July 28th, 2020
The Workshop Team is wishing everyone well and hoping you are staying safe during these difficult times. And we want you to know:
A. Workshop #1 Recording Has Been Posted on Our Website
The Workshop #1 TV Recording has now been posted on our website at drhaakworkshops.com. We have rearranged the Website page so that the Recording and Videos used in the Workshop are posted together to make viewing easier. To see the Recording, go to the Website Menu, open and go to Workshop Recordings and Photos. Tap on the arrow at the right, and go to Workshop Recording/Videos to find the Workshop #1 Program. Be sure to view the Workshop #1 Exercise by going to the Menu, then to Workshop Materials, tap the downward arrow to get to Exercises/answers, and then finally tap on Workshop 1: Introduction to find it. The Exercise will test your understanding of the materials. The answers are provided further down on that same page. Paul Snyder at NW Access TV noted that he will try to get Workshop #2 editing done within the next 2 weeks. This will allow us to hopefully regain some of our momentum, and make the journey a little more rewarding, and enjoyable.
B. Video Links Have Been Posted to Our Website
Links for the Program Videos have now been added immediately after the Workshop Recordings on the Website. This allows you to immediately view them as the Recording notes a pause during the actual presentation for the Video during the respective workshop. Or if you would just like to revisit the information Dr. Gabor Mate or Dr. Kevin McCauley have discussed, or see the music videos that had meaning to you, just click on the links on the Workshop Recording/Videos page, and it will take you directly to the video on YouTube. In summary, as noted above, go to the Website Menu, open and go to Workshop Recordings and Photos. Tap on the arrow at the right, and go to Workshop Recordings/Videos to find the specific Video you would like to see. Many thanks to Ian Walker, Dr. Haak’s son, for his expertise in making these additions possible.
C. Next “Community Connect” Zoom Meeting” is on July 30th
We held another Workshop “Community Connect” Zoom Meeting on June 25th, and again had a lively discussion. We again reviewed the use of the Bio/Psycho/Social Matrix, or Life Matrix, to help someone with addiction, and how this might integrate different social service resources that are available in our community. Melinda and Jody discussed specific resources that they have called upon when helping people in need. We also discussed one member’s experience attending her first Alanon meeting after working with Melinda and Jody. Melinda will be reviewing the specific language and meeting protocols during our Workshop #8 later during our program. This will allow those people who have not attended AA or NA meetings in the past to be more prepared and comfortable when they do actually attend a meeting, either in person or by Zoom. We will continue our discussions at our next “Community Connect” Zoom meeting on Thursday July 30th at 6:00 p.m. Feel free to join us and bring your questions and ideas. Everyone is welcome. Melinda will send out an invitation email to our members to follow the link to join in.
D. More interesting data from our Workshop surveys
- What can we do better:
- More questions from attendees’
- Nothing so far
- Bring more friends and family that can benefit from this great education
- Additional comments written on the survey:
- My church is looking for ways that we can help families of those impacted by addiction. Thank you!
- Looking forward to more
- Great job
- Considering your complete experience at our workshops, how likely would you be to recommend us to a friend, family member or colleague? 0 (not likely) – 10 (highly likely)
- 10 – Very likely (4)
- 8 – Highly likely (2)
We will share more interesting data in our next Workshop Update.
Thanks again for being part of the Community Addiction Workshop family. Be sure to visit our Website at drhaakworkshops.com Please be well, and we hope to see you soon.
June 23rd, 2020
The Workshop Team is wishing everyone well and hoping you are staying safe during these difficult times. And we want you to know:
A. Editing of Workshop #1 Recording Has Been Completed
Workshop #1 editing has now been completed, and we will be trying to post that on our Website as soon as possible. After reviewing the recording, be sure to review the Exercise. The answers are also noted down below the questions. Also try to review our test patient, Michael test, along with inject #1, and summary document. if you have a chance to copy those documents prior to your viewing the recording, you will be able to follow along in the discussion. Paul Snyder at NW Access TV noted that he will try to get Workshop #2 editing don within a week or two. This will allow us to regain our momentum, and make the journey a little more rewarding and enjoyable.
B. Video Links Will be Added to Our Website Shortly
We will also be adding the links to the video clips seen at our workshops onto our website. I would suggest you prepare those links, and view them as you watch the recording. Or if you would just like to revisit the information Dr. Gabor Mate and Dr. Kevin McCauley have discussed, or se the music videos that had meaning to you, just click on the link in the listing, and it will take you directly to the video on YouTube. To view a video, go to the “Workshop Recordings and Photos” tab on our Website Menu. Scroll down to “Workshop Videos/Dates”, and locate the video you would like to see. We are also trying to add these and future links directly onto the actual workshop film recordings, so as you watch the Workshop on your computer, you can click on the link and see the video during the presentation. We are very excited about this possibility. More to come… This is getting exciting!!
