January 2022
Resolutions Setting New Year’s resolutions is more than just a fun tradition. If you take the time to create actionable goals for yourself, your New Year’s resolutions can be an important tool in promoting a lasting recovery. Using the SMART Goals Framework Most New Year’s resolutions fail because they are too vague or the person making the resolution hasn’t thought about how to achieve their goal. For example, “get in shape” could mean anything from losing 20 pounds to being able to run a 5K. To set effective goals for yourself, follow the principles outlined in the acronym SMART. SPECIFIC: Choose a precise outcome. MEASURABLE: Find a way to measure your progress. ACTION-ORIENTED: Decide what specific steps you will take to reach your goal. REALISTIC: Make sure your goal is achievable given the resources at your disposal. TIMELY: Choose a deadline for completion or a daily, monthly, or weekly repeating timeframe for the task. The SMART goals framework works for both short-term and long-term goals. It is wellsuited for people in recovery because it provides concrete suggestions for breaking down the vague goal of getting sober into a series of steps that provide a foundation for success. PAGE 1 Paula Crane Center
8 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR PEOPLE IN RECOVERY No two people in recovery are exactly alike, but the cooked meal, watch a movie together, or break following 8 New Year’s resolutions will help you out a fun board game to play. Turn off your brainstorm goals that will inspire you to stay on the phone so there are no distractions, then focus on path to sobriety. communicating honestly and openly. 1. I will write in my journal for 15 minutes each 6. I will perform a random act of kindness each day. Journal writing is an excellent tool for people day. When you’re struggling with drug or alcohol in recovery to better understand their emotions, addiction, you’re so consumed with your subwhat triggers their cravings, and what coping stratstance abuse that it’s impossible to focus on the egies are best suited for their personal needs. people around you. Being in recovery requires 2. I will exercise for 30 minutes per day. Regular rediscovering how to be of service to others. Pay exercise helps improve your strength, stamina, for a stranger’s coffee, volunteer at your child’s and energy levels while releasing natural endorschool, or help an elderly neighbor carry her grophins. If you’re currently leading a very sedentary ceries into her apartment. Finding ways to give lifestyle, try walking or bike riding after dinner back will boost your self-confidence and promote and some invigorating yoga in the morning. stronger relationships with the people around 3. I will learn a new sober hobby. Part of being in you. recovery means finding new ways to enjoy your 7. I will ask for help when I need it. Addiction is a free time without drugs or alcohol. You may chronic illness, not a moral failing caused by a choose to attend cooking classes, explore an interlack of willpower. If you’re feeling the urge to use, est in foreign films, take up watercolor painting, call your sponsor. If you are considering skipping or finally learn to play the guitar. Any interest a therapy appointment because you don’t have that you’re passionate about is going to be benefitransportation, call a friend who has been supcial to the recovery process. portive of your recovery and ask for a ride. Put4. I will attend worship services each ting yourself out there may be uncomfortable at week. Increasing your spiritual connection can be first, but it’s a necessary step in the recovery proa source of great comfort as you adjust to a sober cess. lifestyle. Worship services can also help you ex8. I will celebrate my successes and not be critical of pand your social circle, since you are no longer my failures. Being committed to recovery requires associating with the friends who encouraged you a growth mindset. You must realize that obstacles to drink or do drugs. are to be expected and that you may make mis5. I will schedule quality time with friends and famitakes along the way. This does not mean that ly at least once per week. Repairing relationships you’re a bad person or that the progress you’ve after addiction won’t happen overnight, but you made isn’t important. It simply means you need can take baby steps towards stronger bonds by to take the time to reevaluate your plans and treating the time you spend together as a priority make sure your coping strategies are best suited to to be scheduled in your calendar. Enjoy a home your personal needs. Paula Crane Center PAGE 2
Written By Dana Hinders
IS ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT NEEDED AFTER A DUI?
Although the court doesn’t always order an offender to seek substance abuse treatment after a DUI, being convicted of drunk driving may be a sign of a drinking problem. Drinking and driving is extremely dangerous, no matter how experienced you believe you are behind the wheel. Alcohol impairs judgement, coordination, vision, hearing, and reaction time.
