanyways. It's the only chance I have. - Anonymous, PhiladelphiaTo Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Volume Issue # 20 1 Issue <strong>12</strong> August <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> 2009 Page Page 103EVENTS CALENDARNA EventsEvery Saturday - 9pm to 1:30am Dance at The First UnitarianChurch (22nd and Chestnut). Ages 18+, Donation$5. All proceeds support GPRCNA XXV<strong>April</strong> 2nd - <strong>April</strong> 4th- Greater Philadelphia Regional Convention25; Radisson Hotel / Valley Forge ConventionCenter, 1160 First Avenue Philadelphia, 888.201.1718;Event Information: Arlene C 215.848.0859<strong>April</strong> 10th - Serenity Group of NA 19th Anniversary /Marathon - <strong>12</strong>pm til 9pm - Drexel Hill Baptist Church -4400 State Rd & Childs Ave. Drexel Hill, PA<strong>April</strong> 10th - <strong>12</strong>pm til 9pm - New Life Group of NAMarathon / Anniversary - Gibson Temple Baptist Church -28th & Susquehanna<strong>April</strong> 17th - Philadelphia Are Unity Committee SpeakerJam - <strong>12</strong>pm til 5pm - Holy Spirit Lutheran Church - LorettoAve and Robbins Street (Enter on Robbins) - Topics:Where Am I Today - The Group - Principals before personalities- Most important - Recovery and Relapse - Allare welcome!PRO-ACT (Pennsylvania Recovery Organization -Achieving Community Together) Philadelphia RecoveryCommunity Center (PRCC) at 1701 W. Lehigh Ave., Ste.6, in Philadelphia. To register, call the PRCC at 215-223-7700 - See website at www.proact.org<strong>April</strong> 5th - Recovery Planning Discussion - 2:30pm-4:30pm Maria Cintron / *NEW* Recovery Discussion:Maintaining Recovery When the Weather Gets Warm5:30pm-7:30pm Andrea McNeil/Patrice Newman<strong>April</strong> 6th - Dual Recovery Support Group - <strong>12</strong>:30pm-2:30pm Tom Bacchus / Recovery Discussion: Fears - 1pm– 3 pm Larry Franklin / Recovery Discussion What are myGoals and Interests - 5:30 – 7:30 Brooke Feldman<strong>April</strong> 7th - Recovery Support Group: Week 4 - 10am –<strong>12</strong>pm Brooke Feldman / Computer Assistance - 11:00am-<strong>12</strong>:00pm - Grupo latina de Apoyo de Recuperación LatinosRecovery Support Group 11:00am-<strong>12</strong>:00pm MariaCintron / Booklet Discussion: Free to Care - 2:00pm –4:00pm Linda Willoughby/Denice Reeves<strong>April</strong> 8th - *Updated* Understanding, Repairing and Rebuildingyour Credit - <strong>12</strong>:30pm – 2:30pm Joe Watson / LifeSkills Workshop - 5:00pm -7:00pm James Canada / EarlRobinson<strong>April</strong> 9th - Life Skills: Spirituality - <strong>12</strong>:00pm-2:00pm / FredMartin/Robert Parks Booklet: Towards Spirituality -2:00pm-4:00pm Leon Gabriel / *New* Wii Sports: BowlingTournament Challenge - 3:30pm – 7:30pm<strong>April</strong> 10th - Recovery Discussion: Relationships in Recovery- 10:30am-<strong>12</strong>:30pm George Ruiz[Please check out PRO-ACT’s new Friday social night..Everything from karaoke, Wii, Movies, Poetry, etc..]AA EventsBottles and Badges - Every Wednesday Night at 7:00PM there is a meeting held at the Fraternal Order of PoliceBuilding, 1336 Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia.The meeting is for men and women in any branch or department,Federal, State and Local that have or have hadArrest Powers.<strong>April</strong> 23rd - The WEST OAK LANE group of AA announcestheir 37th anniversary at 8pm at the Reformation LutheranChurch, Vernon Road and Rugby Streets in Philadelphia.<strong>April</strong> 28th - The SUMMIT group of A.A. will celebrate their49th anniversary at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church,8855 Germantown Avenue (next to Chestnut Hill hospital).Food/fellowship at 7:00pm; Speaker at 8:00pm.How To Save a Life Foundation which helps people getinto treatment. Buy your tickets in advance for theSoberstock (see ad on page 21) event. Date: May 22nd<strong>2010</strong>, TD Bank Ampitheater 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem.Ticket cost is $10. Come support this great causeStarting Point, Inc. - 856-854-3155215 Highland Ave Ste C. Westmont, NJFree Wednesday Lectures at 5:30 and 7:00PMGRIEF/LOSS SEPARATION SERIES<strong>April</strong> 7th - Stages of Grieving, Part I<strong>April</strong> 14th - Stages of Grieving, Part II<strong>April</strong> 21st - Stages of Grieving, Part III<strong>April</strong> 28th - *Guest Speaker – No 5:30 LectureSee StartingPoint.org for schedule of more free lectures.Every Wednesday @ 7:30 PM - Bristol-Bensalem Nar-Anon Meeting - St. Thomas Aquinas Church 601 BristolPike (Rte 13.) Croydon, PA 19021 - Enter meeting fromrear of church near main parking area.Every Friday @ 7:30pm- 9pm - Summerfield Church- 2215 