tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82858120265099237112024-03-05T03:29:56.290-05:00Parent Survival Skills Training (PSST)Over the years we have collected/shared hard-won information, skills, and techniques a parent needs to help a teenager with a drug problem save his own life. (CLICK ON THE LOGO ABOVE to return to the home-page for this blog.)
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.comBlogger874125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-34183459187384579272017-03-01T23:55:00.002-05:002017-03-01T23:55:46.776-05:00PSST Meetings Temporarily Discontinued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FzbRqGOcXF8/WLelElliRcI/AAAAAAAABY8/ddRYxJ3mZLgzxOXBZj9z-a3i75LlpCG3ACLcB/s1600/on-hold.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FzbRqGOcXF8/WLelElliRcI/AAAAAAAABY8/ddRYxJ3mZLgzxOXBZj9z-a3i75LlpCG3ACLcB/s400/on-hold.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #ff0101; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">**** Effective immediately, PSST meetings will be discontinued for the next several months. Once we have determined a re-start date for the meetings, we will post that information on this website. ****</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #ff0101; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-22322947890167279372017-01-26T16:49:00.003-05:002017-01-26T16:53:05.477-05:00Deadly Carfentanil<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8bSuTMJo3A/WIpudjDSAoI/AAAAAAAABYg/hcAf1xromGw-052XIlFiqjkVjVHTUO-sQCLcB/s1600/Carfentanil_Powder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8bSuTMJo3A/WIpudjDSAoI/AAAAAAAABYg/hcAf1xromGw-052XIlFiqjkVjVHTUO-sQCLcB/s320/Carfentanil_Powder.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You have probably seen the warnings </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">on
the news about carfentanil, the</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> d</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">angerous opioid that </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">is 10,000 times
more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which itself
is 50 times more potent than heroin. Carfentanil has been linked to a
significant number of overdose deaths in various parts of the country. On the
streets, it is often disguised as heroin.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Improper handling of carfentanil can
have deadly consequences, whether it is inhaled, ingested, or even touched.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Considering that it is used as a
tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals, it is not surprising
to learn that carfentanil (and other fentanyl-related compounds) pose a serious
danger to the public, including first responders and other medical personnel. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Immediately administering naloxone, an
an antidote for opioid overdose, can reverse an overdose of carfentanil,
fentanyl, or other opioids, although multiple doses of naloxone may be
required. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">More information about carfentanil
can be found at</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.dea.gov/divisions/hq/2016/hq092216.shtml"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">https://www.dea.gov/divisions/hq/2016/hq092216.shtml</span></a>
</span></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-25869950184097852582016-12-05T10:33:00.000-05:002017-01-26T16:50:55.014-05:00PSST Holiday Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhRKVz5T9a4/UnV1nS9Hl0I/AAAAAAAAAn8/8pB25Yu1j_c0ZNQOhjlhGxva8Kqmp1y9gCPcB/s1600/holiday%2Bcelebration.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhRKVz5T9a4/UnV1nS9Hl0I/AAAAAAAAAn8/8pB25Yu1j_c0ZNQOhjlhGxva8Kqmp1y9gCPcB/s320/holiday%2Bcelebration.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">The </span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">PSST 13th Anniversary / Holiday Celebration</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>will be held on Saturday, Dec 17, 2016 at our Greentree meeting. Invitees include all PSST parents (both current attendees and alumni), in addition to all Wesley Spectrum therapists and Juvenile Probation staff who have been part of the PSST family. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Please put the date on your calendar, and plan to join us! There will be an abbreviated meeting, along with time for socializing. Feel free to bring a food item to share.</span><br />
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-55511260880543723932016-11-27T11:07:00.003-05:002016-11-27T11:14:17.544-05:00US Surgeon General's 2016 Report on Addiction<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-360W42m9abY/WDsEXe1qPvI/AAAAAAAABX4/XCrIcjDEmq82GsT8fQxDAw3e6GoDMbHNgCLcB/s1600/facing%2Baddiction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-360W42m9abY/WDsEXe1qPvI/AAAAAAAABX4/XCrIcjDEmq82GsT8fQxDAw3e6GoDMbHNgCLcB/s320/facing%2Baddiction.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below are quotes from </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">the U.S. Surgeon</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"> General's first-time report on addiction. For the full report, click </span><a href="https://addiction.surgeongeneral.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Fifty years ago, the landmark Surgeon General’s report on
the dangers of smoking began a half century of work to end the tobacco epidemic
and saved millions of lives. With The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol,
Drugs, and Health, I am issuing a new call to action to end the public health
crisis of addiction. Please join me in taking the actions outlined in this
Report and in helping ensure that all Americans can lead healthy and fulfilling
lives.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This Report offers a way forward through a public health approach
that is firmly grounded in the best available science. Recognizing that we all
have a role to play, the Report contains suggested actions that are intended
for parents, families, educators, health care professionals, public policy
makers, researchers, and all community members. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Above all, we can never forget that the faces of substance
use disorders are real people. They are a beloved family member, a friend, a
colleague, and ourselves. Despite the significant work that remains ahead of
us, there are reasons to be hopeful. I find hope in the people I have met in
recovery all across America who are now helping others with substance use
disorders find their way. I draw strength from the communities I have visited
that are coming together to work on prevention initiatives and to connect more
people to treatment. And I am inspired by the countless family members who have
lost loved ones to addiction and who have transformed their pain into a passion
for helping others. These individuals and communities are rays of hope. It is
now our collective duty to bring such light to all corners of our country.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-62493650972787739472016-10-14T15:43:00.002-05:002016-10-14T15:52:02.857-05:002016 Parent of the Year Speech<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6SSqBduIJY/WAFFKaSCFEI/AAAAAAAABXI/aLhOY3JGDTI3Q4yVj93j0NPDlePJV1fWgCLcB/s1600/awards-night.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6SSqBduIJY/WAFFKaSCFEI/AAAAAAAABXI/aLhOY3JGDTI3Q4yVj93j0NPDlePJV1fWgCLcB/s200/awards-night.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>Below are Brad and Jenn's comments given at Allegheny County's Juvenile Justice Week awards ceremony:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">To quote comedian Jim Gaffigan, “Most of the time I feel
entirely unqualified to be a parent.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
call these times being awake.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Although
his statements are meant as a joke, it certainly was not a joke to my husband
& me when we found ourselves totally unprepared to be the parents of a defiant,
substance abusing child.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And so, 7 years
