Alcohol and Drug Addiction

Drug and alcohol abuse is more prevalent in today’s society
than ever before. According to the National Institute on
Drug Abuse, 21.6 million people in the United States admitted
that they had tried cocaine at some point during their lives.
An astounding 20 percent of individuals surveyed stated that
they were currently using cocaine on a regular basis. Current
estimates state that at least one thousand people die each year
from using heroin, and approximately one third of new
AIDS cases are a result of IV drug use. 

Alcohol is also a drug, and it is one that deserves significant
recognition and attention. A survey involving 20,000 adults
concluded that more than 13 percent met the criteria for
alcoholism. Alcoholic individuals are 2.5 times more likely
to die than someone who uses alcohol sparingly or not at all.
The impact of alcohol extends largely beyond the individual
consuming the substance. Many cases of domestic violence
involve alcohol. 

Drug and alcohol abuse are a societal problem that affects
everyone. Families are torn apart by alcoholism as spouses
must struggle to see their loved ones held back by the power
of addiction. Children become confused as they see someone
they once knew in a different and negative light due to poor
decision and judgment making skills. Society as a whole
should be concerned with the abundance of alcohol and
drug use. It contributes to problems in the workplace,
increased arrests and more frequent crime. Alcoholism
alone contributes to 117 billion dollars a year in law
enforcement, workplace-related and other costs. Cocaine
use and abuse costs the country close to 35 billion
dollars each and every year. 

The reasons that people use and abuse drugs and alcohol
range from the desire to feel a sense of euphoria to an
attempt to escape from the stressors and struggles they deal
with on a daily basis in real life. The result is a temporary
sense of feeling good without thoughts about the consequences
that occur after consuming the substance. The temporary effects
are not worth the long-time results that plague the individual and
those they interact with on a regular basis. The benefits of taking
drugs and alcohol may seem to outweigh the costs at first, but
casual use quickly becomes regular and the consequences quickly
consume the user. 

Treatment is the first step to helping someone with a drug or
alcohol addiction. Many individuals benefit from attending meetings
on their own, such as AA or NA, but treatment can also be on
an in-patient basis for addicts that need more structure and help than
they can obtain on their own. Treatment for addiction involves support,
counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy and the desire to get and
remain drug and alcohol free. These programs can last anywhere
from a few weeks to a few months. It’s essential for an addict to
seek assistance not only with getting clean, but also with preventing
relapse by utilizing the tools and support available from family and
addiction organizations. 



Alex Kerwin writes articles to to help raise awareness of the dangers 
of drug and alcohol addiction.

Aromatherapy: Making Hospitals Smell More Welcoming

Hi everyone:)
I would like to introduce you to guest blogger Allison Brooks! She has written
a wonderful piece on aromatherapy. Please read the blog below and feel free
to share it with others. To read more of Allison Brooks blogs, please visit the
additional links below.


Wouldn't it be nice to step inside a major medical center and smell the calming
fragrance of lavender or sage instead of the harsh, medicinal hospital odor?
While products containing fragrance oils have been used in shampoos, soaps
and lotions for decades, natural fragrant oils, called essential oils, are now being
used in medical facilities. Certain essential oils are being used in hospitals and
nursing homes are to induce sleep, relieve anxiety and reduce pain.

Susan Shields, the cancer program director at Harris Methodist Hospital in
Fort Worth, TX has seen the values of aromatherapy and has begun to use
them in her facility. Shields uses essential oils in aromatherapy with cancer
patients to help reduce anxiety and situational depression by massaging
several soothing oils, along with carrier oil, into the patient's hands and feet.
Pure essential oils contain chemicals that can affect the patients' physiology
and induce responses that can reduce inflammation, improve circulation
and even affect mood.

Other cancer and integrative treatment centers are following in Shields
footstep. Some places even require weekly massages with essential oils
for patients with aggressive cancers, like pancreatic or mesothelioma cancer.
Since these cancers require heavy treatment plans, aromatherapy-massages
can aid in healing and survivability.

Many patients--and their loved ones--experience anxiety when in a hospital
setting. Pain, the fear of pain, and the unknown can all cause an increase in
adrenalin and other "fight-or-flight" hormones and chemicals. These chemicals
can cause an increase in heart rate, breathing and muscle tension and can hinder
the healing process.

When essential oils are used to decrease a patient's anxiety, the body is free to
release healing chemicals, use energy to repair cells, and allow the patient to rest.
The fact that essential oils release their fragrance into the air can also affect the
nursing staff and a patient's visitors, whose anxiety can negatively affect the
patient. The chemicals in the oils are not only benefiting the patient through
dermal absorption, but their visitors through inhalation.