C. Next “Community Connect Zoom Meeting” is on June 25th
We held our third Workshop “Community Connect Zoom Meeting” on June 9th, and again had a number of questions raised. We had a very in depth discussion on practical ways that we could help our loved ones with an addiction. We made our way to the Workshop Website to locate the Bio/Psycho/Social/Spiritual Matrix, or Life Matrix, and discussed a couple of individual needs, or stressors, that each of us might have. We then explored ways to track our action, and progress in addressing those needs. This tool is a cornerstone in the foundation for addressing stressors in our life, which is one of the main causes for the development of addiction. We will continue to integrate the Life Matrix into our discussions at our next Community Connect Zoom Meeting on Thursday June 25th at 6:00 p.m. Feel free to join us and bring your questions and ideas. Everyone is welcome. Melinda will send out an invitation email to follows the link to join in.
D. More interesting data from our Workshop surveys
- Workshop attendees were from:
- St. Albans
- Swanton
- Fairfield
- Georgia
- Richford
- Highgate
- How did you hear about this event?
- Word of mouth (11)
- Facebook (6)
- Poster/Flyer (5)
- Newspaper (3)
- Jeff Benay (2)
- OLLI (2)
- Email (1)
- Friend (1)
- Church of the Rock (1)
We will share more interesting data in our next Workshop Update.
Thanks again for being part of the Community Addiction Workshop family. Be sure to visit our website at drhaakworkshops.com. Please be well and we hope to see you soon.
June 9th, 2020
The Workshop Team is wishing everyone well and hoping you are staying safe during these difficult times. And we want you to know:
A. Next “Community Connect Zoom Meeting” is on June 11th
We held our second Workshop “Community Connect Zoom Meeting” on May 28th, and had a number of questions raised. But one sparked some very interesting discussion: “when does a parent feel like they are being an enabler?” It was great, heartfelt discussion that followed. And we left the meeting feeling that it was well worth the effort to make it. Please join us if you have a few minutes to spare. The next Workshop “Community Connect Zoom Meeting” will be held on Thursday June 11th at 6:00p.m. Melinda will send out an invitation email to follow the link to join in.
B. Workshop Video links are being added to the Website
We are excited about creating a workshop video Listing that allows you to review all the Video clips of the doctors and musical artists that Dr. Haak has been integrating into the workshops. If you would like to revisit the information Dr. Gabor Mate or Dr. Kevin McCauley have discussed, or hear the music Videos that had meaning to you, just click on the link in the Listing, and it will take you directly to the video on YouTube.
C. Beware…….. “Phone Clips” are coming!!!
We are completing the development of short “Phone Clips” that will forward to Workshop members giving updates, introductions to Workshops, Announcements, or other information that we want to share with you. Stay tuned, “Phone Clips” may be coming to an email site near you!!!
D. More interesting data from our Workshop surveys
- What did you learn:
- How important family is
- VT is a leader in treating addiction
- Addiction is a disease
- Addiction is a disease of choice
- How enjoyable it was to take part in the workshop
- Very informative
- Nothing
- How childhood affects addiction
- What did you enjoy:
- The possibilities
- Video and Ed’s Story
- Sories Dr. Haak shared
- Dr. Haak’s Stories
- How well organized it was
- Moved quickly
- Good modeling for a group brainstorming
- Brainstorming session
- everything
- seeing people I know and work with
- information on all topics
- felt very welcome by everyone
We will share more interesting data in our next Workshop Update.
E. Don’t forget to add your Brainstorming ideas on our Website
You can already start to add your list of ways you think that community members could help someone suffering from addiction. The entire listing of Workshop Brainstorming Topics can be found on our website. Go to the Brainstorming page, then to the Topic you are considering, then scroll to the bottom of the page to add your ideas. Be creative, and don’t be afraid to add an occasional crazy idea or two. Some fo the best ideas come out that way. Thanks again for everyone’s interest and participation. As Dr. Haak continues to say, “That is what the journey is all about”!!!
Thanks again for being part of the Community Addiction Workshop family. Be sure to visit our Website at drhaakworkshops.com. Please be well, and we hope to see you soon.
May 26th , 2020
The Workshop Team is wishing everyone well and hoping you are staying safe during these difficult times. And we want you to know:
A. We have begun to plan for the next Workshop Meeting
We continue to monitor the State guidelines, and have hope that we can resume the Community Addiction Workshops on July 14 th. We are not yet sure of the venue, whether in person or recorded as an “In-studio” type session, or whether at Holy Trinity, or elsewhere with a larger capacity and opportunity to be sure that we can following the social distancing guidelines. We will be discussing the details at our upcoming Team Meeting on May 26 th. We will be sure to let everyone know what “we have cookin”!!!
