St. James Parish HOPE Addictions Ministry Links Page

The Hope Ministry provides spiritual support and information for adults and children who are dealing with addictions or compulsive behaviors -- either their own, or those of family members or friends. The ministry also sponsors educational programs, workshops, and materials to enlighten and inform all parishioners and assist them in raising their awareness of the disease of addiction.

A link to resources for evaluation, referrals, treatment options, and topic-specific support groups for various addictions and problems is included immediately below. Links relating to topics covered in past HOPE Bulletin Announcements are listed below that, and recent bulletin topics are at the bottom of this page.

Although Hope Ministry members are not professional counselors, we are always available to provide spiritual support plus additional help in locating appropriate resources for your particular concerns. For a confidential conversation, contact any of the members listed here, or send an E-mail to stjhope@hotmail.com

Maggie Clune -- 609-540-2280
Pete Antoniewicz -- 609-466-7719
Moore or Theresa Hank -- 609-883-8721

BULLYING
Bullying has been around as long as anyone can remember. But new forms of bullying -- such as anonymous on-line bullying with far-reaching effects -- create new issues beyond those faced with the typical schoolyard bullying of the past, and greater repercussions in terms of self-esteem, depression, self-medication, or more. And as it always has been, our children can be involved in several ways -- as the victim, as the bully, or as an observer. Addressing each role requires a different approach. That's why it pays to be informed.

Here is one overview on cyberbullying with a link to a specific guide for parents and teachers. Another overview includes links with tips for children to talk to their parents about cyberbullying. The Website stopcyberbullying.org also provides steps to take and also describes how cyberbullying can also take multiple forms as well. Here are some ideas on dealing with text message bullying. And some guidelines from the National Crime Prevention Council.

This amazingly thorough training course on cyberbullying incorporates links to supporting Web content and poignant examples of cyberbullying. And the Website wiredsafety.org provides links to even broader advice and guidance on Internet safety – including cyberbullying and beyond.

SEXTING
Depending on the source (and on the age ranges surveyed), the published “statistics” on the frequency of teen involvement in sexting can vary widely. But regardless of the real exposure – as a participant or a recipient – the outcomes associated with this behavior are serious enough that they out to be discussed with all teens who use a cell phone, because victims can be at risk for depression and series of related problems.

According to an MTV Web site:

• 3 in 10 young people have been involved in sexting.
• 61% of those who sent a sext of themselves have been pressured to do so at least once.
• Nearly 1 in 5 sext recipients have passed the sext along to someone else.
• More than 50% of those who shared a Sext shared it with multiple people.
• Sexters are 4 times as likely to have considered suicide in the past year than non-sexters.

Is sexting really that widespread? In the interest of full disclosure, here is a link to a survey with another perspective, including a link to the full copy of that study.

Either way, it is a good idea to discuss the the topic with your teen or pre-teen -- from the persepctive of being the originator, the subject, or the recipient of sext messages. This Naples, Florida family magazine provides an overview of What Parents Need to Know about Sexting. SafetyWeb, a provider of Internet Monitoring Tools, offers these tips. And here's what KidsHealth.org has to say about sexting.

This site for parents of teens, which appears to be published by Elements Behavioral Health treatment centers, offers thought-provoking looks at sexting and its unintended consequences, as well as a wide variety of other teen health and safety topics.

SPIRITUAL SUPPORT FOR THE AFFLICTED AND THE AFFECTED
For those who need a boost for their spiritual well-being, there are several good organizations offering weekend retreats and day programs -- including some with events specifically for those in recovery or for the codependents of individuals who might be struggling for sobriety. These include The Upper Room Spiritual Center in Neptune, NJ and San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, NJ, as well as Immaculata Retreat House in Willimantic, CT.

HOW TO RAISE A DRUG-FREE KID
This first link is to a Web site for parents, called "Straight Dope For Parents", and provides access to the book "How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid", written by former U.S. Health, Education, and Welfare Secretary Joseph Califano. The other links are to his organization (CASA) and his monthly blog.
Learn how to raise a drug-free kid at Straight Dope for Parents.org.
The National Center on Addiction and Drug Abuse (CASA)
Chairman Joseph Califano's Blog

ADDICTION AS A DISEASE
To learn more about the reasons why addiction is legitimately classified as a disease, visit the following links:
The Science of Addiction (PDF File)
The Neurobiology of Drug Addiction (Part 2 of 4 Parts)
FAQs on addiction
Brain function, behavioral issues, treatment, therapy
Definitions, basic biology, issues of use, treatment options