November 2009

Greetings from Minnesota, where we recently broke the record for having the coldest October in state history. Now that makes one proud! We are one remarkable state with our ever-changing seasons and weather surprises. Two inches of snow on the 12th of October had us all scrambling to find boots, gloves, scarves and the heater dial in the car. No wonder our longevity is so high, we are constantly adapting, making adjustments to mind and body. With winter now approaching, we will not only change into warmer clothing but we will also begin the process of changing our menus at home. No more fresh salads from our gardens, no watermelon; it’s time for meatloaf, pot-roasts and casseroles (hot dishes to the locals).

Now onto a more serious topic than the weather. Several years ago, our nation waged what was referred to as a “War on Drugs”. Politicians, medical professionals and the news media all put on their armor ready to go into battle and win this war. Regrettably, that war still rages on, and people continue to fall into the grips of addiction. Dr. Andrew Weil in his book, “The Natural Mind”, made the point that we humans seem to always be looking for a way to alter our levels of coherence. He references children on the playground sitting on swings and how they would twist them around, and around and then let go! They would spin like a top. Then, when getting off the swing they would stagger and often fall to the ground, enjoying the dizzy feeling. Of course it would be repeated because it felt so weird, but so good. In a similar way, it illustrates how we get caught up in addictive behaviors; we repeat what feels pleasurable, but soon we are hooked and can’t stop. At Crossroads, we work to help people get off the “swing” and learn how to live their lives free from addiction.

Back in my November 1999 letter, I addressed the issue of increased heroin use among the young. In this past year, it has once again reared its’ ugly head and become the drug of choice with our youth. It comes across our borders in a highly potent form where it is sold inexpensively until dependence is created; then the price goes up. How very sad and sinister.

Another very addictive substance prevalent on the streets is oxycotin, a prescription painkiller. It is a semi-synthetic opioid containing a large amount of the active-ingredient oxycodone, which is extremely habit forming. Our hospitals and clinics are filled with those suffering from pain. To help relieve that pain doctors prescribe an opiate, like morphine, codeine or oxycotin with the expectation that their patients will take the medication as directed. Most patients do follow doctor’s orders, but many do not, which leads to addiction.

Families across the country have watched those they love get caught up in addictive behaviors. They have seen them struggle to break free from old patterns of using drugs or compulsively gambling. They hear the endless promises of, “I’ll quit tomorrow”. For those who can stop on their own with no help from others, I say great! However, the vast majority need the support and education provided in treatment centers. They need to participate in therapy groups, listen to lectures, and view videos in order to begin to understand their affliction. When treatment ends they often need to live in a setting that is safe and supportive, a place that helps them to discover who they really are and not what they had become. For many the answer is Crossroads. A place where they connect with others very much like themselves. A place where the healing begins. A place where all things are possible if they remain faithful to their recovery program.

For the past 40 years Crossroads has offered its’ services to adult men and women from throughout the nation. They come from every walk of life and every set of circumstances. Some are able to pay for their residency and some turn to family members. However, many have to rely on the generosity of people such as you. We receive no federal, state or county funding. I ask for your financial support to continue our mission of helping the recovering addict. Our residents are good people who need a chance. Please consider a donation to our program to give them that CHANCE. Your gifts are tax deductible and deeply appreciated.

Warmest regards,

Sharron

There are two ways to live your life      
One as though nothing is a miracle     
The other as though Everything         
is a Miracle