13/4/2011 - 16/4/2011

judi hollis california, usa 
You are not alone.  We are all here supporting, loving, and admiring you greatly.   I'm sure it is ovewhelming.  We are so grateful to have a recovery program in the midst of adversities.  Please hang on for all of us.  we care and support all we know.

Julie B. New York City, USA
After the famous surprise and hurt here of 9/11, we kept meeting but sometimes it was too much to even be in an AA meeting. Still, we sat there, together. Or talked to each other, kept talking to each other, don't drink, help each other, pray, take a walk, eat something simple if you can.  This too will pass, they kept saying. And it does. HP, the spirit of life is insistent and resilient. As are the Japanese.  Don't let a catastrophe drag you into a darker one.  This will pass; I know I might never get another chance to get sober. 
Thinking of you all with love and support,  Julie B.

Anne Miller California, USA 
Hello! My condolences for your may losses.  I know you must be grieving.
When I am in a stressful situation that involves loss, I remember the five stages of grief - Bargaining, anger, depression, acceptance, and denial.  These are normal feelings during a crisis and need to be felt, different ones at different times.  Instead of acting out in an addiction, I allow myself to grieve, and comfort my inner child by letting her know I will take care of her and not let her suffer any more.  When I do these things, I am not tempted to drink, use drugs, or cover up my feelings with other behaviors that are utlimately painful.

Julia B. London, UK 
Dear friends in recovery at all stages,
I cannot even begin to comprehend the enormity of all you are suffering right now, but I can share with you this:  I have been clean and sober now for over 24 years and have survived many personal and larger tragedies - everything from a miscarriage the day after my wedding and not being able to have children to being in New York City on 9/11 and living through the San Francisco earthquake in 1989.  The way I have made it through these events, along with other bereavements without a drink or a drug, is through prayer (to whatever I may believe in that day), meditation (daily) and talking with other people in recovery who understand how I feel or who perhaps, even in my time of distress, I may even be able to help, if through nothing else than the example of not picking up a drink or a drug.  I cannot tell you that has always been easy and there are times I wish like everyone else I could 'drown my sorrows,' but of course for me it never was just that and wouldn't be no matter how scary or bad a time I am having.
Again, I am not going to try to guess the level of stress you are under, and I commend you for keeping close to your recovery in a time like this.  I can promise you this one thing: if you can manage to not pick up a drink or a drug now, you will be stronger for that and be a power of example to those around you.  If you do drink or take drugs, nothing at all will get better and much will get far worse.  You are present and alive and can be of use sober and many will be grateful to you for that.
Many blessings and prayers to you.  I wish you a safe journey through this extraordinarily difficult time.  May your Higher Power be with you.
Julia B.

Jayne Wise  California USA
From the moment I heard about the earthquake, my thoughts and fears turned immediately to my dear friends at ASK.  We have had the honor of working with our colleagues for many years now.  This hard working dedicated group of professional’s response has not been for themselves but for the community around them.  It has been selfless on all levels.  They did exactly as I hope I would be able to do should we experience the same destruction, they have LEAD BY EXAMPLE.  They took action, sought solidarity, established priorities and requested our support.  They have faced their own fears while meeting the needs of their community.  My message is simple, “you are not alone”.  It is a small world in which we all live.  The Japanese people have shown us integrity and strength and the ability to unit.  It is truly an honor and a privilege to be able to share my message.  Thank you!

Jerry Moe California, USA 
I think about you daily and keep you all in my prayers. Remember that you are not alone. Keep on reaching out to others you trust for support and guidance. Go to extra group meetings during this very stressful and challenging time. Be of service to others on a regulas basis. Live one day at a time and be especially good to yourselves--practice self-care. Let the people you love know that each and every day.

