Author Topic: AARC Dream  (Read 5778 times)

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Offline velvet2000

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AARC Dream
« on: July 06, 2004, 01:18:00 AM »
I had a dream last night including AARC. I was driving, and a white SUV swirved out of it's lane and I couldn't get out of the way in time. After he hit me we got out of our cars and talked. It turned out that they were AARC staff and had to get back to the center. I told them I was a graduate and went back there with them while waiting for someone to drive me home. The center was a huge palace, but still just as cold and dull inside. Everyone including Dean invited me in and we sat at a large dining room table talking as if it were my first time talking to them since grad and they were happy to have me back. I asked them all about what they've been doing. The male staff were all quite wired and crazy. They went on angry tangents. The women, (all of which were girls I knew and who are still a part of AARC to this day in real life) were very quiet. They all looked exactly the same except older and heavier. They were dressed just as plain and had the same hair styles and colors. I felt very sad for all of them and didn't want to tell them about all the things I'd done since I'd left in order to not make them feel bad. So I stood up and said goodbye to all of them, and asked Jen (C? I forget her last name. She's been there practically from the very beginning) to walk me to the door. At the door I put my hand on her shoulder and looked at her wearing the same glasses and all and I said "There's a whole life out there. Don't be afriad to go live it". I didn't want to encourage her to leave AARC because I knew that she never would, but I hoped she would be inspired to do at least some things that required thinking outside or AARC's box.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Hamiltonf

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« Reply #1 on: July 08, 2004, 01:00:00 AM »
The box ASSUMES that all drug use is abuse, and fails to distinguishe between use, abuse and dependance.
THE BOX says that to be SAVED, you must abstain absolutely from any use of drugs whatsoever.
The BOX assumes that YOU are a sinner if you derive ant pleasure whatsoever from the recreational use of drugs.  
My dream, or is it a nightmare, is that all sinners will be saved from the error of their ways and live foever in a completely drug free world devoid of any joy
 
Seriously, though, I heard an interesting statistic today.  Over 50% of people on welfare (according to the World Health Organization), suffer from depression.  when they resort to drugs, as many do, they feel better.  So drug use(labelled abuse) could well be a form of self medication.  However, especially in the US they are labelled addicts and subjected to coercive drug treatment programs.
Nevertheless, Mental health specialists are realizing that if you deal with the depression, people will not fall into "abusing" drugs.  At the same time occasional, recreational use of MJ as an example is not necessarily harmful, and may, in fact, be beneficial.  Here in Alberta I am aware of situations where individuals may relax with a joint and be far more at peace than those who may have beeen prescribed pharmaceuticals to deal with anxiety (eg valium, and more recently Ativan).
Here's a tidbit for you.  The most commonly prescribed drug for aboriginals in Alberta is Valium (or its variants -- "benzodiazepines".    Most of the street people ( and others) that I have met have developed a dependancy on benzo's and  it is dangerous for them to get off  (brain damage)
An effective way to be weaned from benzo's  (over a long time - cold turkey is dangerous ) in some instances is a quiet joint.  I kid you not.  In the words of Jack Layton, MJ is a "wonderful drug."
So you guys at AARC who think you have all the answers, it doesn't work.  The whole program is morally bankrupt and does not recognize that various drugs can be a great deal of fun used wisely and in moderation.
Cheers
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
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Offline Anonymous

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« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2004, 12:12:00 PM »
Jen C is still at AARC but she is now Jen S and really loves working at AARC-she helped me alot.I look up to her
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Offline Anonymous

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« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2004, 10:04:00 AM »
I can't believe she still works there.  I think I would have hung myself if I worked there as long as she did.  As it was after a couple of years, I couldn't take much more of it.  Thinking for myself became a whole new concept.
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Offline Anonymous

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« Reply #4 on: August 06, 2004, 10:17:00 PM »
She thinks for herswelf why would you say she didn't if you really knew her :???:
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Offline Anonymous

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« Reply #5 on: September 16, 2004, 01:07:00 PM »
regarding jen s
yep still works there.  feel bad for here.  such a imple mind.  has no idea about real life and maybe if she wasnt at aarc so long maybe she wouldnt be so damn fat.  people use food there like its a drug.  when you leave there youre so huge and ugly, no one cool will hang out with you anyway, hence the reason some people are sober.  i know that a big assumption but something to ponder.  i think that she has all her social skills taken from her as happens to alot of peole there.  no they have no idea how to interact with normal people of society.  these poor people have no choice but to hang around with aarc people for the rest of their lives.
i feel so bad for them all.  i hope they see there is more to life than aarc one day
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Offline velvet2000

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« Reply #6 on: September 23, 2004, 10:59:00 PM »
Was the last post not anonymous?

Imagine how hard it would be to recover your life after having been in an iscolated lifestyle like AARC for a decade. Even after a short time period in AARC you forget how to speak like a normal person, and certainly how to live like a normal person. I remember after graduating feeling panicky when I had time to relax, because in all that time I'd never been allowed one moment of peace. On top of that you've been taught that almost everything is sick or unhealthy, and therefore everyone you meet you see "sick" behaviors in, and you can't make friends with them even if they are able to look past your strange lifestyle. If your career was AARC that would throw in many other factors.