E Dauphin St Philadelphia, PA - Christian <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong> Recovery MeetingReach Out Foundation of Bucks County - Dual DiagnosisSupport Center - Morrisville, PA - 215.428.0404Every Thursday - 7-8:30PM - Free Lecture on ShameGladness House, Philadelphia - Dolores Proto 215.331.1814<strong>April</strong> 10th - "Clean & Sober Dance" At 1st UnitedMethodist Church - 201 Mulberry St (At Wilson Street).Bristol Borough, PA 19007 - 50/50 Door Prize -Food/Fun/Fellowship - 8pm til <strong>12</strong>am - Tickets are $10 atthe door - Parking and Entrance in the rear.Every Tuesday @ 7:30PM – Livengrin Assoc. ofAlumni, Family & Friends - General gathering of bothLivengrin alums and all others welcome. While not an AAmeeting, includes speakers, sharing, and opportunities toassist soon-to-be or recent Livengrin alumni.To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Volume Issue # 20 1 Issue <strong>12</strong> August <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> 2009 Page Page 119Drunk Pennsylvania ManTries to Revive Dead PossumPolice say they charged a Pennsylvania man with public drunkennessafter he was seen trying to resuscitate a long-dead possum along a highway.State police Trooper Jamie Levier says several witnesses saw 55-year-old Donald Wolfe, of Brookville, near the animal along Route 36 inOliver Township, about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The troopersays one person saw Wolfe kneeling before the animal and gesturing asthough he were conducting a seance. He says another saw Wolfe attemptingto give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Levier says the animal alreadyhad been dead a while. [Editors note: That’s one of our ‘I nevers’]Heads Up For The WhizzinatorA pot-smoking parolee in Colorado faces criminal charges for allegedlyoffering a cash bribe to try to pass a drug test. Police said a 34-year-old man tried Jan. 3 to bribe a state worker to allow him to use adevice called a "Whizzinator" to pass a drug test he had to take whileon parole. Prosecutors said the man offered a state worker $300 afterthe worker found him with the "Whizzinator," a device of tubing andheater packs attached to a prosthetic penis sold to cheat drug tests.When asked to raise his shirt and lower his pants, the man was seenwearing the "Whizzinator." The man allegedly offered the state worker$300, then $500, to throw away the device. The worker refused.To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Volume Issue # 20 1 Issue <strong>12</strong> August <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> 2009 Page <strong>12</strong> 14To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
August 2009 Page 18Issue # 20 <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> Page 13To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Issue # 20 <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> Page 14Tune in to Addicted, a one-hour docu-series, that follows the lives ofindividuals struggling with addiction as they work with interventionistKristina Wandzilak. Each episode will take viewers on the unpredictablejourney of recovery and the harrowing struggle to become clean andsober. One difference between this show and A&E's Intervention is thatthis show covers their time in detox and rehab. So, where Interventionusually covered the disease part into the intervention, this show showsthe next couple steps in the possible recovery process.The interventionalist, Kristina Wandzilak, is a recovering addict herself,who pulls from her own experiences, bringing a level of understandingand compassion to the healing process. In addition to her strengthand commitment to sobriety, Kristina is a mother, a wife, a top-sellingauthor, a world-renowned public speaker and one of the most soughtafter,unconventional, top addiction interventionists in the country.Kristina will empower the addicts and the families to help them notonly get clean and sober, but to also live the healthy lives they deserve.The series will focus on one person per episode. And while the problemof substance abuse is addressed, the family and the addict are alsogiven the tools to not only get well in the moment but to continue ahealthy life, or as Kristina says, "not just how to get in the door but howto walk the path." Another difference is the interventions that take placeare planned by all members of the family, including the addict.Recovery House Listings Pages 14, 15, 16To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Issue # 20 <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> Page 15If you go on Facebook you can see a lot of heavy, philosophical postings. Naturally,there’s a lot of random forgettable