An excerpt from the National Institute of Drug Abuse Director s Blog by Nora Volkow, MD:

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1 Seasons of Recovery F AT H E R T H R O U G H D E A T H A S H L E Y T O I F E L M A R T I N S WINTER 2015 IN THIS ISSUE Alumni, Family, Friends and Professionals Events page 2 New Beginnings Construction Update - Skip s Hall for Integrated Addiction Treatment and Donor Profile page 3 The Year in Photos and Images pages 4-5 Stories from Recovery In a Child s Own Words page 6 Join the Ashley Online Community page 6 The Recovery Corner Alumni News and Notes page 7 Preventing Relapse: The Threat of Prescription Medications Helping those in recovery prevent relapse is a top priority for all of us at Ashley. Today s 21 st century relapse challenges include common prescription medications that pose a significant threat to anyone in recovery from either alcohol or drug addiction. We want you to know about the risk and relapse potential of certain prescription medications, so you can protect your recovery and the health of others. An excerpt from the National Institute of Drug Abuse Director s Blog by Nora Volkow, MD: Opioid prescriptions have increased threefold over the past two decades, and we have seen how this skyrocketing availability of medications has helped create a new drug abusing population, some of whom suffer severe health consequences. More deaths now occur as a result of overdosing on prescription opioids than from all other drug overdoses combined, including heroin and cocaine. The opioid epidemic is tied closely to another epidemic in our country, that of chronic pain although the ties are very complex. Chronic pain now affects more than a third of Americans. Although chronic pain patients themselves account for only a small percentage of those who are abusing opioid painkillers and dying from them, these pain sufferers may not even be obtaining significant benefit from the opioids used to treat their condition. In fact, growing evidence suggests that long-term treatment with opioids may induce hyperalgesia, an increase in pain sensitivity as a result of the chronic administration of opioid medications, at least in some patients. Chronic pain is a major public health problem. It affects more than one-third of the U.S. and 20%-30% of the world s population. Prevalence of persistent pain is expected to rise with the increase in diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, obesity, arthritis and cancer in the aging U.S. population. Opioids can produce significant side effects such as respiratory depression, mental clouding, nausea, constipation and physical dependence. Opioid prescribing has increased 300% in the last 20 years. This year, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reviewed studies on the effectiveness and risks of long-term opioid treatment of chronic pain. The results are eye-opening: No randomized trials or comparative observational studies meeting the reviewers criteria were found that addressed opioids effectiveness for chronic pain or comparing their effectiveness to other treatments, making it impossible to know whether longterm treatment with opioids adequately addresses patients symptoms or improves their functioning or quality of life. At best there was weak evidence regarding optimal dosing strategies with these medications. (source: NIDA.gov) Continued on next page 800 Tydings Lane, Havre de Grace, MD HOPE (4673) FatherMartinsAshley.org

2 Preventing Relapse: The Threat of Prescription Medications Continued from cover In addition to escalating prescribing of opiates, the prescribing of benzodiazepines sedatives has escalated, too. And some being prescribed, and becoming addicted to sedatives, are seniors over 55. These drugs pose a risk of seizure if discontinued without medical support, they have also been linked to dementia in the elderly. And, sedatives can also cause falls in the elderly, often resulting in injury. (source: British Medical Journal) Below is a partial list of medications about which all those in recovery should exercise caution. This list includes opioids (for pain), central nervous system (CNS) depressants (for anxiety and sleep disorders), and stimulants (for ADHD and narcolepsy). Opioids include: Fentanyl (Duragesic ) Hydrocodone (Vicodin ) Oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet ) Oxymorphone (Opana ) Hydromorphone (Dilaudid ) Meperidine (Demerol ) Diphenoxylate (Lomotil ) Central nervous system depressants include: Pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal ) Diazepam (Valium ) Alprazolam (Xanax ) Clonazepam (Klonopin ) Lorazepam (Ativan ) Stimulants include: Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine and Adderrall ) Methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta ) So, what can you do to protect your recovery? First, be aware of these drugs. Second, have a plan IN ADVANCE of how you want medications handled for you prior to surgery or medical treatment. Make sure your sponsor, loved ones and primary physician know the plan. Third, make sure your primary physician knows you are in recovery and your desire to avoid or limit addictive medications. Ask your physician or medical provider to recommend non-narcotic alternatives that can be used to treat discomfort. Fourth, if you must take these medications because of acute pain related to injury or surgery follow these guidelines: Have a trusted, recovery-supporting friend or loved-one take possession of your medications to ensure you only take them as prescribed. Ask your physician or medical provider to ONLY prescribe the number of pills you will likely need no more. If you have received a Vivitrol injection (injectable Naltrexone) to curb opiate or alcohol cravings, be aware that narcotic pain medications may not provide relief. Inform your medical provider. Fifth, eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Pain can be the result of inflammation caused by surgery, illness or injury. Consider an anti-inflammatory diet to help reduce pain due to inflammation. Plus, most of these foods are good for anyone to eat whether they have pain or not! Anti-inflammatory foods to help healing Beets (high in betacarotene) Fatty fish like salmon and sardines Whole grains and non-wheat grains/ seeds - brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat Dark, leafy veggies such as spinach Nuts, like almonds and walnuts Non-GMO soy products like edamame (soy beans), tofu and soy milk Onions, garlic and hot peppers Herbs and spices - ginger, turmeric, thyme and mint Green tea Olive oil Berries - raspberries and blueberries Tart cherries Red grapes Alumni, Family, Friends and Professionals Events - Please Join Us! February 12 - Washington, D.C. Capital Event Recovery Enrichment Days, third Saturday of every month Rainbow of Hope Children and Youth Program second Saturday of every month (call for info or to register: ) Family Wellness and Education Program every Friday-Sunday (call for info or to register: ) Save the Dates!!! May 13 - Mae Abraham Legacy Luncheon (formerly The Women in Recovery Luncheon), Baltimore Four Seasons Hotel June 22 - Annual Alumni Golf Tournament at Winters Run Golf Club, Bel Air, MD September 20 - Annual Alumni, Family and Friends Reunion (No Sept. RED) October 1 - Lou Bantle Golf Classic, Bulle Rock Golf Course, Havre de Grace 2

