Friday December 14, 2012

From Rod Libbey

WOW! It can’t be December already! So much has happened at Janus this year that it seems like we just kicked off 2012.

We had our first-and successful- fund raising event in the Spring. We won a three year CARF renewal (CARF is THE certifying agency for behavioral health programs) for our Recovery Programs and the Mondanero-Baskin Center for Women and Children.  So now all Janus program are CARF certified! www.CARF.org;  

We have made some extraordinary upgrades in our 7th Avenue residential facility including all new furniture, bedding, painting and decorating, and an inspiring mural in the Chris Rene Room.

Our 2 conferences focused on the timely topics of prescription medication addiction, health care reform, harm reduction, and treating formerly incarcerated folks.

We got a new cohort of inspiring and inspired volunteers, and the Janus Alumni group is taking shape and taking on projects to better serve our clients and our community. 

We’ve got toys for our tots (bless the Marines and the community of volunteers who make it all happen!), and we’re filling barrels for Second Harvest FoodBank.

A great year and still feeling blessed that we can reach out to others each day, hold them for awhile, and urge them toward the path of recovery.

December is a month of celebration, but it is also a difficult time for some, especially for families who may not have a lot of positive memories of the holidays in their past. Keep an eye out for anyone who might need your help, and do try put some joy in your life and others.

December is also DUI Awareness month. This month's newsletter is filled with FAQs, resources and information. Remember:   Be a positive role model, be a designated driver. Nuff’ said

All the best, Rod

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Combat the Holiday Blues

This season brings joy and happiness but for some, they can serve as triggers for anxiety, stress, and depression.  It is important for us to keep in mind that even in the happiest of times, we may need to use some tools to keep us feeling balanced, safe, and healthy.  Below are some tips that may help to combat the holiday blues:

1.  Remember the true meaning:  sometimes we get caught up with shopping and feeling the financial stressors.  Sometimes creating a budget, allowing our creative juices to flow, and remembering its the "thought that counts" helps calm the stress.

2.  Make sure your holiday plans include some "down time."  We need to check in with our own bodies.  We scurry around taking care of others and forget that we need to eat, rest, and play.

3.  Call a friend.  If you feel the blues coming on, connect with a friend or sponsor.  You are not alone. 

4.  If you are in recovery, catch a meeting!  During the holiday season, there are marathon meetings for support and connection.

5.  Be of service, volunteer!  Giving to others who may be less fortunate serves as a reminder of our own blessings. 

For more helpful hints:  http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-therapist-is-in/200911/10-tips-beat-the-holiday-blues;

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DUI FACTS from State of California Alcohol and Drug Programs

Drunk driving is the most frequently committed crime in the United States. In 2006, approximately 1.46 million drivers were arrested for driving under-the-influence of alcohol or narcotics. This is an arrest rate of 1 for every 139 licensed drivers in the United States.

It is estimated that alcohol and other drugs are a factor in 41 percent of all fatal automobile accidents and nine percent of all crashes in 2006. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2006, 42,642 people were killed on our nation's highways; 17,602 of these fatalities were alcohol-related. Alcohol-related injuries continue to be a serious threat to both drivers and passengers on the road. In 2006, over 254,000 people in the United States suffered injuries in alcohol-related crashes.

About 3 in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives. An alcohol-related motor vehicle crash kills someone every 30 minutes and injures someone every 2 minutes. Traffic crashes are the greatest single cause of death for every age between the ages of 2 and 34.

Beyond the tragedy of lost lives and painful recovery from injuries, alcohol-related accidents exact a huge economic cost. In 2006, the financial costs associated with alcohol-related crashes in the U.S. were estimated at $51 billion annually.

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Deathclock..view at your own risk

If you are interested in seeing how many deaths have happened in the US up to the minute, due to a DUI,  follow the link: http://www.alcoholalert.com/deathclock.html;

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Safety Tips

It’s that time of year again – celebrations galore!!  More parties mean more opportunities to drink. If alcohol is a part of your holiday festivities, take care of yourself, and make sure you don’t put yourself or anyone else in harm’s way.  Even small amounts of alcohol (“just one or two drinks”) can impact judgment enough to cause an accident and/or result in a DUI.  Just this past Thanksgiving weekend, there was a 50% increase in the number of alcohol related fatalities in CA from last year. By 6am Saturday, there were already 840 DUI arrests (with nearly 2 days still remaining in the holiday weekend).