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DID YOU KNOW OF THESE STATISTICS: ▪ Alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents account for nearly 1/3 of all traffic fatalities in the United States. ▪ About 28 people die each day as the result of a drunk driving accident–one death every 51 minutes. ▪ Someone is hurt in a drunk driving crash every 120 seconds. ▪ Many people arrested for a DUI are repeat offenders. Drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher after a fatal crash are 4.5 times more likely to have a prior conviction for DWI than sober drivers. The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for a DUI charge is 0.08% or higher in all states. If you have a CDL and are driving a commercial motor vehicle, the Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration (FMSCA) sets the BAC limit at 0.04% regardless of location. For drivers who are under 21, most states set the BAC limit at 0.02%. SIGNS OF A DRINKING PROBLEM A DUI is certainly evidence of poor decision-making skills. However, a DUI conviction on its own isn’t necessarily a sign that someone has a problem with alcohol. Other signs to watch for include: ▪ Having an increased tolerance for alcohol ▪ Blacking out while drinking ▪ Continuing to drink even though you’re experiencing health problems such as liver disease or taking medication that can interact negatively with alcohol ▪ Giving up other activities so you can spend more time drinking ▪ Avoiding activities that require you to be sober for long periods of time ▪ Drinking to help you cope with your emotions ▪ Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, sweating, and erratic heartbeat, when you don’t consume alcohol ▪ Being unable to stop after just one drink ▪ Lying or becoming defensive about your drinking when confronted by others Although there is some evidence to support the idea that alcoholism runs in families, it’s important to note that addiction can affect anyone. Age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status are irrelevant when it comes to struggling with a drinking problem.
SEEKING TREATMENT FOR ALCOHOL ADDICTION Realizing you may have a problem with alcohol is the first step towards creating a brighter future for yourself. Addiction is a chronic illness that requires medical treatment. It’s not associated with a lack of willpower or a moral failing. The first step in any addiction treatment plan is a medically supervised detox. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, so 24/7 supervision by trained medical professionals is necessary to ensure your safety. The team will monitor your vital signs, provide emotional support, and use medications to help keep you comfortable during the detox process. After detox, treatment consists of a combination of group and individual counseling to explore the issues contributing to your drinking problem. Counseling also focuses on helping you to develop constructive coping strategies instead of relying on alcohol to socialize or to deal with unpleasant emotions such as stress and anger. Under a holistic treatment approach, counseling is often supplemented with experiential therapies such as art therapy, music therapy, and equine therapy. These sessions help reinforce the lessons learned in recovery and provide a chance to apply newly developed coping skills to hands-on experiences. Once a person is released from inpatient treatment, counseling will continue on an outpatient basis to reduce the risk of relapse. Attending support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous is also recommended as a way to stay on track with one’s commitment to sobriety. If you need help getting started, please reach out to one of our Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist here at The Crane by calling 770.960.2009.
Paula Crane Center PAGE 4
WE MADE IT! WE ARE STILL HERE! We are still here! We made it through another year of the corona and mutations within the pandemic. We reflect on the many people we know and did not know that died because of the virus. It is times of reflections that we cherish precious memories of our loved ones who are no longer here; and we are grateful that we are still here. I think if we are yet alive, there is a continued plan and purpose for our lives. There is more for us to do. If you are not serving your family, church, and community, it is time to start. Re-visit the tradition of eating dinner together with your family; form a new ministry at your local church being your brother and sister keeper; or start a neighborhood program entitled “Know Your Neighbor.” This is where you and your neighbors commit to knowing each other. Start a new hobby with a family member or close friend. Be committed to whatever you do. It is not only the “big things” that can make a difference, but the “little” ones can as well. Having a career is good. But what is best is having people around you that you love and that love on you. Will Smith, at his wife’s Red Table Talks, said, “To love and to be loved is highest human reward.” This is Dathon D. Brown in closing, yes we are still here, and if we are, there is more work and services to do. There is a biblical verse that says, “to much is given, much is required.” DID YOU KNOW: January is Mental Wellness Month, a perfect time to check in with ourselves and our loved ones to see how we are holding up emotionally and mentally. When we think of New Year’s resolutions, there is often an emphasis put on physical wellness: trying a new diet, exercising more, etc. Our mental wellness is just as important and should be a priority in our lives. PAGE 5 Paula Crane Center
January not only marks the beginning of a new year, but it seems to be deeply imbedded in the human psyche that we all have new opportunities because of the new calendar year. And although any time in a twelve-month period is a great time to seek help when battling an addiction to alcohol, making Dry January a “fun” reason and opportunity to experience sobriety is a great endeavor. Perhaps even a chance to continue into February, March, and so on. Just make sure that you are doing so safely by consulting a licensed physician ahead of time, as withdrawal from alcohol for some individuals can be dangerous and even lethal.
