Welcome to another edition of Common Ground Online. Here's what's in this week's edition:
- Truehope Conference Calls
- Alcohol and EMPowerplus - Do they mix well?
- These Painted Wings - Book Review & Southern Alberta Event
Our first ever Truehope conference call with co-founders Anthony Stephan and David Hardy took place on June 8th where they shared their inspiring story of how Truehope began. We received lots of positive feedback about the call and as promised, a recording of the call is now available in streaming audio or for download on www.mytruehope.net. Follow the "conference calls" link on the left-hand side to access the recording.
The next conference call is scheduled for July 6th and Tony and David will address specific questions from a few callers. We have already received many requests to participate on the call and we encourage you to RSVP now to feedback@truehope.com if you would like to listen in or if you have a question you would like to ask. Don't miss this opportunity to participate!
The short answer is no.
Alcohol interferes with the Central Nervous System (CNS) operation in a powerful way. Much research has been completed on the effects of alcohol and its use in relation to CNS disorders. Consider the following excerpts from several research studies:
”Intoxication with brain depressants, especially alcohol, can cause clinically relevant changes in mood, with prolonged intoxication likely to induce depressive symptoms that resemble those seen in major depressive disorder”.1
"Depression may be engendered with the use of alcohol by reducing CNS catecholamine [visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catecholamine for definition] levels."2
"Alcohol use may increase brain serotonin levels, and may have a reversal effect as its effects wear off, creating a vicious cycle of self medicating."3
These findings probably come as no surprise. Anyone who suffers with a mood disorder has likely self-medicated with one thing or another including alcohol. The problem is that alcohol in particular has a powerful effect on the CNS, and the same is being proven to be true with EMPowerplus, and the two just don't mix. If you are making the transition to EMPowerplus, then alcohol really should have no place in your wellness program, especially if you are still using alcohol as an unofficial form of medication (becoming intoxicated). Set a goal to reduce and/or eliminate your alcohol consumption. Doing so will allow EMPowerplus to work faster and more effectively for you.
1 Schuckit MA., Alcohol and depression: a clinical perspective. Acta Psychiatry Scand Suppl 377:28-32, 1994
2 Cottereau MJ., et al., Encephale 6(3): 209-26, 1980
3 Goodwin FK. Alcohol research: delivering on the promise. Public Health Rep 103(6): 569-74, 1988
The story of the Truehope discovery has been told countless ways in the media but never as personally as in Autumn Stringam's new book, "These Painted Wings".
Autumn tells her story about life with her mother and father and the excruciating pain of watching her mother slip into severe mental illness and then commit suicide - the very suicide that ultimately led to the Truehope discovery.
"These Painted Wings" is harrowing as Autumn follows her mother's path into severe bipolar illness, but at the darkest moment, hope is finally found.
See the Truehope discovery through new eyes as Autumn doubtfully tries her dad's vitamin and mineral concoction, begins her recovery, withdraws from a five-drug cocktail, and leaves the psych ward behind forever.
Rejoice as Autumn goes on to bear three little girls and works to protect the rights of the mentally ill in Canada. You really don't know Truehope until you've read "These Painted Wings".
"These Painted Wings" is a book of hope. You'll want to share it with all of your family and friends to increase their understanding, offer hope, and the knowledge that no one is beyond help.
Visit www.ThesePaintedWings.com to get your copy today.
Southern Alberta Truehope participants are invited to meet Autumn at her book signing event on Saturday June 24th at the Lethbridge Chapters book store (next to Park Place Mall) from Noon to 5pm.
Help us to serve you better. Send your questions, comments, or concerns about the Truehope Program, EMPowerplus, or our support resources to feedback@truehope.com or call 1-888-878-3467 to speak to a Truehope Support Specialist.
We want to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date program information so that you can continue to make informed decisions regarding your health. Our hope is that you will find hope, healing, and health through education and continued support.
Yours in health,
The Truehope Support Staff
Website: www.truehope.com
Participant Support Website: www.mytruehope.net
|