ago, we began our journey into the unknown.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">From our perspective, our son’s teenage years were chaotic
and challenging, with numerous out-of-home placements, ¾ houses, and rehab
facilities.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We know that all of us are
works-in-progress, but clearly some of us just take more work than others.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>For our son, there have been many successes
and many failures along the way.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>As one
of Dylan's counselors always told him, Dylan just seems to need to learn
everything the hard way.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I’d like to focus on the more recent successes: Dylan graduated
from high school, has been clean for the past 6 months (and nearly 9 months
before that), recently earned his driver’s license at age 20, and has
aspirations of becoming a D&A counselor.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>In addition, our previously dysfunctional relationship with him has
become much healthier.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="fullpost"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Is our son “cured”?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We don’t know.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>One of the many valuable lessons we learned over the years is that we cannot control our son’s actions; the only behavior we can change is our own.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What we do know is that Dylan is on a better path, and just for today, we can accept that and feel good about it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Our motto, one day at a time.</span></span></div>
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<span class="fullpost"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We have worked with a dream-team of truly amazing people along the way, who have helped give us the strength and guidance to move forward in our journey with Dylan.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="fullpost"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Judge Hens-Greco was fair, firm, and encouraging in all of her interactions with our son.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Val Ketter’s Juvenile Probation staff, including Lloyd Woodward & Justin Innocent, gave us meaningful support and guidance on a regular basis – even when we didn’t know we needed it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Alleg Co Juvenile Probation also sponsors a truly innovative support group for parents called Parent Survival Skills Training, which became our lifeline over the years.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The Probation staff who guided the group, along with all the other parents who attended the meetings, gave us invaluable, non-judgmental advice.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>That group helped us to keep our sanity.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They also challenged us to become better parents. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 8px 24px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">There have been so many other dedicated individuals along the way who helped our family, many therapists and counselors – like Kathie Tagmyer! – from various agencies, ¾ houses, & drug rehab facilities. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Some of these counselors are even addicts in recovery themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We have learned so much from these individuals, and have been blessed by their involvement in our lives.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We are grateful for each and every one of them.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We accept this award on behalf of all the parents who love their troubled kids, who don’t give up on them, who make their own share of mistakes but bounce back, who refuse to enable their children when they are making poor choices, and who provide loving help and encouragement when they are making good choices. </span></div>
</span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-1647538870108894812016-10-08T22:44:00.000-05:002016-10-08T21:48:07.836-05:00When a parent gives the teenager the Silent Treatment.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdLn2cLb6BTbqLfNbwYjD6cy1pauGEotLTF0SMKz99oYyAMt7b67oquh0Dhxhw3Q-f4Eziqr8RxNfqvgpMiGDPxOSMR69aJES9MVLNHkz6KnbFOMV6VtA52G4V_igug4siv8eHkxbjldz/s1600-h/folded+arms+silent+treatment+cropped+woody.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348849271254521154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdLn2cLb6BTbqLfNbwYjD6cy1pauGEotLTF0SMKz99oYyAMt7b67oquh0Dhxhw3Q-f4Eziqr8RxNfqvgpMiGDPxOSMR69aJES9MVLNHkz6KnbFOMV6VtA52G4V_igug4siv8eHkxbjldz/s320/folded+arms+silent+treatment+cropped+woody.JPG" style="float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 158px;" /></a><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>[</b></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><b>This</b></span><b> is a reprint of a 2009 post. One of our readers recently asked a question about this topic, and the response is included in the comments at the end of the post.]</b></span><br />
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When you ask parents why they give the silent treatment they usually do not admit that they want to cause pain in order to control the teenager's behavior. Instead, they report things like:<br />
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"I just needed some time alone to think."<br />
"I thought we both needed a cooling off period."<br />
"I felt hurt by what you did and I just needed to stop communicating."<br />
"I thought you needed some space."<br />
"I didn't want to fight."<br />
"I didn't want to say things that I might regret."<br />
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OK, some of these sound good but when you realize that the parent went three days without talking or even acknowledging the teenager's presence, then you can see that this goes way past a cooling off period. A cooling off period is often a good idea but it's going to last an hour not a day. Or at the worst it's going to last the night but not the week.<br />
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<span class="fullpost"><br /><br />The bottom line is that the silent treatment is very painful and anytime we heap pain on our loved ones that is disproportionate to the behavior that we are trying to address it causes extreme resentment. Actually, to a parent using this technique it may appear as though it works because the child or teenager may try to do something, anything to try to reopen channels of communication; however, sooner or later this is going to backfire.<br /><br />In fact, some teens report that they eventually come to like the silent treatment because they become so used to the pain that they just don't care anymore. Once your teenager doesn't care anymore you are in for a whole lot of trouble.<br /><br />Also, it may be that teenagers who become verbally and physically abusive to their parents are reacting to years of getting the silent treatment. Anecdotal evidence seems to point to the fact that many teens with substance abuse issues have been on the receiving end of the silent treatment. The natural thing that can happen to parents who have regularly treated their children to the silent treatment is that the teenager can start dishing the silent treatment back at the parents. Now we've got a sticky wicket. You could call that bad karma. It is said that children will often fail to do what parents tell them to do, but they will never fail to imitate them. (I don't know who first said that or else I would credit them.)<br /><br /><br /><br />The silent treatment is a power move. It can work on spouses as well as children but it will backfire on both eventually. Imagine the parent who uses the silent treament regularly and who precieves that it is a ligitimate way to control children. Then, it seems like overnight the parent has a teenager with issues. At that point a frustrated parent may state, "I just wish my teen had more self-confidence." Hello! Everytime this same parent gave the silent treatment the teenager went through feelings of extreme worthlessness. The child or teenager is racked by self doubt. What was it that they did that caused their parent to treat them as though they were dead? In fact, the silent treatment is sort of like a psychological death. The parent might as well have said, "You are dead to me!"