Featured Posts

Safe Medication Disposal

April 27, 2020 By Dee 1 Comment

April’s Drug Take Back Day had to be cancelled but there are still ways we can still dispose of our unused medications so they don’t end up in the wrong hands potentially leading to addiction and overdose.

WHY DO WE KEEP UNUSED MEDS?
According to the 2018 Choices Matter Survey:
9 in 10 surgery patients with leftover opioid pills admit that they keep them for future use, giving them to family or friends for their pain, or improperly disposing of them.
Also, nearly 1 in 5 surgical patients report refilling an opioid prescription even though they no longer need it to manage their pain.

WHY ARE UNUSED MEDS A PROBLEM?
2 in 5 teens believe prescription drugs are “much” safer than street drugs and see no harm in sharing them with friends. More than half obtained prescription medicines from their own family medicine cabinet. (drugfree.org)

HOW CAN WE HELP?

CLEAN OUT YOUR MEDICINE CABINET and remove all unused and expired medications
MONITOR & SECURE your current medications so they don’t accidentally end up in the wrong hands
PROPERLY DISPOSE OF what you’re no longer using.
- DRUG DROP BOX – Most police stations and many pharmacies have self serve disposal kiosks where you can place unused medications.
- DRUG DISPOSAL PRODUCT – this is a packet or powder that renders your medications unusable and safe for household disposal. Some prescriptions come with these neutralizers or they can be obtained for free through your department of health or community services board. Current Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club pharmacy patients can request a free DisposeRX packet at any time.
- SELF DISPOSAL:
  - TRASH: remove medication from bottle and mix (not crush) into a ziploc bag of used coffee grinds or kitty litter which render them unpallatable and safe for household disposal.
  - FLUSH: flushing is not recommended for many medications as they can be harmful to the environment and our water supply, but there are some the FDA recommends we flush. Find the list HERE

Love Someone with an Addiction?

April 13, 2020 By Dee Leave a Comment

FIND FAMILY SUPPORT AMID COVID-19

Face to face meetings have been cancelled because of coronavirus but support is still available

Al-Anon – support for those affected by someone else’s alcoholism, offers online and phone meetings
Families Anonymous – online meetings for family and friends of those with drug, alcohol or related behavioral issues
Magnolia Family-Focused Addiction Support provides meetings Sunday’s and Thursday’s at 7 pm. Join the Zoom Meetings at https://zoom.us/j/369081516 (enter Meeting ID: 369 081 516 if prompted)
Nar-Anon – support for those affected by someone else’s addiction live chat and forum available
Parents Helping Parents is offering virtual meetings as well as recordings of past meetings
Partnership for Drug Free Kids – online support community for parents who may have children experimenting with, or dependent on, substances
SMART Recovery Friends and Family – secular, cognitive behavioral-based program offers online meetings for families and friends of someone recovering from substance abuse

Here are some VIDEOS/PODCASTS that you might find helpful during this time:
Center for Motivation and Change Podcast
Collateral Damage Podcast & Videos
Dr. Ruth Potee Videos
Hazelden/Betty Ford Podcast
My Child & Addiction Podcast

Visit our Family Support Page for a more complete list.

Help for those in recovery can be found here SUPPORT DURING CORONAVIRUS

Alcohol Awareness Month

April 9, 2020 By Dee Leave a Comment

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

A recent study showed that alcohol related deaths have doubled since 1999.
Stress is a common trigger for drinking, and the current coronavirus pandemic has led to an unprecedented increase in alcohol sales.

In the week ending March 21st, sales greatly increased:
hard liquor 75%
beer 66%
wine 42%
all compared to the same dates last year

Ready to take a look at your drinking patterns? Click HERE for an alcohol screening.
And Rethinking Drinking is another great site which helps you take a realistic look at your drinking and provides tools to help you create a plan to quit or cut back.
Need help creating some healthier coping skills? Check out this upcoming webinar.
Your future self will thank you!

MAT Virtual Recovery Meetings

April 7, 2020 By Dee Leave a Comment

Are you utilizing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) in your addiction recovery? Not all self help and mutual support groups are designed to be supportive of this recovery tool.

MARA, Medication Assisted Recovery Anonymous, is designed to be a non-judgemental place where all those using medication to assist their recovery are welcome.

“Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous is a support group of people who believe in the value of medication as a means to recovery. We understand that our individual needs may not be the same; our backgrounds may not be the same; our futures may not be the same. However, our desire to live a safe lifestyle joins us together. Non-judgement is our code.” – MARA Preamble

Find out more about them at their website: www.mara-international.org
Right now, because of COVID-19, they are hosting several virtual meetings a week.
Please share!