A ND THE B ENEFITS OF S OBRIETY
Dry January is an activity where the individual abstains Benefits to decreasing alcohol consumption: from alcohol for the first month of the year. Although ▪ Gives individuals an opportunity to look at their we are nearly two weeks into 2022, it’s never too late to relationship with alcohol more objectively in order start exactly where you are right now. to make choices about whether they should cut And if you find that you’re struggling with an alcohol back on alcohol or remove it from their diet altouse disorder (AUD), just reach out to our Peer Specialgether. ists to point you in the right direction, whether medical ▪ Weight loss, Better sleep, Clearer complexion. detox, inpatient and outpatient treatment, as well as ▪ Saving money. aftercare planning and sober living locations. If you’re 3 Steps To Contributing To A Successful Dry January: struggling, please reach out for help. ▪ Schedule activities throughout the month you enjoy How Can Dry January Lead to a Life of Sobriety? doing (that don’t involve alcohol consumpSome actions that we take are simply habits that aren’t tion). This is an opportunity to try something new healthy for us. Other actions taken arise from addicor to revisit activities you haven’t done in a while. tions such as an AUD or a substance use disorder ▪ Create an environment to help you win. Dispose of (SUD). Again, if you’re struggling with an AUD, please all alcoholic beverages in your household or ask a consult a licensed physician prior to taking drastic steps friend or family member if you can keep your libain your alcohol usage. However, for those who find tions at their home for the month. themselves simply drinking a little more due to the ▪ Ask a friend to do Dry January with you. This way, stresses associated with the pandemic, for example, you can hold each other accountable. checking in with a licensed physician is still advised, but In the end, the choice to try Dry January is ultimately once you have their approval, cutting back on your alcoup to you. But it is a great start to what could hol intake may eventually turn into a healthy habit. potentially turn into a sober life. Paula Crane Center PAGE 6
HOW TO FIND
A s A Fa m i l y M e m b e r Family members often feel helpless when a loved one becomes addicted to alcohol or other drugs. There are so many emotional webs to untangle—sadness, shame, fear and anger— all while trying desperately to get a loved one sober. Otherwise healthy family members may lose sight of their own lives or struggle with deep remorse, feeling somehow responsible for their loved one's addiction: "Maybe if I'd done things differently, my daughter wouldn't drink." But addiction isn't a parent's fault. It's not a sibling's fault. It's no one's fault. Can a parent control their child or guarantee they recover? No. Can a sibling strong-arm their brother or sister into treatment and recovery? No. But family members can always find peace, hope and self-worth completely independent of a loved one's addiction. And we sat down with best-selling author Beverly Conyers to learn how. If you could offer just one piece of advice to a family wrestling with a loved one's addiction, what would it be? Get educated about addiction, just as you would about any other serious illness. Addiction is so complicated, and it's chronic, and it will challenge you in ways you can't possibly anticipate. But the more we understand about addiction and how it changes the brain, the better able we are to cope with it. Could you explain how addiction is a disease?
By Beverly Conyers
Addiction is both psychological and physiological. It often starts with a compulsion to use as way of coping with feelings or emotions we don't like. Many addicts had emotional and mental health issues before they started using. They use substances as a way to feel better. But addictive substances change the way the brain functions. Physical and chemical changes take place that impair decision-making and self-control. Any disease is a disruption of normal functioning. In this sense, addiction is a disease of the brain. You believe it's possible to overcome the tragedy of addiction, and we can still have good days, even when our addicted loved one is "on the streets" or relapsing. How is that possible? What guidance can you give to others to find that mental space? There's no getting around the fact that loving an addict involves a lot of worry. In the first year or so after I learned about my daughter's addiction, I was constantly sick with anxiety. No matter where I was or what I was doing, she was the only thing on my mind. It was like I didn't exist anymore. She totally consumed me. A friend said to me, "It's hard enough living one life without trying to live two." She wasn't being unsympathetic about my feelings. She was just saying the truth in a way that made sense to me: I couldn't live my daughter's life for her, and I couldn't force her to be sober. I could only live my life. I think that realization helped me shift my perspective so I could start letting go a little bit. Instead of constantly worrying about my daughter, I made a decision to try to make time for my own feelings and for things I enjoyed.
