The answer to this question will vary widely, depending on whom is being asked. A student on their way to the beach to meet friends told me that this is the start of Summer… and thank Goodness, a long weekend! A business owner struggling in this economy viewed it as another paid day off for his staff with no related production to compensate. And a friend who was racing off to Indiana for the weekend was racing off to… well, of course, the Indy 500.

But those who know their history, who understand the sacrifices made by millions of American soldiers and their families, rightfully see the day for its original intent… to honor the hundreds of thousands of American War Dead.

Yes, those who have fallen.

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Memorial Day, first known as Decoration Day, dates back to the end of the Civil War when citizens gathered in Charleston, South Carolina to honor soldiers and decorate the graves of those who had been killed there.

The word spread.

Within a short time, such remembrances and celebrations would be held nationwide… culminating in official designations. On this Memorial Day 2010, we want to extend our appreciation to all who have served our great country, and express our condolences to those who have lost loved ones in recent conflicts and wars.

Thank you.

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It is interesting to note that one other set of traditions has sprung up around this weekend, and no… I don’t mean the fact that it’s time to plant the garden!

I’m referring, of course, to the remembrance that many Americans carry out by attending cemeteries and placing flowers at the grave-sites of beloved family members. They spend time to remember how things were… the good times they shared… and they wish they could have the relationships back again.

And that is why this day, like so many other holidays, is so painful for those who are suffering through the disease of addiction with a friend, family member or loved one. Addiction is an excruciating, painful and slow process of death with saps the life from every holiday.

Now, please hear me. If this is your situation, you cannot miss this.

You want to help your loved one. You need to help your loved one. You must help them or you may surely be decorating THEIR headstone at this time next year.

There is help available. There is a plan that works, and I will share it with you. Pick up the phone and call me at (561) 495-3913 or on my cell at (920) 544-1400.

Yes, please make the call… even on a holiday weekend. I look forward to hearing from you.

Regardless of your religious traditions, or even the lack thereof, Easter is representative of change and renewal. For millions of Christians, the events surrounding the first Easter changed everything. To be sure, on that calendar, it is a much more important holiday than even Christmas… a fact which I have only recently come to understand.

For millions more who profess other faiths, and for those who profess none, Easter rolls around each year at this time and offers new signs of life… the changing of the seasons… and a look ahead to many months of Spring, Summer and Fall after what may have been a long and difficult Winter.

(Though I must say that this past winter was a bit easier to take in South Florida after years of brutal cold in places like the Midwest, and decades of snow and freezing temps on the East Coast… but I digress!)

In any event… Easter is here and Spring has sprung. Change and new life is in the air.

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Now, all that being said… I want to speak with just one person today. In fact, this is being written for just one person… and you know who you are.

You are the family member or friend of someone struggling with addiction, and you are clinging to a shred of hope that this love, this relationship, this change of which we speak… can still one day be yours.

And here is my message to you.

The change you seek does not rest with your loved one… it begins with you. And it can begin today. I encourage you to take the first step and reach out. We’ll put together a plan that will lead to the objective you seek… and then we’ll put one foot in front of the other.

Yes, we can do this together… one step at a time… one day at a time. And I will help you.

I look forward to speaking with you soon… happy Easter.

(561) 495-3913 Home
(920) 544-1400 Mobile

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This was especially true in the many discussions we had regarding specific family members who were in trouble with addiction. The substances, behaviors and activities may change, but the pain and destruction is consistent.

Until, of course, we seek help.

Yes, help is available… but not until we take the first step. And as we discussed in those year-end conversations, we wanted 2010 to be different… we needed 2010 to be different.

And for many it is… changes are happening. Yes, many are experiencing the first ray of hope that they have had concerning their loved one in years. Some even report possessing a peace of mind that they thought was surely out of reach forever.

Because they asked for help.

Let’s not be fooled… addiction recovery can be a long and arduous process. But tens of thousands of your neighbors and fellow citizens have their families on that road today.

It’s time for a check-up. If the goals you set to repair the damage that addiction has caused in your life are not being met; if you are in the same boat today as you were on January 1st… or worse, if your relationships have deteriorated… then the time to act is now.

Call me today at (561) 495-3913 or (920) 544-1400. You will speak directly with me, and I will personally work with you to develop an action plan, and will take the next step with you.

I look forward to speaking with you.

What a terrific cause!

I have also asked if you would join me in forwarding this message and a link to this site to her attention at The White House, for I believe one thing is for sure… we are losing the fight.

Not my personal battle, mind you.

No, on the contrary, today as I write this I am less than half the man I used to be!! Literally. After being given just six months to live in 1968, I was able to lose 169 pounds and all the illnesses that went with it, and keep it off for decades.

But it didn’t happen by investing in fad diets and gimmicks; it didn’t happen by running miles on the treadmill; and it won’t likely happen for the rest of the country that way either.

