WeRecover! We Celebrate! (See our Sister Site www.werecover.org)
First of a kind State Wide, National Recovery Month Celebration, Louisiana! Louisiana Recovery Day, (SoberJam!)-A free day long event! sponsored by: HopeNetworks, Louisiana State Office of Addictive Disorders, and SAMHSA &CSAT more information and to sign up

We have been receiving e-mails and calls from many across Louisiana looking for guidance in the vote Governor, and various other state and local races this October 4^th.

As we have assessed the candidates in the Governor’s race, we have done so by looking at their understanding of the disease of addiction. Addiction costs the state more than $8billion dollars a year according to the CASA (Shoveling UP Report). The direct costs related to alcohol alone total $813 Million in Direct cost per year; it only makes sense to elect a Governor who can understand this issue and address the cost both to our state's strapped budget and the lives of those in our communities.

Treatment, Excise Taxes on Alcohol, and other policies that reduce the impact of addiction on our state were the subject of a survey we participated in to research candidates positions on issues that are critical to our states progress and growth.

Over 9 weeks ago, we worked with several other groups to garner opinions from all candidates in the state with a survey called the Healthy Louisiana Communities Survey.

Many candidates answered this call but only a few running for governor. Most of the Governor’s candidates could not muster the strength to answer. We did receive an answer from Attorney General Richard Ieyoub, but were disappointed to see that he would not support funding treatment through proper taxation of the Alcohol industry, that is now enjoying a 51^st year without a single tax increase. Supporting treatment is substantial and we recognize that, but most tax payers in Louisiana greatly support treatment services for alcohol and drug addiction. It is well known our state's OAD office is greatly under funded, the money just is not available. Part of the problem, is that demand for recovery services has increased over the last 50 years, and therefore demand for dollars to treat those in need has increased, there has been no increase in Louisiana's most abused/legal drug Alcohol to provide services to those who are creating the "costs". In addition, the NAS report, a landmark study on reducing underage access to alcohol was released 9/03, and called for states to raise their alcohol excise tax as a course of action to reducing illegal consumption by youth.

While Buddy Leach did not respond he is the single candidate that has publicly stated the need to raise taxes on beer to address the cost of addiction and the charity hospital budget shortfalls. Early communication with Lt. Governor Kathleen Blanco gave some inkling of hope as she noted her legislative record and desire to “bring balance to the taxation of Alcohol.

Election 2003 Candidates who responded to our Survey on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Treatment for Addiction. RESULTS by candidate

So where does this leave us? It leaves us in a quandary with no sure candidate to support. Personally, I am of the belief that risking political capital to stand in opposition of the alcohol industry is too risky for anyone running for Governor, and I am hopeful that upon election the comfort zone to "do the right thing" will become the next course of action. No responsible fiscal manager would allow the 50 year tax payer supported free ride to continue for an industry that has placed Louisiana in many "worst" slots in national comparisons (2nd in the nation in DWI fatalities, Juvenile and Adult incarceration, Poor performance by students in populations exposed to heavy marketing and lax policy, etc.)

The one candidate who has made an affirmative statement to support addressing the fiscal cost of addiction with an excise tax on beer is Buddy Leach, that was in a newspaper article and his staff did not "as promised" produce his HLC survey submissions.

No candidate was willing to support an alcohol tax in our survey, or on paper, lots of verbal promises, but no paper commitment.

Lets hope that those in the "run off" respond differently, and begin to see that those of us in touch with this issue, know first hand how real the problem is, and that "denial" just won't work, not if we are to reduce the costs, build "healthy" policy, and "healthy" safe communities.

One way or the other, we must all be ready to write letters come October 5^th. We need to unify our voice of support and questioning to each Governor’s candidate in the run-off. We need to become very valuable to the candidate so our voice can be heard.

Set Free Indeed
This weekly support group benefits those who desire to overcome addictions. The mission of Set Free Indeed is to assist those who are struggling with addiction become free through the Power of God.

Set free Indeed ministry team provides group and one on one counseling. We work in conjunction with organizations and medical professionals who are available to assist the person who is struggling with addiction. We partner with counselors who are licensed to practice in the State of Louisiana as well as other agencies that provide assistance to those struggling with addictions. We also offer counseling and encouragement to family members who are confronting the addiction along with their loved one(s).

Set Free Indeed believes that through prayer, counseling and a strong one-on-one accountability system can one find the strength to confront and conquer addiction. We believe that recovery begins at the Cross. We rely solely on the foundation of the Word of God to break the bands of addiction. We believe that through practicing the Word and practical living skills can the person struggling with addiction reestablish their lives. Once a person admits that he has a problem and recognizes that only God can set him free, and then the rebuilding process can begin.