a glimpse of her. Not knowing if boundaries still get squishy someHow did you learn not to blame she was dead or alive. And even times. But the key for me is comyourself? Time. It took a long time to under- when I knew where she was, trying munication and trying to be constand that the mistakes I made as a to figure out if she was using drugs, sistent, even if I don't always sucparent didn't cause my daughter to trying to control her behavior and ceed. become an addict. I believe that I having absolutely no control what- How do I help my loved one redid the best I could with what I soever. Just living in constant fear cover if I can't point out all the knew at the time. I had my own that she was going to die. Those ways their behavior is destructive? issues, and looking back, there are were terrible times. How do I stop blaming them for a lot of things I regret. I know I How have you set boundaries with their addiction? made her unhappy. I made her an- your daughter? If preaching and nagging and blamgry at me. But I didn't make her Boundaries have been hard for me. ing worked, there wouldn't be any become an addict. That was some- Like most mothers, my instinct is active addicts in the world today. thing within herself, something to try to rescue my daughter. They'd all be cured. But those stratinherent in her makeup that I did- Whenever she's in trouble, I want egies never work. They just make n't put there and that she didn't to save her. That means that I'll the addict want to get high. The choose. best thing we can do Beverly Conyers, the mother of three grown children, began writing for our loved one is to When it comes to about addiction when she discovered that her youngest daughter was model healthy behava loved one's subaddicted to heroin. She knows first-hand the anxiety and heartache iors—to respect ourstance abuse, do that families endure, and she has gained deep insight into the process selves, set boundaries, you believe in the of recovery from addicts who share their experiences in her books. and behave honestly philosophy of letand honorably. ting them "hit Above all, she knows that there is no such thing as a hopeless case. rock bottom"? How do I help my Everything can change even when we least expect it, and I don't think we loved one recover if I the miracle of recovery happens every day. have a choice. I can't point out all the mean, you can try to get someone give up my own time, change my ways their behavior is destructive? into rehab, you can encourage own plans and rearrange my whole How do I stop blaming them for them to choose sobriety, you can life in an effort to help. And betheir addiction? There's a spectrum get them involuntarily committed cause she has a lot of emotional of recovery—it's a journey. We can for a while. Sometimes it's worth problems, I'll overlook behavior become wiser, more serene and doing that to try to save a life. But that I wouldn't accept from anyone happier than we were in the past. ultimately it's up to the individual. else. That's been my pattern, and But then there are times when we Everyone's bottom is different, and it's something I've had to work might relapse, or we might stumble there's no way for us to know what hard to change. and fall back into a darker place their bottom is. Now when I make plans, I let her emotionally, and we might wonder if we've made any progress at all. What has been the hardest about know in advance that I won't be changing those plans. If she wants It's all part of the process. Recovery your journey up to this point? The early years of dealing with my me to do something that I feel she's gives us a better perspective so we daughter's addiction were the perfectly able to do herself, I tell can become kinder and more selfworst. Every day was filled with her that. And if she blows up at compassionate. We learn how to fear, panic, grief and constant anxi- me, I don't respond immediately. I pick ourselves up and keep moving ety. Not knowing where she was for don't engage in arguments. I wait forward. days at time. Driving around rough until we're both calmer. Of course, neighborhoods trying to find even I don't always follow through. My Paula Crane Center PAGE 8
BREAKING DOWN STEP SIX: “WE ARE ENTIRELY READY TO HAVE GOD REMOVE ALL THESE DEFECTS OF CHARACTER.” noticeable change when it Step Six of AA’s Alcoholics Anonymous Twelve Step program of recovery is all about the removal of what doesn’t work in our lives anymore. Since you have completed Step Four and Step Five you surely have plenty of things that were revealed to you about what you need to get rid of! So now it’s time to allow a Higher Power to cut out these attitudes, beliefs and behaviors at the source. You get to partner up with your Higher Power and make a firm decision to let go of the character defects and flaws that have been ruling your life and seemed to have you hell bent on self destruction. The sixth step can bring about significant and very
CHARACTER DEFECTS: SHORTCOMINGS YOU’RE READY TO LET GO OF While working on Step Six we learn about the humility it takes to see ourselves more clearly. We see that character defects and instincts work hand-in-hand. We were given instincts to help us stay alive. However, when our abundant instincts or desires far exceed their intended purpose, motivate us to act blindly, or make us willfully demand that we be supplied with PAGE 9 Paula Crane Center
comes to the thought patterns and behavior that have been with us for a long time. It doesn’t happen overnight obviously, and there is nothing like perfection when working the twelve steps of AA. It’s about making a commitment and being content with patient improvement.
