PRIDE Institute LGBT Treatment

Almost every major city in the United States has a weekend set aside for an LGBT AA Round Up every year. Round Ups are Alcoholics Anonymous Conventions aimed toward recovery, unity, and service for the LGBT community. Thousands of alcoholics within the LGBT community get together for a weekend to share their experience, strength, and hope with each other through back to back meetings, fellowship, speakers, and fun activities. They are a great place to meet people from all over the nation and share in a unity unlike anything else. Attending one of the events is a spiritual experience in itself; holding hands while saying the Serenity Prayer with thousands of people is unreal, witnessing newcomers attending the event for the first time, visiting with old timers that have been to several events and the list goes on.

Some of you might ask… Why an AA convention that is LGBT specific? AA meetings and conventions are happening right now as we speak and all are always welcome. The LGBT AA Round Up is open to anyone, not only the LGBT community, just like the LGBT community is able to attend any convention they choose. However, having an LGBT focused Round Up gives support to both communities, allowing people from all over to get together in one place, to meet other AA goers that are also LGBT.

AA Round Ups are an opportunity to support your AA and LGBT community all in one place. Every meeting is open to anyone that would like to participate. People from AA, Al Anon, NA, SAA, etc. are all welcome along with any family and friends you wish to bring. The round-the-clock meetings allow family and friends to see the support and commitment people have to this program and to begin to understand what AA is all about.

Here in Minnesota we have the Twin Cities Round Up, which occurred a few months ago. I attended the event and had an amazing time with all of my fellow LGBT Alcoholics. It gave me comfort, along with many others, to share a bond unlike anything else. For so long I struggled with admitting I was an addict/alcoholic, let alone a lesbian.  I was able to meet people that had the same experience and to know I wasn’t alone which is the reason LGBT AA Round Ups are so vital in one’s recovery.

If you haven’t been and are curious to know more, check out www.gayalcoholics.com/aa-roundups-events.html

I have listed the upcoming Round Ups in 2010 below:

• 2010 Hotlanta LGBT Roundup on September 3-6, 2010 at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center in Midtown of Atlanta, GA
• Ohio LGBT Round Up 2010 in Cleveland, OH at the Double Tree Hotel Cleveland South, August 20-22 2010
• Rocky Mountain Round Up in Denver, CO on August 13, 2010 (LGBT)
• Sober, Strong and Free LGBT Round Up September 3-5, 2010 in Edmonton, AB
• Houston, Texas LGBT Round Up on November 23-25, 2010 at the Downtown Houston Double Tree Hotel
• The 36th Annual Bluff City LGBT Fellowship in Memphis, TN on October 21-24, 2010
• New Jersey LGBT Round Up, September 10-12, 2010 at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park, NJ
• Lakeshore Retreat 2010 in Olympia, WA at Millersylvannia State Park on Oct. 15-17 (LGBT)
• Provincetown, MA – Serenity by the Sea LGBT Round Up on October 21-24, 2010
• San Diego ‘Feeling Good’ 2010 LGBT Round Up on September 3-5, 2010 in San Diego, CA
• Capitol Round Up 2010 in Washington DC on August 20-22, 2010 (LGBT)

Share your experience, strength and hope with other LGBT alcoholics, even if you’re not LGBT or an Alcoholic!

-Kristen

Dr. Weston Edwards provided a one hour webinar training on Internet Sexual Behaviors and the session was recorded and is now posted online. You can view any PRIDE Institute’s webinar trainings online for free at http://pride-institute.webex.com and click on “Recorded Session” on the left side of the screen.

While it is only the beginning of August it is tough not to start getting excited for the month of September (also known as Recovery Month). Across the country individuals and organizations are planning events to celebrate people in recovery. Several Minnesota events have been added to our events calendar but check out the SAMSHA website for a complete list of events in your area. You may just find something amazing to attend. Or, start your own event and post it online for free.

http://www.recoverymonth.gov/

Facing One’s Demons

How to share that, casting shadows in repose?
News that breaks hearts, and increases all woes.
Why must the subject, continue to wreck?
Havoc on host, and those passed on its trek.

Insecurities, so many, just to list can be draining,
Energy sapping, stories often constraining.
What started as effort, not to disappoint but conform,
To the norms of society, the result, my deform.

Concerned always with other’s thoughts, fearing rejection,
Not wanting to stand out, targeted for oppression.
To be called a faggot, a sissy, “Look its the gays”,
Tore at the insides, must dream for new days.

