What would this country look like if people struggling with addiction were not arrested for it? It is understandable, from an outsider's perspective, that people using and selling drugs should be punished for their drug-possession. Yet, those of us who have been through it and have come out the other side can attest to the fact that we had literally lost all control and most rational thought. A group of lawmakers in Colorado understands that reality. By introducing a bill throughout the state that would lessen the sentences on people arrested for drug possession, they hope to stop the cycle of incarcerating drug addicts and encouraging treatment instead. The Bill HB19-1263 is some Colorado lawmakers bill at an attempt to help more locals suffering from drug addiction. The bill would defelonize the possession of all Schedule I and II drugs throughout the state. This would include small amounts of heroin, fentanyl, acid, and cocaine. The term “defelonize” does not mean that any individual found to be in possession of these drugs would not still be eligible for jail time, but it does mean that the person would not be permanently followed by a felony charge. First timers who are arrested for drug-possession with these Schedule I or II drugs would still have to appear in court and be sentenced by a judge, and they will still most likely 180 days in jail and be expected to perform some sort of community service. The Goal The War on Drugs was officially called into effect almost 50 years ago, and according to Democratic Rep Leslie Herod of Denver, it was an effort...
What is a spiritual experience, why do we need to have one, are we going to drink if we don’t? Those who come before us talk a lot about Higher Power, spirituality, God, and the like. If you are anything like I was when I first got into treatment at Stout Street Foundation, you might find yourself getting irritated, annoyed, or downright pissed off about this. Why is it so important for us to find some sort of “spirituality” in order to stay sober? The Spiritual Malady Okay, so when we are in active addiction, we are obviously mentally and physically sick. If you have experienced the depths of withdrawal and the insanity of chasing down a drug dealer or stealing from people in order to get high, you can comfortably attest to the fact that yes, we were not right in the head when we were using. Something you may not have been aware of is that during our addiction, we are also spiritually sick. I don’t mean we stopped going to Church, or we were going to Hell or anything. What I mean is, in a nutshell; addiction is a disease of connection. When we are using, we are cut off from any deep, meaningful relationship with anything or anyone apart from our drug or drink of choice. For example: We don’t trust anyone We don’t trust ourselves We don’t think anyone can help us We have no hope apart from the next hit What is Spirituality? This question will transform and grow with you as you grow in your sobriety - which is one of the coolest...
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