I would love to see all of the former clients who are now staff be liberated and step back out into the real world. In her case I'd settle to see her regain her health.
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Offline Anonymous

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« Reply #7 on: October 03, 2004, 09:23:00 AM »
I think it is terrible that you have to stoop so low to attack someone's physical appearance as a means to prove your point. Not only did you make yourself look bad by insulting Jen but this whole forum and anyone that is support of your views looks just as uncredible. Although this site has been up for years it is still yet to be successful at accomplishing much. It may be you who is simple minded and unhealthy in your life....and obvisously have a lot of time on your hands to waste continuing to post here with no one "important" hearing your views. I know of AARC cause I work in social services. You need to know there is a large community that support the center that seem to have more credentials then you on the subject.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

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« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2004, 03:14:00 AM »
I haven't been on this web-site in a couple years now, but I had heard that some things were being said about some people I know and care about, so I thought I'd check it out.

Personally, I have no desire to make anyone right or wrong here.  I'm a long-time graduate of AARC, over ten years now.  I am not an AARC staff member, although I was at one point.  I've spent a lot of time with many of the people who have been mentioned on this site; Jen C(S), Mini-Vause (P.S.), Dr. Vause and even B#$@n N@#l.  I have to say... all great people!  In fact, I've even spent time with some of the people I know disagree with the concepts of AARC on this site, including M#$n#! and J#$s$$@.   I always thought they were great people when I knew them too!  I understand how people can have some of the perceptions that they do, that's okay with me.  I've been around long enough though to know that not everything that has been said on this website is factual.  I associate with many people outside of AARC and I do understand that everyone has different perceptions.  I don't understand though, why a program that has obviously helped so many young people improve their lives is being debated and criticized so much.  What I've seen over the years is that AARC is only getting stronger and more healthy as an organization.  The program has over 250 graduates now, it's been accredited, has 5 or 6 clinical staff members educated with related degrees, and is well supported within the community.  I think the continuous results speak for themselves.  

As for myself, life is good.  It continually improves every year.  I have an education, a great job and amazing people in my life.  What more could I ask for?  I've had so many succeses and done so many things over the past 10 years that I never thought I would/could.  On this site, I've heard people agrue about how great pot is and, to each their own I guess.  You're right, many normal people out there do it everyday.  Personally, I can find better things to do with my time.  And no, I'm not going to meetings daily, drinking coffee or smoking to fill my time - I'm more creative than that.  I guess, maybe I'm just one of those people whose life has changed so much, that the results of AARC speak for itself.  Don't get me wrong, it hasn't all been from AARC, but that's definately where it started.  
Also, in Jen's defence, she's a good person - let her be.  Oh,... and as an ex-staff member, I thought I'd mention that I'm actually functioning rather well in the "real world"! :wink:
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Offline Anonymous

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« Reply #9 on: October 28, 2004, 12:10:00 PM »
What about those that have had a traumatic experience with AARC?  Those that simply disappeared from the real world only to find themselves in a group full of other teens promoting sobriety, etc.?  Since your perspective is so broad, I have to ask, what do you think of those teens whose life has been impacted in a negative way secondary to being at AARC?
You seem to speak rationally enough for me to pose the question, what of these teens?  What of those with difficulties adjusting in a post-AARC world?  Are they just druggie trash that deserve no better?  Does your honesty, empathy and sensitivity cease when it comes to those no longer affiliated with the program? I don't mean to piss you off nor start a pro vs anti AARC battle of words...I am just asking as I would like to know.
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Offline sweet_grl_with_a_bad_atti

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« Reply #10 on: October 29, 2004, 11:01:00 PM »
that was the stupidest fucking thing i ever heard
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uts up

Offline sweet_grl_with_a_bad_atti

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« Reply #11 on: October 29, 2004, 11:02:00 PM »
Response to deleted post....


that was the stupidest fucking thing i ever heard[ This Message was edited by: velvet2000 on 2004-10-29 21:49 ]
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uts up

Offline Anonymous

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« Reply #12 on: October 30, 2004, 01:57:00 PM »
What does the above post mean?
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Offline soberbutnotthumpingit

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« Reply #13 on: November 19, 2004, 02:17:00 AM »
i have read a lot of the posts on the site now and the thing that gets me is not the opinions of anyone in relation to the AARC program, it is when people drop in stuff like oh and she's fat too, or they drop the f bomb everywhere, or pick and moan at any opinion that is not perfectly on line with their own.  I see a true opportunity for this forum to be a great meeting environment for many to discuss and debate ideas and opinions.  Try and add some class to what you say because it takes away all the credibility of the words you say.
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Offline Anonymous

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« Reply #14 on: November 19, 2004, 10:13:00 AM »
Screw the stupid people, soberbutnotthumpingit~~
How is the weather in Calgary?
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