stuff too. Whenever we see somebodyconsistently posting deep stuff we felt it would be a good idea to mention these peoplein a special feature we’re calling ‘Deep Thinker of The Month’. So, if you’reinterested in being in the running, you might want to make yourself a friend of‘Bruce Huberman’ or ‘Drew Paul’.This months selection, George Burpee, always puts stuff on Facebook that makesyou think. Here are some examples: “The concept, or percieved need to punish, isrooted in the same fear that causes the behavior we wish to punish. The answer toboth is Forgiveness. Forgiveness, which IS Love itself, will heal all fear, and restoremankind to sanity and unity.” - "Were it not for our special relationships, onto whichwe've projected our unconscious guilt, we would never have a chance see what theego trys to keep hidden and, therefore learn to Forgive." - “The ego will become atbest suspicious, at worse vicious, in the face of spiritual growth. It has it's own planfor salvation.” - “Peace, Serenity, Joy, Love, .... are decisions, they can never beanything else. "Happy" is temporary, and depends on outside events.” - “Funnything about humility ...it's not possible to think it, and be it, at the same time.” -“There are no atheists, only people who believe they are.” - Check his wall for more.Recovery House Listings Pages 14, 15, 16To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Issue # 20 <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> Page 16Cocaine OD’s Rise in Warm WeatherIn a study published online in the journal Addiction Professional, researchershave discovered that accidental overdose deaths involving cocainerise when the average weekly ambient temperature passes 75degrees Fahrenheit. Using mortality data from New York City's Officeof the Chief Medical Examiner for 1990 through 2006, and temperaturedata from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, researchersfound that accidental overdose deaths that were wholly orpartly attributable to cocaine use rose significantly as the weekly amCocaine-related deaths increase as the temperature rises because cocaineincreases the core body temperature, impairs the cardiovascularsystem's ability to cool the body, and decreases the sense of heat-relateddiscomfort that ordinarily motivates people to avoid becoming overheated.Cocaine users who become overheated can overdose on loweramounts of cocaine because their bodies are under more stress.The authors of this study point out the need for public health interventionsin warm weather, such as warnings to high-risk groupsNaltrexone Possibly Effective For GamblingAs more research delves into the manifestations of pathological gambling,many similarities to substance addiction are beginning to emerge.Some of the latest research points to the potential value of anti-cravingmedications in controlling gambling behavior.Research presented last December at the annual meeting of the AmericanCollege of Neuropsychopharmacology found that gamblers whoare driven by urges respond well to medications that block the opioidsystem in the brain or that block receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate.Professors point to the research that shows promise for use ofthe medication naltrexone or the amino acid N-acetylcysteine as part oftreatment for pathological gambling.In another parallel to substance addiction, certain genetic factors appearto be coming into play in the study of gambling. In the recent researchon the effects of opioid blockers, investigators found a betteroverall response to the medications among individuals with a family historyof addiction—alcoholism in particular, suggesting a genetic link.Recovery House Listings Pages 14, 15, 16To Advertise Your Recovery HouseCall Bruce at 215-317-8774or email inquiries to<strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.netTo Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Volume Issue # 20 1 Issue <strong>12</strong> August <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> 2009 Page Page 177<strong>Gazette</strong> Guy’s“WORD UP!”Spring Fever! - Finally! Something to feel good about. I don't knowabout you but this winter seemed long and tough - and I'm not just talkingabout the weather. It seemed like the last six months was one thing afteranother. If it wasn't money problems, then it was people around me actingcrazy [not me, of course - we know how sane I am ]. While we're on thesubject of a rough winter, I try not to complain TOO much about the trialsand tribulations of life but sometimes I think we all just need to get it out- so, if you don't mind, here goes... Am I the only one who gets slowlyeroded by the daily waves of annoyances, disapointments and aggravation?I