more satisfactions than are possible or due, they then become character defects. It’s important when looking at your character defects in Step Six to remember the basic nature of all human beings (which is the same for all of us). We all have needs and we try to get the met; how we go about getting them is where defects come into play. To be clear, “defects of character” does not mean you are defective, or that you are a bad character. In fact,
instead of seeing your faults and failings as defects, you should reframe it as “shortcomings” that can be address and worked on. When we get to those issues deep down that caused the addictions and behaviors then real long-lasting change occurs. We can make a real effort to heal the underlying core mental and emotional issues that have caused limiting and/or destructive behavior. Continued on page 11
“THE
IMPORTANT THING IS THIS: TO BE ABLE AT ANY MOMENT TO
SACRIFICE WHAT WE ARE FOR WHAT WE COULD BECOME.”
– CHARLES DUBOIS
Photos by Dathon Brown Paula Crane Center PAGE 10
Photo by Dathon Brown
“we’ve reached a spiritual state of mind where we are aware of our character defects, sick and tired of them and pretty confident that a higher power of our own understanding will remove what should go”
When you’re ready to let go, some of the most popularly destructive character defects or shortcomings, usually include: fear, pride, dishonesty, gluttony, greed, lust, jealousy, grandiosity, willfulness and anger. If we are completely honest with ourselves we have to admit that sometimes we exult in some of our defectsthey feel good and we really kinda love some of them! But we have seen time and time again that changing addictive behavior no matter how difficult it seems is possible. The overwhelming task is much easier when PAGE 11 Paula Crane Center
broken down into tiny incremental steps. BREAKING DOWN STEP SIX When breaking down Step Six I like to focus more on the word “ready” than entirely; nobody is ever entirely ready, especially for the unknown. However the word “ready” is a reminder that we are prepared, open and available. Now we can aim at the very best of all we know or can learn. In previous steps we discovered how we harmed ourselves and other people by acting out on our character defects. We learned about patterns in behavior and that we are likely to act the same way with the same defects over and over. All of this knowledge helped us to become ready to have these defects of character removed. So now, at Step Six, we’ve reached a spiritual state of mind where we are aware of our character defects, sick and tired of them and pretty confident that a higher power of our own understanding will remove what should go.
PUT THE ANVIL DOWN: STEP SIX QUESTIONS & ACTIONS In Step Six of AA we get to put the anvil down. For many of us recovering addicts carrying around the weight of some pretty heavy shortcomings not only slows us down in the progress of our recovery; it also puts us at risk for relapse. We’ve had these defects we’re about to let go of for a long time so there’s probably a measure of fear about changing -because change means the unknown and the unknown is part of why we drank or used. It’s important to keep a sense of hope and trust in the program and the process of recovery that has worked on even the most deeply rooted character defects. Here are some questions to help guide you through Step Six: ▪ What are your fears about doing a sixth step? ▪ What does it mean that a “higher power” can remove them? ▪ What is your responsibility? ▪ Do you believe you can change? Have you changed so far? ▪ Are some of your character defects enjoyable because they give you pleasure? ▪ Are there any defects that you think cannot be removed? Are you willing to have all of them removedif not why? ▪ How does surrender help with Step 6? ▪ What actions can you take to show that you are entirely ready? STEP SIX OF AA: ABANDON LIMITATIONS “When a person is capable of enough wiliness and honesty to try repeatedly Step Six on all his faults-without any reservations whatever- has indeed come a long way spiritually…” (12 &12) While working on Step Six try not to beat yourself up if you can’t conquer every single one of your defects immediately (or even over a longer period of time). You’re a work in progress and you should be happy about your success so far. Celebrate each little victory; keep an open mind and a positive attitude through your journey.
JUST SMILE ▪
Use your smile to change the world. Don’t let the world change your smile.
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You are someone’s reason to smile.
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A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
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A smile is the best make up you can wear.
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Be happy. Keep smiling.
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Always remember to be happy , because you never know who’s falling in love with your smile.
