VOLUME V / MAY 2013
Two Dreams is a wellness program led by Andrea G. Barthwell, MD, FASAM that provides individualized care for those who dream of recovering a healthy lifestyle.
NOTE FROM DR. B.
Our Parents Academy Program has officially kicked off with great success! I am presenting lectures on adolescent psychological development for the parents at various schools in the Chicago area. These lectures serve as a road map for parents to help foster healthy, functional habits in teenaged children. Here is a link to an article featured in the Oak Leaves online publication. If you are interested in setting up a lecture at your school, or know anyone who is, please contact our Chicago Office.
VOLUME V / MAY 2013
Two Dreams is a wellness program led by Andrea G. Barthwell, MD, FASAM that provides individualized care for those who dream of recovering a healthy lifestyle.
NOTE FROM DR. B.
Our Parents Academy Program has officially kicked off with great success! I am presenting lectures on adolescent psychological development for the parents at various schools in the Chicago area. These lectures serve as a road map for parents to help foster healthy, functional habits in teenaged children. Here is a link to an article featured in the Oak Leaves online publication. If you are interested in setting up a lecture at your school, or know anyone who is, please contact our Chicago Office.
STEP OF THE MONTH
“Admit to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs”
To begin Step 5, pull out your inventory from the previous step. Look over it again. It may be best to read everything you have written in your inventory out loud so you can admit to yourself and your higher power the exact nature of your wrongdoings. After doing so, you may start to feel a little better right away. Reading the inventory out loud can create a feeling of unburdening. Taking baby steps in your recovery is very crucial, so going straight to the people you have wronged is not recommended in this step. Instead, find someone you have not harmed and who will not judge you; you can tell them your inventory and its contents. For example, the person to whom you read your inventory can be a stranger who has no idea who you are. However tempting strangers may be, though, we recommend that you read your inventory to your sponsor. Your sponsor is not supposed to judge you in any way and most likely has been in the same position that you are in right now. After reading your inventory aloud to another human being, your shoulders should feel even lighter. The purpose of Step 5 is to get everything off your chest and bring the exact nature of your wrongdoings into the light. As Dr. Barthwell says, “Mold does not grow in the light of day.”
COMMUNITY
Our community spotlight this month goes to the official Two Dreams Mascot, Buster. This little silky terrier was rescued by our Clinical Director, Sid Miltz, after he was abandoned at a nearby residence. Since then, he has found a new, loving home with Two Dreams. Buster brings joy and comfort to the clients; many individuals will take care of him for the day to aide in their recovery process. After hard beginnings, this little guy is now spoiled with love.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Chicago Opens Sober Bar
An alcoholic’s temptation to drink can be so powerful they feel that it is an absolute necessity to stay away from bars and nightclubs. The problem with this is that those places can be a great place to socialize and have fun with friends. Many people who don’t drink alcohol and have never been addicts go to these places and still have a blast. Well now there are “bars” and nightclubs opening up that are exactly the same but the catch is they don’t serve alcohol. The Other Side is a Chicago-based sober bar that has all the same amenities as your local bars such as live music, dancing, ping pong, pool, and more but they do not serve alcohol. Now there is no need for an addict who is in recovery to feel like they are missing out on all of the fun. The Other Side is the first of its kind, nonprofit organization who is currently looking for sponsorship to keep their brilliant idea up and running since most bars make their money from selling alcohol. If interested in a sponsorship please contact Joe Bongiovanni at
[email protected].
“Your Voice. Your Choice.”
This week is National Prevention Week. Supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this national health observance aims to increase public awareness of, and action around, substance abuse and mental health issues.
THE 3P’S
After a long winter, we receive relief from the sign of blossoming flowers and budding trees. As the world grows around you this month, take time to grow with it, and participate in these new ways to help strike a balance within yourself.
Mental Peace
As we turn outward this month and focus on developing our personal integrity, we can search for inspiration by remembering the men and women who have given all for our country and for the freedoms we take part in every day. Celebrate Memorial Day this month and pay homage to the loved ones we have lost, while reflecting upon the level of courage that it takes to remain so selfless.
Physical Well Being
Who says grilling out can’t be healthy? Check out this delicious recipe to use as we enter the grilling season.
Personal Productivity
May is the month to kick back, give back, and have some fun. The school year is coming to a close, vacations are being booked, and now it is time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Be productive this month by starting up some fun new crafts that everyone can appreciate.
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