think not. Unreturned favors, excuses, apologies, impoliteness -sometimes it's all just really disheartening. I'm not asking for a Utopiansociety here, just a couple of breaks once in a while. And another thing -if we do something wrong THESE days it seems like the consequencesare quick, potent and thoughtless. What I'm trying to say is if we do 20'good things' and 1 'messed up thing', we get no pats on the back or appreciationfor the 20 good but catch a hailstorm for the one bad! It canbring a person down - it’s getting to me! However, one thing about publishinga recovery based magazine, no matter how depressed or pessimisticI get, I have to take a look at the positive stuff. After all, that'swhat we're all taught; one of the keys to longtime sobriety is being grateful.A grateful addict won't use. We know the drill. So, tough winter ornot - rough times or easy street; no matter what we're going throughwe have to remain positive and look at the glass as half full - our livesdepend on it. An old quote I used to hear that comes to mind is wedon't "have the luxury" of being jealous, angry or resentful - the natureof our disease doesn't allow for that. If we're not careful we are the kindof people who can get loaded over these feelings.So we have to find our kicks wherever we can - fair enough. A bigkick for me is when the weather gets warmer in springtime. It also helpsthat it's my birthday this month [58 years old and I'm still making a bigdeal out of that - sounds silly, but it's true]. Another thing I rememberin past recoveries [more about that in a minute] is that sometimes the'routine' part of staying clean and sober can feel like "drudgery". Webster'sdefinition isn't exactly the same as as mine; by that I mean goingto meetings, being responsible, not doing anything too crazy, actingnormal, living the <strong>12</strong> steps, etc. etc. What I used to hope for (and getoccasionally) were what I called "payoff moments". Times (anywherefrom 5 minutes to a week if I wound up on an island vacation) whereit seemed that all the "healthy" living finally 'paid off big-time'. Don'tget me wrong; I'm always kind of grateful for the fact that I've surrenderedto a somewhat normal lifestyle. It's just that I sometimes missthose 4th of July type - hootin’ and hollerin’ type - hours or days. Eventhough they were fleeting moments with grave consequences they kindof satisfied a craving that most addicts and alcoholics can probablyidentify with. So these days, things like really nice sunny days withgreat music blasting [for me it's often the group Sublime] are the bestI can hope for when it comes to payoff moments. Well, there ARE others;the other nite I was at a meeting, texted my bored granddaughterthat I loved her and she texted back, "love you too" - that was a payoffmoment on many levels.But I did mention before about "earlier recoveries" - let me explain.Those of you who have had big chunks of recovery/sobriety, woundup relapsing and have been fortunate enough (like myself) to get backin again, don't really have a better way to refer to them - I have had 5years approximately 3 times (this is my 3rd). So the way I usually sayit is, "Well in my 1st big recovery..." or "In this recovery..." - you getthe idea. Hopefully, this third time is a charm. Anyway, the point ofthis whole column was supposed to be spring fever. I hope you catchit and I definitely hope you get some payoff moments.Bye for now...See ya around!PS. If anybody wants to get in touch with Timmy from Sherry’s;Tilemahos Kambouris, JK4537 PO Box 200, Camphill, PA 17001To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Issue # 20 <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> Page 18The <strong>12</strong> <strong>Step</strong> <strong>Gazette</strong>’s“Summer’s Coming” Word SearchAnswers on Page 22newhopebaseballcarnivalscookoutflowershorseshoesmusicparkspicturesrecreationsandalssportssummerswimmingvacationphilliesbeacheschillincricketsfrisbeeicecreamoceanpartiesplantsreggaeshortsstarssunsettouristswaterfrontamusementsboardwalkconcertscustardgamesmeetingsoutdoorpicnicporchesrelaxingsmilesstrollersuntantshirtsTo Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Volume Issue # 20 1 Issue <strong>12</strong> August <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> 2009 Page 19 18<strong>12</strong> <strong>Step</strong> <strong>Gazette</strong>’s Criminal SpotlightWoman Sends TextAbout Drugs to AgentAn Oklahoma woman has been arrestedfor allegedly sending a text messageabout illegal drugs to a drug task forceagent. A warrant was issued for thewoman for possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possessionof a controlled drug with the intent to distribute. Authorities