Paula Wold San Diego, CA USA
Dearest friends of the world,
My heart goes out to you and your loved ones in this most critical time.  I wish I had some words of comfort or some magical wisdom that would make sense of what has heppened to you and your home.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  As for your recovery, this certianly is a time when relaspe can be present.  Now more than ever the support from others is so important.  Feelings that are present and unprocessed are the biggest trip hazard always, now most certainly.  I wish for you wholness and wellness and healing and may your program of recovery carry you through this seemingly impossible time.
Love and prayers to you all, Paula

Karen Michaels Los Angeles, California USA
God bless your tireless efforts as you minister ... offer enrichment ... and, empowerment to the people of Japan.  Our prayers are with you for continued strength and nourishment.
Karen Michaels, Alcohol & Drug Counselor
Edwin Fahlsing, MD

shirle los angeles USA
I can only imagine how you are feeling on the other hand I know how you feel , you see my sisiter was a victim in KATRINA in New Orleans...I didn't know of her whereabouts or if she was alive ......I never thought to pick up a drink  istead I picked up a meeting or called someone. None of this may be posssible for you at the monment.....if you can FIND  a power greater than yourself and hld on to the idea that you will NOT be given more han you can handle. I will keep you in my prayers.
all the best   shirle A

Mike Harges California, USA
As a person in recovery my self I recognize the extra burden the recent disasters in your country can put on the recovering addict/alcoholic.  I, my self, am in Marijuana Anonymous and am aware of the small population of that organization (MA), but never the less it ia as real a problem as any other addiction.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people of Japan in this time of strife.
I also want to address the professionals in the field as well as all the first responders and follow up groups, you are doing a much needed and valued service, my thanks to you."

Collette California, USA
When I have hard times I do my best to take care of myself so I will have the energy to be of support to others.  Eating good foods, taking some time outdoors, getting some exercise, and spending a few minutes in silence always helps me to relax.  Most importantly for me is that I take time every day to think about the things for which I feel grateful.  Every morning I spend a few minutes thinking about all of the things that are wonderful in my life and realize that I am fortunate for what I have.  I give thanks for my wonderful family and my good health and it helps give me hope that the other things that have been weighing so heavy on me will get better soon.

Scott Johnson Palm Springs, Ca. USA
Dear Friends in Recovery, You are not alone!  You have the support of many recovering people.   
I pray for you every day. Like me, you can always turn to the Higher Power for help.  He never gives up on us, even when we give up on him.  I have gone through many dark times in my recovery and can still remain sober for 33 yrs.   You can do this also!
When terrible things happen I use the simple parts of the program.  You can use the slogans, like: One Day at a Time—or even one minute at a time.  Do not try solve all the problems in one day.  You can use a Spot Check Inventory to remain on guard for Fear, Resentment and Self Centeredness.  You can use other members in Recovery to talk to when things are hard.  Best of all, you can be of service to others.  By doing so, you will find peace, comfort and sense of being useful even during these times of disaster.
I remember that when I put my problems in the hands of my Higher Power, Miracles happen.  The Higher Power loves it that we trust him in all our affairs.  If you do this, you will receive rewards beyond measure.  Calamity is Opportunity in the hands of the Higher Power.
Remember that coping with disaster is a process.  First comes Awareness.  Then comes Acceptance. Then it is time to take action.  Many times I have had an awareness and rushed to action only to find that it made things worse.  If you can slow down and accept things before you take action, the results will be much better for and everyone around you.  
Finally remember that This Too Shall Pass.  It will not be like this forever.  Keep your sobriety before all the affairs of the world and you will triumph.
Much Love to you All!

Lou B Florida USA
Serenity is peace in the eye of the storm. I try to remember that when bad things happen and it brings me thru. My Higher Power is always there to give me the strength I need to go thru the problem. If I stay out of fear and remain in faith I do well. When I go into fear, stinking thinking takes over and my serenity is gone. PLEASE REMEMBER, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! THERE IS A WORLD WIDE RECOVERY FELLOWSHIP PRAYING FOR YOU!
Yours In Service, Lou B

Deb Alaska, USA 
I was thinking about advice someone I really respect gave me that has really helped me in tough times.  She said that it doesn't really matter what a situation looks like, that there are so many good outcomes that we haven't even began to think about.  She said that no matter what things look like, realize that anything is possible and that "Divine love always meets every human need".
I have a good friend whose husband had a terrible stroke and the doctors told them in the hospital emergency room, that if he lived he would never even be able to move his arm or even sit up, talk or anything.  She called me from the emergency room at the hospital and I told her my friend's advice.  I said "no matter what people tell you, no matter how bad the situation looks, you don't have to buy into that.  Remember that anything is possible.  Don't buy into fear and just trust."
The doctors call my friend's husband a miracle, as he completely, entirely recovered as he was before.
I know you are facing much more than that, and I totally have faith in you all.
Anything is possible, miracles happen every day and Divine Love meets every humanneed.
Standing by you with love