Overcoming relentless, debilitating doubt,
Wishing for relief, a complete thought blackout.
Rare are the people, that lessen the tensions,
Even thoughts of some others, creates pain like torn tendons.

Ever present Committee, prompting self-admonitions,
Freedom please, provide solace, from these lonely traditions.
The chatter relentless, cruel, mean, their suspicions,
Sometimes causing remissions, but always demanding submission.

Obsessions, Compulsions, Addictions they flourish,
Sapping all else from subject, leaving nothing to nourish.
A life once was filled, with abundance, such richness,
Present course followed, in time death or bedriddenness.

The hid for so long, rare were sightings, renown less,
In obscurity growing, future certainly crownless.
Insecurities multiply, confidence declines,
The cycle continues, with ambitionless’ incline.

Occasionally reports, of intimdation,
By others reporting, their first conversation.
Achievement resulting, from self esteem lacking,
Evoked deficits elsewhere, unintended blackjacking.

Some see conceit, others cocky audaciousness,
Flaw thought apparent, to them detection less.
Seeing only the obvious, the script for the mindless,
Curiosity lacking, sorrow missed by their blindness.

Over time the retreat, into blissful seclusion,
Allowed peaceful relief, with self anesthetization.
In the past it enabled, escape and survival,
But intensified now, perhaps time for archival.

Astringent remarks hear, can heighten depression,
To escape pills and liquor, often downed in succession.
Temporarily quieting, thoughts spiraling down,
Self-esteem lost already, face a permanent frown.

But what might have seemed, to alleviate issues,
Eventually became, its own reason for tissues.
No useful lessons, were ever forthcoming,
Notoriety maybe, conduct deemed unbecoming.

Similar too, was the story with smoke,
The effect first experienced, now craved to provoke.
Though we know one’s too many, there is never enough,
To satiate desire, another reason for rebuff.

Sources unknown, driving potent obsessions,
Acquisitions once more focused, on yet more possessions.
Rational thought, not allowed at the table,
Without it my mind, more heard deem it unstable.

Looking back in amazement, at years spent in pursuit,
Of elusive perfection, time spent seeking, now moot.
Better time had been spent, seeking direction,
Meditation, introspection, regular self-reflection.

Why is it that some things, know still evade practice?
Though desired their benefits, tries analogized to malpractice.
Though successfully mastered, behind walls sequestering,
Once released the achievements, like pustules festering.

The quest for relief, from anxieties present,
Augmented confusion, “what was said, was the meant?”
The scene became too much, former friends no abound,
Some departures so sudden, mouth left open astound.

Often raised is the question, how are thoughts picked for prominence?
Repetition alone, most thought should no decide dominance.
But in fact hearing, syllables patched together mundane,
Said often enough, can take hold in the brain.

If rational thought rules, merely repeating,
Would no so easily, win reason defeating.
Its return must be fostered, if need be engineered,
Rational thoughts breed stability, their impact endears.

How quickly is lost, grace too simply thought won,
Casual acceptance, soon left me completely undone.
the climb now returned to, will demand yet more,
My fall a reminder, of too easy allure.

D, alumnus

Looking for something fun to do this summer? Having a hard time finding events or activities that are substance-free? You’ve come to the right place. Check out this list to get your summer off to the right start! 

Arts/Museums 

• American Swedish Institute – “The American Swedish Institute, founded in 1929 by Swan J. Turnblad, is a historic house/museum offering a variety of programs designed to celebrate Swedish culture. The Turnblad mansion, which houses the Institute, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the only castle in the Twin Cities.” 

• Arts and Museums – Check out this link for a quick list of activities and sites if you are interested in activities around Arts and Museums! 

• Bakken Library and Museum – “At The Bakken museum the science of electricity and magnetism comes to life through history, the arts and exploration. The museum offers a variety of exhibits and education programs designed to spark the interest of children, youth, families and teachers. The Bakken is located on the west shore of Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis.” 

• Bell Museum of National History – “The Bell Museum’s exhibits encourage exploration and convey the wonder of nature, the excitement of science, and the importance of research and conservation of the natural world.” 

• Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum – “The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum is located on the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota, on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Founded in 1934, the museum currently holds a permanent collection of over 13,000 objects; its programs serve the University community and the general public.” 

