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Show T March 31. i 1998- - Pace 11 Uintah Basin Standard After Hitting Rock Bottom The shattered souls of addicts find rebirth through twelve steps By Cheryl Mecham - Using drugs is not about living its about dying, a woman said during last Tuesday's Narcotics Anonymous meeting in Roosevelt She freely admits rites an addict that she has a disease that is not curable and will not go away. From all physical appearances her style of dress, her grooming, her eloquent words, one would think she is a counselor of the group. Looks are deceiving. Shell be the first to tell you that she comes on Tuesday nights for the support to stay clean, and to help other addicts fight the good fight She talks of trust, I hurt others badly, if they had what I needed I would take it ... it (drugs) numbs your sense of right or wrong, it didn't matter at that point I was morally and spiritually bankrupt. Not all people who use drugs or alcohol become addicts, but those who are, those who have lost control of their lives can find it again with the 12 step program. Bill Moyers, a former Washington press secretary nearly lost his son William to hard core alcohol and drugs. Moyers also calls addiction, a disease. He recently petitioned Congress to recognize addiction as a biological problem, and to fight this wide- - spread epidemic by making medical treatment available to the general public. Researchers have recently discovered that the chemicals in the brain can change with drug use, for example a recent study found cocaine releases chemicals that produces stress and fear which are relieved when the individual the drug, but the relief is only temporary as using causes the chemical to be emitted again. These brain mapping changes have led scientists to believe that addiction is a biological problem and not a consequence of weak moral character. We don't have control, the compulsion triggers the brain and you cant stop, and at the same time it says that what youre doing is OK, -- .2 re-us- es another participant in the meeting divulged. Jim, who heads the Narcotics Anonymous group described a part of his history on his way to sobriety. I was sitting in a shack, on a chair Id borrowed eating a milk shake and I was so happy. I had lost everything that I had thought was valuable, but I had peace of mind, I just started crying I was so happy. A pleasant memory tossed in with so many that are painful. Jim knows well the agonies of addiction and has been soHELPING OUT-J-im alcohol addicitons and from ber drug for years and is reaching out to help other addicts to find sobriety. people who walk through the door of the Doran C. the trials of the Kelsey building, located behind Circle K. He tells them that self acceptance is possible, that they can like themselves again - even love themselves. A difficult concept for newcomers, who show up with shattered souls and lives devastated by their addiction. But there is one thing that newcomers look for in Jim and other's who have reached sobriety hope. One man, who has been sober only a few weeks says that addicts cant do it on their own. They cant pull out of it on their own, they relapse and end up in the state clink. He then admits to just being released from jail for possession. Jim encourages the newcomer to work the 12 Step program and to attend as many AA meetings as he can, which are held every evening, with the exception of Tuesdays. 1 could come here and it was safe, Jim tells, explaining that after he left a rehab program he felt temptation to start drinking and taking drugs again, unless he was inside the Kelsey building. Its not a religious program, its spiritual, Jim sitid. Extending faith and praying might seem difficult for those who have been far from God, but, even with casual observance it is clear that their weakness has left them humble. 1 have already received gifts from my higher power, the newest member discloses, holding up a book with daily meditations, short encouragements for the addict to work the steps and keep in close contact with their sponsor to eliminate drugaalcohol from their lives. Sponsors can be any addict who is working to stay sober, and is experienced with the 12 step plan. Sponsors are usually chosen by the newcomer. A sponsor provides sympathy, understanding and support. It is one system, and there are others within NAAA all contingent on the founding base of Alcoholics Anonymous, that one addictalco-holi- c help another to a life time of sobriety. It is this spirit of healing that is so unique within this society and no where is it demonstrated more dearly then with Jim, who recognized a need for the NA program and opened the doors of the Kelsey building every Tuesday night for over two years, no matter if a soul walked through them. This is my way of making restitution, Ive been forgiven a lot, when I think of the people I've hurt, it tears me up. All that I stole and cheated. If I can help one person it makes me feel real good. Narcotics Anonymous meetings are every Tuesday evening at7 p.m., Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Monday at 8 p.m. , Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. Not all meetings are open to the general public, but all are open to those struggling with sobriety. The Kelsey building is located behind Circle K in Roosevelt. For further information contact Jim at 