Online Recovery Meetings During Coronavirus

March 16, 2020 By Dee Leave a Comment

LIST OF ONLINE RECOVERY MEETINGS & RESOURCES
Support is still available as we practice social distancing

Get a PDF printable list here: Recovery Can Happen at Home

Are you a friend or family member? Find support HERE

Online Meetings & Support:
In The Rooms – For meetings, this is where I would start. With over 130 meetings each week, which include multiple pathways to recovery, there is something for everyone. Meetings for all 12 Step, Non-12 Step, Wellness and Mental Health, and more. They can even provide meeting confirmations if needed.
Alcoholics Anonymous – multiple types of AA meetings or AA Phone Meetings
Culpeper Recovery (Unaddictable) – local support, videos, worksheets, articles, recommended books
The Daily Pledge – several meetings a day. Can provide meeting confirmations.
The Herren Project provides recovery meetings every night at 7:30pm.
LGBTQ+ Online Recovery Meetings or check out AA’s LGBTQ meetings
Life Recovery – (uses the Life Recovery Bible) has online groups open to everyone
McShin Foundation – podcasts and video meetings from Richmond based McShin.
Medication Assisted Recovery Anonymous – several meetings a week.
Narcotics Anonymous: Virtual NA or NA Chatroom – Both have several meetings a day
RU Recovery Ministries – faith based virtual meetings
SMART Recovery – science-based, self-empowered meetings. Some meetings confirmed.
Unity Recovery – five meetings a day. Can provide meeting confirmations.
Women for Sobriety – non 12 step 24/7 message board, chat meetings

YouTube Channels:
AA Speakers
Celebrate Recovery
NA Speakers
SMART Recovery

Podcasts:
Joe & Charlie Big Book Comes Alive (AA)
McShin Foundation new podcasts from our friends at McShin
Mother Recovering momming sober
This Naked Mind alcohol primary focus
Recovery Elevator alcohol primary focus
Sobercast AA speaker meetings and workshops in podcast format
Sober Girl’s Guide sobriety, mental health, self development
That Sober Guy drug, alcohol & other addictions, mental health

Helpful APPS:
AA Big Book
The Calm App for stress, anxiety
Celebrate Recovery faith based
Connections clinical and peer support, resource library
NA Speakers
Recovery Devotionals faith based
Recovery Path
Sober Tool
7 Cups of Tea emotional support

Misc. Online Resources:
Listen to the Big Book (AA)
Read the Big Book (AA)
Listen to AA Speakers
Listen to the Basic Text (NA)
Read the Basic Text (NA)
Recovery Today Magazine – free online magazine offering stories of hope

Harm Reduction Resources:
Get Narcan (Naloxone) the opioid overdose reversal drug sent to you in the mail by The Chris Atwood Foundation. Watch a short instructional video then fill out the confidential request form. Can only be shipped to addresses in Virginia.
The Harm Reduction Coalition has provided COVID-19 Guidance for people who use drugs and harm reduction programs.
Never Use Alone 1-800-484-3731 Provides a life saving point of contact for people who use drugs and are there to help in the event of an overdose.

Don’t forget your Mental & Physical Health:
The Phoenix is a free sober active community gym that inspires people in recovery to rise from the ashes of addiction by fostering healing through fitness and community with the support of those who are walking that very same path. They have a huge variety of free classes available to anyone that can be found HERE.
Planet Fitness is offering free daily workout videos on their facebook page.
ROCovery Fitness is a supportive community of physically active SOBER individuals that provides multiple free workouts every day. Videos are posted on their Facebook page or their website.
Yoga of 12 Step Recovery (Y12SR) for people recovering from all manifestations of addiction, from behavioral addictions to substance abuse.
Yoga for Recovery is free and open to people in recovery, their family, and allies. Classes Mon/Wed/Fri 11am or Thur 4pm.
Daily Calm: 10 minute meditations
A little Nature Therapy
Learn to do a Body Scan Meditation to help with relaxation and sleep
10 minute Yoga flows to start or end your day
Faith Based Guided Prayers & Meditations
COVID-19 Anxiety Support Meetings – an on-going workshop, coping skills, connecting with others

HELPLINES & HOTLINES

RRCSB 24hr Crisis Hotline
1-540-825-5656
Peer2Peer 24hr Warmline
1-833-626-1490
First Responders HERO Peer Warmline
1-844-833-4376 (8am-Midnight)
Text 24hr Crisis Line
text hello to 741741
Substance Abuse Hotline
1-800-662-4357
National Youth Crisis Hotline
1-800-442-4673
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
LGBTQ Trevor Project Lifeline
1-866-488-7386
Mental Health America of VA
1-866-400-6428
Disaster Distress Hotline (including public health emergencies)
1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
Live Chat services available through Lifeline Chat

Helping Children of Addiction

February 12, 2020 By Dee Leave a Comment

We are mid-way through Children of Addiction Awareness Week. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a quarter of children in the U.S. grow up in households where there is substance abuse, and studies suggest these children are eight times more likely to develop an addiction themselves.