• Minneapolis Institute of Art – “The Minneapolis Institute of Arts houses more than 100,000 objects from diverse cultural traditions spanning 5,000 years of world history. The Institute is a comprehensive and encyclopedic fine arts museum serving the Twin Cities and the Upper Midwest and is recognized internationally as one of the great museums in America.” 

• Science Museum of Minnesota – “The Science Museum of Minnesota is one of the Midwest’s most popular museum attractions, offering visitors the chance to enjoy breathtaking large-format films, wonder at one of the world’s only complete mounted Triceratops, create and destroy a tornado, and examine an authentic Egyptian mummy.” 

• Youth – Are your kids bored? Take ‘em to the Minnesota Children’s Museum to have a good time! 

Food 

• Dinner and a Movie – “Check out this site to find movie theater listings in the Twin Cities/Metro area and find great restaurants near them!” 

• Ice Cream Parlors and Cafes – It’s summertime which only means one thing… time to cool off with some ice cream! Check out this site to find out where you can beat the heat! 

General 

• For FREE Museums, Galleries, and Attractions in the Twin Cities.

• Attractions – This link lists many different fun attractions to check out in the Twin Cities area! 

• Events and Festivals in Minnesota – The best of Minnesota is at your fingertips! 

• Site Seeing – Pretty self explanatory, check it out! 

• Landmark Center – “Landmark Center was built in 1902 and originally served as the Federal Court House and Post Office for the Upper Midwest. Today, Landmark Center serves as a cultural center for music, dance, theater, exhibitions, public forums, and special events.” 

• Target Center – Check out their events! 

•  Target Field - Baseball events

• Xcel Energy Center – Check out their events! 

Historical 

• Minnesota History Center – “At the History Center’s museum, enjoy lively exhibits that feature such varied objects as an authentic birch bark canoe, a printing press from the early 1800s, Minnesota Twins’ World Series memorabilia, Burma Shave signs, a recreated barbershop and a windmill straight off the farm.” 

• Sibley House Historic Site – “Tour the 1836 Sibley house, home to Henry Hastings Sibley, a man whose life and career were at the center of Minnesota’s territorial and early statehood era. Unravel stories of the fur trade, uncover memories of changes to the structures, and browse through furnished mid-19th century interiors and exhibits.” 

Outdoors 

• Biking and Walking Trails – Do you like to bike? How about walk? Check out great trails at this website! 

• Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center – “The center offers over 10 miles of grass or wood-chipped trails as well as an Interpretive Center which offers hands-on exhibits and live animals on display.” 

• Como Park Zoo and Conservatory – “Como Zoo is a FREE zoo located in Como Park in St. Paul. Visitors can see Siberian tigers, eastern Timber wolves, a wide variety of native waterfowl, Kodiak, and polar bears and lots more.” 

• Hiking – Love hiking? Check this out! 

• Kayaking and Canoeing – “Enjoy canoeing and kayaking opportunities on one of 30 water trails that flow through more than 4000 river miles of Minnesota.” 

• Lakes and Fishing – Do you enjoy spending time on the lake? How about fishing? Yep, this site is for you! 

• Minnesota Landscape Arboretum – “The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is part of the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota. The Arboretum features 1,000 acres of unique public gardens: spectacular annual and perennial display gardens, collections of plants developed for northern climates, natural and native areas and demonstration gardens.” 

• Picnics – Be a little kid again and go play in a park. Or at least go have a picnic. 

• Twin Cities Bicycling Club – Wanna join? Check it out! 

Performing Arts 

• Chanhassen Dinner Theaters – “Chanhassen is the nation’s largest professional dinner theatre, the largest restaurant in the state of Minnesota, and 13th largest in the nation. Critics from across the U.S. have hailed Chanhassen as ‘one of the best dinner theatres in the country!’ (Los Angeles Times), and ‘the Cadillac of dinner theatre.’ (Theatre Crafts Magazine).” 

• Jungle Theater – “The mission of the Jungle is to produce high quality theater in an intimate setting.” 

• Minnesota Orchestra – “The 95-member Minnesota Orchestra performs more than 200 concerts each year. The Orchestra reaches annual audiences of over 400,000, as well as a vast broadcast public in well over 100 cities, and more than 50,000 students through its Young People’s Concerts and school projects. With numerous commissions in its history, the Orchestra nourishes a strong commitment to contemporary music.” 

• Music, Theater, and Dance – Are you into music? Maybe theater? How about dance? If so, check out this link! 

