July/August 2000
Articles on the theme "Exploring and Adventure"
The Way of the Adventurer
by Bob Gonzalez
The inspiration of the classical Greek
adventurer, Odysseus -- whom the Romans called Ulysses -- as portrayed in
Tennyson's poem "Ulysses."
Exploring with Wonder
by Kathy Houston
The adventure of life. Exploring it
with the wonder and imaginings of a child.
A Spiritual Adventure
by Rev. Pat Cross
Making a new start at any age -- an
exploration and adventure in consciousness... the ultimate eternal adventure.
Exploring the Adventure Within
by Ron Graham
The adventure of becoming One with
the universal mind of God.
Life's Adventures
by Linda Bothwell
From birth to falling in love, to Self-realization
Exploring Body/Mind Healing
by Ernesto J. Fernandez
An approach to healing that helps define
the best 'road map' and the best forms of treatment.
Exploring God as Process
by Rev. Pat Palmer
God as not only the source of everything
that is but also as the unfolding of every event that occurs.
Why Explore?
by Patrick Plaskett
How exploration helps us see the world
and ourselves differently -- and get more out of life.
Exploring the Self
by Edwina H. Holloway
The greatest adventure of all, the
excavation of our true Self.
A Learning Adventure
by Rev. Cydné Battreall
The story of a mother and daughter
in the adventure of a lifetime.
The Lure of Adventure
by Charles Larsen
What exploration and adventure consist
of. Achieving a state of mind to experience them.
Other Feature Articles
Natural Health Q & A
by Kim Gillespie
Concerning cocaine and drug abuse.
2000 & Beyond!
by David Findlay
What is... Sustainable/Organic Agriculture?
by Robert Roman
What sustainable/organic agriculture
is and why it is superior to commercial agriculture.
Minerals from Mother Earth
by Judy Power
Features stones for July and August:
jade and charoite.
Natural Health Q & A
by Kim Gillespie
Once upon a time in a land not so far away lived a family. The patriarch of the family pulled himself up by his bootstraps and had arrived and landed firmly on top of the American Dream. He was able to build a palatial palace in the outer rim of the suburbs, far from the hustle and bustle of the city and far from the corruption and crime of the inner city. Their perfectly groomed children were sixteen and seventeen and both were high achievers in school - as expected based on their breeding - and they belonged to all of the right clubs and associations. They had unlimited access to private lessons for tennis and golf, and the fitness clubs catered to their every needs. The family did not have one single worry: life was good very good. Then one day there was a phone call from his daughter's school administrator, indicating that she hadn't been to school in over a month. The administrator said that his daughter was in jeopardy of being suspended from school and ultimately could very well not graduate. That evening she did not come home, from wherever she happened to be that day. The very thing that parents don't want is a telephone call from the hospital. They received such a call and rushed to Memorial Hospital, only to find out that there daughter was being treated for cocaine overdose. Initial indications were that she had been using cocaine regularly for the past year.
(The father asks) How prevalent is cocaine use and abuse in America?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 1997, an estimated 1.5 million Americans, twelve and older, were current cocaine users. The Office of National Drug Control Policy estimates the number of chronic cocaine users at 3.6 million.
(The father looks shocked.) Is this problem getting any better?
The 1998 Monitoring the Future Survey, which annually surveys teen attitudes and recent drug use, reported that lifetime and past-year use of crack increased among eighth graders to its highest levels since 1991. The percentage of eighth graders reporting crack use at least once in their lives increased from 2.7 percent in 1997 to 3.2 percent in 1998.
Has there been an increase in drug-related emergency room visits?
Data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network shows that cocaine-related emergency room visits, after increasing 78 percent between 1990 and 1994, remained level between 1994 and 1996, with 152,433 cocaine-related episodes reported in 1996.
(The father looks a little confused.) What exactly is cocaine and how does it affect this population of users and abusers?
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that directly affects the brain. Contrary to popular opinion, cocaine is one of the oldest drugs used. The pure chemical, cocaine hydrochloride, has been an abused drug for more than 100 years, and coca leaves, the source of cocaine, have been ingested for thousands of years. A great deal of research has been conducted to figure out how cocaine affects the brain and triggers the sensation of pleasure. One neural system that appears to be most affected by cocaine originates in a region located deep within the brain called the ventral tegmental area. Nerve cells originating in the ventral tegmental area extend to the region of the brain known as the nucleus accumbens, one of the brain's key pleasure zones or centers. As cocaine abuse continues, tolerance often develops and strengthens. This means that in order to get the same pleasurable sensation increased doses are required, and this starts the vicious cycle of addiction.
(When he hears the term 'addiction' he really starts to look worried!) What treatments are out there for my little girl?
The majority of cocaine user are poly or multiple drug users and cocaine abuse and addiction is a complex problem involving biological changes in the brain as well as a myriad of social, familial, and environmental indicators.
(Not being too satisfied with this answer and wanting a quick fix) What has the medical community come up with in terms of treatment for cocaine addiction?
The medical community offers the following:
(a) In-patient or out-patient treatment services that are based on individual and group counseling.
(b) Twelve Step Support systems such as Alcohol and Narcotics Anonymous.
(c) Needs assessment and development.
(d) Detoxification programs targeted for in- or out-patient modes.
Are there alternative measures or treatments for cocaine addiction?
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach for addiction. Acupuncture and herbal medications accomplish:
(a) Reduction of cravings for the drug.
(b) Regulation of sleep patterns which are disrupted due to the introduction of stimulants into the system.
(c) Detoxification of organs.
(d) Reduction of anxiety.
(e) Balancing the body system.
(f) Reduction of headaches and body pains.
(g) Reduction of withdrawal symptoms.
How?
The commonly used method for acupuncture to stop addictions is auricular acupuncture. Filiform/disposable needles are used to prevent high-risk infections. The process is safe and sterile. The program is broken down into three steps:
Step One: Daily acupuncture and herbal treatments for two weeks to one month.
Step Two: After Step One balances the body, the treatments are reduced to three times a week.
Step Three: One treatment per week.
Drug addiction is a prevalent problem facing America and the cost of alternative treatment is a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers services that rebuild and replenish the human spirit and body. We can either remain on the same monetary train or we can explore the adventure of an old remedy.
Kim Gillespie, D.ac, is a nationally and state certified acupuncture physician and a certified substance abuse counselor. Pinellas Park FL (727) 548-9299
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