3 Ashley In The News A New Year: New Beginnings The New Year! For many people, this is the perfect time to reflect, reassess, and re-commit to self-improvement. Plans to exercise more, eat a healthier diet, or quit smoking are all common and commendable goals. The point, of course, is to make positive changes in our lives with the changing of the calendar. Ashley, too, is experiencing change in response to the changing patient needs. A new building, new and expanded programs, integrated treatment for the 21 st century addiction patient these and other strategic initiatives will help define Ashley in 2015, and beyond, as we work to meet the increasingly complex needs of those struggling with the disease of addiction. The most significant change evident on our campus is the construction of our new building, Skip s Hall for Integrated Addiction Treatment. This brand new 44,000 sq. ft. structure will feature a new Admissions Center, expanded and integrated medical facilities, private and semi-private rooms and a state-ofthe-art Fitness & Wellness Center. The new building is scheduled to open in the fall of 2015 and a wide variety of naming opportunities are currently available. For more information about this, and other ways to support Ashley, contact our Development Department at promises to be an exciting year! Keep an eye on our newsletters and our campaign website, for progress updates and resolve to be a part of our growing future! Washington, D.C. Capital Event February 12, 2015 Donor Profile - Cheryl H. s story I remember who I was before addiction took control of my life. I was active and fit, took aerobics and spin classes at my gym I took really good care of myself. But that all stopped when I suffered a knee injury in 2011, which led to surgery, which led to use and eventually abuse of prescription painkillers. I fought the battle with opiate addiction for more than three years before I finally learned to ask for help. I came to Father Martin s Ashley a shell of the person I once was, and I thought that person was gone forever. But amazingly, my counselor and I slowly but surely began to rediscover the me I used to be. Soon, I was visiting the campus fitness center, doing some light stretching and walking on the treadmill, and planning the yoga classes I would take as soon as I was home and settled. I learned what I needed to know to begin my life in successful Recovery, and I learned that fitness was an important part of that fitness of the body, mind and spirit! With Ashley s help, I found my path to healthy Recovery and I have never been more grateful! When I learned that a new building was being built on campus and that this would be the home of a brand new Fitness & Wellness Center, I knew I wanted to do something to show my gratitude, so that others that will come after me can experience a similar reawakening. I ve made my pledge to name a treadmill in the new gym. I am so pleased to know that I will be a part of the legacy of the new building and that others walking the path that I walked will also know. Cheryl H. For more information about naming opportunities throughout our new building, contact our Development Department at

4 The Year in Photos and Images Alumni Golf Outing the leaderboard - Breaking ground on treatment for the 21 st century! Color Guard at the Lou Bantle Golf Classic 4 Over 30 years of treatment history. Left to right: former Ashley Clinical Director Micki Thomas, (front) Co-founder Mae Abraham, Pain Recovery Program Manager, Scott Dehorty and Dr. Bernadette Solounias Alumni Golf Outing Staffers Scot and Kevin (in purple) with fellow golfers Father Mark and Fmr. Board member Bob Bantle chat at the Lou Bantle Golf Classic

5 Mae Abraham is recognized for 50 years of recovery at the Alumni, Family and Friends Reunion A generous donation to help support our military! Mae Abraham leaves the stage at the Women in Recovery Luncheon Skip s Hall comes to life! Architects rendering Claudia Black, PhD., accepts the 2014 Father Joseph C. Martin Award for Professional Excellence Sen. Joseph Tydings and Fr. Mark Hushen at the Skip s Hall Groundbreaking 5