• Ordway Center for the Performing Arts – “A world class performing arts center, the Ordway produces new musicals, presents classical music, operas, Broadway musicals, educational programs, and worldwide theatre, dance, and music.” 

Shopping 

• Mall of America – “Mall of America is the nation’s largest retail and entertainment complex, located in Bloomington, Minnesota. Mall of America is the country’s most visited destination, attracting more than 42.5 million people each year.” 

• Shopping – Do you like to shop? Yes you. You can’t hide behind the computer screen, we see you. It’s okay to admit that you like to shop. We all do, it’s just that some of us are more open about it than others.  

Theme Parks/Water Parks 

• Valleyfair – “Enjoy more than 75 rides and attractions, including six thrilling coasters, the 275-foot Power Tower, a variety of kid and family rides, live toe-tapping entertainment and a feature film in the six-story Pepsi IMAX Theater. Plus! stay cool in Whitewater Country Waterpark – it’s included in your admission! New in 2006 is Xtreme Swing. It’s not your typical backyard swing set.” 

• Waterpark of America - Surf on Minnesota’s only Flow Rider Surf Simulator, catch a wave in the Lake Superior wave pool or challenge your fears in America’s longest indoor family raft ride at ten stories tall and over a mile long! The Water Park of America offers a spa, two restaurants, 5,800 sq ft arcade, cafe, wireless internet and much more 

• Wild Mountain Waterpark – “The Wild Mountain Water Park, Alpine Slides & Go-Karts are located just 7 miles north of Taylors Falls, MN. A great park for the whole family! There are activites that will get you wet, and some that will allow you to stay dry!” 

Volunteering 

• Give Back to Your Community – Looking for volunteer opportunities this summer in the Twin Cities? Check out this website! 

Zoos and Aquariums 

• Como Park Zoo and Conservatory – “Como Zoo is a FREE zoo located in Como Park in St. Paul. Visitors can see Siberian tigers, eastern Timber wolves, a wide variety of native waterfowl, Kodiak, and polar bears and lots more.” 

• Minnesota Zoo – “The Minnesota Zoo is situated on 500 acres in Dakota County. The zoo features about 2,300 animals, with 105 animals representing 15 species on the United States Endangered Species list.”

• Underwater Adventures – “Bursting with 1.2 million gallons of water, Underwater Adventures features over 3,000 living sea creatures in seven amazing displays.”

Last weekend more than 400,000 people celebrated LGBT pride in Minnesota as part of three days of fun events. Friday night’s Fruit Bowl was a big hit with 200 plus people bowling, singing, laughing, and enjoying a sober kick-off for pride. The PRIDE Institute booth in Loring Park was a tremendous hangout for alumni complete with Twister games and storytelling. The festival was a lot of fun; if you missed it this year, be sure to mark your calendar for next year.

Nic Klein MA LADC

The most amazing thing about working at Pride is watching people change. Addiction is a paradoxical disease in the sense that it causes a person to be unable to stop using which in turn negatively impacts virtually every area of their life. Their whole world unravels right in front of them and they are unable to do anything about it. When a person ends up in treatment they are usually frustrated from years of having no success in changing their situation.

Another paradox in addiction is present in the first step of recovery which is to admit powerlessness over the disease. Put in simple terms, a person must first concede that their approach to dealing with addiction has not been effective and they must find ‘another way.’ Once this admission is made a person (with the help of others) begins to explore different treatment options. In a sense a person must let go of their previously help concepts around health management and find new more effective ones.

By Bill Elwell, MS, LPC, LADC, MA

A large percentage of people in treatment for substance dependence smoke cigarettes. At PRIDE Institute, I estimate 80-90% of our clients use tobacco, compared with just 20% of the general population. We have a Tobacco Recovery group that meets weekly, but only a small portion of our client population takes advantage of it. I often ask clients during this group what is their drug of choice. The answer may be alcohol, or meth, or marijuana, or whatever. I then ask what their first drug was, and more often than not it was tobacco. The next question becomes which drug are you still holding onto? And finally, I ask again….What is your drug of choice?