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There is no beauty like the one that come from inside you with your smile.
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Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there is so much to smile about.
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A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.
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A smile is the shortest distance between 2 people.
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You are never fully dressed without a smile.
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Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you are up to.
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Smile, happiness looks gorgeous on you.
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Smiling is infectious, you can catch it like the flu. Someone smiled at me today, and I started smiling too.
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Don’t forget to smile.
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If you don’t have a smile, I’ll give you one of mine. By Robin Quintero-Juez
Spirit meets us at our point of action, so remember, don’t try- DO! Paula Crane Center PAGE 12
A LETTER OF GRATITUDE I would like to express my gratitude to my God for allowing me to see another day here at the Paula Crane Life Enrichment center; This year has been a year of learning and experiences new things and being stretch beyond limits. I have accomplished so much since I first arrived on October 18, 2018. I was the transportation driver and then I wanted to become a Peer Support Specialist and I tried two times and on the third try I successfully accomplished what I truly feel was my calling. Then the learning process started as I learn to become a CARES, certified recovery empowerment specialist. I received my certificate on August 28,2020. My growth has been amazing and rewarding. I have completed everything I set out to accomplish and I am still striving for excellence in many more areas of my life. My relationship with my children and grandkids has grown and my relationship with the God of my understanding has gone to another level and I trust him with everything in me. I am so very thankful that God gave us the zoom platform so we can stay connected with other members in the 12step program of narcotic anonymous. I continue to stay connected with people in NA and all over the world that are online, and I continue to share my experience, strength, and hope with people that are just coming in because we can only keep what we have by giving it away. I love my life today and the people I work with knowing that we should always show love everywhere we go. By Bernice Taylor-Davis
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This year has been a year of learning and experiences new things and being stretch beyond limits.
My relationship with my children and grandkids has grown and my relationship with the God of my understanding has gone to another level and I trust him with everything in me.
I have accomplished so much since I first arrived on October 18, 2018. I was the transportation driver and then I wanted to become a Peer Support Specialist and I tried two times and on the third try I successfully accomplished what I truly feel was my calling.
s
I have completed everything I set out to accomplish and I am still striving for excellence in many more areas of my life.
I continue to stay connected with people in NA and all over the world that are online, and I continue to share my experience, strength, and hope with people that are just coming in because we can only keep what we have by giving it away.
Paula Crane Center PAGE 14
Can Alcohol in Food Affect Recovery? While many may be steadily working their way through Dry January, some may be innocently overlooking other sources that contribute to alcohol consumption such as what’s found in some foods. Wine, beer, sherry, and liqueurs have been used for years in a number of recipes. But before you put a stop to eating chicken cacciatore or spiked eggnog cupcakes for the next holiday season, let’s discuss the facts. If you’ve battled an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the past and are now in recovery, it’s best not to consume alcoholic beverages and foods with alcohol.
MYTH:
“When you cook with alcohol, the alcohol burns out.” Facts according to a study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Data lab: Heating alcohol alone doesn’t make it evaporate, Food simmered/baked for 15 minutes retains 40% of the initial amount of alcohol, After an hour of cooking, 25% of the initial amount of alcohol remains, Food has to be cooked for roughly three hours to eliminate the alcohol altogether. Recovery, Alcohol, & Cooking: The purpose of adding alcohol to some dishes and desserts as an ingredient is simply to enhance flavor as opposed to getting intoxicated from the experience. With that said, “for some people having just a tiny bit of alcohol or the taste of the alcohol may be enough to act as a powerful cue,” or trigger that can lead to behavior that is not conducive to sobriety. Again, if you’ve struggled with an AUD in the past, it may not be in your best interest to eat foods with alcohol in them. Instead, look for alcohol substitutions for recipes that list a type of alcohol as one of the ingredients. An experiment was conducted by nutritionists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington State University, and the University of Idaho. It consisted of the participants cooking scalloped oysters with sherry and two dishes with Burgundy (similar to coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon). The variables that impacted the results consisted of: Temperature, Size of the pan, Length of time cooked., Method of cooking (bake or simmer). By Nitara Osbourne PAGE 15 Paula Crane Center
