Substance abuse permeates our culture. It is a daunting problem
in every arena from the workplace, to the campus, and even
to the elementary school. Treatment and prevention are both
important elements to prevent damaged and wasted lives.
Though each case is unique, there are themes of which we
should be aware. Most importantly, don’t put your head
in the sand. Be informed. Risk speaking with those you love
about this perennial problem.
Our banquet speaker, David Thompson, will share his experience
and perspective about a life undermined by substance abuse
and rebuilt through treatment, love, and grace.
Dr. Joe Verga
Executive Director, ACC
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MARCH FEATURES
Substance Abuse and the Young
Abuse, Addiction, and Alcohol
Why I Serve—Chris Pearce
Book Reviews
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Deadline for reservations Tuesday, March 21, 2006
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Substance Abuse and the
Young
When asked to picture someone who abuses alcohol or drugs, different
images may come to mind: perhaps we think of the homeless person
panhandling at the intersection; perhaps it’s the latest celebrity
to sign themselves into a rehab program; perhaps it’s an athlete
or a politician who makes the headlines for a DUI. But what if that
abuser is a teenager, a college student, or a young adult? And what
if they are your son, or your daughter?
Read
More
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 Abuse,
Addiction, and Alcohol
Addiction or abuse is characterized by the repetitive or compulsive
use of a substance despite negative consequences to the user. When
we hear the word addiction we generally think of things such as
alcohol or drugs. Activities such as shopping, work, computer games,
and even sex can become addictions as well by this definition.
There are many theories regarding addiction. ACC therapist, Teresa
Tindall, shares her thoughts on alcohol abuse from one of those
perspectives—family of origin.
Read
More
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Why I Serve - Chris Pearce
“My first awareness of Associates in Christian Counseling
came 5 or 6 years ago, but in an unusual way. Most of my fellow
Board members learned about ACC through church or friends who had
been helped there. For me, it was soccer! I was coaching a boys’
club team. David Verga was a new player and, in getting to know
him, I asked what his Dad did,” Chris shared.
Two years ago, Pearce was approached by a Board member with whom
he worked about serving. “Because of our soccer connection,
I had watched this wonderful family—Joe, Heather, and David—live
out their love of the Lord in public every day. I could see that
their faith was real which excited me about becoming involved in
this ministry.”
As Chris reflected on the impact of ACC he shared that “people
from all walks of life are hurting. There are psychological and
spiritual needs which go unaddressed in many lives. People are willing
to talk about physical problems but not emotional needs. Often they
suffer in silence when help is available. ACC has a staff of well-trained
committed clinicians who have a heart for God and a heart for the
people they serve.”
Pearce stated that he is very proud of the fact that since 1991
ACC has provided over $1.5 million in free or reduced fee counseling
to those with financial needs. This has touched the lives of people
who would otherwise not have been able to get help. “ACC is
a quiet helper to individuals and to our community,” he concluded.
Christopher C. Pearce IV is a Senior Vice President with Wachovia
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BOOK REVIEWS
Love First
Debra & Jeff Jay
Hazelden, 2000
Offers a new approach to intervention for alcoholism
and drug addiction. Will help parents understand addictions and
ways families can help or hurt the addict.
Parenting Teens with Love and Logic
Foster Cline and Jim Fay
NavPress Publishing Group, 1992
Love means giving your teen opportunities to be
responsible and empowering them to make their own decisions. Logic
means allowing them to live with the natural consequences of their
mistakes and showing empathy for the pain they will experience.
Prodigals and Those Who Love Them
Ruth Bell Graham
Baker Books, 1991
As the mother of two spiritual wanderers, Mrs.
Graham shares her journey through poetry, Scripture, and stories
which encouraged her.
Stressed or Depressed: A Practical and
Inspirational Guide for Parents of Hurting Teens
Dr. Arch Hart and Dr. Catherine Hart Weber
Integrity Publishers, 2005
Practical help and inspiration for parents of hurting
teens.
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excerpts from…
I AM YOUR DISEASE
Author Unknown
Allow me to introduce myself,
I am the disease of addiction.
Alcoholism, drugs, and eating disorders.
I am cunning, baffling, and powerful.
That’s me!
I love to catch you with the element
of surprise.
I love pretending I am your friend.
I have given you comfort, haven’t I?
Wasn’t I there when you were lonely?
When you wanted to die, didn’t you
call me?
I love to make you hurt; I love to make
you cry.
Better yet
I love to make you so numb you can neither cry nor hurt.
I will give you instant gratification
and all I ask of you is long-term suffering.
When you settle for mere existence,
I thrive.
When you feel fully alive, I weaken.
But I’m always here waiting for you.
. . . . . . . . .
Excerpt from the Gospel of John…
If the Son sets you free,
You will be free indeed!
John 8:36
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| Lenten Luncheon Series
“Living a Life of Faith”
Presented by
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
520 Summit Street, Winston-Salem, NC
Fridays, March 3-April 7, 2006
Noon – 1PM in the Colhoun Room
Cost: $6
For reservations call: 723-4391
Leaders from business and non-profit organizations will reflect
on the unique ways in which they live out the core principles of
their faith in their daily lives and work.
From our ACC family:
March 10th
Dr. Joe Verga, Executive Director, Associates in Christian Counseling
March 24th
Bob Mills, Associate Vice President, University Advancement, Wake
Forest University and member, ACC Board of Directors
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Out and About in the Community
ACC’s recent outreach and networking has
included:
Arrington Heights Freewill Baptist Church, Mocksville
Christ Moravian Church, W-S
Singles Ministry
Grace Community Church, Greensboro
Pre-marriage Class
Grace Community Church, Greensboro
Women’s Fellowship
Heavenview United Pentecostal Church, W-S
Macedonia Moravian Church, Advance
Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church, W-S
Men’s Fellowship
River Oaks Community Church, W-S
Men’s Fellowship
Robinhood Road Baptist Church, W-S
Rotary Club of Winston-Salem—Downtown chapter
[March 14th—Dr. Joe Verga]
WKZL Open House
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| A
Thought... |
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The
hardest thing about suffering is not knowing how great it will be
or how long it will last. You will be tempted to want to impose
some limits to your suffering. No doubt you will want to control
the intensity of your pain.
Francois de Fenelon
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Thank You |
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To
the volunteers from WSSU who prepared our banquet mailing
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| Fast
Facts |
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Most
drug or alcohol use in teens
starts at age 12-13
Youth who smoke cigarettes are
14 times more likely to smoke marijuana
48% of the teen population admits
to trying marijuana
Almost a third of 12-17 year olds admit
to drinking alcohol
100,000 Americans died from alcohol
related causes in 2004; of these, 3000
were teenagers
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| Help
Wanted |
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We
are in need of a volunteer to help with a mailing list project.
Work can be done at home.
If you are interested, please contact Rick Cole at 896-0065, x 205,
or email
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| Wish
List |
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A
desktop computer,
Pentium 2 or newer
If you are in a position to help, please contact Rick Cole at 896-0065,
x 205, or via email
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