Many practitioners have found that aromatherapy can help alleviate pain in
some patients. If pain is caused by an inflammatory response, some
anti-inflammatory essential oils can help reduce the inflammation in the skin,
joints and muscles. Rosemary, chamomile, lavender, peppermint and white
camphor have chemical properties that can help reduce pain an inflammation.
Always mix essential oils with carrier oil, such as olive or jojoba, before
applying to the skin.


Because the sense of smell is directly connected to the limbic system, an
area of the brain where emotions are stored, just the scent of a hospital
can cause fear and anxiety. When hospitals and other therapeutic centers
use essential oils, comforting, familiar smells, like roses or cinnamon, can
enable a patient to feel less anxiety and stress, which can encourage the
healing process.



Additonal work by Allison Brooks:

http://liveloveyoga.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/the-proven-abilities-of-mind-body-therapies/

http://neemyd.blogspot.com/2012/01/laugh-day-will-keep-side-effects-away.html

http://mrdavidemmanuelnoel.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/allison-brooks-the-use-of-colour-therapy/

http://progressivebuddhism.blogspot.com/2011/12/mantra-meditation.html

http://curiousmindmusings.blogspot.com/

Gearing Up For 2012!

Happy New Year and greetings from blogland! Though my desire to
blog consistently didn't fully come to fruition in 2011,  I am hoping
for a better track record in 2012. Hence, here I am once again!

Well, I don't know about you, but, I sure was happy to say good bye to
2011! Don't get me wrong, 2011 had some wonderful times; my children's
birthday's, visiting with out-of-town family, re-connecting with old friends,
working with amazing clients, etc. But, in the greater landscape we call
life it was a very tough year for me, for many. Yet, even in the midst of
my melt downs, frustrations and exhaustion (I'm a mother of 4, it comes
with the territory!) I'm strapping on my boots, putting my best foot forward 
and once again, getting into the ring! I know, I know, most of us have that
"can do" attitude when the new year rolls around and I'm no exception.
We can feel invincible, determined, courageous and of course, inspired 
by what the new year can bring. It certainly can allow each of us the
opportunity to learn, change, grow and even share with others our
experiences that have helped shape who we have become, or perhaps,
who we would like to eventually become. So, in saying this, here is what
I wish for  each of you in this brand new year filled with brand new doors
that have yet to be opened, or for some of us, that are to be revisited
with a vengeance...of positivity.

For you, I pray this new year beckons you to step out of your comfort zone, 
accompanying you to places within yourself you have never explored, forgiving 
those you felt you never could-including yourself -and being open, receptive
and faith-filled to the miracles and blessings God can pour over you in 2012
and beyond! So, what are you waiting for? Here's to gearing up for 2012-
may it be absolutely amazing for you!  

Have a magical, mystical-filled day everyone!

T.L.

Founder of Within The Light
Windbirdge Certified Research Medium

I'm Still Here!

I know it has been a really long time since I've blogged and I apologize! Part of
the reason for my lack of posts quite frankly, has been my familial obligations;
raising a family isn't an easy task! Add to the mix, the kid's schoolwork, school
activities (hooray for Summer!), play dates, my work as an energy health
practitioner, my own educational pursuits, everyday life and well, isn't that
enough, lol!

Anyway, even though things have slowed down a bit for now, I anticipate it
won't stay like this:) So, I wanted to drop you a line to tell you "I'm still here"
and will write an update shortly on some of the things I have been doing
work-related that I hope you find interesting!

Until then, have a magical, mystical-filled day, my friends!

In Love-n-Light....

T.L.

Simple Tips for Sensible Resolutions

As we prepare to say good bye to 2010 and hello to 2011, I
wanted to offer some simple tips for sensible resolutions you
can actually keep!

To begin with, statistics show that approximately 75% of
people do not stick to their resolutions. Why? My personal
opinion is because many of us have too many goals and 
become easily overwhelmed with the task of trying to
complete all of them at once, or at best, in rapid succession
without proper planning. Thus, we become easily discouraged
at our lack of progress and in the end there is no progress at
all. Or, we see so very little results our goals remain unfilled.