It is ironic that so many people in treatment smoke. The act of smoking triggers the pleasure center of the brain, providing a temporary and artificial sense of enjoyment or relaxation while causing damage to the body. The consequences of smoking may not be as apparent as some of the consequences of other drug use, but they are in many ways more severe. A drug addict who also smokes is actually statistically more likely to die from the tobacco before they die from other drug use. The founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill W and Dr. Bob, managed to arrest their alcoholism but died of throat cancer and emphysema caused by their use of tobacco. Every inhalation of tobacco smoke, with its carbon monoxide and thousands of toxic chemicals, injects another dose of poison into the user’s body, paralyzing the cilia that naturally clean the lungs, but delivering that momentary pleasure. What an insidious drug.

For people seeking to develop sobriety and recovery, it makes sense to add tobacco to their list of old behaviors they are leaving behind. People who quit smoking while getting sober have much higher rates of long term sobriety, contrary to the old belief that one shouldn’t quit everything at once. People in Tobacco Recovery group often talk about how smoking can be a trigger for their other drug, and how their smoking patterns mirror many of their using patterns in general. People smoke because they are stressed out, or because their friends are smoking, or because they are just bored. How many of these reasons are also given for using other drugs?

Many clients can come up with long lists as to why they would like to stop smoking: the cost, the smell, the wrinkles, the coughing, and the toll it takes on their body. When asked to list their motivation for continuing to smoke, it becomes more difficult. I often hear that smoking is relaxing, which is odd because it increases your heart rate and constricts your blood vessels. I am told that smoking is a very social activity, which is also odd because a person must leave the facility and stand in a small designated area in order to do it. Ultimately is seems smoking is a kind of crutch – an escape, a substance one can turn to for a quick release. I don’t blame anyone for hanging on to this habit – tobacco is extremely addictive, and it IS progress and not perfection, after all. I do however ask people to consider how smoking fits into their recovery, and encourage them to view smoking as another form of drug use they will no longer need as they develop balance and fulfillment in their life.

It is important, as members of the LGBTQ community, to join in the myriad celebrations during Pride month.  Unfortunately, many of these celebrations are filled with access to substances that people in recovery want to avoid.  In order to make the most out of the Pride festivities while staying sober, take a look at the tips below.

• Remember your relapse prevention plan.  Be prepared for those moments when you might feel triggered and remember what it is you planned to do, whether it be call a friend or your sponsor, simply leave, or both.
• Have a way out.  Don’t let yourself get stuck in a risky situtation without an exit plan. 
• Surround yourself with sober peers.  There are plenty of people who are in recovery who want to celebrate sober just like you!
• Find meetings.  Plan ahead and find the meeting locations and times that are happening around your Pride events.
• Sober events.  Many Pride festivals or other organizations are incorporating sober events into their programming (ie. Fruit Bowl at Twin Cities Pride).  Do some research and find out what’s available in your area!

It is possible to celebrate your LGBTQ pride and stay sober!  Use your support network and reach out to us at PRIDE Institute if you need resources – we are here to celebrate you!

Did you know that…?

On June 2, 2000, President Bill Clinton declared June “Gay & Lesbian Pride Month.” The month was chosen to remember the 1969 Stonewall Riots in Manhattan, New York, which is thought to be the beginning of the gay liberation movement in the United States. The last Sunday of the month is celebrated as Gay Pride Day. This month is meant to recognize the impact that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals have had on the world, so please, join us in celebration!

Why “Pride”?

“Gay pride” or “LGBT pride” is the notion that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals should be proud of who they are in regards to their sexual orientation and their gender identity.

Three Main Premises of the Movement:

1. That people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
2. That diversity is a gift.
3. That sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered.

“Gay pride” and “pride” have since become mainstream expressions, encompassing the entire LGBT community.

The word “pride” is used as an antonym for “shame,” which is what LGBT individuals have been socialized to feel and experience throughout history. Shame is a vehicle for oppression and control. While pride can be used as a vehicle for control, it is also a vehicle for social justice and equality. We use the word “pride” with the intention to affirm each LGBT individual and the LGBT community at large.

The Stonewall Riots of 1969 are thought to be the start of the “gay pride” movement. The riots took place in Greenwich Village in New York. The New York Police were unconstitutionally raiding gay bars in the area and the gay people fought back. Although violent, the defiance by the LGBT community gave way to the first sense of community amongst gay individuals. The Pride festivities in June commemorate the riots.

How can you join the millions of LGBT individuals in celebration?  This month is celebrated with festivals, picnics, and parades, as well as memorials for those who have lost their lives to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS.  Seek out the Pride Festival Committee in your state or city for more information!