Just Say "No"

Apparently, that doesn't work for most people because of the way our brains are wired. I went to a drug court seminar on psychopharmacology. The doctor was from South Carolina and had this crazy white hair and slight accent. He sort of reminded me of Mark Twain. Anywho, the seminar was quite an eye-opening experience. Drugs are scary.

Did you know...

• that addiction is basically a brain disease and mainly passed down through genetics?
• women are more quickly addicted to something?
• the most addicting drug is caffeine? (It only takes 24 hours for someone to get addicted. Hmmmm.)
• alcohol is a factor in 33% of all rapes and sexual assaults?
• no one ever FULLY recovers?
• smoking doubles the dosage of other drugs; such as, heroin, cocaine, alcohol?
• several of the drugs out there now (i.e. heroin) were introduced into society by the government?
• ecstacy causes permanent brain damage? Those brain cells/receptors are NEVER restored. One can basically end up with insomnia and depression the rest of their lives.
• drugs can leave the body relatively quickly; however, it takes anywhere from 2 to 10 years to leave the brain?

Another interesting tidbit:

• The new transitional age into adulthood is now 28-30. (It used to be 18-20)

So, week 1 is coming to a close. I basically attended a lot of meetings and heard a lot of "good to meet you"s (I think that's a political thing). The people here are absolutely fantastic; I'm quite excited for this year. I'm gradually learning about the reentry project. I am a ginormous sponge soaking everything in.

This week has been so full and I don't exactly know how I feel, but I think this is going to be an interesting year. I'm already learning so much; I heart learning.

By the way, I'm moving to San Diego. I'm 99% sure. I just can't do this go to sleep at 9, wake up at 4:50 madness. I'm not tired really because I'm getting so much sleep, but I need some time to recharge. I feel a bit drained today.

We all have one [a brain]; not everyone engages their's.
- Dr. Robinson (Correctional Counseling)