So how can you help?

Be the one. Numerous studies have shown that one trusted, supportive, and stable adult can make a tremendous impact in the life of an at-risk child. See the study from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child
Educate yourself. What are some early warning signs of risky behavior? How do I recognize and respond to a cry for help? What resources are available? We have several local training opportunities which can help equip you.
- ACEs Training: This course totally changed the way I view addiction. ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) trauma can lead to chronic health concerns like substance abuse and mental health challenges. Gain a better understanding of what trauma is and how it affects our biology. It is well worth your time and is brought to you FREE by the Rappahannock Area Community Services. Training takes place in Fredericksburg and are typically held 4 times a year. Dates and details are posted on our UPCOMING EVENTS page.
- YOUTH Mental Health First Aid: This course teaches how to help youth who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem. You learn risk factors and warning signs, strategies for how to help, and where to turn for resources. Upcoming training dates and details are posted on our UPCOMING EVENTS page.
Look for mentoring opportunities: There are lots of opportunities to mentor children in our community. Many of these organizations are not necessarily addressing addiction, but are providing positive experiences for our youth. Here are just a few:
- Girls On The Run: teaches life skills such as managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions. They are always in need of coaches and you don’t need to be runner! Contact 540-296-4687 or kathy.butler@girlsontherun.org
- CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates: volunteers advocate for the safety and well-being of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. They represent their best interests in courtrooms and other settings and help change their lives. There is an upcoming information session Feb 25, 2020 at 70 Main St, Warrenton, VA. RSVP required, call 703-330-8145 or email jpolen@casacis.org
- GEMS Girls Empowerment Mentoring Services: Provides a safe, creative & motivating space that allows female adolescents to thrive toward personal successes. By increasing self-esteem, it assists adolescents with making better choices, reducing risky behaviors. Meets every 2nd Wednesday 4-6 at Culpeper Baptist Church Contact: gemsinva@gmial.com
Get inspired: Ministries Help Children Affected by Addiction

Other Resources

Helping a child whose parent is struggling with addiction
Children of Addiction Website
Sesame Street has created a new character, 6-year-old Karli, whose mom struggles with drug addiction. Watch Karli’s videos, access resources like coloring pages, music, and articles with topics like how to explain addiction to a child.
Camp Mariposa is a national addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth ages 9-12 who have been affected by the substance use disorder of a family member. Camp Mariposa is offered free of charge to all families. It is offered multiple times throughout the year, and the closest location is in West Virginia near the Southwest Virginia border.

Find more resources on our FAMILY SUPPORT page.

Need To Talk?

January 25, 2020 By Dee Leave a Comment

Regional WarmLine – Always Available

A warmline is an alternative to a crisis line. The Peer2Peer Regional Warmline is a consumer-run phone service providing peer support, resource referrals, and shared experiences of hope and recovery. It is run by peers with lived experience in mental health and substance use issues. The warmline is a judgment free zone.

The warmline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It is available to individuals in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock counties.

WHAT DO PEOPLE TALK ABOUT?
The warmline provides individuals an opportunity to get things off their chest and get feedback from individuals who may have had similar experiences. Topics can include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; employment issues; grief and loss; family issues; loneliness; anxiety; anger issues; depression; suicidal thoughts; relationship issues; substance use; gambling; homelessness; etc.

ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL!

OTHER HELPLINES & HOTLINES

RRCSB 24hr Crisis Hotline (Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange, Madison, Rapp)
1-540-825-5656
Peer to Peer 24hr Warmline
1-833-626-1490
Text 24hr Crisis Line
text hello to 741741
Substance Abuse Hotline
1-800-662-HELP
National Youth Crisis Hotline
1-800-442-HOPE
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Mental Health America of VA
1-866-400-6428
Live Chat services available through Lifeline Chat

Opioid Ripples: Part 4

November 12, 2019 By Dee Leave a Comment

Stigma still stymies some efforts
in opioid battle

Not even death ends the ripple effects of stigma,
In some ways – it’s even intensified.