In most cases, obesity is merely a symptom of food addiction. Plain and simple. And therein lies a problem for our First Lady and any Blue Ribbon commission that she puts together… because addiction is just as equally represented in our Federal Government as it is at the state and local level.

And Mark Twain was right… denial is not just a river in Egypt. I believe it also flows through Washington D.C.

Please forward this article to First Lady Michelle Obama at The White House, along with sincere wishes that she is able to bring light and impact to this devastating illness.

Thanks, and I look forward to speaking with you.

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Well, I suppose there are many answers to that question… so let me give you mine.

As First Ladies of the United States, each has or had incredible influence… and each has used that influence to further an important cause.

Now, I suppose that you won’t be surprised if I hold a special place for those concerned with addictions… even if it appears that the real solution is far outside the realm of politics.

Here’s what I mean.

Twenty or thirty years ago, the phrase “Just Say No” was popularized as an answer to drug addiction. Of course, just saying no works well if you are a casual user who is capable of making rational choices and decisions, however… an addict cannot just say no.

Their body is dependent on the drug in about the same manner as yours is this very moment dependent on oxygen.

Unfortunately, these political and social battles are often waged more with good intentions than good field logistics and experience.

And I’m concerned we may be losing another great opportunity right now.

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As we speak, Michelle Obama has taken up the worthy cause of obesity, and in particular… childhood obesity.

Unfortunately, there has been a lot of discussion about diets and calorie counting and body mass indexes and proper exercise, but as far as I can tell, no discussion about what I believe is the real CAUSE… food addiction.

Now, please don’t confuse what I am saying… as much as anyone, I want this effort to succeed!

Further, I believe it is appropriate for this cause to be addressed at the highest level of The White House, since obesity rates in children have skyrocketed along with the number of food industry lobbyists in Washington, and the number of children in the Federal School Lunch Program.

Well in excess of 30 Million children per day are served at the taxpayer expense… more than 220 Billion meals since the program’s inception… yet obesity rates climb.

Here is the simple truth.

Sugar, flour and wheat cause a chain of damaging events to occur in the bodies of tens of millions of Americans. Their pancreas goes into hyper drive, overproducing insulin, and causing blood sugar levels to spike and crash.

These individuals (of whom I am one), have no more power to “stay on a diet”, than a drug addict has to “just say no”.

I am asking for your help.

Please forward this article to First Lady Michelle Obama at The White House, along with sincere wishes that she is able to bring light and impact to this devastating illness.

Thanks, and I look forward to speaking with you.

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First, in a move that would spare me from another Winter in the sub-zero regions known as The Frozen Tundra, I packed the most important of my earthly possessions and took up residence in sunny South Florida!

Now, that is not to say there aren’t things I miss from that area of the country… it’s just that the weather is definitely not among them! And the wonderful friends, well… technology has made keeping in touch a breeze!

But the second milestone was much more important.

Beginning in September, and continuing throughout the month of October, we added to the national conversation about health care in an effort that would see many of you getting involved, writing to our congressional leaders, and making an impact.

For that, I thank you.

Specifically, we shined the light on addiction as it relates to the COST of health care. We addressed issues of common illnesses that are completely treatable and avoidable. And we exposed the biggest culprit in the health (unhealth) of our society… that of obesity.

So this past weekend, it was a breath of fresh air as headlines across the country blared the news of our First-Lady’s cause of fighting obesity… first within her own family, and then in yours.

But in each account, there was something missing. And for that I am going to ask for your help once again. Please come back next week… prepared to get involved for just fifteen or twenty minutes. Together, we can make a difference.

I look forward to speaking with you then.

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that one over the years, well… I guess I could have retired long before I would have gotten around to writing it!

Ah, yes.

And while I appreciate all the friends and patients and past-patients who have asked me to summarize the myriad stories in the form of an autobiography, it just didn’t seem right… the autobiographical part, I mean.

After all, the focus of my work, of my career, and of my passion has always been about one thing and one thing only. And that one thing was not me. On the contrary, it is the hope of recovery for individuals and families that are struggling with addiction.

That’s all it’s ever been.

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So, does the world need another book on addiction?

The answer, I believe, is clearly yes. After all, each of us relates stories in such a way as to connect with some who could be reached in no other way, and by no one else.

It is the reason that I encourage you to tell your stories as well, and why we focused on that very topic in this forum the last two weeks in a row.

In the next few weeks or so, additional information will come out regarding publication and promotion. In the meantime, I thank you for your willingness to be involved, and your commitment to the cause of recovery!

I look forward to speaking with you soon.

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Well, the truth is that he laid out a scenario in which the symptoms of addiction were so clear that a complete novice may have had suspicions… so I brought it up.

“Yeah… addiction,” he said, “Been there, done that!”

No doubt, this phrase has become very popular in the last few years, but it takes on new meaning for those of us who have spent any amount of time fighting this disease and its effects on our loved ones and relationships.

So I asked this acquaintance a few questions and it suddenly became clear that his statement wasn’t exactly accurate. You see, with addicts and addiction, its not a case of “Been there, done that,” but instead is more likely to be a situation of, “Been there, still there… and right in the middle of doing that!”