said DrugTask Force agent Chris Counts received a text message that said, "if youwant a hit of this stuff before it is all gone, you better get over here."Counts sent a message asking for an address and determined that the suspectlived there. Officers said she thought she sent the message to afriend. Authorities said they found a gun and a powdery substance.Careful Who You Ask For AssistanceA man driving a stolen car that went into a ditch flagged down thewrong person for help. Dean Gangl, Minnesota, unwittingly asked anoff-duty sheriff's deputy to help him pull the vehicle out of a ditch, SheriffBrad Bennett said. The deputy, who came upon the stranded motorist at4:45 a.m. while he was on his way home, noticed that the vehicle in theditch matched the description of one reported stolen hours earlier. Thedeputy radioed to dispatchers, who confirmed the man was driving astolen car, Bennett said. The deputy arrested Gangl and found that hewas in possession of a white crystal substance. Gangl tested positive formethamphetamine, Bennett said.If You’re Going to Visit an Inmate...Sheriff’s deputies arrested Donna Sue Harber, after she was observedby a deputy partially unclothed and exposing her private parts to an inmateinside a visitation booth. Deputies also arrested Kinnith Ray Devrick,on four outstanding felony warrants when he signed in to visitan inmate at the county jail. His warrants included possession of aweapon during the commission of a crime and possession of less thanan ounce of marijuana. During Devrick’s visit at the county jail,deputies said they also found eight pills in his possession that testedpositive for Ecstasy. He was placed under arrest in the visitation booth.Man Drops Pill Bottle at Crime SceneA burgular who knocked on his victim's door before he crept in throughan open window was caught after he left behind medication with hisname on. John Beckwith provided police with another valuable clueat the scene - an imprint of his training shoe on a window sill. A courtheard that Beckwith thought he was breaking into an empty house becausehomeowner Jane Simmonds did not answer his knocks on thedoor. But the 28-year-old was left as shocked as Ms Simmonds whenhe walked into her bedroom and found her sitting on a bed having anafternoon cup of tea. Beckwith fled from the three-bedroomed housein Stockton with handfuls of belongings, but dropped a bottle ofmethadone on the grass outside. Teesside Crown Court was told thathe stole house and car keys, bottles of alcohol, cigarettes and a handbagcontaining credit cards.Who Breaks INTO Jail? This Guy...A Florida man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for violatinghis probation by trying to break into the Brevard County jail. A judgedsentenced 25-year-old Sylvester Jiles of Cocoa on Monday. He wasconvicted in January of trespassing on jail property and resisting an officer.Authorities say Jiles tried to climb a <strong>12</strong>-foot fence at the BrevardCounty Detention Center in August. He was caught and hospitalizedwith severe cuts from the barbed wire. He had been released a weekearlier after accepting a plea deal on a manslaughter charge. Jiles hadbegged jail officials to take him back into custody, saying he feared retaliationfrom the victim's family. Jail officials said they couldn't takehim in and told him to file a police report.Impatient Bank Robber Calls AheadFairfield police said even they were surprised by the actions of thesecriminals: two would-be robbers called a bank ahead of time to get themoney ready and were arrested at the scene. Fairfield police said theyarrested Albert Bailey, and an unidentified 16-year-old boy on robberyand threatening charges last month at the People's United Bank. Sgt.James Perez said the two Bridgeport residents called the bank and tolda worker to get a bag of money ready. Perez said they showed up at thebank 10 minutes later, but police had been notified and arrested the suspectsin the parking lot.To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
