Corporal Work of Mercy: Care for the Sick
Spiritual Work of Mercy: All of them?
Click here for a Catholic Website on 12 steps
Click here for info on older adults and alcohol use
Periodic support and educational meetings for help
AA- Sunday, 1:00-2:00pm / Wednesday, 7:00-8:00pm St John’s Room: (Farthest door to South and west of Church)
Al Anon- Sunday, 4:00-5:00pm St John’s Room HELP IS OUT THERE! Does someone you know drink too much or have a drug problem? Help IS available by calling 816 471-7229 for ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS meeting or 816 531-2250 for NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS meeting. Or you can ask for the family support groups called AL-ANON, ALATEEN, or NAR-ANON at 913 384-4653. Or the following web site:http://www.kc-aa.org/
Why do people take drugs?
In general, people begin taking drugs for a variety of reasons:
- To feel good. Most abused drugs produce intense feelings of pleasure. This initial sensation of euphoria is followed by other effects, which differ with the type of drug used. For example, with stimulants such as cocaine, the “high” is followed by feelings of power, self-confidence, and increased energy. In contrast, the euphoria caused by opiates such as heroin is followed by feelings of relaxation and satisfaction.
- To feel better. Some people who suffer from social anxiety, stress-related disorders, and depression begin abusing drugs in an attempt to lessen feelings of distress. Stress can play a major role in beginning drug use, continuing drug abuse, or relapse in patients recovering from addiction.
- To do better. The increasing pressure that some individuals feel to chemically enhance or improve their athletic or cognitive performance can similarly play a role in initial experimentation and continued drug abuse.
- Curiosity and “because others are doing it.” In this respect adolescents are particularly vulnerable because of the strong influence of peer pressure; they are more likely, for example, to engage in “thrilling” and “daring” behaviors.
So how do I resist peer pressure and live my life in a healthy, smart and uncomplicated way that helps ME be the best I can be?!
Peer pressure will be a fleeting thing in our lives. Peer pressure is largely about insecurity and a desire for acceptance for all involved. Most people eventually realize that intimidating others to feel important is manipulative and immature. Those who have been followers will usually realize it is more important to make their own decisions and be their own person than to be controlled by someone else. We must not give in to peer pressure, whatever the situation. Standing up for what we believe and what the Bible teaches will please God.
Throughout history, those who have been unafraid to stand on unpopular beliefs have been the ones to change the world and make things happen. There is so much in this world that we need to change, and so many people who need to be told about Christ. Letting other people decide what we do and how we behave is exactly what Satan hopes we will do; if we never stand up for what is right because of peer pressure, we are actually standing up for what is wrong.
Choose a Path
The following video illustrates a realistic scenario in which teens might be confronted with a decision about whether to abuse prescription drugs.
How It Works : Click here for a choices video
First, a video clip sets up the scenario. At the end of each scene, viewers are asked to choose between two different paths. After viewers make their selection, the chosen scenario plays out. The video can be restarted to explore the outcomes of different decisions.
Why are Drugs so Hard to Quit?
In addition the following materials are available at no charge from the National Catholic Council on Alcoholism and Related Drug Problems: “Prayers for the Addicted Persons and Their Loved Ones”, Serenity Prayer Bookmarks, Spirituality and Recovery from Addictions, “When They Won’t (or Can’t) Quit Alcohol or Drugs. 1 800 626-6910 or check out their web site: Council on addictions
IS YOUR CHILD VISITING STRANGE AND EXOTIC PLACES ONLINE?? Cyber Dangers are EVERYWHERE! Our primary concern as parents is safety. Find practical steps to protect computers, cell phones, and wireless devices along with positive resources about love and sexuality to help your family (and marriage) thrive at arch kck
Web sites for alcoholics anonymous and Al Anon: click here
Effect of addictions on your marriage: Addictions are often ruinous to a marriage1
Enabling behaviors: The Enabler
PARENTS 1. Remember our adolescent children are watching us. Be a good example!
2. At adolescent events, should the adults be drinking alcohol?
3.Get to know your son or daughters friends and their parents.
4. Develop a code to get your son or daughter out of a bad situation.
5.Really question if sleep overs are necessary in the teenage years, especially those last minute sleep overs.(The Johnson county DA’s office reports more problems reach his desk that started with a sleep over.)
6.The average age of first drink in Johnson County is 13!!
7.Drinking before twenty-one is illegal and not a right of passage. The adolescent brain is still developing and in some cases the prefrontal lobe is not fully developed until age 25. Give them time to grow up.
8.Talk to your children about drugs and alcohol.
9.Grab and hug your kids even if they act like you’re smothering them. A parents love is what they need.
10. Pray! These are hard years because your child is discovering who they are and there will be difficult moments, but be there for them as a teacher of their faith.