By Jerry
Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking and stop telling you what to do?
Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?
Do you envy people who drink without getting in trouble?
Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?
Has your drinking caused trouble at home?
Do you ever try to get extra drinks at a party because you do not get enough?
Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don’t mean to?
Have you missed days of work because of drinking?
Do you have blackouts (not remembering what happened after drinking)?
Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?
The above questions are from the pamphlet “Is A.A. for You?” published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., New York, N.Y.
The following are some additional questions to ask yourself regarding alcohol.
- Do you isolate when you drink?
- Do you defend your drinking?
- Does your life center around drinking?
- Are you ashamed of your drinking?
- Do you try to conceal or minimize how much you drink?
- Do you feel as if you have to drink so as not to get sick?
Did you answer “yes” four or more times? If so, you are probably in trouble with alcohol. We have a group of law enforcement officers, both currently employed and retired, who meet regularly to discuss our alcohol problems. We do not list the location, time or day of our meeting. It is by personal invitation only. Our meeting is confidential and anonymous. We will be glad to show you how we ourselves have stopped drinking. Just call us: Jerry (602) 904-1088, Dan (602) 413-4558 or Mark (623) 377-3342.
About the Author
Jerry spent 35 years in law enforcement before retiring on January 31, 2008. His assignments included patrol, the information desk, Community Relations Bureau and detectives. He was promoted to sergeant on July 7, 1997. Jerry turned his life and career around when he quit drinking in 1983 after 10 years on the Department. He has since gone more than 40 years without a drink. For those who want to get sober, Jerry has this message to share: “Life is a lot better sober. You don’t have to keep looking behind you to see who’s chasing you.”
By Karen Hurley and Claudia Piano
Founders, FFRA
The Female First Responders Alliance (FFRA) is the brainchild and collaboration of Phoenix Fire Department Crisis Response Volunteer Karen Hurley and Retired Phoenix Police Officer Claudia Piano. While attending classes at TruHit Fitness, we shared our passion for public safety and enjoyed discussing the challenges and fun of doing this work. During these conversations, we became aware of the lack of resources available for women in fire, police, communications and health care.
The mission of the FFRA is to provide women with a place to come together and learn about holistic ways to support themselves and their families through monthly educational workshops on different topics and disciplines. The workshop format includes spiritual elements and an activity that can be applied and integrated into one’s life. The workshops address not only what we are doing, but how we are doing things, so that we may simplify and integrate holistic and spiritual practices to support ourselves and our families on and off the job. FFRA creates a larger community for female first responders to learn and discuss topics that are specific to our needs in a safe, authentic and fun way. It is our goal to empower women to enhance their skills, tools and knowledge for greater wellness, balance and wholeness. We are passionate about creating a place that is informative and creative, and releases the need to be politically correct and “on duty.”
The workshops are 90 minutes long and include time for exchanging ideas, feedback and snacks. As a CR volunteer, Karen knows the value and love of snacks! Claudia also has a background in catering and her brownies are amazing.
Due to the nature of shift work, the monthly workshops are offered on different days and at different times so that those who may be at work one month may attend another month. The space for the workshops is graciously donated by owner Melissa Hile of TruHit Fitness — Paradise Valley, located at 3375 E. Shea Blvd. on the southeast corner of Shea Blvd. and the SR-51. February’s workshop featured guest speaker Allison Pachasa, who educated us about massage cupping and ways to alleviate pain, increase mobility and enhance our beauty routines.
For upcoming event announcements and updates, follow Coaching with a Karen on Instagram and Facebook (@coachingwithakaren). Please sign up via the QR code on the monthly flyer to ensure we have enough snacks! We look forward to seeing you at future workshops.
Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking and stop telling you what to do?
Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?
Do you envy people who drink without getting in trouble?
Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?
Has your drinking caused trouble at home?
Do you ever try to get extra drinks at a party because you do not get enough?
Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don’t mean to?
Have you missed days of work because of drinking?
Do you have blackouts (not remembering what happened after drinking)?
Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?
The above questions are from the pamphlet, “Is A.A. for You?” published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., New York, N.Y.
The following are some additional questions to ask yourself regarding alcohol.
Do you isolate when you drink?
Do you defend your drinking?
Does your life center around drinking?
Are you ashamed of your drinking?
Do you try to conceal or minimize how much you drink?
Do you feel as if you have to drink so as not to get sick?
Did you answer “yes” four or more times? If so, you are probably in trouble with alcohol. We have a group of law enforcement officers, both currently employed and retired, who meet regularly to discuss our alcohol problems. We do not list the location, time or day of our meeting. It is by personal invitation only. Our meeting is confidential and anonymous. We will be glad to show you how we ourselves have stopped drinking. Just call us: Jerry (602) 904-1088, Dan (602) 413-4558 or Mark (623) 377-3342.