Recovery Housing  Oxford House, an independent and sober living environment,  providing sober living for those in 12step recovery groups like AA and NA is under attack in Jefferson Parish.  One legislator,  Steve Scalise (R) has filed legislation that would block Louisiana's Office for Addictive Disorders from contracting with Oxford Houses across the state.  This legislation that has passed the full House, if passed would violate federal housing law, which disallows such discrimination against recovering alcoholics and addicts. MORE

DUI/DWI-Mandating Effective screening/assessment-treatment is key to reducing recidivism because, regardless of penalties imposed, sooner or later the offender will begin driving again. The only way to safeguard against an offender's return to drunk driving is treatment that produces changes in behavior and lifestyle supporting recovery.  More on efforts in action in Louisiana

There are an estimated 7,500,000 women alcoholics in the United States alone American women are 4 times more likely to die from Addiction related illness than they are from breast cancer? Brandeis University, 1993

Yet...Alcohol and Breast Cancer-Risks are higher and of  concern for women who drink more than 2 drinks a day More on  Abuse/ Addiction Issues and Women and known risks.

2nd Lawsuit filed against Big Alcohol.
Alcohol is the most abused drug in the U.S.-- 
Read latest- 2nd suit filed in California and read the 1st Class Action Youth focused Lawsuit filed in 11/03 in D.C.


With no public health and safety warnings, and tons of money to run ads promoting alcohol use to youth.  There is one legal drug,  reaping the benefits (profits) of being addictive, and virtually self regulated.  The result is a cycle of abuse and addiction plaguing our nation.  We then spend millions of dollars, preventing drug abuse, and many of us want to know how Alcohol, the most abused drug in the U.S.-costs totaling $185 Billion to the U.S.  has been overlooked?

Generations of Alcohol Related Health Problems-  Must End.
The public health implications for millions of  vulnerable children and adults continues generation after generation, written off as "culture".  Promoted like soft drinks, billions of dollars are spent convincing American's that all drinking, is good drinking when it comes to alcohol.
Article published by the  the Marin Institute, on Recovery and Prevention Pioneers in Louisiana, Sharon Ayres of the Louisiana Alliance & Samantha-Hope Atkins

Alcohol Health-Information

Alcohol is a drug or it isn't! 
 Read outrage on Alcohol being excluded from the "Drug Policy" efforts
  "Denial is the biggest symptom of this illness, and not just for the alcoholic." 

Alcoholism-Alcohol Dependence-Get Information
Hope for Truth and information on Alcohol abuse  and Alcoholism.


The Cycle of addiction in her family, and community read more  How can we work together inside and outside our "rooms" to be active, responsible citizens in our communities?
 Where do we start?  HopeNetworks Recovering Community Action and Support Network in the works www.WeRecover.org !

A message from our founder Samantha-Hope Atkins and our Purpose
Actions to bring about change:
Got Recovery?
Millions of Americans struggling,
and Millions of us living in and supporting recovery!  Realizing recovery provides us with an opportunity to take action, and become responsible community members, we do just that!  Make sure you go to www.werecover.org and register if you are interested in working with others in recovery to carry our message of hope and truth that indeed real people,  really do recover in action efforts and advocacy to support the recovering community!   

ACTION in Recovery!   William White Recovery Glossary-a tool to explain recovery terms.

We Recover, We Pay Taxes, and yes,  We Vote! (See Your Recovery, Your Community Information for Action) Laws that discriminate against those with who suffer from a addiction, can and will be changed---each individual has the opportunity to support law makers who are working to end this longstanding prejudice against families seeking help for alcohol and other drug problems.  This disease discrimination, is in effect how our communities continue to remain  full of people who are literally dying to get in treatment.  National law makers are being recognized and support for the Heart Act,  federal legislation that will move our work  in the Recovering community forward, and help millions of Americans.  Johnny Allem of the Johnson Institute's press release  or read the Heart Act


Read more on how you can get involved.
"Unity, is our strength, together we are doing what no one of us can!"

A history of speaking out in support of those still suffering!The recovering community must respect certain issues regarding anonymity  but may still provide information to the public.  A great example is the one of the co-founders for the largest 12step support group in existence today.
Bill W. speaking to the Senate?

Oklahoma, In the" Spirit of Recovery" and  West Virginia Coalitions for change

Our nation must focus on

Healing our communities.  We need effective, available, comprehensive treatment and prevention services.  Too many families are struggling to "make it"-to survive- alcohol and other drug problems are plaguing America.  Recovery is out of reach, under funded, or impossible for too many American's.   Ending the family cycle requires a comprehensive community approach, with real people investing their time and energy into real outcomes that improve the quality of life, and health for those across the county.

Learn more about solutions to Addiction and Incarceration, too many people are living without hope, needing treatment, and education, along with other support to return to communities as healthy, productive, citizens.