B. We continue to await the edited film versions of Workshop #1, and Workshop #2
Paul Snyder, Director of NW Access TV has been working with Dr. Haak to edit and re-edit the Workshop videos. Paul hasn’t been able to access the studio to complete the editing. As soon as we receive Workshop #1, we will make it available on our Website, and forward a note to everyone to make sure you are aware of that availability.
C. Team’s first Workshop “Community Connect Zoom Meeting”
The first Workshop “Community Connect Zoom Meeting” was held on May 14 th. Dr. Haak gave an overview summary of all the Workshop Topics, and how they build on each to develop the entire Workshop Program. Attendees had an insightful discussion of how to be creative and try to move forward with the Workshops. A dialogue ensued regarding the status of how people suffering from addiction are doing during these difficult times, and possible resources available within the community. The next Workshop “Community Connect Zoom Meeting” will be held on Thursday, May 28 the at 600pm. Melinda White will send out an invitation email to follow the link to join in.
D. Some interesting data from our Workshop surveys
- Attendees of the Workshops:
a) There were 38 people at Workshop #1 on 2/18.
b) There were 36 people at Workshop #2 on 3/3, and 12 of those people were new to the Program.
c) Attendees were from St. Albans, Swanton, Fairfield, Georgia, Richford, and Highgate - The reason Attendees came to the Workshop was:
a) I want to be part of my community (19)
b) I want to learn something new/different (19)
c) I am curious (9)
d) I think it will be an enjoyable experience (8)
e) The event is easy and convenient for me to get to (6)
f) Someone asked me to take part (5) - Statements that Attendees noted that applied:
a) I have a family member that has been affected by addiction (19)
b) I have a friend/co-worker that has been affected by addiction (10)
c) I have been personally affected by addiction (9)
We will share more interesting data in our next Workshop Update.
E. Workshop Brainstorming topics have been scheduled
Dr. Haak has now completed the schedule for the Workshop Brainstorming sessions. Take a look, and you can already start developing your list of ways you that you think community members could help someone suffering from addiction. For those of you that joined us in Brainstorming Transportation, the list was long and very creative. Be sure to check out the complete Transportation list on the Website. Congratulations to all those who participated. That is what this journey is all about !!!
Thanks again for being part of the Community Addiction Workshop family. Be sure to visit our Website at drhaakworkshops.com Please be well, and we hope to see you soon.
— The Community Addiction Workshop Team
April 23rd, 2020
The Workshop Team welcomes you to our first Update since we had to suspend the Workshops due to the Covid-19 outbreak. We want you to know:
A. We are not gone, and will be back as soon as possible We continue to await the State allowing for small groups to get back together again. We also await Pastor Rod and the Holy Trinity Church to allow us back into the facility. Dr. Haak is considering doing the next Workshop in the series without an audience as soon as possible. As soon as we return will update everyone on the use of the Workshop Website.
B. We continue to await the edited film versions of Workshop #1, and Workshop #2 Paul Synder, Director of NW Access TV has been working with Dr. Haak to edit and re-edit the Workshop videos. Paul hasn’t been able to access the studio to complete the editing. As soon as we receive Workshop #1, we will make it available on our Website, and forward a note to everyone to make sure you are aware of that availability
C. The Workshop Team continues to meet regularly The Team continues to hold meetings via conference call every other week to develop the Workshop Program. We have been asked to provide a weekend conference in Florida for a group of churches that are trying to address the issue of addiction in their area. We will update you with any new developments on that front. We continue planning to complete the entire series of the current Community Addition Workshop Program. New dates will be considered once we have approval by the State to meet as a larger group.
D. The Workshop Program welcomes our newest Sponsors The Team welcomes our newest Sponsors of Peak Outcome Partners, and B. Burdett. Thank you so much for your donations to the Program. Additional donations may be made by sending a check to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 38 Grand Ave, Swanton, VT 05488, and please note Community Addiction Workshops on the memo line. Thanks in advance for the community’s support.
E. The Workshop Website now has additional Resources
The Website has added on-line resources, including direct access to mutual support group meetings. These include AA, NA, SMART Recovery, and other meetings. Go to the Turning Point Resource listing at the bottom of the Home Page, then to the Menu at the Turning Point website. Several meetings will be noted throughout each day of the week.
F. Workshop Program Exercises and Answers
For those of you who attended the first two Workshops, there are now Exercises for each of the Workshops. Answer sheets are also provided. We encourage you to try answering the questions and test your knowledge in a non-threatening atmosphere. This will also allow us to be sure we are reviewing the material in an easy to understand manner. Good luck!!!