But, not to worry! I have created some easy tips that can help
you create a winning strategy that will have you saying "I can
do it!" in 2011 and beyond:)

 Tip # 1: No long lists! Though most of us are visual by nature,
(hence, our reason for writing lists to begin with) writing a long
list of New Year's resolutions can leave you feeling overwhelmed
and exhausted before you've even begun to attempt any of your
goals. Sooooo, no lists! Instead, write out each resolution 
(I suggest no more than 5) on a 3x5 card with just a few "bullets"
to give you some guidelines in accomplishing your goals, and
then place each one in a corresponding labeled and numbered
envelope. I like continuity, so, I chose to label both the outside
and inside the same way. Being so visual myself, it helps me
stay focused, actually. Below, is my example:

Outside of envelope labeled:
Goal #1 Office Filing

Inside 3x5 card labeled:
Goal #1 Office Filing

• Set timer for 20 minutes
• Stick to timer
• Color code files
• Shred

Tip #2: Make your goals simple. I'm convinced that small
goals are achievable goals. And once you've completed even
the most mundane resolutions (i.e., my filing example) it gives
you the confidence to move on to bigger more challenging
goals.

Tip #3: Set a time limit.  I know some say there are pros and cons
of giving yourself a length of time to get a particular goal accomplished, 
but, I believe you can work better when you have something you are
actually working towards. For example, if one of your New Year's
resolution's is to lose 20 pounds, create a sensible time frame in
which you can do this (i.e., 6 months) as opposed to simply saying 
you'll lose 20 pounds "sometime this year." Having a time frame to
work within can give you the inspiration and motivation you need
to be successful. Once you've accomplished this goal, or any other,

place a check mark on the outside of the envelope and file it away
marked....successful! Of course, if you would like to continue with
your winning ways, keep referring back to your "goal cards" as a
form of inspiration and accountability:)  

Tip #4: Have a buddy system.  Ultimately, you are responsible
for yourself. Your achievements and successes should not be
contingent upon whether or not you have a buddy system in place.
However, having a support network doesn't hurt and can help
create a positive atmosphere for both of you as you work towards
your accomplishments, encouraging one another along the way.

Tip #5: You're only human. Despite our best intentions, sometimes
we fall short of our "exact goals." Maybe, for example, you wanted
to walk as a form of exercise 4-5 times a week as part of your
weight-loss goal, but, instead are only able to do 2-3 times a week.
Rather than beat yourself up over what you aren't doing, focus on
what you are doing. It is so easy to get caught up in the hype and
excitement of making New Year's resolutions, we sometimes forget
to give ourselves permission to make a mistake or even backslide
at times. And that's o.k.. After all, you're only human:)

I hope these tips will be of some use to you as you sit down, if you
haven't already, and decide what goals are important to you in 2011.
Is it better health? Stronger relationships? Saving more money? No
matter what it is, with a little bit of focus, determination, and faith, I
believe you can accomplish anything you want to in the coming year!

So, Many blessings to you all in 2011! May it be filled with miracles,
amazing opportunities, lessons, growth and personal goals you see
come to fruition!

Have a magical, mystical-filled day, my friends and see YOU in 2011!

In love-n-light.....

T

Season's Greetings!

With Christmas almost here and the New Year just around the
corner, I wanted to wish each of you a heartfelt season's greetings
and a message of inspiration! 

I truly wish that in the coming year, you are blessed with abundance
in all areas of your life. May you see your health flourish, relationships
blossom, your finances explode and your life as a whole...just where
you would like it to be. Truly see yourself in the life you deserve;
intend it, affirm it.....go after it! With faith, confidence and
determination, the impossible becomes "im possible."

Remember, too, that each day is a gift. Even without the holidays upon
us, many of us forget to take it s-l-o-w. We're rushing here and there, 
moving so quickly we forget to simply stop and enjoy today. The here
and now. This very moment. So, as a way to encourage you to "stop
and smell the roses" I am offering you a link to a FREE 10 week wisdom 
course I am taking as well, aptly entitled, The Power of Slow! Here is
the link: http://bit.ly/go_slowly (there is an underscore between ‘go’
and ‘slowly’) and I hope you enjoy your gift!

Have a fantastic holiday celebrating with those you love, my friends, 
and I'll "see" you in 2011!

In love-n-light...

T

5 Ways To Lift Your Spirits!

No matter how challenging the day's events are, wouldn't it be amazing
if we could simply shrug them off, crawl into bed and drift off into a
blissful slumber awakening the next morning with a can-do-attitude,
great looking hair and minty, fresh breath to boot! O.K., maybe that last
part is a bit unrealistic but, you know what I mean.


While we may have the greatest of intentions to handle what comes our
way in a positive, upbeat manner, the truth is, many of us have had our
fair share of bad days; really crappy, drag-you-down-in-the-dump-bad
days. And when this happens, most of us would rather stay under the
covers than face another moment where we feel emotionally and physically
exhausted, mentally numb and spiritually bankrupt. But, there is hope,
my friends! There are many things you can do to lift your spirits and maybe
make someone else feel good along the way, too. Here are some of my
favorites-maybe they can help you the next time you're having "one of those
days."