722-679- 2. The 12 Step Program The first step for an addict is realizing that they are powerless over drugsalcohol. This is the pivotal step for addicts - when they can honestly admit that they have absolutely no control over the substance, and if they honestly want the substance out oftheir lives they can find healing. The second step asks that the addict exercise what ever faith they have to recognize that there is a power greater than they, who can restore the addict to sanity. The third step requires that the addict turn their will and their lives over to God as they understand him. The addict goes through a self inventory with the fourth step to conduct a fearless and moral inventory of themselves. Step number five asks that the addict admits to God, to themselves and to another human being the exact nature oftheir wrongs . The sixth step says that after following these steps the addict will be entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Step seven asks the addict to pray and ask God to remove their shortcomings. Step number eight deals with restitution. The addict is instructed to make a list of all persons harmed, and become willing to make amends to them. Step nine couples with step eight, requesting that the addict take responsibility for former actions, and make direct amends be made to those previously harmed by them, except when to do so would injure them or others. Step ten asks that the addict take personal inventory and promptly admit wrong behavior. Step 11 requests that the addict seek to make conscious contact with God as they understand him, praying only for knowledge of His will fin- us and the power to carry that out Step 12 instructs, having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, try to carry this message to other addicts and practice the steps in all their affairs. THE MESSAGE-light the candle as a symbol of light in the dark that perhaps the addict who still suffers niav find their way here. Wc Employees Are Smiling Health Department hosts open house for new office Tri-Coun- ty By Cheryl Mecham The red ribbon was cut and the doors of the newly constructed Tri- County Health Department facility officially opened last Wednesday morning for public tour. The new building, located on 281 East 200 North in Roosevelt, has a dozen rooms to accommodate the nine employees whose work contributes to public health and well being. Its bright, it has a lot of win- dows and lots of room, said Janet Carpenter, General Health technician offered, adding, there's comfortable space for work and for storage. The Health Department employees who will work within the new building include nurses ty Marilyn Steinmetz, Chris Sorensen, and Juanita Allen; environmental s. Af ... - ' . A..- I' , V'. v. Health technician, and Janet Carpenter, General Health technician. The new facility boasts a conference room, waiting room, several offices, exam rooms, and rest room conveniences. Two rooms have been set aside as part of a plan to include dental services in the future, Steinmetz reported while conducting a tour. Smiling faces from the staff and expressions of gratitude for the new facility was evident while touring the new building. The Health Department offers a variety of services available to the public at minimum and no costs. For information regarding services call the Department at ty 722-508- , . ,. health scientists Kick Hallmark and Ron Maluoff; WIC program representatives Donna Mower and Arlene May; Sheila' Bird, Environmental .. f K .. SS I1'. jlt - All Veterans, Dependents, And Widows The Service Officer from the American Legion, SaltLake City wUl be inyour area on Tuesday, April 7 from 1:30 - 3 p.m. to assist you in understanding and applying for VA benefits, including compensation, pension, hospitalization, education, and other benefits. Appreciation Dance Free Appreciation Dance will be Friday, April 3 from 8:30 10:30 p.m. at the Cross Roads Center in Roosevelt Everyone is invited. No Charge. TriCounty Health Department Tri County Health Department will be offering cholesterol screening on Wednesday, April 1 from 9 1 1 :30 a.m. The charge is ) 12. TriCounty Health 5 Department is now located at 281 East 200 North in Roosevelt. Call for more information. -- 722-508- Library staff members are looking for patrons willing to give a little oftheir time to help others learn to read. Come into the library and sign up if you are interested in becoming a tutor or student in this program. All information will be kept confidential. Duchesne Yard Sale Duchesne High School Senior Lock in Yard Sale will be the first two 3 9 weekends of May. Call Beverly Nielsen at or Nancy Wager and in the Fruitland area Cindy Roberts, 738-557- 548-262- 9. Progressive Dinner Friday, April 3 will be a Progressive Dinner for all Singles over 3 1 and older. We will begin at Diane Richens at 6:30 p.m. then progress to Karen Shelleys, 7 p.m. Last place will be Carol Johnson, at 7:30. Neola Rodeo Queen Contest The Neola Rodeo Queen contest will be May 30. The age divisions are Queen: 16 years and over. Princess: 5 years. Jr. Princess: 9 years and under. Contestants must by May 20, 1998. Contact Robin for more information. Bastian at 353-4310-1- pre-regist- 34 Neola Park Reservations Reservations for the Neola Community Park can be made by calling Robin Bastian at 353-433- 4. Red Cross Volunteers All American Red Cross volunteers