Tag Archives: addiction

From Sabotage to Success on She Speaks to Inspire

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Does the story about your past hold you back? Do you sometimes believe that you can't possibly break free? From Sabotage to Success by Sheri ZampelliThis story is about defying the odds and using your story to empower others. Sheri Zampelli speaks about her journey from abuse, addiction and homelessness to becoming a college educator, author and advocate. Let it inspire you to break free from self-imposed limitations and move forward in life. --------------------------------------------------------------- For step-by-step guidance to overcome self-sabotage, purchase Sheri's book, From Sabotage to Success.

Here’s Why Crackheads Do What They Do

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I teach in the Human Services department at Long Beach City College. My main topic is addictions. Every semester we watch a video titled "Substance Abuse Disorders". I have a handout I made for the students to fill out while they watch, hoping it would help them pay better attention. Just recently, I was looking at that handout and incorporating it into my mid-term exam. These words really hit me:
One of the reasons cocaine is so addictive is that it instantly activates the pleasure centers of the brain. Cocaine that is snorted reaches the brain in 3-4 minutes. Yet it only takes 8 seconds for cocaine that is smoked to be absorbed by the lungs
Eight freaking seconds for the body to trigger the pleasure center. The pleasure center is what controls everything. You will do crazy things when the pleasure center wants something. The pleasure center drives your instincts for food, sex and survival. Can you imagine that urge for 'more' nagging at you every 8 seconds? Even the most educated, controlled, composed person would fall into addiction very quickly when using a drug that directly stimulates the pleasure center every 8 seconds. So that might help you understand why Crackheads do what they do, but what about this for a thought: Statistically speaking, what ethnic group uses the highest amount of crack? What neighborhoods does crack show up in and why. My experience is its not above the reach of corrupt authority to use various methods to "control" groups of indentured people. Allowing this to happen is parallel to co-signing genocide. Please keep that in mind when it's time to vote for laws that fund treatment centers and mental health services. 468x60_staticbanner

It’s Kinda Like Welcome Back Kotter, In a Good Way

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Do you remember the show Welcome Back Kotter? Well, it kinda reminds me of what it's like in some of my college classes. I'm the "Kotter" for a group of vibrant and honest women on Thursday nights. The class is called Introduction to Victimology and we get into some pretty emotional discussions on a week to week basis. You wouldn't believe some of the stories I heard. It's a lot of fun and very rewarding. Here's what my student Tammi said to me in class tonight: "Ms. Zampenelli (I have no idea why she calls me that) you might be white, but you got a black soul, you different." I took it as a compliment. I felt like maybe I was stepping into my big person's shoes for an afternoon. I have at least 3 important male figures who I admire and would want to "grow up and be like." Martin Luther King, Jr. Robert F. Kennedy and Rev. Ahman Barack Obama picture. Hope and ProgressWhat I like about each of these leaders is their ability to speak to the human spirit. It seems to me that Obama might be the next important male figure in my life and the life's of many others. I hope that we can be inspired not only by his presidential victory but also by his spirit and determination. I hope we will follow his lead and take on those dreams that continue to call our names. Whether it's opening a homeless shelter or forming a corporation, we all have unexpressed dreams and now is a good time to dust them off, take them off the shelf and put them to good use. From Sabotage to Success by Sheri ZampelliIf you need help overcoming self-sabotage so you can reach your leadership potential, check out my book, From Sabotage to Success. It will help you to learn more about who you are, what your gifts are and how you can be a valuable contribution in this world simply by letting go of self-sabotage and following your dreams.

Embedded Suggestions and Live Music = Hypnosis

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Zeke plays at Alex\'s Bar in Long BeachOne of my day job's is to teach part-time at Long Beach City College. This semester my classes include Alcohol Education and Prevention, Introduction to Addictive Behaviors and Introduction to Victimology. I was talking to students about my recent trip to a local bar to see live music. Since my husband is the photographer, we get there pretty early to set things up. This Saturday, part of the set up included plastering Camel advertising everywhere. Two cigarette shaped light boxes, a couple of banners, all cups and napkins had Camel logos as did the bar caddys and spill pads. To exemplify my point, I have a pictoral demonstration. As you can see, it is impossible to watch the band without also constantly seeing the Camel logo Humpers at Alex\'s Bar in Long Beach from your peripheral vision. We'll be talking about the impact of advertising and brand name placement in future classes. To see more photos from Michael Zampelli or to read my blog about the evening go to www.laist.com.