<br /><br />At Parent Survival Skills meetings we are all about parents asserting power; however, we only recomend that the parent use the amount of power necessary to get the behavior of the child back on track and we never approve of phyiscal or psychological abuse. It is never appropriate and it causes extreme resentment that will always cause the resentful chickens to come home to roost. Like yelling, it is counterproductive and seems to produce some of the same problems, e.g. it helps the child or teen to become an angry person who has low self esteem. An angry person with low self esteem is going to be much harder to deal with than someone who is not angry all the time and who feels good about themselves.<br /><br />Most parents who use this technique learned it from their parents. They also use it on their spouses. Read what some others have said about the silent treatment:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kensavage.com/archives/silent-treatment/">The Silent Treatment - What You Are Saying By Not Saying Anything At All</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/783727/parents_are_using_the_silent_treatment_pg2.html?cat=25">Parents Are Using the Silent Treatment to Discipline Their Children</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dovechristiancounseling.com/SilentTreatment.html">The Silent Treatment - A Form of Abuse<br />- Patricia Jones, M.A.</a><br /></span>Lloyd Woodwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08271738279677073849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-29476442827125878992016-10-05T18:23:00.003-05:002016-10-05T18:23:44.198-05:00Congratulations to Brad and Jenn the Allegheny County Parents of the Year 2016!Due to their hard work and commitment to helping their son Brad and Jenn have been named 2016 Parent's of the Year! Both parents have demonstrated a strong commitment to PSST and have volunteered for many PSST speaking engagements. They have both studied and demonstrated mastery of the PSST parenting skills and have also helped share that knowledge with other parents. Also, Jenn has tirelessly worked as editor of this blog. <br />
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Please join us as Brad and Jenn are recognized at Awards Night at Juvenile Court on Thursday, October 6th at 6:00 PM!!!<br />
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Valerie Ketter, Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Unit Juvenile Court. <span class="fullpost"> Type rest of the post here </span>Lloyd Woodwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08271738279677073849noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-31455123471151387192016-09-28T15:09:00.003-05:002016-09-28T15:18:30.599-05:00Go For the Gold!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPweuqEKftQ/V-wjQ-MK4jI/AAAAAAAABWw/3p15h_GTuIQrI--qJ43QndhkGff28CQNgCLcB/s1600/Rio-2016-olympics-gold-medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPweuqEKftQ/V-wjQ-MK4jI/AAAAAAAABWw/3p15h_GTuIQrI--qJ43QndhkGff28CQNgCLcB/s200/Rio-2016-olympics-gold-medal.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">“I
still remember the days locked up in my room, not wanting to talk to anyone,
not wanting to see anyone, really not wanting to live, and I was on a downward
spiral; on the express elevator to the bottom floor, wherever that might be.”</span></span></div>
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Does
this sound like your child? Your friend? Your spouse?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This
was a statement made by Michael Phelps about his mental attitude just a couple
years ago.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, that same Michael Phelps
who is currently the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, with his 28
medals (23 of them gold).</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the time,
it appeared that he was on a path to self-destruction that could ruin his reputation,
Olympic ambitions, and financial future – everything that he had worked so hard
for.</span></span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In
that same interview, Michael also made the following comment about the time he
spent in rehab:</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">“It was a great
experience, and I learned a lot about myself.”</span></span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps
Michael Phelps’ story of self-loathing accompanied by alcohol and drug abuse, followed by his
beneficial involvement in rehab, can be an inspiration to others
who are feeling the same pain and hopelessness. There are resources available
that can help them find that same commitment to change, if they are receptive.</span></span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For
an article on Michael’s turnaround, titled </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Michael Phelps: The Importance of His Recovery and Return
to the Olympics,</span></span></b><span lang="EN" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">click on this </span><a href="http://www.affinitymagazine.us/2016/08/09/michael-phelps-the-importance-of-his-recovery-and-return-to-the-olympics/"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">link</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-51499808278021166972016-08-31T16:31:00.001-05:002016-08-31T16:31:51.749-05:00No Meeting Sept 3, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZtctAqyjwzw_CgilGPlpZXpJWau_RVNPTGQpKoQcU44k7bnUVGvlgVey9rENNfUGd3vNzDL11GqxxiXcw5K2BmvjwLrDZ7Bj_wgXomCtErYIIdLQFBj9_6ByMU7gVPWxxgBsGv6uP_DW/s1600/NoMeeting.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZtctAqyjwzw_CgilGPlpZXpJWau_RVNPTGQpKoQcU44k7bnUVGvlgVey9rENNfUGd3vNzDL11GqxxiXcw5K2BmvjwLrDZ7Bj_wgXomCtErYIIdLQFBj9_6ByMU7gVPWxxgBsGv6uP_DW/s1600/NoMeeting.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>NO PSST MEETING ON SATURDAY, SEPT 3, 2016!! </b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">(Our normal location will be unavailable that day.)</span></div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND!!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-76032191157455019212016-08-31T12:08:00.002-05:002016-08-31T12:20:58.959-05:00International Overdose Awareness Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzZit59GBoY/V8cO5-1-89I/AAAAAAAABUc/uY5IBOUYDq8s5eSC3Kbq1c05FcrxgU7cACLcB/s1600/overdoseday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzZit59GBoY/V8cO5-1-89I/AAAAAAAABUc/uY5IBOUYDq8s5eSC3Kbq1c05FcrxgU7cACLcB/s320/overdoseday.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">August 31<sup>st</sup> is International Overdose
Awareness Day. According to the <a href="http://www.overdoseday.com/" target="_blank">official website</a>, </span><span lang="EN-AU" style="line-height: 115%;">International Overdose Awareness Day is held
annually to:</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: #F9F9F2; margin-left: 37.8pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: top;">
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="line-height: 115%;">raise awareness </span></strong><span lang="EN-AU" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">of overdose and reduce the stigma of a
drug-related death.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends <strong>remembering </strong>those
who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">spread the message that the tragedy of overdose death
is preventable.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The website also provides information on overdose symptoms, an overdose-awareness app, and a place to post tributes to those who have died.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Dr. William R. Morrone, a </span><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">board certified pain physician, tells us that </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">Nearly 80 people will die today from a preventable,
opioid-related overdose. That’s more than 28,000 Americans who die
annually from our opioid abuse epidemic.”