The last installation in this 4 part series focuses on stigma and how it affects those in recovery and their families.
I was thankful to be a part of it, and help spread awareness that this stigma still continues for family members even after an overdose death has occurred.

Read the article at Fauquier Now or read PDFs of the entire series from the
Piedmont Journalism Foundation

Death Certificates Don’t Lie

July 31, 2018 By Dee Leave a Comment

Overall fatal drug overdoses decline,
but cocaine and methamphetamine
deaths climb

DEATH CERTIFICATES DON’T LIE

When people hear that my son died of cocaine/fentanyl poisoning, many are hesitant to believe it.
“Are you sure?”
“That doesn’t make sense, one is a
stimulant and the other is a depressant”
“That must not be right.”
I’ve heard it all.

I was not there when Joe died, and I am no doctor, but I know this . . .
Joe’s toxicology results tell a story.
They tell a story of his last hours.
A story I have no other way of knowing because no one is talking – not to me at least.
This is all I have – the pure medical science of it.
A beautiful life condensed to a sheet of paper full of nonsensical numbers, sent to me in the mail by strangers who never even touched his body.

Did you know they don’t even bother doing autopsies on these deaths anymore? Apparently,
the cost is too great – the backlog too enormous – the results assumably known.

Oh, that not one more will die Lord.
That not one more family with know these awful truths.
That is my prayer. But I know in this fallen world – I ask the impossible.
So, I press on with awareness. With speaking out at every opportunity. Here is another awareness article from the Roanoke Times that I was happy to contribute to.
In memory of Joe,
but really . . .
for those still alive.

At first, Dee Fleming assumed her son died of a heroin overdose since that’s the opioid that’s been dominating the public’s attention. When she received the death certificate, she was surprised to learn that her son had died from a combination of cocaine and fentanyl, an opiate painkiller 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.

After years of relatively stable numbers of cocaine overdoses in Virginia, in 2016, deaths increased 40 percent over the year before. In 2016 and 2017, fentanyl was implicated in more than 54 percent of cocaine deaths.

Read the full article by Amy Friedenberger at The Roanoke Times

The Pain of Stigma

April 17, 2018 By Dee Leave a Comment

I’ve always known that stigma exists.

Since Joe died and I chose to speak about his overdose publicly, I have learned not to be shocked by the insensitive (and sometimes hateful) comments on social media about those struggling with addiction.

But what I experienced today took it to a whole new level.

After reading an article in the Orange County Review where I shared Joe’s story, a man came into my workplace to speak with me. He shared about losing his daughter in a car accident. About how the pain of losing her has never lessened even though she has been gone for a very long time. I listened – totally understanding that this kind of loss can never be fully healed this side of heaven.

But then – he began to speak of my son.
He said “Doing drugs is pretty stupid”
I agreed, “Yes it is”
“Well,” he said
“I think maybe that’s nature’s way of weeding out the weak ones”

I’m glad I was in shock because if not, I have no idea how I would have responded.
Apparently, because it was drugs that killed my Joe and not a car accident – or a disease – his death wasn’t as tragic – wasn’t worthy of our reflection and sorrow.

So, if I were to apply his logic:
We should be thankful people die in car accidents because that helps get all the bad drivers off the road – right?
We should be thankful people die of disease so they don’t pass along their “weak” disease prone DNA – right?

No one would ever believe those things – yet we do when it comes to addiction.

How does someone reach the conclusion that they don’t deserve to live?
I believe it happens when we lose sight of our most basic human mandate:
LOVE one another.

So, to that man who told me, to my face, that my son’s death of a drug overdose was “nature’s way of weeding out the weak ones” . . . . I have something to say to you:
I say thank you.
When I am being swallowed by my grief, I will think of you.
When I am weary, I will think of you.
When I doubt myself, I will think of you.
When I am discouraged, I will think of you.

Thank you for reminding me of why I do what I do.
Thank you for reminding me there is still so much work to be done.
Thank you for giving me clarity as I walk this path.
Thank you for giving me more courage, more determination, and more will to continue on.
Thank you for reminding me to dig deep and find the good in my pain.
Thank you for reminding me to see you through the eyes of God.
Thank you for straightening my spine and helping me remember why I’m here.
Thank you for reminding me that I am strong, and will not be diverted.

I am praying for you.
I pray that the love of our Heavenly Father overwhelms your heart and your mind, revealing to you that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, sought out the weak in His flock and carried them – carried them! close to His chest.
So, for me, I choose weakness. Any day. No Question.
For me, I choose LOVE.