Category Archives: Adolescents And Addiction

Mentally Ill Men Brutally Kills Elderly Couple After Being Released from Psychiatric Hospital and Sent to AA Meetings for Aftercare

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Another Petit Family Cheshire, CT type Alcoholics Anonymous linked murder in Harrison County, Indiana AA General Service Area 22 – Aug 3, 2013

JR Harris's picture

Submitted by JR Harris on Sun, 08/18/2013

In yet another tragic occurrence of Alcoholics Anonymous recruiting from psychiatric hospitals and offering aftercare, Gary Henderson and Asenath Arnold were murdered on August 3, 2013 allegedly by patients released two months prior to the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, just like the murderers of the Petit family in Cheshire, Connecticut recently portrayed on HBO (http://www.sfbg.com/pixel_vision/2013/07/17/brutal-murder-wrenching-trial-…). The murders took place in Alcoholics Anonymous General Service Area 22 of Northern Indiana, Harrison County(http://www.area22indiana.org/district.html). Please be warned that the following articles contain very graphic material about what AA members, 18 year old Austin Scott and Kevin Andrew “Drew” Schuler allegedly did to 70 year old Gary Henderson and 57 year old Asenath “Senie” Arnold after being released from a psychiatirc hospital to aftercare with Alcoholics Anonymous. Discretion is advised. Continue reading →

Murdered Karla Mendez Brada’s Family State in Lawsuit that AA Meetings Directs Financial, Sexual and Violent Predators to Victims

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ABA JOURNAL LAW NEWS NOW

TRIALS & LITIGATION

Slain woman’s family alleges AA meetings point ‘financial, sexual, and violent predators’ to victims

Posted Jun 27, 2013 12:50 PM CDT   NA Daytona Area Meetings and AA Daytona Area Meetings times.
By Martha Neil

It’s no secret that Alcoholics Anonymous attracts troubled individuals–and has helped many turn their lives around.

But the nonprofit organization known for its 12-step program also attracts some who find it a convenient place to meet targets for a so-called “13th step”–exploiting troubled women sexually and financially, claims a California lawsuit. The suit was filed by the parents of a woman who was allegedly killed by a fellow participant, Eric Allen Earle. His ex-wife and others close to him said he repeatedly relapsed and became violent when drinking, and court records show he had been the subject of six restraining orders.

Hector and Jaroslava Mendez’s daughter, Karla Brada Mendez, 31, was unaware of Earle’s criminal background–or that he had been ordered by a court to attend AA meetings in the San Fernando Valley area–when she became involved with the 40-year-old sometime-electrician in 2011 after meeting him at AA, according to a lengthy Pro Publica article.

However, those who know Earle said he repeatedly used AA to find women who could provide him with housing, turning on the charm at the outset of their relationship, while continuing to drink. Then, as Karla reportedly found out too late, less positive aspects of his personality emerged. Continue reading →

Teen Substance Abuse and Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

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“A lot of kids don’t make it in AA ” according to Jack who runs Las Vegas AA because they are kids. Actually Alcoholics Anonymous fails teenagers in so many ways. AA actually does not have any meetings just for minors. Continue reading →

Murderers And Sexual Predators In Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings-Are You Safe?

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Here is an eye opening article written by addiction specialist Laura Tompkins about the dangers to people attending AA and NA meetings. The courts are mandating sexual predators and murderers to these 12 step meetings. Continue reading →

Teens Are Not Life Long Addicts Researchers Says AA Is Not Effective For Youth

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Confirmation of the belief that there is no need to label our teens as addicts for life with a life long disease. It is refreshing to see more research to continue to confirm this. Alcoholics Anonymous is detrimental to teens and sends them a very negative message of powerlessness.They insist they conform to the pagan religion of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is unhealthy, and also Alcoholics Anonymous, including Narcotics Anonymous is a very dangerous place for teenagers as well.

The Judicial system is mandating violent criminals and sexual offenders in droves to AA/NA/CA, this includes Young Peoples Meetings. ICYPPA is for a younger crowd, but people go there into their 40’s. There are no safety regulations like Alateen has, which is a group for teens that are dealing with family with alcohol problems. Alateen is not designed for teens WITH alcohol problems.

Your 16 Year-Old Is Not An Addict For Life: Research Says
PRWeb – Mon, Mar 19, 2012

Teenage Drinking
Contrary to what most Americans in our society think, a teen who loses their way, possibly getting arrested for drinking under-age, or driving under the influence (DUI) is automatically labeled an alcoholic in need of alcohol rehab or treatment for life. Unlike traditional alcohol rehab programs, the Saint Jude Program begs to differ on labeling teens with a “disease” or “addiction.”