In his article titled <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/08/31/overcoming-overdose-raising-awareness-through-action.html" target="_blank">Overcoming Overdose: Raising Awareness through Action</a>, Dr. Morrone shares his goals of slowing the prescribing and proliferation of
non-medical opioid drugs, as well as spreading awareness and access to naloxone,
the medication that can save the life of someone overdosing on opioids. </span></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-44083140267612505292016-08-20T14:30:00.000-05:002016-08-20T13:29:43.838-05:00Who is the Big Dog in your car? Featured Technique: use the brake pedal. Big Dog Part II<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1j3gsFQqb8vow4IEC6au0Hwk7XajWYt2kyKSKn_ixw7Ki0_B2GdEGgjfoxqgr0aKMv4vVv8llPI3AIdt40BkLTApj01p3p8r8I8ikDunI-OrdIxTEZhiaf7v_GaqG67YrJ2inh5S6ijj/s1600/what+dog+is+driving+things+at+your+house+final2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454449850701517058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1j3gsFQqb8vow4IEC6au0Hwk7XajWYt2kyKSKn_ixw7Ki0_B2GdEGgjfoxqgr0aKMv4vVv8llPI3AIdt40BkLTApj01p3p8r8I8ikDunI-OrdIxTEZhiaf7v_GaqG67YrJ2inh5S6ijj/s320/what+dog+is+driving+things+at+your+house+final2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 275px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<div>
(This article was originally posted 3/29/2010. It's just as appropriate today!)<br />
<br />
I don't know why what happens inside cars are so important. I just know that what happens inside PSST cars is very important.<br />
<br />
The car is an intimate place. We are all crowded together. And we don't usually just get mad and walk away, although that can happen. Usually we are committed to remain together until we reach our destination.<br />
<br />
Unless we own guns, the car is the most powerful thing we own or operate. It is a deadly piece of equipment. The car is the most dangerous place to which any of us go. Therefore, the dog who takes control of the car-situation is, in fact, the dog that is in control.<br />
<br />
It doesn't just mean the dog who is driving, but it does mean the dog who is "driving things." That dog is in control of not only the car but also he is the leader of the pack. Otherwise, why would he be the one in control when we are at our most dangerous and in someways intimate place? Instinctively, teenagers know this.<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />Think of a pack of dogs. Suddenly they are in danger. They are attacked by enemies. Who takes charge of things when the pack is in danger? Exactly.<br /><br />Now think of your family. Who gets mad and starts arguments in the car? Who controls the car radio? Who controls where he sits or where other people sit? Be honest. Far too many times we adults abrogate that "dog-in-charge" role to our teenagers. They call "shotgun." They choose that to which everyone will listen. They choose the car-time to pick arguments, almost as if they know how vulnerable the adults are since they will sometimes do anything to NOT argue in the car.<br /><br />For example, how dare you try to control your own radio? Who do you think you are? Don't you know that music is important to your teenager? Don't you know that only he, not any other other family members, understand music? Don't you know that your teen just HAS to hear that song again. I mean they really care about it don't they? You on the other hand can hear your NPR or old-people music anytime you are in your car! You don't have to listen to it now, not when they need to hear that one song!<br /><br />Part of what is going on is that we are all crowded into a small place. If you crowd dogs into a small place there is a good chance that the pack hierarchy will be evident real fast. </span></div>
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<span class="fullpost"><br /></span>
<span class="fullpost">Here's the thing to consider. Whoever is the Top Dog when they get out of that car - that dog is going to act like they are the Top Dog everywhere else too. This is a good and a bad thing. It is a bad thing because our teenagers are more aggressive when it comes to calling Shot Gun, controlling the radio, and starting arguments.</span><br />
<span class="fullpost"><br /></span>
<span class="fullpost">However, it is a good thing because once we understand how important it is, we can control our own car! Especially, we can control our own car if we are driving. How? Easy! We have a secret weapon in the car, one that we probably very rarely use. It's call the Brake Pedal and it's on the floor right next to the accelerator!</span><br />
<span class="fullpost"><br /></span>
<span class="fullpost">We can use our secret weapon anytime to demonstrate that we are indeed in charge of our own car. We can stop arguments just by stopping the car (pull over first of course) and calmly stating that "we won't be going anywhere until things are quiet in here." Just let them know that it needs to be quieter in order for you to operate the car safely.</span></div>
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<span class="fullpost">
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The first or second time you do this it might take five or ten minutes for things to settle down and for the other family members to "get it" that you are in charge of your own car. Once they "get it" they will settle down real fast. If there is one thing teens hate, it's just sitting still in a parked car along the road. They hate it ten times more than you hate it. </div>
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Of course, there is going to be some sulking once things quiet down. Sulking is important. It's actually a submissive posture and so TRANSLATED the sulking means: "Oh, so you're in charge now? Great. That sucks." It means you've won for the moment. You've established that you are in charge; all too soon the sulking will pass. Allow yourself to enjoy the small victory, don't allow yourself to be consumed by guilt that you had to exert a little leadership and pressure on the teens. It will pass soon and you will remain the Top Dog of your car if you consistently apply your secret weapon.<br />
<br />
By the way, it really is not safe to argue in the car anyway.</div>
<br /><br /><div>
As to the radio, you may not need your secret weapon for this. Just turn it off. Say something like:<br />
<br />
<strong>Mom</strong>: No, not right now. [Turning off the radio.]</div>
<br /><br /><div>
<strong>Daughter</strong>: I HAVE to hear that one song! [Turning radio back on.]</div>
<br /><br /><br /><div>
<strong>Mom</strong>: No, not right now. [Turning off the radio.]</div>
<br /><br /><br /><div>
<strong>Daughter</strong>: MOM! I have to hear that!<br />
<br />
<strong>TRANSLATED</strong>: "I am in charge here, not you!"<br />
<br />
<strong>Mom</strong>: No, not right now. [Turning off the radio.]<br />
<br />
<strong>TRANSLATED</strong>: "You just think you are in charge- but you are mistaken- I am in charge."<br />
<br />
Once you start this battle you must win. You must win it everytime. Otherwise don't even start the argument because if you start to do battle and then you give in- you have just agreed that they are the Top Dog. Better to act like you don't care about it if you are not prepared to win.<br />
<br />
If necessary, and usually for the radio it will not be necessary, you have your secret weapon that we already discussed. Just pull over and state that the car won't go until the radio is off and it better stay off!<br />
<br />
Be the Top Dog in your car and you will find that your pack still thinks of you as the Top Dog when you are not in your car. Afterall, if you can control the MOST DANGEROUS situation, you can control the other situations. If you can't then you'll be treated as though you are not the Top Dog. You might even be seen as the puppy-dog driver.<br />
<br />
Continuing: Next Part III on how to be the Top Dog.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</span></div>