August 2009 Page 18Issue # 20 <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> Page 20Letter From The Editor - Our Best Isn’t Good Enough?I was thinking as I was trying hard to finish up this month's <strong>Gazette</strong>whether the old adage, "Your best is good enough" applies anymore . Itfirst was a reflection of me driving myself crazy trying to fill some ofthe last few large empty spaces before this issue is complete. I was doingmy absolute best but it didn't seem like enough - then I started thinkingabout TV shows that are watched by millions, school kids in 4th gradestruggling with algebra, etc. Take "American Idol" for example; I am nota big fan of that show and now I think I know one of the reasons why -these contestants are out there singing their hearts out and the judgesmake such demeaning comments. To prove this point, one just needs tolisten to Simon Cowell critique somebody one time. "Oh that was OKbut your choice of songs was lousy". What the heck is this society comingto? Why isn't Mr. Cowell in jail by now for crimes against humanity? Ithink I know why - because nobody cares anymore if you do your best.There are no 'A's for effort' as we used to say. There's only what peoplewant and if you can deliver exactly that or not. If you can't, go fly a kite!Or as Donald Trump would say, "You're fired!"How about these poor kids in elementary school? They're trying to dothe right thing; doing their homework every night, doing extra new ageskill builders like First in Math [1/2 hour every night on the computer],paying attention in school all day. It's draining to parents too. Youwant your kids to have some kind of childhood but the teachers aretelling you the opposite - don't let up! Make them read more! Even ifthey try really hard and do their best, schools these days are makingthose kids feel like they’re just not doing good enough. I'm surprised ateacher that looks like Trump and sounds like Simon Cowell doesn'tone day appear and tell some poor kid, "You’re fired - now get out!"Anyway, I was thinking about all this and I googled (which is becoming'like asking God a question'), "Is Our Best Really GoodEnough?". Out of the 117 million results the first 40 were predominantlyeither songs or other cultural things all saying, "My Best Wasn'tGood Enough". There you go - if Google says it, it's true. Apparentlyour best isn't good enough any more. Sad state of affairs if you ask me...To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Volume 1 Issue <strong>12</strong> August 2009 Page 18Issue # 20 <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> Page 21To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Issue # 20 <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> Page 22<strong>12</strong> <strong>Step</strong> <strong>Gazette</strong> Does Some Spring Cleaning (Tying up Loose Ends)1-Picture We Meant to Print Two Months Ago, 2-Two Books We’d Like to RecommendAnother Great Book From A Great Publisher, Red Wheel Weiser ConariMany recovery books are written for the beginner,and that makes sense. But then what? Mary Cook’snew book, Grace Lost and Found: From Addictions andCompulsions to Satisfaction and Serenity (Conari Press,March <strong>2010</strong>) addresses people in later stages of recoverywho are looking to uncover the underlying causesof their addictions, and to heal the psychological andspiritual pain, often lingering from childhood, thatmany addicts bear. Here 40 essays –each with its ownset of practices and affirmations – reach down to thebottom of the addict’s bag of tricks: lack of accountability,the tendency to externalize blame, willfulness, defending and pretending,immaturity, and denial. To counter and conquer those attitudes andproblems, Cook offers wise, compassionate, and get-real spiritual counsel.Nice Costumes!Check out this new autobiographywritten by a long time friend ofthe <strong>12</strong> <strong>Step</strong> <strong>Gazette</strong> and founderof Punk Friends in Recovery(Find them on Myspace and Facebook).This dude always has veryinteresting things he’s saying anddoing including some really coolartwork on Myspace. If nothingelse atleast google this guy andcheck out what it’s like for a punkrocker to get clean and sober.This book can be purchased bygoing to PublishAmerica.net. (Ifyou or anybody you know want torecommend a book email us)To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Volume 1 Issue <strong>12</strong> August 2009 Page 19Issue # 20 <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> Page 23To Place an AD or Calendar Listing Contact: 215-317-8774 or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net
Volume Issue # 20 1 Issue <strong>12</strong> August <strong>April</strong> <strong>2010</strong> 2009 Page 24 20Healing Mind, Body and Spirit…CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY • DETOX & RESIDENTIAL TREATMENTOutpatient & Aftercare Programs • Relapse Prevention • Trauma ResolutionHolistic Treatment • Acupuncture • EMDR Treatment • Hypnotherapy • Spa Service • GymSOBER LIVING HOUSES – Beautiful Locations, Just Blocks From The OceanDedicated & Committed To Helping Those Who Are Ready To Make A Change.877-711-HOPE (4673) |www.PalmPartners.comTo Place To Sponsor an AD or orCalendar Place an Listing AD Contact: Contact: 215-317-8774 215-317-8774 or or <strong>12</strong><strong>Step</strong><strong>Gazette</strong>@comcast.net