Amsterdam, NY (PRWEB) March 19, 2012
Saint Jude Retreats along with other researchers around the country have found Alcohol Anonymous (AA) to be more ineffective than helpful to young adults who have a substance use problem. AA is an alcohol treatment program that a convicted DUI offender normally must complete to regain their license. The courts use AA attendance to prove that the individual in question is no longer a danger to society or to themselves. However, research has determined that Alcohol Anonymous actually hinders a user’s sobriety after AA meeting attendance is completed and increases their chances of continuing substance use. How? By labeling a person with a false “disease” and or “addiction,” it creates a sense of hopelessness, and in a teenager this is detrimental to their personal growth and self-esteem.
Saint Jude Retreats is diligent about increasing awareness about conventional alcohol treatment centers to a parent whose young teen has fallen into some trouble with alcohol or drug use. In the United States, if a teen is convicted of drunk driving the first step they must undergo is an evaluation to determine their amount of alcohol they have consumed₁. According to state laws, drivers must then go through another evaluation to determine if their alcohol consumption is considered alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence₁. Then young adults are most likely enforced to enroll in an alcohol treatment center such as AA attendance or a long term treatment center.
Conventional drug and alcohol treatment centers focus on a negative-based approach to help someone overcome their substance use such as telling a client they are doomed for life, cannot become a normal part of society, are disease-stricken for their rest of their life and unfortunately much more₂. In stark contrast, for over 20 years, the St. Jude Program has taught teens how to turn their lives around and gain control of their actions and become responsible for the consequences of their choices.
Of course the Saint Jude Retreats does not in any way condone drunk driving, but they also do not label someone an addict or alcohol dependent who made one mistake in their life. Dr. Stanton Peele, an endorser of Saint Jude Retreats asserts that, “Many traditional treatment programs follow through with approaches that are really abusive altogether.” Peele adds, “can anyone really say that a 15 year-old (or 18, or 21, or 24-year-old) is an addict for life? If the young person questions such a designation, what happens next? They are assailed for their false beliefs, they are in denial. And all they are really saying is, ‘I have more belief in, and hope for myself, than what your program permits me to have’.” Co-founder and Chairman of St. Jude Retreats, Mark Scheeren adds, “The St. Jude Retreats have always believed in and supported the fact that the individuals can and do overcome substance use problems for good.”
About Saint Jude Retreats: Saint Jude Retreats (http://www.soberforever.net) is a drug and alcohol social education center headquartered in Amsterdam, New York. It is an effective alternative to alcohol rehab and drug treatment centers. Saint Jude Retreats has been helping people overcome alcohol and substance use through Cognitive Behavioral EducationSM (CBE) since opening its doors in 1992. CBE and the Saint Jude Retreats program are endorsed by alcohol and drug program internationally acclaimed professionals, such as Dr. Stanton Peele, PhD, Prof. Emeritus David Hanson, PhD; Prof. David Rudy, PhD; Dr. Joy Browne and the late Joseph Vacca, PhD, among others.

Melissa Kluska
Saint Jude Retreats
518-842-3052 122
Email Information

http://news.yahoo.com/16-old-not-addict-life-research-says-172817589.html

Community Youth Center Hosting Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

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What in the world are these people thinking?! On top of hosting NA meetings at a youth center they plan on expanding to include ‘In addition to NA, the center next month will also begin hosting Reformers Unanimous meetings Friday nights. That faith-based program is geared toward people suffering from substance, gambling, sex and other addictions.’

They say the meetings do not overlap youth activities, yet the NA group is sponsoring an event for the minors. This is totally irresponsible by the youth center and Narcotics Anonymous.If you are a parent, I would not allow your child to go to this youth center! If you are concerned, complain to the youth center! Sex offenders and violent felons are mandated to Narcotics Anonymous meetings and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

LaGrange Community Youth Center hosting Narcotics Anonymous meetings, planning anti-drug day

Posted: Feb 21, 2012 9:14 AM EST
Updated: Feb 21, 2012 10:00 AM EST

By MARY POLETTI
Herald-Whig Staff Writer

LaGRANGE, Mo. — To tackle a mushrooming problem with drugs in the area, the LaGrange Community Youth Center is broadening its services.

The center will hold its annual anti-drug program Saturday afternoon. Since last summer, it also has played host to three meetings a week of Narcotics Anonymous.

The program, a recovery resource for abusers of drugs, alcohol and other substances, has grown since moving to the youth center in July after a fire at its original home, LaGrange’s First Baptist Church.