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Lloyd Woodwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08271738279677073849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-39070764229030195932016-07-18T18:20:00.000-05:002016-07-18T14:58:00.624-05:00More about Boundaries - or - Mom, Can I Borrow Your Car?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jpzatslBSNc/VTWHF-kK6mI/AAAAAAAABD8/EKi01V0cwBs/s1600/boundaries.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jpzatslBSNc/VTWHF-kK6mI/AAAAAAAABD8/EKi01V0cwBs/s1600/boundaries.png" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.3333320617676px;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lloyd originally created this post on March 14, 2012. The topic of how to deal with your teen using your car while s/he is not behaving responsibly (using drugs, for example) is one that resurfaces regularly in our parents' group meetings. This article provides some excellent insights on how to address that problem. </span></b></span></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Jenn </span></b></i><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.3333320617676px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">We have talked at PSST many times about the "Agree with One or Two Things First" technique. This is the technique where you look for things to agree on when you are discussing a contentious topic with your teenager, instead of automatically looking for the reasons why your teen’s reasons, expectations or demands are irrational (or even downright ridiculous). </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">Finding a way to agree with our teenagers can help to defuse a potentially explosive situation, reinforce our boundaries, and model adult behavior, while taking steps to build greater intimacy with our teens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">A PSST mother once offered me the best reason why more parents don’t adopt this technique more readily. "I want to be genuine. This doesn't feel genuine."<br /><br />That's right. This approach will not feel genuine. In fact, let's face it – it feels phony. I don't have a good response for that one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">Any approach that is new will feel phony. The only thing that is going to feel genuine is the same old approach (and I might add, the same old approach that has NOT been working). Add to that the fact that the "Agree with One or Two Things First" technique purposely leaves some things out of the conversation until later, which of course adds to the feeling of being phony.</span><br />
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Keep these 3 things in mind: </span></span><br />
<span class="fullpost"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">
1. </span><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Keep to your boundaries.</span> </b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Don't mislead, don't over-agree. Just agree
with a "slice" of what your teenager is saying and don't offer too
much agreement if it would take you outside of your comfort zone.</span><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">For example, if he is excited about
getting his license at age 18, and is pressuring you about letting him drive
your car, agree that being 18 is a BIG deal. Agree that driving is really fun. Agree that having a license and not having a
car to drive would be really frustrating. Agree – if you believe it – that he
will eventually become a good driver</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">If you're not sure about that last one,
then don't offer it. Be careful however not to agree that he needs to have access
to a car as part of growing up, because unless you agree with that, it's not
only phony but it's misleading and deceitful. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. <b>When you are pressured to give an
answer – give one</b>.</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">That is the perfect time to not pull any punches. If you
stick to your boundaries, what could be more genuine?</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen: </span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">So, you're saying that as soon as I get my license, you’ll
let me drive your car? </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
Well, I'm not comfortable saying that.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
Well that's what you and Dad have been promising me for months!</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
We have?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
Yeah, you said that I could get my license, and then I could drive your car.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
You are right, we did agree with you that once you turned 18, you could get
your driver’s license on your own. We
knew that you wouldn’t even need any help from us to do that.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
So, that means you'll let me drive your car, right? After all, what good is a license if I can’t
even drive?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
Yes, I see you're point and it's a good one – if I agreed with you that you
could get your license when you turned 18, then why wouldn't I want to let you
drive my car?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
Yeah, exactly!</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
I'm sorry. I think I misled you. But I'm really happy that you are bringing
this up so we can talk about it. I think it's important for me to be clear with
you about this.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
OK? So? What? Tell me already!</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
I have a little problem with this part.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
What?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
You're not going to like my answer because it's not the answer that you are
looking for, and we know that it's a big challenge for you to hear an answer
that you don't like. A huge challenge especially because this driving thing is
going to be so important for you.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
I knew it. You were just lying! You were never planning to let me drive your
car at all. There's no sense in us talking about this anymore. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Yeah, this is going to be a tough one for you. Let's talk about it later - good
idea.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
I already know what you're going to say anyway.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Yes, I've noticed that.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Noticed what?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
You're very good at predicting what your dad and I are going to say about
things. You know us really well and even when we don't want to come right out
and say something, maybe because we fear that it will upset you- you still do
an excellent job of "reading" us. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
See, I knew you wouldn't let me drive your car.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
You're right. And you probably know
exactly why we feel that way too. I bet
none of our reasons would surprise you.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">In summary, try to think of the
"not genuine" issue as being more an issue of timing. You're just
giving him the same information while you continue to agree with a lot of the
stuff that he is saying- but your boundary is that you are <b><i>Not Comfortable</i></b> with him driving
your car just because he got his license, and that does not change. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. <b>Buy some time for yourself.</b>
You don't have to know exactly what to say as soon as your teen pressures you. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
So, I can drive your car as soon as I get my license, right?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Wow! Good question. I'm not sure what to say about that one.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
What does that mean?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Well, you just surprised with that question, that's all.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Why? I’ve been telling you for months, that as soon as I turned 18, I was going