We invite you to join us Friday nights at 7:00 PM at Healing Place Church if you desire to be set free indeed.

For more information contact Darren or Tonja Myles @ 753-2273 ext. 305 or E-mail dtmyles@bellsouth.net also log onto healingplacechurch.org (key word: set free)

Tonja will is going to lead the Faith committee to help us network others in Faith-Based Recovery services into our Real People, Really Recover - Advocacy group

Recovery Month 2003

Find your Local Area Community Meeting, and Plan to attend! Get Flyers and dates here www.werecover.org connecting the recovering community, and creating a place for unity!

from August-Sept 2003 on SoberJam

Live Music, Cajun Food, Starbucks Coffee, and Family Fun!!!!
Executive Director, Samantha-Hope Atkins updates, "We are expecting as many as 5000 people from across Louisiana, and even surrounding states to join us for a day of unity and recognition for and by those in recovery along with, community leaders, faith support, and countless others supporting the recovering community. The incredible positive impact of this event can not be measured, we are indeed grateful to send an uplifting message that "real people, do indeed really recover", and we are inviting our all to be a part of our day of celebration!" more information and to sign up

July 14, 2003
Womens Conf. on Substance Abuse, Baton Rouge, LA
Get the Registration here

(August 2003)
Louisiana URGENT Action Alert
The only 32 medical detox beds
in Louisiana are proposed in
cuts to Charity Hospital

Before WeRecover.org

we believe in our ability to unite and deliver hope. Print these flyers "pass them on" and get all you know registered to get education, information, and resources that pave our way to solutions to the countless out there struggling with this disease.

Steering Committee to meet August 8, 2003 continue

August 8, 2003 continue statewide planning for

Post Recovery Tour (cut info from laalert)

Louisiana Statewide Meetings to prepare for a day of unity in September 2003. Free Transportation from across the state and a great day of family events that uplift and recognize the value of the recovering community!

August Alerts (2003)

Urgent Need for your help to save
our 32 medical detox beds.

AMEN! Every Path to Recovery is a good one! Our Tonja Myles, gets the Presidents Praise for her Faith-Based Recovery Programs
Tonja and I spoke last week, discussing Recovery Advocacy, and the role of Faith-Based recovery in our collaborative efforts. We profiled her in our Faith-Community section, and wanted to get her assistance in forming a statewide committee for Faith Leadership, and she was as always willing to be part of the solution! So we are talking, and she tells me "The Presidents office called for information on our program", and then I was so excited, (Our Recovering Community is LOUD) couldn't wait to see what would happen, so proud of her. Well, let me say, we are supposed to go have coffee today, and Tonja, I do believe won't make it! Seems she was honored with traveling to D.C., and attending "State of Union" speech, both she and Darren, her husband! This is so excellent. Recovery, and Public Policy, do not have to be political issues, and President Bush has demonstrated that, he has in my opinion, been very supportive of community based efforts, and that says allot! His actions and words, are the same, the funding for Faith-Based services is something very powerful. "Set Free Indeed" with resource opens a huge door of possibility for many in need of support and choosing a spiritually based recovery programs. Now, lets hope Tonja gets home soon, we need her to assist in sending a message, with experience, strength, and hope to the many Faith-Leaders of the state! Together....We are making progress! Thank you Tonja and Darren for your commitment, and hard work!

Tonja Myles, heat from National Treatment Professionals, Is there now a wrong door for recovery? First let me say, Tonja and her husband Darren are exceptional gifts to our community. They are actively reaching out to those suffering from addiction. They are not politicians, or fancy foot policy analysts. The no "wrong" door for recovery mantra, seems to only be applicable as long as those preaching, aren't threatened. Vouchers for all treatment programs, that do not rule out those with faith based principles should not be under such harsh protest. The guidelines for these vouchers, will surely include licensing requirements, although critics would have you believe otherwise.

The Myles' are from a place of gratitude giving back, using their strong Christian beliefs and faith, to reach to those suffering. It seems their honesty, and humility, have placed them in firestorm of debate nationally. President Bush, clearly was demonstrating his appreciation for the value of community support and the spirit of a great part of America, our faith. He did not specify faith in what, but spiritually focused community support like it or lump is part of how millions of us recover. There is no reason that science based treatment, can not be provided by faith founded groups.

Read HopeNetworks Views on those running for Governor. Statement related to Louisiana Election 2003