Wayne Gilliland, one of the chairmen of the NA meetings, said typically two or three people might have attended an evening meeting at the church. In the center, attendance has been averaging 10 or more, which he said is large for an NA meeting in the area.

Gilliland attributes that growth in part to the move. While he doesn’t believe the church was necessarily an intimidating setting for the meetings, he said a more neutral community space such as the youth center has proved more comfortable.

“They feel like they’re in a public place, unbiased,” said Gilliland, a former meth addict who has spoken publicly and at the youth center about its dangers. “There are no predetermined things they have to think when they walk in the door.”

The meetings are held at times when the center typically is closed to children — noon Mondays, and Monday and Friday nights.

snip

Gilliland is coordinating the anti-drug day, but others who “have walked the walk and talk the talk” will speak to children and their parents, Bronestine said.

“This type of stuff, this is where the kids will listen,” she said. “These guys, when they’re talking, the kids know that they know what they’re talking about. … There’s a happy ending to these guys’ stories, but these guys have also experienced (friends’ stories) who did not have happy endings.”

In addition to NA, the center next month will also begin hosting Reformers Unanimous meetings Friday nights. That faith-based program is geared toward people suffering from substance, gambling, sex and other addictions.

http://www.whig.com/story/16980628/lagrange-community-youth-center-hosting-narcotics-anonymous-meetings-planning-anti-drug-day

Bogus Labeling Of Adolescents As Addicts And Having A Brain Disease

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All this talk about Whitney Houston’s death has brought out a plethora of talking 12 step heads hyperventilating about how addiction is a life long disease and the children of addicts have “The Gene”. This can become a self fulfilling prophecy. Dr Drew and Jane Velez-Mitchell are all over TV spouting lots of information as if it is fact.

The fact is many people do not agree with the 12 step dogma at all. What is most upsetting though is how they are stigmatizing our children into thinking they have a disease and inherited a gene from there addicted parents.
The Fix has an excellent article about this below.

We need to stand up to this 12 step madness and save the kids from emotional harm from this brainwashing from 12 step zealots.

How a Bogus Addiction Panic is Criminalizing Our Kids
The new official definition of addiction will likely label many more young Americans with the disease. Do we really want to dump this on the next generation?

By Maia Szalavitz
02/15/12

The DSM V—the next edition of psychiatry’s diagnostic bible—will redefine addiction in ways likely to have long-lasting, real-world consequences. As I explored in my column last week, psychiatrists are eliminating the seriously problematic terms “Substance Abuse” and “Substance Dependence” and placing all related conditions into a single new category: “Substance Use and Addictive Disorders.”

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Indeed, research shows that some people who meet the full criteria for alcoholism or addiction can return to controlled use—though this proportion decreases as severity of the problem increases. The data also shows that a large proportion of people who would currently be diagnosed as “substance dependent” recover without any type of treatment or self-help involvement at all.

In short, no one can predict which college drunk will go on to skid row—and which one will become President.

snip

Even now, however, a great deal of treatment energy and time is currently aimed at trying to get people in recovery to admit that they have “the disease of addiction” and to label themselves as “addicts” or “alcoholics” in therapy groups. Counselors and other staff press clients to confess to a greater and greater problem severity, due to the pervasive suspicion that most people with addiction lie about how much they use. (This continues to be done in the face of research showing that doing so does not benefit recovery—if anything, “confronting denial” is linked with more relapse, not less.)

This push to adopt an addict identity happens even in adolescent treatment— despite the fact that most teens in treatment do not meet criteria for being addicted (some don’t even meet criteria for drug abuse!). Indeed, the vast majority are, not surprisingly, nondaily binge users of booze and pot. Nonetheless, at ever-younger ages, these kids are being pressured to view themselves primarily as addicts and alcoholics and to admit to having a chronic, lifelong illness with a 90% chance of relapse. Very little research has been done on the effects of this “treatment”—but given what we know about the fluidity of adolescent identity, it certainly has the potential to do significant harm.

For one, it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy—and I’ve spoken with quite a few people who have gone into adolescent treatment as marijuana users and emerged as cocaine or prescription drug misusers, in part because they felt that they were “already addicts anyway.” Second, since research cannot predict which teens will outgrow their problems and which will have a chronic course, does it really make sense to have them all embrace a stigmatized identity centered around a disease?

Bogus Labeling Of Teens As Addicts

The Complete Article-
http://www.thefix.com/content/addiction-definition-phony-epidemic-DSMV8765