to get my driver’s license. So of course
I need a car to drive!</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
I wasn't even thinking of it that way – I mean with you disappearing from our
house for days at a time, being truant from school on a regular basis, and not
testing clean on your drug tests, I just didn't even think that was something
you’d be expecting.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Well, that’s ridiculous! Why would I
even get a license if I can’t drive your car? </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Yeah, well that’s a good question.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen </span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">(changing tactics)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
I think it would be good for me to have a car to drive.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
How's that?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Well, if I have something to look forward to, like driving your car, I could
probably be more responsible and, you know, I could stay off drugs better if
thought you'd take the car off me anytime I tested dirty.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Oh, so what you're saying is that if you had a car to drive, that would be the
answer to a lot of the troubles we've been having?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Exactly. So can I?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Oh I really don't know about all that, but what you say is interesting and I
have to tell you son, I have never looked at it that way before.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
What do you mean?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Well, I've only thought of you driving my car as another problem-area; I've
never ever thought of you having a car as a solution to a problem. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
You can count on me! I’ll go to school
every day. I’ll stick around on
weekends. And I will definitely stop
using drugs.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
I’m so glad you understand the behavior that we expect from you.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
So, I can do it then, right?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
You want an answer right now on that?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Yeah.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Just like that?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Just like that. I'm tired of having to wait all the time for answers.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
It's true. It's seems like most of the time all the adults in your life are
saying, "I'll get back to you on that one." That's got to be
frustrating.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
It is. So, just tell me already, before I get really mad. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
OK, well [moving in closer and lowering her voice.] As much as I like your
courage for even suggesting that driving my car could be an answer to our
problems, I'd have to say it would be a cold day in hell before I let you drive
my car anytime soon. Ok? That straight up enough for you?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Why not? Give me one good reason!</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Ok. But you are so good at reading us you probably know what I'm going to say.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
You're going to say I have to prove that I'm responsible first before you trust
me with all that responsibility of driving your car. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Wow!</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
Wow what?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
You just said it better than I could. Nice going. You just surprised me again! </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
I'm not stupid.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mom</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">:
I completely agree, Son. You are not
stupid. You know exactly what we expect
from you.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="fullpost"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="fullpost">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="fullpost"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Teen </span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">(storming off)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">: There’s no use even talking to you!</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br /><br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Note:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
All this started because Mom said, "I'm not sure what to say." It's
OK to not know what to say all the time and while we parents feel that way a
lot, we rarely say it to our teenagers. Now, ask yourself, what could be more
genuine? Also, it's a paradoxical thing that as soon as you say, "I'm not
sure what to say about that" a response starts forming in your brain and
soon you have lots to say about that!</span></span></div>
<span class="fullpost">
</span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-6962249277985067162016-06-16T19:25:00.002-05:002016-06-16T19:27:50.785-05:00Make Your Voice Heard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JgKQkTEL-iY/V2NCiRZzRrI/AAAAAAAABTo/7f6Lo43uQd426Yf0nGJuGVKjz8xV0g4FACKgB/s1600/feedback.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JgKQkTEL-iY/V2NCiRZzRrI/AAAAAAAABTo/7f6Lo43uQd426Yf0nGJuGVKjz8xV0g4FACKgB/s400/feedback.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In March 2016, as part of wider Administration efforts to
expand access to treatment for people with mental health and substance use
disorders, President Obama authorized creation of the Mental Health and Substance
Use Disorder Parity Task Force. The Task Force will focus key Federal agencies
on the work of ensuring that Americans receive the coverage and treatment that
they need. More information on the task
force can be found <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/advisory-committees/parity/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Task Force wants to hear from patients, families,
consumer advocates, health care providers, insurers, and other stakeholders on
their experiences and/or difficulties with accessing mental health and
substance use services and coverage. Share your <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/advisory-committees/parity/feedback.html" id="anch_85"><span style="color: #0053cc;">comments, experiences, and
recommendations</span></a> with the Task Force. Or, submit your comments by
sending an email to <a href="mailto:parity@hhs.gov" id="anch_86"><span style="color: #0053cc;">parity@hhs.gov</span></a>. The Task Force will present its findings and
recommendations in a report to the President by October 31, 2016.</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-51843379252857461362016-05-28T18:42:00.000-05:002016-05-28T18:45:58.775-05:00Risks of Early Drug Use<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3ZCgTaq4KE/V0orp6g1pjI/AAAAAAAABTM/TawiG8a79issGbq6KSe_RO6Q0gSils1MwCKgB/s1600/9%2Bout%2Bof%2B10%2Babusers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3ZCgTaq4KE/V0orp6g1pjI/AAAAAAAABTM/TawiG8a79issGbq6KSe_RO6Q0gSils1MwCKgB/s320/9%2Bout%2Bof%2B10%2Babusers.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>The National
Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) reports the following:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>People who began using addictive substances before
age 15 are nearly 7 times likelier to develop a substance problem than
those who delay first use until age 21 or older<o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Every year that substance use is delayed during the
period of adolescent brain development, the risk of addiction and
substance abuse decreases<o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Can making a
pact with your child encourage him/her to stay off drugs? Jim Huger, founder of Parents and Children
Together (PACT), believes that it can.
