new heights

CONTENTS To send a comment or question, write to: New Heights 3980 5th St NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 INTERESTED IN MORE FROM NEW LIFE? To learn more about our resources for

FALL 2016

MAGAZINE

FEATURES 08 ALLTOGETHER NOW A coed format lets residents practice relationships 12 FIRSTTIME’S A CHARM New Heights resident goes all in for recovery, and it’s paying off 16 A CAUSE FORWELLNESS McFarlane launches annual benefit concert and plans for kidney wellness center 46 IT’S ALL ROCK AND ROLL Thoughts and meditations from Greg McFarlane 50 LOVE AND RECOVERY New Heights takes a bold step by welcoming recovering couples 54 GROWING INTOHOPE The key to success lies in the willingness to grow 60 KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN Things fall into place after decades of addiction and a brush with fate

living a healthy lifestyle, visit newheightssoberhouse.org or call (612) 423-8442.

New Heights Magazine is published by theinfluence.org

6830 West Villard Ave Milwaukee, WI 53218

Copyright 2016 by AVA Consultants. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, excepting brief quotations in connection with reviews written specifically for inclusions in magazines or newspapers, or limited excerpts strictly for personal use. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved.

IN THE NEWS 24 BEND BUT DON’T BREAK Yoga is being used to help people maintain recovery and avoid relapse 26 COPINGWITH DISCRIMINATION Discrimination remains largely ignored as a cause of substance abuse 28 FIGHTING FIREWITH FIRE Researchers look to combat addiction through repurposed pharmaceuticals 30 HIDDENDANGERS Alcohol poses whole host of health concerns 32 MORETHAN SKINDEEP Implant represents revolutionary approach to treating opioid addiction

34 UNDERSERVED AND UNDETERRED Overcoming the unique challenges LGBTQ individuals face with addiction 36 RELAPSETRACKERS Fitness trackers can help prevent relapses 38 PROLONGINGTHE PAIN Study suggests painkillers may be having the opposite effect in the long run 40 GROWING CONCERNOVER HEROIN USE New poll shows Americans are increasingly concerned with the dangers that heroin use poses to the country 44 BOOM, BUST, ANDDRUGS Study says economic downturn leads to increase in substance use disorders