1. Smile. Really, it's that easy! When you are out and about, make eye
    contact with others and smile, and mean it! Expressing something as
    nice and comforting as a smile can make you and the other person feel
    great. An alternative-if you can't get out and about-is to stand or sit in
    front of the mirror and smile at that beautiful face of yours! I know it
    sounds corny and you might even feel a little silly doing it, but, try it, it
    really works and you just may get a chuckle out of it, too:)


2. Get moving! If you are able to get outside, strap on your shoes and
    start walking. Taking a stroll in nature can have a positive affect on
    your emotions. So, take time, literally, to stop and smell the roses,
    admire the blue sky above, or listen to the sound of a bird singing
    nearby. If you have a difficult time leaving your home because of
    physical limitations, ask a family member, friend or neighbor to assist
    you. It will not only make you feel good to be outdoors, but, you'll be
    sharing some quality time with those you care about.


3. Volunteer. Do you have a little extra time on your hands? Some places
    such as your local library are always looking for volunteers for their
    literacy programs, for example. Other establishments such as your
    local food bank can use an extra set of hands unloading and loading
    items to stock their shelves to feed the needy. There are also local 
    programs for the elderly where you simply donate an hour a week calling
    a senior citizen and checking in on them. Lending your time to a good 
    cause is a wonderful way to feel great!


4. Write a letter. Is there someone in your life who means the world to you?
    Your husband, wife, a parent, maybe even a teacher who touched you in a
    profound way? If so, what about writing a letter expressing your gratitude
    in how they've made a difference in your life. You'll not only be smiling
    writing the letter, you're sure to put a smile on their face when they open it:)


5. Belt one out! So what if you can't carry a note in a bag:) I'll be the first to
    admit I can drive squirrels back into their burrows with my pipes, but, who
    cares, I love singing songs and the cornier the better actually, especially if
    I'm entertaining my kids. But, if you don't want to sing, try humming or
    whistling. Whatever you do, I guarantee you, you'll be feeling happy in no
    time and most probably won't even remember why you were mad in the
    first place!


So, there you have it folks, 5 ways to be happy, inspired and fulfilled! Now get
out there and make a difference......you'll be glad you did:)


Have a magical, mystical-filled day!


Tracy Lee Nash, E.H.P.

A Friendly Introduction...

My name is Tracy Lee Nash. I am 42 years old, happily married with
four beautiful children. I love God, my family, friends, sushi, a good
book, and the color purple, in case you haven't noticed:) I also love 
life-no matter how profoundly amazing or downright difficult it can
be at times! I also love (mental note: using the word love a lot!)
helping others.

So, after many years of writing for my own personal, as well as
professional pleasure, and offering spiritual guidance to people all
over the world, I decided to combine my love (there's that word
again!) of both professions and venture into the world of blogging.
And the reason is simple: I want to share inspiring messages, helpful
information and pretty much anything that encourages others to live
the best life they can! After all, when we are connected mind, body
and spirit, aren't we truly at our best? 

Now, you may wonder what my qualifications are and I can tell you
I have no "impressive" titles such as doctor or psychologist, but, I've
been busy in my own right. I'm a life long student of metaphysics and
am currently working on my B.S and M.S degree. I'm an ordained
Interfaith Minister and a patient support volunteer through Hospice. 
I'm an inspirational writer and my work has been featured in greeting
cards, calendars and books with Blue Mountain Arts. I'm also a
professional intuitive and medium. I have certificates in Reiki I and II,
Crystal and Chakra Therapy. But, really, at the end of the day, I'm
just me. I'm happy most days, some days are questionable! I am a
walking contradiction. I'm extremely open and very private. Talkative
and reserved. Outgoing and a loner. Go figure! But, it's who I am,
and just like everyone else....I'm a work in progress:)

So, there you have it, folks.What you read, is what you get:) And I
hope you enjoy reading my blogs and find something of interest for
yourself or perhaps someone you love. I'll be posting my blogs every
two weeks until I can commit to more frequent posts. But, for now,
feel free to leave a positive comment or offer any suggestions for topics
you would be interested in reading about in the future. If I can write
about something you enjoy, find informative, or is of help to you, then
my mission is accomplished:)

Until next time......

Have a magical, mystical-filled day, my friends!

Tracy Lee Nash
Founder of Within The Light