Click <a href="http://www.bizneworleans.com/Start-up-Successes/August-2015/Making-a-Pact/" target="_blank">here</a> to read about his proactive rewards-based approach to keeping children off
drugs.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>This post is
not intended to be a recommendation for subscribing to the service that Jim
Huger created, since at this time I am not personally aware of anyone using it. Instead, it presents a concept that could be
of interest to many parents of pre-teens and teens. </b></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #717174; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-61123088665606713852016-05-16T01:27:00.001-05:002016-05-16T01:28:41.587-05:00May 21st PSST meeting CANCELLED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3We8KFiVYg/URU4fHINg3I/AAAAAAAAAVs/e5553MFOMFobpV_77QCl4KsJ9nVy23G0wCKgB/s1600/cancelled%2Bmtg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3We8KFiVYg/URU4fHINg3I/AAAAAAAAAVs/e5553MFOMFobpV_77QCl4KsJ9nVy23G0wCKgB/s320/cancelled%2Bmtg.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Due to scheduling conflicts, there will NOT be a PSST meeting on Saturday, May 21st in Greentree.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Please consider joining us for our next meeting on Saturday, June 4 in Wilkinsburg!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-86916590116625490902016-04-21T09:56:00.005-05:002016-04-21T12:24:21.481-05:00Thanks for the Memories!<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">The cake says it all . . . </span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNt2qASz4do/VxjpmcNk6vI/AAAAAAAABSs/s3q5nEyE1Q0yU3KR9lKU3TVAGuhR6DP2gCKgB/s1600/Abby%2Bcake-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNt2qASz4do/VxjpmcNk6vI/AAAAAAAABSs/s3q5nEyE1Q0yU3KR9lKU3TVAGuhR6DP2gCKgB/s320/Abby%2Bcake-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Thanks for your support, wisdom and guidance over the years!</span> </span></b><br />
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</span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-5849559631689810052016-04-12T17:12:00.001-05:002016-04-12T17:15:06.652-05:00Good Luck, Abby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ks6X_6WgnSM/Vw1yXDrrHmI/AAAAAAAABSM/CcjEKcF1XsgNzXdc9lZ8RCifNm5mk7nyg/s1600/thanks%2Band%2Bgood%2Bluck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ks6X_6WgnSM/Vw1yXDrrHmI/AAAAAAAABSM/CcjEKcF1XsgNzXdc9lZ8RCifNm5mk7nyg/s320/thanks%2Band%2Bgood%2Bluck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Come join us at the next PSST meeting, to wish Abby success in whatever her future brings her - </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">she is moving to Colorado!</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our meeting will be on Saturday, April 16, at the usual location for that date (Sts Simon and Jude Church on Greentree Road).</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-29568361653272092322016-02-02T12:56:00.000-05:002016-02-02T12:59:13.071-05:00Are You Making any of these Mistakes?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PXBuT59rrSc/VrDpQ270rvI/AAAAAAAABR0/fMLEV5n7yrA/s1600/change%2Brequires%2Breflection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PXBuT59rrSc/VrDpQ270rvI/AAAAAAAABR0/fMLEV5n7yrA/s1600/change%2Brequires%2Breflection.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Click <a href="http://cathytaughinbaugh.com/50-common-mistakes-that-parents-make-when-they-discover-thei-kids-are-using-drugs/" target="_blank">here</a> to read an article by Cathy Taughinbaugh about
the common mistakes that parents make when they realize their child is using
drugs. This is not a list meant to “shame”
parents! They are called “common”
mistakes because they are the kind of things that parents instinctively do, often
with the best of intentions, but sometimes unknowingly. So let’s start by identifying those actions/thoughts. By perusing this list, parents (and other
loved ones) may realize that they need to start (or stop) doing certain things,
because those actions may be hurting themselves, as well as their relationship
with their child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Here are a few examples from the list:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Feeling
that your child’s drug use is a teen rite of passage that they will grow out
of.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Continuing
to worry constantly about things you can’t control and making yourself
miserable.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Feeling
guilty for something you didn’t cause.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Never
praising or rewarding for what your child does right, because after all, he is
using drugs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not
allowing your child to take responsibility for the consequences of their use.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Waiting too
long to get outside help, because you think you can handle it.</span></li>
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-52887332156854695472016-01-12T11:33:00.002-05:002016-01-12T11:35:31.408-05:00It's Only Pot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--k9971CAtsw/VpUqhcntKyI/AAAAAAAABRc/tZhxSPVzp7I/s1600/marij-teen-brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--k9971CAtsw/VpUqhcntKyI/AAAAAAAABRc/tZhxSPVzp7I/s320/marij-teen-brain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today’s parents may have mixed thoughts about their teenagers' use of marijuana. They may have personal
memories of smoking pot when they were growing up, or they may have had friends
who smoked, yet all of them (well, most of them) grew up to be responsible
adults. So why don’t their children deserve
this same rite of passage, while their parents “look the other way”?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To add to this dilemma that parents face, the legalization
of medical and recreational marijuana in various states raises even more questions
about what behavior is acceptable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Click <a href="http://drjimmastrich.com/parenting/but-mom-its-only-pot/" target="_blank">here </a>for an article by Dr. Jim Mastrich, who discusses the significantly increased
potency of today’s marijuana, and the implications of that for the teenagers
who are using it. Below is a quote from
the article:</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i style="background-color: white;">High school kids who are “experimenting” with today’s
marijuana are much less likely to know how to manage the effects of such a
powerful substance and are likely to bite off more than they can chew.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Click <a href="https://www.minnpost.com/mental-health-addiction/2015/11/it-s-just-pot-does-legalization-medical-marijuana-change-teens-attit" target="_blank">here </a>for an article that discusses the impact of the decriminalization of marijuana
on current attitudes about the drug. Many
experts believe that use of marijuana will increase significantly if people believe
that it’s safe for anyone to use. A
quote from the article: </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>People forget that marijuana can be addictive. It actually
changes the physical chemistry within your brain.</b></i></span><br />
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-42019907746617525222016-01-07T01:12:00.001-05:002016-01-07T01:12:15.111-05:00Kratom - the Trendy New High?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jebCxUPTxs/Vo4AjtpqgUI/AAAAAAAABRI/XjmUUrZTtuA/s1600/danger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jebCxUPTxs/Vo4AjtpqgUI/AAAAAAAABRI/XjmUUrZTtuA/s320/danger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remember when synthetic marijuana, also called K2 or Spice, was all the
rage? And it turned out to be a hallucinogen
that was eventually banned under federal law?