Addiction is progressive, and we must pick up the battle anew each morning.

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When viewed in this light, “Been there, still doing that,” has another advantage for the purpose of sharing our experience, strength, and hope. Because we are in the fight, our message of recovery suddenly has impact… our words now have music!

This is your story… and also mine. It’s a story that thousands of hurting families long to hear!

“I know exactly how you feel. I’ve been where you are, and many days I’m still there… and here’s what’s working.”

The power that is contained in those simple words breathes hope and light and life into the world of someone who, only moments before, was full hopelessness and darkness and desperation.

“Yes,” we tell them. “This happened to me too! Yes, our family was just like yours! Yes, we were crumbling also! And yes, we’re doing something about it.”

The effects are unmistakable, and powerful. “Oh my goodness!” they realize. “If you can succeed, then maybe we can too!”

Powerful, indeed!

I encourage you to write down your story. Read it. Memorize it. Pray about it. And while you’re on your knees, ask that others be placed into your path who need to hear the good news of recovery, and that you will have the will to share your story with them.

The results will change their life… and likely your’s as well!

I look forward to speaking with you soon.

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You’ve watched and prayed as your mom had surgery for heart disease, you hoped and prayed as your brother’s attitude turned mean and his marriage failed. And you cried as you prayed for your son or daughter, who were out doing– well, who knows what, with who knows whom.

And you’ve spent more than a few hours learning that you can make a difference– indeed, that you are the difference.

Yes, you have begun to understand that the illnesses and diseases, the unkind attitudes, and the risky or destructive behaviors are likely mere symptoms of an underlying (and ultimately deadly) addictive condition, and what’s more, you’re starting to see it everywhere.

Yes, everywhere.

The teachers at your child’s school and the neighbor across the street, your boss and your elected leaders, the strangers at the mall and the loved ones around the dinner table.

You now have taken notice of the heart disease and cancer, the high blood pressure and diabetes, the constant colds and coughing and doctor visits of people you know and love.

Yes, you’ve witnessed the stress and pressure of seemingly minor issues, and the financial, emotional, and behavioral changes.

And you want it to stop.
You’re wondering what to do.
How do you let them know there’s a solution?
How do you broach the subject?
How do you share your experience, strength, and hope?

The answer lies in your story.

Your own personal testimony, a sort of before-and-after, is the key that can unlock conversations and start another family on the road to healing and recovery.

You see, our stories make us relatable to others– approachable– and provide common ground on which to begin laying a foundation for recovery.

After all, many of the ailments and challenges that we face in addiction are fairly common experiences to hundreds of thousands of other individuals and families, as well.

If we are listening, if we are aware, the conversations and the people crying out for help are all around. The question is whether or not we are willing to share of ourselves.

So what exactly does that look like? We’ll examine it a little closer next time. Until then, I look forward to speaking with you.

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Now, unless you just happened to arrive here by mistake while searching for an entertainment site… I think it’s fair to say that we probably know a few things about one another already.

Yes, if you’ve looked around, or if we’ve ever spoken, you probably know at least a bit of my story… and I can likely guess a piece of yours as well. After all, the disease of addiction tends to be fairly predictable.

And you probably also know a good deal about my heart… and the mission to share my experience, strength, and hope with addicts of all kinds. Indeed, for over thirty-five years, it is the reason for getting up early every morning… and, I suppose, for going to bed so late on many nights also!

Likewise, I believe that I understand why you are here.

I believe you are seeking answers and options… tools and resources… that you can use to make decisions regarding the possible addiction and illness that is shredding one or more of your relationships right now.

Why else would you have come?

Well, dear friend… that is exactly what I want to give you. Along with the assurance that regardless of where you are today… regardless of the condition of your loved one… no matter what you’ve tried in the past… there is hope for healing and recovery.

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Now here’s what you and I don’t know.

You don’t know what challenges may lie ahead on the road back to abstinence and sobriety… and I don’t know the extent to which you are willing to get involved.. so let me ask you just a few simple questions.

What if you could make one phone call, and start the ball rolling on bringing health back to your loved one… and sanity to your relationships? Yes, what if one call could begin the process of building a team to help you with all of the issues and emotions that you’ve been struggling with on your own?

What if one call could change everything?

You see, so often we speak of the hard work and commitment that can be required for recovery, that we can forget how it all begins. A simple phone conversation.

That’s right… call me.

And you need to know that for some families… that’s all that is required. That’s enough. Their loved one gets the help and support they need, and recovery begins.

Other families may be involved throughout the process, because that may be what’s required in their case… but we won’t know, until you call. The most important components that you bring are your willingness to be involved… and your commitment to the treatment plan that is developed.

And it all begins with the call.

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So, welcome back… I’m glad you’re here. And I look forward to hearing from you soon.

(561) 495-3913 Anytime (Home)
(920) 544-1400 Anytime (Cell)

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