Why Learning to Deal With Frustration Is an Essential Part of the Recovery Process
When your life no longer centers around substance abuse, you start to realize how frustrating day-to-day life can be. For example: Having someone butt in front of you in the checkout line when you’re in a hurry to leave the store Working with a coworker who tries to take credit for your ideas Having a friend cancel plans at the last minute Trying a new recipe for dinner but accidentally burning the meal Feelings of frustration are a normal response when you’re faced with circumstances that are seemingly beyond your control. Unfortunately, frustration can put you at risk of relapse if you don’t have strong coping mechanisms in place. Why Frustration Is Often a Problem for People With Substance Use Disorders Have you ever noticed that some people seem to never be phased by challenges, but others struggle to keep their emotions in check when they are faced with frustrating circumstances? People who have problems managing their frustration are said to have a low frustration tolerance (LFT). People with a low frustration tolerance often: ▪ Postpone tasks they find boring or difficult ▪ Avoid tasks that are challenging ▪ Are easily overwhelmed ▪ Try to “fix” problems that would eventually resolve themselves because they are impatient ▪ Focus on short-term pleasure instead of long-term success ▪ Get irritable and angry when things don’t go their way ▪ Lash out at those who they view as causing their frustration ▪ Believe that life is fundamentally unfair ▪ People from all different types of backgrounds can struggle with low frustration tolerance. However, LFT is common among those who have substance use disorders as well as conditions such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Healthy Ways to Cope With Frustration In the past, you may have turned to drugs and alcohol when you were frustrated with work, family, or friends. Now, you’ll need to come up with healthy ways to keep your emotions from getting the best of you. Here are some tips to help improve your frustration tolerance: ▪ Realize that some situations can’t be changed. When you’re frustrated, ask yourself if there are any reasonable steps you can take to change your situation. ▪ Practice deep breathing or meditation. ▪ Remind yourself of your resilience. You have already accomplished a great deal by getting this far in your recovery journey. You are capable of overcoming obstacles and tackling challenges, even when you feel overwhelmed. By Dana Hinders Paula Crane Center PAGE 16
DECEMBER STATS FOR THE CRANE
SOCIAL MEDIA REACH DECEMBER 2021
DECEMBER 2021 Contacts
323
Unduplicated Contacts
135
Facebook Reach
342
Instagram Reach
55
WEBSITE STATS thecrane.org Site Sessions: 274
GOOGLE STATS
DECEMBER 2020 Contacts Unduplicated Contacts
845
Direct Views
520
160
Google Views
267
66
Other Views
58
Business Profile Interactions: 516 307 58
Interactions Asked for directions
I n Cas e You M is s e d I t Though the pandemic took control of almost everything in December, The Crane was still able to safely pull off some great activities and events. From cooking class with Sheneta, to candle making with Ms. Gale and Ms. Robin, individuals were still able to explore their creative sides. December also marked the end of the quarter for our education classes, in which they enjoyed an “end of the year” celebration to look over their accomplishments and wind down a bit from their studies. The year ended with our annual Holiday Celebration with Individuals enjoying fun, music, games, prizes and a host of food including appetizers, entrees and desserts all catered to them safely. By the end of the celebration everyone received a special gift from The Crane that they could enjoy for the season. As we are gearing up for the new year, we look forward in continuing to bring the fun, support and encouragement needed for those struggling with substance abuse and struggling through the pandemic. Remember, you are never alone, we are here for you!.
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Virtual NA Meetings held at The Crane every Monday at 12 pm. This is a meeting that, though virtual, one can still connect with others in a group setting with the support of our staff and other peers.
In-Person AA Meetings held at The Crane every Wednesday at 12 pm. This is an one hour and open meeting for anyone that would like to attend.
Double Trouble Meetings, a combination of mental health and substance use disorders, are held every Friday in person at The Crane starting at1 pm.
Breakfast and Chit Chat are held every Friday at The Crane from 8 am until 9 am, where one can come out and enjoy coffee, deliciously prepared breakfast and have a thought provoking conversation. Peer Support Meetings are held Monday through Thursday at 2 pm and Fridays at 2:30 at The Crane. If you would like to attend virtually, give us a call and we can set you up with a private invitation. HIV and HEP-C Testing is available on weekdays. We ask that you call 770.960.2009 for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcomed, but the testers may or may not be available. Our clothing closet is available for those in need, both male and female options available. Registration with the center is required, and we ask that you call in advance so that we can accommodate you. Paula Crane Center PAGE 18
1792 M T . Z ION R D . M ORROW GA | P: 770.960.2009 | W EB :
THECRANE . ORG