Recovery is a Journey

"Self pity, in its early stages, is as snug as a feather mattress. Only when it hardens does it become uncomfortable."  Maya Angelou

Some days we grasp for self-pity like a blanket on a cold night. And, we are momentarily comforted. The problem is, extended periods of self pity will undermine our purpose…to be at peace with ourselves so we can know freedom from addiction. Being on the "pity-pot", as it is sometimes referred to, prevents us from carrying the message of hope to others.

The choice of staying clean and sober is a gift we make available to ourselves, and can pass on to others. How? Well, one way is by cultivating a genuine gratefulness in our lives. Although the journey of recovery is a difficult one, there is still a lot to be thankful about. Those that are the most acutely aware of what there is to be thankful for are generally those who are actively working a recovery program. Those who are passively involved in attempting to abstain are many times those to complain and moan, and groan about how awful things are. Those folks tend to become bored, lazy, and unhappy.

Being active in our recovery enhances our ability and motivation for taking notice of those things for which we are thankful. Please take a few moments are write down all that you are thankful for today. Now… Don't you feel better already?

Health Department
West Nile Update

DSHS has confirmed 11 human cases of neuroinvasive West Nile in Texas residents this year. Counties with confirmed cases are Collin, Hunt, Denton, El Paso, Palo Pinto, and Williamson. There have been no confirmed West Nile deaths in Texas this year. Past history:

• 2006 - Detected in 98 counties. 233 human cases from 46 counties and 33 deaths.
• 2005 - Detected in 78 counties. 128 human cases from 38 counties and 11 deaths.
• 2004 - Detected in 101 counties. 119 human cases from 40 counties and 8 deaths.
• 2003 - Detected in 190 counties. 439 human cases from 86 counties and 38 deaths.
• 2002 - Detected in 213 counties. 202 human cases and 13 deaths.

Since the virus was first found in Texas in 2002, West Nile has been detected in humans, birds, horses, or mosquitoes in 234 of the state's 254 counties.

"In order to make someone else happy or convince myself that someday my life would, as if by magic, get better, I have put my life on hold. I know now that it didn't work. The magic day never came while I was waiting and hoping for happiness. I am worthy of being happy, of having people love me, and of making my own choices about what happens to me. It's my life. Today I take it back."

Congratulations to Veronica Reyes, C.I.

Recently, the TMTA, Texas Methadone Treatment Association named our own Veronica ("Ronnie") Reyes as counselor of the year. We are proud of Ronnie and impressed that the TMTA leadership was insightful enough to recognize quality.

Outcome Measures for April 2007

On a periodic basis, we audit our records to see how things are going. Generally we measure 19 different aspects of our program. Here's part of what we found out in April:

• 93% of our clients are either working or are full-time students.
• 96% of the time our clients are free of opiates.
• 94% of the time our clients are free of all illicit drugs.
• 93% of time no one is in jail.
• 93% of the time, our clients report both mental and emotional improvement.
• 94% of our clients report an increased ability to lead a normal lifestyle.

What To Do About West Nile

1. Use a good insect repellent. Use it every time you are outdoors. Or, wear long sleeves and long pants. Yea, right…in this Texas heat. Look for a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. 60% of those who have gotten infected did not use any repellent.
2. Store insect repellent at the front and back doors. Keep an extra one on patios and decks.
3. Mosquito proof your house.
4. Drain standing water from around your home. Empty buckets, tires, empty cans, rain gutters, and saucers under potted plants.
5. Change the water in pet bowls, bird baths, and wading pools several times a week.
6. Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors from dusk to dawn.

The risk of exposure to West Nile is relatively small. Not all types of mosquitoes can transmit the virus. Of the species that can, only one in a hundred will carry the virus. 80% of people infected with West Nile have no symptoms and recover on their own.

Symptoms of the milder forms of West Nile include fever, severe headache, muscle and bone aches, nausea, and drowsiness. Symptoms of more serious forms of West Nile include stiff neck, visual problems, altered sense of taste, body tremors, mental confusion, memory loss, and seizures. Symptoms usually appear from 3-14 days after a person is bitten.

People most at risk are those older than 50 and those with compromised immune systems. There is no specific treatment for West Nile infections. A blood test can confirm West Nile infection.