Fortunately, you can avoid placing yourself at risk by making the decision to not drive before you start drinking - while you have clarity. 

Some tips to keep you safe if you think or know you will be drinking (no matter how small an amount it seems to be):
• Don’t drive to the place you are drinking
• Celebrate at home
• Plan ahead - make sure you have a designated driver who is committed to not drinking any alcohol
• Make sure you have money for a cab
• Bring what you need to spend the night at the home of your host
• Don’t rely on charts/guides that generalize the amount of time you need between alcohol consumed and when you can safely operate a vehicle – people metabolize alcohol differently, and many have received DUI’s while following these guidelines
• Remember, you can’t speed up the time it takes your body to process alcohol – coffee and showers do not “sober you up”
• If you are going to have any amount of alcohol, the only safe way to get home (or your next destination) is as the passenger in a vehicle driven by someone who has had absolutely nothing to drink containing alcohol
• If you plan on not drinking while you are out, or you are going out with a designated driver, make sure that there are enjoyable, nonalcoholic beverages available.

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DId you know....for a first time offense

Did you know that a cost of a DUI can be over 5,000 dollars?

Costs include: 

• Fines/Penalties—$1,000
• Tow/Impound Fee—215
• DUI Treatment Program—626
• Court Costs—800
• Insurance Increase—500-1,500
• Attorney Fees—2,500
• Total Approximate Cost:—$6,641

Costs may increase if it is a second or multiple offense.

Source:  ADP State of California: http://www.adp.cahwnet.gov/Criminal_Justice/DUI/faqs.shtml;

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RIDE RESOURCES

No celebration is worth the impact a DUI can have on your future.  A cab ride may seem expensive, and not having your car with you may be inconvenient, but these pale in comparison to the cost of a DUI – the thousands of dollars, the potential loss of freedom, employment, and life.  Make sure you and your loved ones have the numbers to local cab companies if needed.  There are also a few alternatives that may be helpful:

AAA Tipsy Tow- Free Rides for you and your car – up to 10 miles:
(800) 222-4357 http://calstate.aaa.com/auto/car-traffic-safety/aaa-tipsy-tow-program;  – The recorded announcement is the standard AAA message – just follow prompts for roadside assistance.  You do not have to be a AAA member to use this service. The days and hours are sometimes extended closer to the actual holiday, so you may want to check for additional availability.
• Xmas Eve (6pm - 6am Xmas morning)
• New Year’s Eve (6pm - 6am New Year’s Day)

Capitola Police Dept. – Free Ride Home - (831) 475-4935
Nonresidents of Capitola – ride home from Capitola to the area between Santa Cruz & Aptos

Capitola residents – ride home to Capitola from area between Santa Cruz & Aptos
• New Year’s Eve (9pm - 3am New Year’s Day)

Cruz Control/formerly HERO - (831) 421-2429 http://www.cruzcontroldd.com/Cruz_Control_DD/Home_Page.html;
For a $15 pick up fee and $3/mile, they’ll drive you home in your car
• New Year’s Eve

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HOLIDAY NON-ALCOHOL DRINKS

Sleigh Driver
www.eatingwell.com/recipes/sleigh_driver.html;

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 3 pears, chopped into bite-size pieces, divided
• 2 quarts apple cider
• 1 lemon, halved and sliced
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

1. Combine water, sugar, ginger and 1 pear in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Strain out the solids and return the mixture to the pan.
2. Add the remaining pears, cider, lemon and allspice and heat over medium-high heat, stirring often, for 15 minutes.
3. Add cranberries and vanilla and reduce the heat to medium-low (the liquid should be simmering, not boiling). Let simmer for 10 minutes more. Serve in heat-safe mugs.

Makes 10 servings, about 1 cup each

Make Ahead Tip: Let cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave on Medium.

Kocoa Klastch Blend
www.allrecipes.com;

• 2 pounds confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 4 cups French vanilla flavored powdered coffee creamer
• 2 cups Dutch process cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons dried orange zest
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground anise seed

1. In a large bowl, stir together the confectioners' sugar, coffee creamer, cocoa, orange zest, cinnamon and anise seed. Store in an airtight container, or separate into smaller jars for gift giving
2. To prepare, mix 1/4 cup of the cocoa mix with 1 1/2 cups of hot milk or boiling water

Makes 25 servings

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