6 Stories from Recovery In a Child s Own Words It s never too late to help children, grandchildren or younger siblings recover from the effects of a lovedone s drug or alcohol struggles. The Rainbow of Hope Children and Youth Program is available to ALL children ages 6-14 who have lived, or are living, in a home with alcohol or drug problems. This Saturday program is fun and educational for kids. Participating in this program can make the difference between a child s/teen s confusion and fear and empowerment and healing. Please do your part by signing up a child or teen for the Rainbow of Hope Program today. Any child/teen can participate. They do NOT need to have a family member in treatment at Ashley. All are welcome. Call Right: Letter written to addiction by child in Rainbow of Hope Program. Join the Ashley Online Community! 6 We have all kinds of exciting options for you to stay in touch with Ashley online! Our Ashley Facebook page now has over 4,000 fans! THANK YOU!! Becoming a fan on our Facebook page makes it easy for you stay abreast of Ashley events and news. We announce all alumni regional and on-campus events on the page and also information about fundraising events and free educational workshops. There s also helpful tips for recovery and lots of encouraging support. Please join the discussion! We launched a brand-new website a few months ago that offers testimonials, recovery support, videos and important treatment program Our Facebook page address is: FatherMartinsAshley or simply Google: Facebook Father Martin s Ashley. You can also follow us on Twitter at: And, you can view clips of many of Father Martin s recovery videos on YouTube at: UCE0-DgWZqJnXNxfpLNuVZsw. resources and event information. The web address is still but you can also reach the site using these quick web addresses: AshleyTreatment.org to reach the website main page or PainRecoveryProgram.org to go directly to the Pain Recovery Program section.

7 The Recovery Corner - Alumni News and Notes REDesign: Recovery Enrichment Days 2015 Our New Beginnings theme extends to Ashley s Recovery Enrichment Days (RED) program, held on the third Saturday of each month in our chapel. The Ashley RED program supports your recovery, is a forum for shared experiences, and an opportunity for you to hear from down-to-earth experts in treatment and recovery. You do not have to be an Ashley graduate to attend! Everyone is welcome and we ask that you register in advance by visiting our website alumni-events/. We ask a modest $25 registration fee which includes lunch, though there is no charge for Ashley Alumni for their first three months following treatment. What s new for RED in 2015 is that each session will feature a different presenter and the topics - all related to individual and family recovery - will vary from month to month. Our January 2015 RED focused on Understanding Relapse. This topic was suggested by 2014 RED participants. Tim and Eileen Thompson, Certified Addictions Counselors and former Ashley relapse counselors, were our presenters. Other 2015 RED topics will include Grief and Recovery, Brain Science and Addiction, Spirituality Traditions and Beliefs, Away from Addiction: Toward Healthy Living, and other topics that are relevant to building on what we ve learned and experienced at Ashley and in our continuing paths of recovery. Each RED Saturday begins with registration (and coffee!) in the Noble Hall Dining Area at 9:00 a.m. Our program in the chapel begins at 9:30 a.m. and continues until our yummy lunch in Bantle Hall. RED wraps up by 2:00 p.m. Your Alumni Services staff (Kevin Hourigan and me) believes that your participation in RED is a meaningful way to reinforce our lessons of recovery and spend worthwhile time with others in recovery. RED is part of Ashley s continuum of healing. It really is One Day at a Time, and RED is a great one of those days! Join us in the chapel on the third Saturday of each month. RED is just one of the many resources available to Ashley alumni and the community at large. Visit the FatherMartinsAshley.org/alumnievents/ for up-to-date information about Seasons of Recovery workshops and other events in your area. Parent Connection These clinically-led evening groups are for the parents of Ashley alumni. Attend a gathering in Columbia, MD, Wilmington, DE, or Washington, D.C. Visit the website for more info. FREE. Alumni Services-sponsored Seasons of Recovery workshop We re looking forward to a fabulous year! Please call or us if we can be of help. Don Mathis, Alumni Services Director, dmathis@fmashley.com or Kevin Hourigan, Alumni Services Representative, khourigan@fmashley.com or Don Mathis, Alumni Services Director Kevin Hourigan, Alumni Services Representative Has your or mailing address changed? Please bkalb@fmashley.com with your updated information. If you d like to receive updates on Alumni events please alumni@fmashley.com and indicate that you d like to be added to our list. 7

8 800 Tydings Lane Havre de Grace, MD Dated information! Please open immediately! 2015 Key Dates & Events - Save the Date!! Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. Carl Bard Washington, D.C. Capital Event February 12 Rainbow of Hope Children and Youth Program Second Saturday of Every Month Family Wellness and Education Program Every Friday-Sunday, Year-round RED Program Third Saturday of Every Month Alumni Edition Mae Abraham Legacy Luncheon May 13 Lou Bantle Golf Classic October 1