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There’s a new kid on the block called kratom, an herbal supplement that may
be brewed and served in drinks, or purchased as a powder in convenience stores
or on the internet. Click <a href="http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/01/03/us/kratom-an-addicts-alternative-is-found-to-be-addictive-itself.html?emc=edit_th_20160103&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=65446906&_r=0&referer=" target="_blank">here </a>to read an article from the New York Times that describes the emergence of this
new drug. Below is a quote from this article:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> “Some users embrace kratom as a natural
painkiller and benign substitute for more dangerous substances that, in most
states, is legal. But its growing popularity and easy availability are raising
concerns among substance abuse experts and government officials who say it is
being furtively marketed as a way out of addiction, even though it is itself
addictive. Worse, some of those experts say, kratom can lead some addicts back
to heroin, which is cheaper and stronger.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-49713289804481484062015-12-31T20:14:00.002-05:002016-01-03T11:03:07.693-05:00Stop the Stinkin’ Thinkin’<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nok1-vaDNP4/VoXSxTnyWUI/AAAAAAAABQw/IhuCh1A3ew8/s1600/positive%2Battitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nok1-vaDNP4/VoXSxTnyWUI/AAAAAAAABQw/IhuCh1A3ew8/s320/positive%2Battitude.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">AA warns the alcoholic about the stinkin’ thinkin’ that
can lead a person to relapse. But this
type of negative self-talk is not reserved exclusively for alcoholics or drug addicts. Negative thought patterns can lead the
average person to self-pitying, self- destructive behaviors. How can we escape the downward spiral? Click <a href="http://www.rehabs.com/pro-talk-articles/control-your-inner-critic-and-stop-your-stinkin-thinkin/" target="_blank">here </a>to read an excellent article about
how to tame your inner critic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The author of the article suggests an approach to achieving Learned Optimism, "where you dispute and refuse to allow negative self-appraisals to influence your decisions and actions. You, instead, will come to expect positive outcomes." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What a
wonderful message to start us out on the right path for the new year!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-44695335153644573222015-12-16T16:53:00.002-05:002015-12-16T16:54:57.702-05:00Finding Inner Peace and Joy During the Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluIjp9U46TMu6cveMzg9YMqoU2UtdfffWGL8ffyleUPvvG7FX7ZK4q4ptPpEtpWIsWY7ST5D0ZlLI9RJ8JQ32v_jN3SFdoeM-h-krXBEwbhMn90-2BLqSt5p2XvQwds8yFGc5iBjtFC5Y/s1600/stress+at+the+holidays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluIjp9U46TMu6cveMzg9YMqoU2UtdfffWGL8ffyleUPvvG7FX7ZK4q4ptPpEtpWIsWY7ST5D0ZlLI9RJ8JQ32v_jN3SFdoeM-h-krXBEwbhMn90-2BLqSt5p2XvQwds8yFGc5iBjtFC5Y/s320/stress+at+the+holidays.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Feeling
stressed out as the holidays approach?
You haven’t finished buying gifts for your family, the store didn’t have
that perfect sweater in your spouse’s size, you dropped your phone and the
screen broke, the garbage disposal ground to a halt, you already got a credit
card bill that was twice what you were expecting, you just had a big fight with your mother-in-law, and the big project you are working on at work is giving you
major headaches . . . what else could go wrong?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">First
of all, just breathe.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Now,
consider the following tips, from the Positivity Blog:<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1. Slow
down.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2.
Appreciate the little things instead of focusing on perfection.</span></strong><strong><i><span style="color: #ad403d; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">3.
Give a bit of joy to someone else.</span></strong><strong><i><span style="color: #ad403d; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">4.
Focus on what is most valuable.</span></strong><strong><i><span style="color: #ad403d; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">5.
Just accept how you feel right now.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></strong>
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For
more detail about these tips, please click </span></strong><strong style="line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.positivityblog.com/index.php/2014/12/23/peace-joy/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></span></strong></div>
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-87015853443106737792015-11-23T12:01:00.000-05:002015-12-03T00:49:21.093-05:00NO Parkway East closure during the PSST 12th Anniversary / Holiday Celebration !!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TPnhp5Vafag/Vl_WPKAVGwI/AAAAAAAABP0/l6Rcjn6IOKM/s1600/green%2Blight%2Bgo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TPnhp5Vafag/Vl_WPKAVGwI/AAAAAAAABP0/l6Rcjn6IOKM/s320/green%2Blight%2Bgo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Good News!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pittsburgh's <strong>Parkway East</strong> will now be <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>OPEN</b> </span>during the weekend of Dec 4-6. The closure is now slated for the following weekend (to prepare for the Greenfield Bridge implosion). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is likely that Penn DOT delayed the closure so that it would not interfere with our PSST </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">annual holiday celebration at the Wilkinsburg location. Thank you, Penn DOT!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-7227330867916302752015-11-14T15:51:00.001-05:002015-11-14T15:51:53.275-05:00PSST 12th Anniversary / Holiday Celebration<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhRKVz5T9a4/UnV1nS9Hl0I/AAAAAAAAAn8/kKqXaPFDZX4/s1600/holiday%2Bcelebration.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhRKVz5T9a4/UnV1nS9Hl0I/AAAAAAAAAn8/kKqXaPFDZX4/s320/holiday%2Bcelebration.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">The </span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">PSST 12<sup>th</sup> Anniversary / Holiday Celebration</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>will be held on Saturday, Dec 5, 2015 at our Wilkinsburg meeting. Invitees include all PSST parents (both current attendees and alumni), in addition to all Wesley Spectrum therapists and Juvenile Probation staff who have been part of the PSST family. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Please put the date on your calendar, and plan to join us! Feel free to bring a food item to share - in the past, attendees have brought holiday goodies, pastries, a hot breakfast/brunch item, fruit, crackers & cheese, chips & dips, etc.</span><br />
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285812026509923711.post-41581763121124372612015-11-12T16:17:00.002-05:002015-11-12T16:18:37.039-05:00Opioid Overdose Myths<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92z14R7fxAY/VkUBcq4WqII/AAAAAAAABPM/aC0Z1b1a6Ec/s1600/overdose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92z14R7fxAY/VkUBcq4WqII/AAAAAAAABPM/aC0Z1b1a6Ec/s320/overdose.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What
should you do when someone overdoses after using opioids (e.g. heroin)?
Sometimes figuring out what NOT to do can be as important as what TO do. Below
are a few of the common myths regarding opioid overdoses.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For more myths, along with explanations of
why they are bad ideas, click <a href="http://www.notonemorepgh.net/#!overdose-myths/c1k46" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let them sleep it off?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Never!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Put them in the shower or bath?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">No!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once they are breathing again, don't worry, they’ll be OK?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">No!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The same
website gives the following recommendations for what you SHOULD do if you think
that someone is overdosing on opioids.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Call 911</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Give rescue breathing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Give Narcan/naloxone, if available</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Never leave the person – wait for help</span></li>
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032767385348497272noreply@blogger.com0