and community members interested in the Red Cross are invited to meet leaders of the organization on Thursday, April 2 from 5 p.m. in the Questar Conference Room at 115 East 100 South in Roosevelt 4-- Duchesne County Fair Duchesne County Fair is looking for volunteers to help on the fair board. If you would like to help out this year contact Ginger Casper at B48-5- 4 17. American Legion Post 64 The American Legion Post 64 will hold their regular meeting on Wednesday, April 1 COPY at 8 p.m. Dumb animals are not at the root of overpopulation By Cheryl Mecham Did you know that for every person that is bom there are 15 dogs and 45 cats born at the same time? Pet overpopulation is a problem everywhere, and a recent report submitted to Roosevelt City showed that the numbers of animals impounded and euthanized is going up. Library Looking For Patrons 738-237- 505 Pay The Cost Last year there were 505 animals impounded within city limits by animal control officer, Barbara FVice, thats 98 more than the year before. The real tragedy in those numbers is that out of the 505 animals taken into the citys custody, 392 were euthanized. Why does such an overpopulation problem exist? Unfortunately, pet owners who allow their animals to reproduce indiscriminately and then give away the kittens or pups areiteroot. Two uncontrolled breeding cats and their offspring will produce 66 kittens in two years, and by four years the number multiplies to 2,201, reports the Humane Society. Such a staggering figure can be explained easily, cats go in heat every 16 days, Price said. Roosevelt City has addressed the overpopulation problem by enacting an animal control ordinance which requires dog licensing and population policies, as well, the city extended Prices e job hours on-th- -- Geography class to conduct survey on city needs By Sarah Colton Union High schools advanced geography class has compiled a survey to gauge what Roosevelt city residents perceive as their communitys most important needs. The class - comprised ofjuniors and seniors - discussed what they believed Roosevelt city needed to improve on and decided to get the citizens opinion by sending out a survey. Each student. contributed to the survey by expressing their ideas and views toward what they think the city needs or can improve upon. With the help of city administrator Brad Hancock, the class came up with the specific survey questions. Last February a few students accompanied their teacher, Keith Morris, to a Roosevelt City Council meeting to present a rough draft of the survey to elected officials. The council approved the survey and asked the students to come back with the final draft. City Council member Mike Guinn said the survey could be used by city leaders as a future reference to assist them in determining the needs of the citizens. The students discovered firsthand that writing a survey requires a lot of hard work, along with the time involved to deliver the survey to the public. We ran into a lot of problems and had a lot of questions that had to be answered, stated Kadee Riser, a junior. The class obtained a list of the city residents names and phone numbers so they could begin contacting respondents. In order for NEW WORKING SPACE The Public Health Department welcomed the public to tour their new facility Wednesday. Employees say the new building is bright and beautiful and there is space to work, and for storage. to 35 a week to capture strays and to enforce the ordinance. The city also contracts with Basin Veterinary Clinic at $3 p?r animal per day to keep the animals for up to three days before they are put to death. Pet owners who want to retrieve their animals must pay $10 to license an animal ifit has been spayed or neutered, if not the fee is $15. If a stray is picked up and impounded without a license it will cost pet owners a licensing fee, with current rabies vaccination to retrieve them from the pound, a second offense I have a lot of repeat offenders, Price said, explaining that some pet owners have an I dont care attitude. One such offender has bailed her dog out ofthe pound many times, but it seems the financial impact is not enough for the pets owner to keep her animal off of city streets. If animalB are fortunate enough to be retrieved either through proper identification or through adoption they remain part of the problem as long as they continue to procreate. will cost $30. the survey to be valid, 400 names were randomly selected by picking every sixth name on the list. Last week students began conducting their poll by going and by phone calls. The survey is expected to be completed by early next week. The survey results will be compiled and given to the City Council to aid them in decision making and budgeting. The one page survey asked respondents to prioritize the services door-to-do- they feel are the most important to them. Included in the list are parks and recreation, the proposed expansion of the USU Uintah Basin branch campus, street improvements, law enforcement, and affordable housing. The survey also asked the respondents if they would be in favor of a property tax increase to be able to pay for the service they wanted. THEY HAVE THE QUESTIONS, DO YOU HAVE THE ANSWERS?The advanced geography studentsTrom Union High are out and about asking for your input on city services. Please cooperate and get involved with your citys future plans. l |